‘Marvellous Melbourne’: Making the world’s most liveable city

'Marvellous Melbourne' captures the essence of a city that once stood as a symbol of opulence and ambition, reflecting its inhabitants' pride during the 1880s. This period saw Melbourne's rapid growth, with grand architectural marvels like the Royal Exhibition Building being erected to showcase its wealth and energy. The term encapsulates both the boom and subsequent bust, highlighting how speculative development shaped urban expansion. Historical analysis reveals that while nonresidential buildings flourished in the city center, housing spread outward, laying the foundation for modern Melbourne's urban landscape. The study leverages historical records and research to dissect this transformative era, offering insights into the economic and architectural dynamics of a pivotal moment in Australian history.

Blomkamp, E., & Lewis, J. M. (2019). ‘Marvellous Melbourne’: Making the world’s most liveable city. Successful Public Policy: Lessons from Australia and New Zealand, 113–137. https://doi.org/10.22459/spp.2019.05