Harbour Esplanade is also the location of office buildings and restaurants, whilst the Capital City Trail runs parallel along some of its length.

The foreshore would have been flanked by a large green open space with the Harbour Esplanade a relatively narrow tree lined road aimed at minimising any disconnection for pedestrians.

The new plan called for an ultra-wide thoroughfare to include multiple lanes and trams lined by Canary Island Date Palms similar to the popular foreshores of Port Melbourne and Albert Park.

[5] In response to criticisms regarding lack of green space, Norfolk Island Pine trees were planted along the length of the esplanade in 2011, in addition to the creation of dedicated bike lane and pedestrian pathway.

[6] Places Victoria has also funded the construction of Hortus, a glasshouse with an edible plant installation, café and outdoor environment to bring further life to the area.

The existing 23 10 metre tall palms and gum trees were replaced by 230 Norfolk Island pines, realigned tram tracks to the centre roadway and new separated bicycle paths added.

As a result, another $16 million redevelopment under a new Harbour Esplanade Masterplan was proposed to repair the degraded wharfs unsuitable for pedestrian activation and reinstate previously demolished sheds and introduce an avenue trees to the waterfront.

Kim Dovey, professor of architecture and design at the University of Melbourne stated that Harbour Esplanade was "too big" for the Docklands precinct.