2 River Street, Richmond Housing growth needs community infrastructure
The voice
Richmond is growing. What community infrastructure will we need alongside that growth?
Richmond is growing, and more homes mean more people using childcare, kindergartens, parks, playgrounds, transport and community services.
The future of 2 River Street is an opportunity to ask how public land can best support Richmond as it grows.
The background
Fact2 River Street is approximately 5,000 m² of Victorian Government-owned land next to Yarraberg Children’s Centre. The site has been unused since 2020.
On 22 September 2026, the Victorian Government declared the land surplus and commenced a First Right of Refusal process. Yarra Council is asking the Government to pause that process while options for community use are considered.
Where it stands today
FactLast updated: 2 October 2026
Yarra Council is proposing that the site be retained for community use, including approximately 4,000 m² of open space and an expansion of Yarraberg Children’s Centre that could provide up to 50 additional kindergarten places. The proposal also includes a playground, dog park and recreation areas.
What remains unresolved?
The future use of 2 River Street has not yet been settled.
Key questions include:
- How much housing could realistically be delivered on the site?
- What type of housing could be provided?
- How much open space does Richmond need as density increases?
- How many additional kindergarten places will be required?
- Could housing and community infrastructure coexist on the site?
- What alternative land is available for open space?
- What is the long-term community value of retaining the land?
Proposed response
Proposed responseBefore the land is permanently committed to one use, the Victorian Government and Yarra Council should publicly examine the available options.
- Community use: Open space, recreation and Yarraberg Children’s Centre expansion.
- Housing: Assess the type and quantity of housing that could be delivered and the infrastructure required.
- Mixed use: Investigate whether housing, childcare, kindergarten facilities and meaningful open space could be delivered together. The evidence and trade-offs should then be made available to the Richmond community.
Who can fix it?
The outcome we are seeking
A transparent decision about 2 River Street that considers Richmond's long-term need for housing, open space, kindergarten places and community infrastructure.
Progress tracker
Progress- Raised
- Investigating
- Action sought
- Action underway
- Resolved
- Done: Site declared surplus
- Done: First Right of Refusal process commenced
- Not yet: Options for future use being considered
- Not yet: Community infrastructure needs to be assessed
Current status: Raised · Last updated: 2 October 2026
Sources and documents
- Yarra City Council — Release unused Government land in Richmond
- Yarra Decides — 2 River Street update
- Victorian Government — Housing targets / Plan for Victoria
Have your say
- What should happen at 2 River Street?
- More housing?
- More kindergarten and childcare places?
- More open space?
- A combination?
- Or is there another option Richmond should consider?
