A new plan to build a centre of high-value industries and jobs at Fishermans Bend unveiled today positions Victoria at the forefront of global advanced manufacturing, engineering and design innovation.
Minister for Business Precincts Martin Pakula today launched the Advancing Manufacturing - the Fishermans Bend opportunity statement which, supported by major investments and planning approvals, will work to attract key investors and major partners like the University of Melbourne to build on Victoria's industrial excellence.
The statement outlines five key priorities for the Fishermans Bend National Employment and Innovation Cluster (NEIC).
The first priority is to bring to life the heart of the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct - the former General Motors Holden site on Salmon Street. Investment is flowing to transform this critical site, with the first stage of redevelopment backed by a $179.4 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2021/22.
Other priorities are improving connectivity through new transport options and civic boulevards to generate pedestrian activity, creating a green network to support sustainability and delivering high-quality urban design.
The new Fishermans Bend is taking shape in other ways with a pilot project for a green spine and cycle connection corridor along Turner Street being delivered in partnership with the City of Melbourne in the coming year.
The University of Melbourne will be one of the precincts' next major tenants, with Minister for Planning Richard Wynne today approving the proposal for a new Engineering and Design innovation campus.
Set to open in 2025, the campus will feature world-class heavy engineering and large fabrication testing and prototyping facilities, purpose-built for the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology and the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning.
The Fishermans Bend campus will create a place for researchers, students and industry to come together for industrial-scale exploration to innovate solutions in energy, affordable housing, sustainable transport and more.
With global firms including Boeing and Siemens already established in Fishermans Bend, the Fishermans Bend NEIC is expected to be home to at least 40,000 jobs and over 20,000 students by 2050 across key industries including aerospace, transport, defence, creative industries and clean energy.
To deliver on the vision of Advancing Manufacturing, the Government has introduced interim planning controls for the Fishermans Bend NEIC to guide development.
These interim controls will be in place while a more detailed precinct plan and permanent controls are finalised - drafts will be prepared by the Fishermans Bend Taskforce before being publicly released for review and comment.
Fishermans Bend is Australia's largest urban renewal project, covering 480 hectares that will be home to 80,000 people and 80,000 jobs by 2050. The Advancing Manufacturing statement is available at fishermansbend.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Business Precincts Martin Pakula
"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."
As stated by Fishermans Bend Development Board Chair Meredith Sussex
"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."
