Melbourne – in the Docklands

Once a flagship project in terms of architecture and cultural offerings, we get the impression that the area now appears somewhat 'decrepit'. Glass-clad concrete blocks that lack innovative architecture line the U-shaped harbor. Here, too, we find the 'haphazard architecture' unappealing. And we wonder, who would want to live here? The entire neighborhood seems somehow lifeless. A number of stores have been closed for a long time and not only look unkempt, but are also neglected.

The sculptures, light installations, and murals initially advertised are mostly gone except for a few sculptures. The former highlight, the Melbourne Star, a 125-meter tall Ferris wheel with glass cabins, similar to the London Eye, has been closed for several years. After initial technical problems, the operator faced financial issues. Since then, it has become nothing more than a relic of a better time...

At some point, we found comparisons with Chorweiler in Cologne. Here, too, they thought they could create a neighborhood with large residential buildings where it would be nice to live.

The Docklands used to be a large part of the Melbourne port area. In the 1990s, container shipping took off, and no one used the harbor and its old facilities for loading and unloading ships. After many years, they finally remembered and decided to develop a new district.

We find our way to a shopping center. And lacking other distractions, we go a little bargain hunting in the shops...

After a bit of thrifty shopping, we make our way back to the city.

Tomorrow morning, the flight to Phuket leaves. This takes us another step closer to home.