Docklands housing, entertainment precinct moves closer to approval

A newly approved planning scheme amendment has moved Docklands' waterfront one step closer to being redeveloped as a hub for housing, entertainment and employment.

Two waterfront buildings are involved: the Australian Football League (AFL)-owned AFL House at 140 Harbour Esplanade; and the Development Victoria-owned 160 Harbour Esplanade, which is occupied by the Channel 7 broadcast centre.

Development Victoria and the AFL entered a joint venture agreement to explore redevelopment opportunities at the two sites in January 2024. An earlier proposal, designed by Grimshaw Architects and filed by the joint venture partners in May 2024, sought the development of three towers at the sites; however, the City of Melbourne did not support it.

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny has now approved a planning scheme amendment (PSA) application for the sites, which have been rezoned to permit the building of mixed-use commercial, residential and entertainment developments.

Future building designs will need to respond to the conditions of the planning scheme amendment and are subject to further approvals before construction can begin.

Minister for Development Victoria Colin Brooks said redeveloping these sites and integrating them with Marvel Stadium will deliver "more homes, jobs, shops, restaurants and entertainment to the Docklands waterfront."

"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," Brooks said.

The joint venture partners may now commence planning that aligns with the PSA, including delivery strategies for releasing the sites to market.