A $350MILLION redevelopment in the heart of Footscray will draw a host of new investments to the suburb, Planning Minister Matthew Guy predicts.
Speaking at the official start of the stage one construction of Grocon’s McNab Avenue development, Mr Guy said Footscray’s proximity to the city and the port ensured the area had a bright future.
“This is really going to be a fantastic welcome to Footscray. This is an enormous multimillion-dollar shot-in-the-arm, not just to the economy of Footscray but of course to the state.”
The development, next to Footscray railway station, will include three multi-storey buildings, one of 14 storeys, with 500 apartments, office and retail space, cafes and an arts centre.
Footscray had begun an enormous transformation from where it was 20 years ago, Mr Guy said. It was now “a contemporary, modern and developing activities area on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD”.
“Footscray is changing. The capital of Melbourne’s inner-west is becoming an absolutely fantastic place not just to live but to do business.”
Maribyrnong mayor John Cumming said the project was central to Footscray’s rejuvenation. “It’s part of the acknowledgement that Footscray is becoming part of the inner-city.”
Grocon chief executive Daniel Grollo said the partnership with the state government was an ideal model for future development.
The proposal was made feasible by the State Trustees and City West Water agreeing to become anchor tenants.
State Trustees managing director Tony Fitzgerald said he was pleased to be moving to a “landmark” new building and being closer to clients.
City West Water managing director Anne Barker
said: “I’m so excited my team of 400 are going to be moving to a fantastic building in a fantastic area.”
Stage two works, including upgrades to Railway Reserve and McNab Avenue, are due to begin next year. – Benjamin Millar
