New Planning Controls to Push Forward Fishermans Bend Plan

Interim planning controls have been introduced to help guide the development of a next-generation manufacturing hub at Melbourne’s Fishermans Bend.

The Victorian government launched its vision for the Advanced Manufacturing hub to sit within the Fishermans Bend National Employment and Innovation Cluster (NEIC) where 40,000 jobs and 20,000 students will be based by 2050.

Minister for Business Precincts Martin Pakula said it was a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to redefine manufacturing for the 21st century.

“Our city’s precincts play a critical role in bringing industry, research and entrepreneurs together in locations that promote collaboration and excellence and grow the Victorian economy,” Pakula said.

“Powered by new technologies and world-leading engineering and design, Fishermans Bend presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a precinct that creates jobs for Victorians and produces solutions for the world.”

The 480ha urban renewal project has been divided into five precincts; the employment precinct, Lorimer, Wirraway, Sandridge and Montague.

The interim controls will remain in place while the Fishermans Bend Taskforce develops a detailed precinct plan and permanent controls are finalised following consultation.

Fishermans Bend Development Board chair Meredith Sussex said the University of Melbourne would be one of the next major projects within the site, with an engineering and design innovation campus gaining approval, and the campus due to open in 2025.

"The Fishermans Bend NEIC is a global opportunity, and partnerships with the likes of the University of Melbourne and the Defence Science and Technology Group are critical steps in realising that ambition,” Sussex said.

The statement for the development of Fishermans Bend outlines five key priorities for the National Employment and Innovation Cluster.

The first priority is the redevelopment of the former General Motors Holden site on Salmon Street with a $180-million investment from the Victorian government.

Other priorities include improving connectivity, including the pilot project for a green spine and cycle connection corridor, a civic boulevards to generate pedestrian activity and delivering high quality urban design.

Boeing and Siemens are already established in Fishermans Bend, with developments approved across the precincts including a new secondary school in Montague, a $1-billion trio of towers by Gurner, and Goodman Group is developing a 1ha site at Lorimer.

Luxury car dealer Nick Theodossi and property developer Ross Pelligra spent $50 million on a 1.8ha Lorimer Street car dealership, which they may develop in the future.