Footscray's transformation into a hub for business, enterprise and creativity is taking further shape with the release of the Footscray Opportunity and Directions Paper.
The paper highlights the opportunities in the precinct, including for investment and partnerships, ensuring both accessibility and connection to the Melbourne Central Business District as the gateway to Melbourne's west and creating an integrated economy.
The paper was developed after extensive stakeholder engagement, including with Maribyrnong City Council, Western Health, Victoria University, the Footscray Traders Association and the Footscray Asian Business Association.
Footscray is one of the Victorian Government's priority business precincts due to its potential for growth. It is predicted to more than double its population and add more than 10,000 new local jobs by 2050. Between 2006 and 2016, Footscray's population grew by 40 per cent.
Footscray is steadily shifting to new small-scale manufacturing and becoming a health and education powerhouse with major players like Western Health and Victoria University driving jobs, investment and social connections in the precinct.
Recent investment in the region includes $1.5 billion for the new Footscray Hospital, more than $120 million for the Footscray Learning Precinct including the Footscray High School Kinnear Campus and Footscray City Primary School, $36.6 million to redevelop Whitten Oval and key transport connectivity projects as part of Victoria's Big Build.
These investments will help Footscray become a prosperous economic place, building on its rich industrial history, cultural diversity and location as the gateway to Melbourne's west.
The Footscray Opportunity and Directions Paper is available on the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions website.
