Evan Walker, an architect and planning minister who helped shape Melbourne as the world's most liveable city, has died.

Described as the visionary behind the city’s Southbank precinct, Mr Walker was a minister in Victoria’s longest-serving Labor government.

Evan WalkerHe also played a role in introducing CBD building height controls during his time as a planning minister in the Cain Government. Mr Walker also held roles including environment, agriculture and rural affairs, aboriginal affairs, major projects and arts minister.

Premier Daniel Andrews said he protected Melbourne’s past and planned for its future.

“His contribution to our state will always live on, in the structures he saved and the precincts he proposed,” he said in a statement.

He was also a celebrated Melbourne University academic and chairman of a number of institutions and community organisations.

Mr Walker, who was 79, had been battling Parkinson’s disease.