The Victorian government and AFL have taken the next step towards transforming the Docklands waterfront.
The Minister for Planning has approved a planning scheme amendment (PSA) for 140 and 160 Harbour Esplanade in Docklands, paving the way for future developments in the area.
Home to Marvel Stadium, AFL House, and the Channel 7 broadcast centre, the rezoning allows for a range of developments, including housing, commercial, residential, and entertainment spaces. However, future designs for new buildings at the sites will require additional planning approvals before any construction can commence.
Docklands redevelopment
- 140 Harbour Esplanade: Marvel Stadium
- 160 Harbour Esplanade: Channel 7 broadcast centre
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Development Victoria, the authority responsible for Docklands’ development, acquired the leasehold to 160 Harbour Esplanade—currently occupied by the Channel 7 broadcast centre—in 2018. The AFL owns Marvel Stadium at 140 Harbour Esplanade.
The Labor government has invested $225 million towards Marvel Stadium’s redevelopment, ensuring Melbourne remains a key destination for world-class sporting and entertainment events over the next 30 years. As one of Australia’s largest urban renewal projects, the government is transforming Docklands into a thriving suburb, attracting $15 billion worth of private investment and growing a workforce that now totals more than 73,000.
Minister for development Victoria Colin Brooks highlighted the significance of the redevelopment, stating, “Future redevelopment of these sites and their integration with Marvel Stadium will allow us to deliver more homes, jobs, shops, restaurants, and entertainment to the Docklands waterfront.”
Docklands to play ‘key role’ in fixing housing crisis
Brooks also emphasised the role of Docklands in addressing Melbourne’s housing needs, adding, “Docklands plays a key role in delivering much-needed housing in Melbourne as we get on with delivering 800,000 new homes in Victoria over the next decade, with thousands of homes to be built in the precinct, including a mix of market homes and build-to-rent.”
AFL executive general manager infrastructure Matthew Chun noted the positive impact of Marvel Stadium’s recent redevelopment, stating, “The recently completed redevelopment of Marvel Stadium is already delivering the precinct with increased visitors across the various footy matches, international sporting events, and concerts hosted this year.”
Chun further commented on the future potential of the area, adding, “The opportunity for any future development to these sites will only amplify Marvel Stadium and the surrounding precinct as the destination sports and entertainment complex. We look forward to continuing the next steps in development.”
Find out more about the Docklands project here.
