State, AFL Team for Docklands Precinct Redevelopment

The Victorian government will team with the AFL to explore redeveloping two key sites in Docklands’ Harbour Esplanade precinct.

The prominent sites are next to the Marvel Stadium, which is itself undergoing an upgrade that began in February, 2022.

One of she sites, 140 Harbour Esplanade, is occupied by AFL House, the league’s headquarters in Victoria; and the other, 160 Harbour Esplanade, is the Channel 7 building.

Grimshaw Architects were commissioned by the state government to provide renders of what the redeveloped buildings could look like.

They show two new towers and a waterfront facade for the stadium.

Development Victoria will handle the project for the state government as its major project agency.

The agency currently holds the leasehold to the Channel 7 building, which it purchased in 2018. Channel 7 operates a broadcast centre in the building.

▲ Grimshaw Architects renders of the Marvel Stadium upgrades, which are currently under way.

Development Victoria is the authority responsible for the development of Docklands.

A range of potential uses will be considered including housing, offices and entertainment.

“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,”  Development Victoria acting minister Natalie Hutchins said.

Victorian tourism, sports and major events minister Steve Dimopoulos said the state government had already invested $225 million in upgrading Marvel Stadium.

▲ A render of two new towers that could replace the Channel 7 building and AFL House in Melbourne's Docklands.

As part of the project, a planning scheme amendment has been lodged with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning.

It intends to change the Melbourne Planning Scheme to include possible building outlines and design requirements for buildings on both sites.

Planning minister Sonya Kilkenny will make the final determination on the scheme amendment.