Urban Arbours, Melbourne CBD
A network of pilot green arbour structures at tram stops across Melbourne CBD, providing shade, greenery and mini ecosystems to improve commuter comfort and reduce urban heat.
Urban Arbours,
Melbourne CBD
Bespoke Wire & Rope collaborated with Plant Based Building Solutions, Yarra Trams, the City of Melbourne, and Department of Transport & Planning to deliver the Urban Arbours project. This pilot involved installing custom arbour structures at multiple tram stops throughout Melbourne CBD, transforming utilitarian tram shelters into living green mini-ecosystems. The initiative aims to reduce heat, improve air quality, deter vandalism, and enhance the public realm for thousands of daily tram users.
Location: Melbourne CBD (various tram stops)
Completion Date: September 2024
Client: Plant Based Building Solutions / Yarra Trams
Architect: Plant Based Building Solutions
Our Scope
Bespoke design assisted, engineered, supplied, and installed the Urban Arbour structures between existing tram-stop infrastructure. Structures were built to support climbing greenery in spots where full tree planting is not feasible, using trellising, cable systems and steel framing that integrate with the tram stop shelters.
We ensured material durability and compliance, selected stainless steel for its longevity and low maintenance, and coordinated installations that respected tram infrastructure constraints and pedestrian access.
The Arbours were installed to:
Provide shade and reduce urban heat for tram users
Enhance visual amenity with greenery where traditional plantings are limited
Improve safety and environment via cues to care (reducing graffiti, enhancing perceived safety)
Demonstrate a scalable model for greening public transport infrastructure
This project demonstrates Bespoke’s capability to deliver large-scale green infrastructure in high-use public settings, combining design, sustainability, and engineering precision.
Photography by Brook James
