Construction begins at Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct
Melbourne’s largest urban renewal project, the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct (FBIP), has reached a major milestone, with construction now underway to transform the former GM Holden site into a world-leading hub for advanced manufacturing, engineering, and design.
What Is the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct?
Backed by the Allan Labor Government, the FBIP is a cornerstone of the broader Fishermans Bend redevelopment, covering 480 hectares across the City of Melbourne and the City of Port Phillip.
Once complete, the precinct is expected to support up to 80,000 residents and 80,000 workers by 2050.
Stage 1: Infrastructure That Unlocks Jobs and Investment
The newly appointed Winslow Infrastructure Pty Ltd will deliver the first stage of the development, establishing a vital east-west road link between Salmon Street and Todd Road. This connection will unlock development-ready lots and attract significant industry investment to the precinct.
Alongside new transport links, Stage 1 will deliver a public park and foundational infrastructure to support a world-class ecosystem for design, manufacturing, and research.
Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts, Harriet Shing, said, “We’re delivering a well-connected and carefully planned precinct at Fishermans Bend, with connections to roads and new public spaces that will be incredibly important as development continues.”
Smart infrastructure will play a key role in the FBIP’s future. OneWifi has been appointed to install smart poles across the precinct, enabling enhanced 5G coverage, improved Wi-Fi access, and support for electric vehicle charging.
These smart features are part of a broader strategy to create a digitally connected and sustainable innovation precinct.
Central to the precinct’s innovation ecosystem will be the University of Melbourne’s new School of Engineering and Design, opening in 2026. This campus is set to become a linchpin for collaboration between students, researchers, and industry leaders, with a strong focus on applied knowledge and practical solutions.
“The University of Melbourne is excited about the potential opportunities Fishermans Bend will bring to connect students and researchers with industry partners,” said Katerina Kapobassis, Chief Operating officer at the University of Melbourne.
To support the growth and accessibility of the precinct, the government is also investing in a major transport overhaul. Since 2022, more than 1,500 additional weekly bus services have been introduced to improve frequency and coverage.
Planning is also underway for a dedicated tram connection, and the government has endorsed a preferred route for a future rail tunnel through Fishermans Bend and Docklands. These developments provide long-term certainty for landowners, developers, and future residents, helping ensure that the precinct is well integrated into Melbourne’s broader transport network.
Why It Matters
The Victorian Government is investing nearly $180 million to kickstart the FBIP, accelerating the creation of a world-class hub for advanced manufacturing and engineering right on the doorstep of Melbourne’s CBD.
“The Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct will attract the world’s brightest minds in advanced manufacturing and engineering,” said Nina Taylor, Member for Albert Park.
