The Melbourne Journey Towards Improved City Liveability: A Revival of a Dead City (Case of Melbourne CBD)

Achieving liveable communities in cities has gained growing interest worldwide over the 
past twenty years. It is evident in various scientific literature arguing the livability notion from 
different scientific disciplines, such as social and environmental science. Indeed, the Liveability 
notion is ambiguous and complex that is perceived differentially according to each scientific 
discipline’s perspective. Moreover, establishing a consensus over a united understanding of the 
“Liveability Dimensions” term might be unreachable. Despite having appeared repetitively 
among various academic studies, the intended meaning and content of the “Liveability 
Dimensions” term is not necessarily held the same. Indeed, several scholars and organizations 
have defined the Liveability dimensions. However, every one of them has introduced his 
comprehension of Liveability dimensions based on his perspective or experience drawn from 
other scholars’ research. 
Through a case study analysis, this paper intends to establish a general understanding and 
background for the Liveability notion and shed light on the practical meaning of the Liveability 
Dimensions. The study was conducted in one of the top liveable cities worldwide, the City of 
Melbourne CBD. It is a city that is referred to be among the pioneers interested in the field of 
achieving liveable cities over the globe. The case study analysis was performed based on three 
main categories that combined reflected the livability dimensions: Physical and Environmental 
Indices, Economic Indices, and Social Indices. Through the study analysis, this paper concluded 
with a set of urban, economic, and social indices that contribute to creating Liveable city 
centers, where people, in the same area, can live, work, and entertain.