The Boulevard - The Riverside Drive that Nearly Was

Has any Melbourne road had a more vexed existence than our own Boulevard?

A nice enough road from Sparks Reserve around to Burke Road, but the section from Burke Road to Banksia Street is altogether different.

For nearly 120 years what could have been Melbourne's premier metropolitan tourist drive along both sides of the river - from the horse-drawn vehicles era to today's electric cars - has been blighted by squabbling between all parties.

All parties includes land owners, Local Government, State Government and the community at large.

This squabbling has played into serious disruptions to local development and transport planning.

It contributed to the (then) contentious siting of the bridge connecting to Kew (Burke Road versus Marshall Street), the fabled (non) tram from Kew to Ivanhoe, even to the non-building of Lake Ivanhoe.

Today the section of the Boulevard to the east of Bourke Street bridge is a shabby excuse for a suburban street - but apparently the locals prefer it that way!

High-end homes above the Boulevard, rural views across the floodplain to the river - and a barely drive-able "road" in between.

Keeps the rest of the world at arm's length, save for an excellent bike path through picturesque country, past horse paddocks!

Is this self-imposed isolation to the point of selfishness?

It was certainly not the intention of the early local property owners to be elitist - they gave the land for the road for free to the State Government for the roadway in East Ivanhoe and Eaglemont, some 60 acres, in the expectation of benefiting from the development.

Estimated worth at today's real estate values for the equivalent of 200 housing blocks - north of $200 million!

1913 Commencement of Works

There was anticipation of great things to come when the speeches were made by dignitaries as the first sod was turned.

How long before some were saying "Sod it all"?

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Monday 8 September 1913, page 10

UPPER YARRA.

NEW BOULEVARD - FIRST SOD TURNED

The ceremony of turning the first sod of the boulevard to be constructed along the Yarra River from Heidelberg to Ivanhoe, which was performed this afternoon by Mr J. G. Membrey, M.L.A., in the presence of Mr Adamson, Acting Minister for Public Works, was an event of general interest to the metropolitan area, and not merely to the two districts immediately concerned.

The works are the beginning of a scheme which, when carried out, will mean the continuation of the Yarra improvements, now stretching from Prince's Bridge to Richmond, to Heidelberg. The generosity of Messrs P. E. Keam, A. Sharp, and F. de Castella in making a free gift to the State of strips of land, aggregating about 60 acres, has enabled an early start to be made with the further beautification of the river, and has set a good example to other landowners whose property will be materially enhanced by the proposed improvements. The three owners named have given a roadway 100 feet wide for two miles through their land, above the flood level line, and along the portion where the scenic beauty of the locality can best be viewed, and in addition a pathway not less than 25 feet along the margin of the stream.

The roadway and pathway conform with the general scheme of Mr C. Catani, the Chief Engineer for Public Works, for the beautification of the Yarra. To Mr Russell Brown, the Government Valuer, much credit is due for the tact and diplomacy he displayed in having the land offered free of expense to the State. He was deputed to make inquiries as to the lowest prices that would be accepted, and he certainly succeeded in getting the owners down to zero so far as the Heidelberg-Ivanhoe section was concerned.

The new road starts at the end of Banksia street, Heidelberg, near the Yarra bridge. After passing through the properties named the drive comes out on the Warncliffe road, and passes the new Ivanhoe Recreation Ground. After following a deviating route amid fine scenery for three miles, it joins the Lower Heidelberg Road. The metal excavated from one or two cuttings will be used in the formation, and it is expected that by next autumn the road will be metalled and trees planted along its borders.

Mr W. A. Adamson, M.L.C., who represented the Government, said that the new road would give the public great facilities for travelling through the most picturesque spot in Melbourne. Others present were Mr J. G. Membrey, M.L.A., Mr Hannah, M.L.A., Mr.W. Rank, President of the Shire, Mr C. Catani, Engineer of Public Works, and Mr W. H. Edgar, formerly Minister of the public Works Department, who all spoke in appreciation of the new road!

"The Herald, 11.05.1916, Page 10
MOUNT EAGLE DISTRICT

NEW SUBURBAN LANDS FOR MELBOURNE
Melbourne's suburban Cinderella, Mount Eagle district, is about to put on her glass slippers. The Victorian Government has constructed a magnificent Boulevard through the Mount Eagle district and simultaneously provided Melbourne with a new and wonderfully charming residential area."

By 1929 locals were becoming disgruntled.

Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), Friday 12 July 1929, page 1

Proposed Yarra Boulevard

At the last meeting of the Heidelberg council inquiries were made by several councillors regarding the intentions of the Minister for Public Works (Mr. Chandler) concerning further work on the Yarra boulevard.

Since the meeting a letter has been received from the Public Works department stating that it is willing to regrade, form, and metal the unmade portion of 100 chains, including the connection to Lower Heidelberg road at the Ivanhoe reserve, if the municipality will take over the whole of the boulevard from Heidelberg road, Darebin, to Banksia street, and accept responsibility for its maintenance and additional work.

If the council is prepared to do so, the letter states, the Minister will recommend the proposal.

This section of the boulevard along the river is in the Ivanhoe riding. The offer will be considered by riding members.

The Herald, 03.06.1954, Page 16
MOTOR TOUR— No. 83

Scenic run along the Boulevard
By DOUGLAS DAY, Manager, Herald Touring Club

It is surprising how few Melbourne motorists have driven along the beautiful Yarra Boulevard.
This broad tree-lined street follows the picturesque course of the Yarra River in sweeping curves, practically uninterrupted by cross traffic.
Many modern homes adjacent to the Boulevard add interest to the drive and a touch of color.
It is an ideal couple of hours run at this time of the year as it catches the maximum amount of winter sun as you drive along.
*
This 15-mile run from the corner of St. Kilda Road and Alexandra Avenue is bitumen surfaced.
Leave town via Alexandra Avenue, as shown on the map, and follow the southern bank of the Yarra River, joining the Yarra Boulevard after crossing the Grange Road Bridge.
The next two and a half miles is a sheer delight with sections of natural reserves, well-kept lawns and flower beds.
Most motorists get lost over the two and a half mile "missing link" through Kew. Turn right along Bridge Road, cross the bridge and take the left set of tram lines along Church Street to Kew Junction.
*
At Kew Junction, turn sharp left along Studley Park Road, adjoining the Boulevard near Xavier College Preparatory School.
The second section of the Boulevard runs for four miles with uninterrupted views across the picturesque Yarra Bend National Park and our nearer hill country.
Turn left at the Chandler Highway then right along Heidelberg Road, rejoining the third section of the Boulevard, just after crossing the Darebin Creek Bridge.
This two-mile section which ends at Burke Road, offers some good views of the undulating countryside and Dandenong Ranges.

The unfinished section, which runs through to Banksia Street is in poor condition and is not worth attempting at this time of the year.

By 1956 - the year of the Melbourne Olympics - the locals were well and truly fed up with the impasse between State and Local Government:

Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Wednesday 25 April 1956, page 10

IRATE CITIZENS DECIDE TO 'DO' THE BOULEVARD

"NO-ONE seems prepared to accept responsibility for the condition of the surface of the Boulevard, East Ivanhoe' said Mr. C. Woolley, of Rosanna rd., Rosanna last night.

Mr. Woolley is the manager of a dairy farm on the low side of the Boulevard.

"Because of this, the ratepayers have decided to start the work themselves," "he added.

"Already more than £300, enough for 35 loads of crushed metal, has been subscribed.

"Both the Heidelberg City Council and the Public Works Department have written to me saying that The Boulevard. between Burke Rd. and Banksia St., is not their responsibility.

"Because the position has not been clarified, the ratepayers have started the job and are hoping that the authorities will finish it.

"The council has been approached and asked to supply load for load of metal.

"Mr. E. A. Watts has had a bulldozer working free of cost in The Boulevard for | the last fortnight, and has also offered to grade and spread the metal.

"But we certainly hope the. authorities don't expect us to do this work every time the road needs repairs." Mr. Woolley said.

Cr. F. Boyd, chairman of the public works committee of the Heidelberg City Council, said last night that he thought the council, the government, and the people would accept their responsibilities over the deadlock which existed about The Boulevard.

He said that the Government should accept the responsibility for the construction, of the road, the council for the kerbs and drainage, and the people for the footpaths.

And the situation today?

Take yourself around there for a look.