The Allan Labor Government and Australian Football League (AFL) have announced a Joint Venture agreement to explore redevelopment opportunities at two prominent Docklands sites on Harbour Esplanade to transform the waterfront.
The agreement is between Development Victoria, the Government’s property developer and major project agency, and the AFL.
As the authority responsible for the development of Docklands, Development Victoria purchased the leasehold to 160 Harbour Esplanade, currently occupied by the Channel 7 broadcast centre, in 2018.
The Channel 7 building is adjacent to AFL House and the future redevelopment of these sites and integration with Marvel Stadium presents opportunities to deliver a mixed-use development that can revitalise Docklands’ waterfront and enhance the Stadium as a sports and entertainment complex.
The Labor Government invested $225 million towards Marvel Stadium’s redevelopment to bring world-class sporting and entertainment events to Melbourne for the next 30 years.
A Planning Scheme Amendment application to change the Melbourne Planning Scheme to include potential building outlines and design requirements for future buildings on the sites has been lodged for consideration by the Minister for Planning.
As stated by Acting Minister for Development Victoria Natalie Hutchins
“The Joint Venture will unlock a major new opportunity in Docklands to deliver housing, commercial and entertainment developments that transform Docklands’ waterfront and enhance Marvel Stadium as a sports and entertainment precinct.”
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“We invested $225 million to fund the redevelopment of Marvel Stadium so that we can continue to attract sporting and entertainment events to Melbourne and ensure Victoria remains the major events capital of Australia.”
As stated by Matt Chun, the AFL’s Executive General Manager Finance, Clubs and Infrastructure
“We are committed to delivering a memorable experience for fans and visitors to the precinct and excited by the opportunities this agreement presents at the site.”
