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.

<h2>What Is the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct?</h2>

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.&nbsp;

Once complete, the precinct is expected to support up to 80,000 residents and 80,000 workers by 2050.

<h2>Stage 1: Infrastructure That Unlocks Jobs and Investment</h2>

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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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.

<h2>Why It Matters</h2>

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.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to support up to 80,000 residents and 80,000 workers by 2050.

Joel Robinson

Construction begins at Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct

GURNER Group and Qualitas have officially submitted plans for the third and final stage of its landmark $3.75 billion Jam Factory transformation - set to deliver a new precinct anchored by a new Village Cinemas flagship and a public piazza.

The latest submission marks an evolution of the site’s masterplan, replacing the previously approved “box-style” commercial tower fronting <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/500-chapel-street-south-yarra">Chapel Street</a> with a striking new architectural vision - sculptural ‘fluted’ towers that rise from the heritage façade.

The new development will have 800 ultra-premium residences with around 20,000 sqm of luxury retail, commercial, and hospitality venues, alongside two soon-to-be-announced world-renowned hotel brands.

<img alt="Jam" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ba0a36f-995d-4fc5-b28a-e85c5412ad13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-19%20at%208.52.14%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=LLpTIB6dcgyJ8I.DdaxqJrdmzu5DKZXi" />

The final Stage of The Jam Factory will seek to bring to life a vibrant, multi-sensory destination with the Stage Three amendments proposing:

• ‘Lovers Walk’, a curated retail and dining laneway pulsing through the precinct, lined with luxury brands and curated hospitality offerings of Melbourne’s best eateries, venues and bars

• A fully reimagined Village Cinemas experience that will help restore the Jam Factory’s legacy as the heartbeat of Chapel Street’s golden era - where movie premieres, fashion, and culture collided.

• Major upgrades to the public realm, with increased building setbacks and 10% more sunlight across the precinct’s open-air spaces, enhancing its role as a central gathering point for the community

• The revitalisation of Garden Street, transforming a forgotten laneway into a key arrival point through new architectural treatments and improved site flow to create an engaging new façade for the precinct

• Previous building with a series of sophisticated ‘fluted’ forms, conceptualised by Skidmore, Owings &amp; Merril (SOM)

• Restoration of the heritage façade along Chapel Street and reconstruction of the heritage chimney acting as a centrepiece of the central piazza

Once complete the precinct will feature:

• 800 ultra-luxury residences across five buildings

• A world-class cinema experience by Village Cinemas

• An expanded public piazza surrounded by food, fashion, and lifestyle

• A curated retail precinct with both established and new - local and international brands -filling the missing link between Collins Street and Chadstone Shopping Centre.

• A commercial tower offering state-of-the-art workspaces enabling businesses to take full advantage of being located adjacent to the new world-class precinct.

<img alt="Jam Factory" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="442c6d14-9dab-4fcb-ab84-0f5b55ece121" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-19%20at%208.52.20%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=EZ2TYacB5YjgVDQQFMBwn0xJSsghFT4d" />

Originally built in 1858, the Jam Factory has seen over 160 years of evolution - from brewery, to jam production hub, to retail icon.

Demolition is already underway led by Mann Group. Once complete the entire Jam Factory site will be 20,000 sqm, or equivalent to the size of the MCG, and will re-establish the site as a globally significant lifestyle and cultural destination.

"This incredible creation marks the most significant chapter in our brand’s evolution, as we transform an Australian icon into a new benchmark in global luxury," said Tim Gurner, Founder and Executive Chairman of GURNER Group.

“Our vision is to restore Chapel Street and South Yarra to its former glory as a hub of culture, fashion, and luxury, and bring global relevance back to one of Melbourne’s most important suburbs.

“It’s been a privilege to work closely with Village Cinemas on their new landmark complex; the Village Roadshow team is so genuinely passionate about the Jam Factory and restoring it’s status as Melbourne’s most iconic entertainment precinct.”

Once complete the entire Jam Factory site will be 20,000 sqm, or equivalent to the size of the MCG, and will re-establish the site as a globally significant lifestyle and cultural destination.

Gurner reveals new plans for final Jam Factory stage

Sydney’s thriving western corridor is set for a fresh injection of well-connected apartments with the launch of North Village, the second stage of Tian An’s Auburn Square development.

Located just a short walk from Auburn Station and surrounded by local amenities, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/north-village-auburn-square-35-northumberland-road-auburn-nsw-2144">North Village</a> will deliver 264 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments to the heart of the suburb, with prices starting from $525,000.

The project will rise from Northumberland Road, directly opposite the fully completed first stage of Auburn Square, which is already home to several ground-floor retail tenancies.

Adding to its appeal, North Village will feature convenient on-site amenities including a new Coles supermarket and a café on the ground level. The project also comes with the increasingly sought-after 10-year Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance—offering buyers protection against structural and waterproofing issues for a full decade after completion.

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Designed by renowned architecture firm Rothelowman, North Village marks only their second residential project in the area, following the successful delivery of Auburn Square’s first stage. Rothelowman is known nationally for designing some of Australia’s most iconic apartment buildings.

Ray White Projects WS Managing Director Mark Bernberg says North Village appeals to a wide range of buyers.

“We are already seeing first home buyers and young professionals who see the price points as very attractive,” Bernberg says.

All one- and two-bedroom apartments are priced under $800,000, meaning eligible first home buyers won’t pay a cent in stamp duty.

“Large deposits and stamp duty costs are two of the biggest hurdles for first home buyers when wanting to buy their first home,” Bernberg says. “North Village has been priced so first home buyers don’t have to pay stamp duty, and will only pay a 10% deposit on exchange, with the rest not due until the building is completed 18 months from now.”

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Bernberg adds that the location is ideal for inner-city workers.

“Parramatta is just a few stops away by train, which is a three-minute walk from North Village, and the Sydney CBD is a direct 30-minute ride to Central Station. That’s appealing for anyone working in Sydney’s two biggest employment hubs.”

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Gold Star, iCirt-rated builder, Binah, has already cleared the site and is preparing to break ground, with a targeted completion date of Q4 2027. The development will also include smart home tech-enabled apartments and shared resident amenities such as a gym, cinema, and a landscaped rooftop garden

Tian An has increased the attractiveness of its offering by securing the in-demand 10-year Latent Defects Insurance from Resilience Insurance.&nbsp;

Read more: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/expert-insights/building/the-advantages-of-first-resort-strict-liability-latent-defects-insurance-for-off-the-plan-property-buyers">The advantages of first resort, strict liability, Latent Defects Insurance for off the plan property buyers</a>

Tian An LFD is one of Australia’s longest-standing listed property developers. Formerly known as Port Bouvard, it was listed on the ASX in 1985. Since then, it has grown into one of the country’s most successful residential developers, with projects across both the east and west coasts.

The company is backed by Hong Kong-listed Tian An China Investments Company, which has delivered over 1.7 million sqm of commercial and residential space in China since 2013.

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Tian An launches North Village, Auburn Square second stage

Yamba is one of those cherished holiday destinations that tugs at the heartstrings of every Australian who has visited. Nestled in the picturesque Clarence Valley, halfway between Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay, this coastal enclave has long captured the imagination of travellers.

There’s a romantic familiarity to Yamba — a nostalgic charm that draws people back. Many who holidayed here as children now return with their own families, often dreaming of retiring in the area or at least spending a significant part of their retirement soaking in its laid-back lifestyle.

Historically, Yamba's property market has catered primarily to families, with a strong bias toward standalone homes. Of the 2,800 dwellings in the town, over 75 per cent are separate houses. However, the modern downsizer is seeking something different — a low-maintenance lifestyle that doesn't sacrifice space or comfort. They want convenience and quality without the burden of maintaining large gardens or expansive homes.

&nbsp;

Recognising this shift, boutique Sydney developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/cadmium-property-group">Cadmium Property</a> has stepped in to fill the gap. Known for their successful residential and commercial projects across some of Sydney’s most sought-after inner-ring suburbs, Cadmium has now launched <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/the-grove-yamba-1-mulgi-street-yamba-nsw-2464">The Grove</a> — a limited collection of just 14 architecturally designed townhouses on Mulgi Street, adjacent to the Yamba Golf &amp; Country Club and just a short stroll from the heart of town.

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Designed by BDA Architecture, with interiors curated by Your Home Designs, The Grove blends sophisticated coastal living with practicality. The townhouses feature high-quality finishes and a calming neutral palette that mirrors the surrounding natural landscape. Each residence includes three spacious bedrooms and open-plan living areas that flow effortlessly into private outdoor zones. Select homes will even boast their own plunge pools — perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach or golf course.

As an optional add-on, Cadmium is offering internal lifts in each townhouse, connecting the two levels from the private garages — future-proofing the homes for generations to come.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147746 project_image_fid=350599]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Gold Coast</a> Head of Projects, Caitlin Rosenboom, says interest in The Grove is split between two types of owner-occupiers.

“There are the locals, who haven’t seen any development like this in their town before,” Rosenboom says. “Buying something before it’s built isn’t something locals here are familiar with. There’s a education piece involved in the buying process — a process that off the plan buyers in major capital cities have already been through.”

Rosenboom says there’s another cohort of owner-occupiers who are part investors.&nbsp;

“They’re planning to holiday-let the townhomes once they’re completed, while also using them for family getaways during school holidays. The returns are exceptionally good for those looking to rent them out short-term.”

Rosenboom adds that while some coastal communities in northern New South Wales have been overrun with tourists, traffic, and transient visitors, Yamba has retained its village and community charm.

“It feels like Byron Bay was 10 years ago,” Rosenboom says. “There’s been some gentrification and investment, but not too long ago this was a sleepy beachside town with just a local fish and chip shop. Now there are fresh food markets every week and a growing café and hospitality scene.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147746 project_image_fid=350597]

The Grove townhouses will be located just a short walk from the town centre, passing the Bowlo Sports &amp; Leisure and the Yamba Golf and Country Club.

Verdecon has been appointed as the builder for The Grove, with construction set to commence imminently.

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While some coastal communities in northern New South Wales have been overrun with tourists, Yamba has retained its village and community charm

The lure of Yamba: The holiday destination people want to live

In today’s competitive apartment market, especially in inner-city precincts, developers are being pushed to think far beyond square metre rates and finishes.

Residents now expect their homes to support every part of their day — from Zoom meetings and fitness routines to rooftop entertaining and mindfulness breaks. This shift has turned modern apartment buildings into vertical communities, complete with shared spaces that blend work, leisure, and wellbeing.

While the level of amenity within a building has increased dramatically over recent years, developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> has been providing a heightened level of amenity for years. The developer boasts 14 towers delivered in Melbourne alone, as well as the likes of the recently completed of the recently completed Queens Wharf Residences in Brisbane and Perth Hub in Perth, to name just a few.

Far East Consortium recently launched <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke</a>, in the heart of Melbourne CBD at the western end of Bourke Street, with all of the bells and whistles new apartment owners want in their building. They have carved out over 3,000 sqm of private resident facilities throughout the 68-level, Rothelowman-designed tower.

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Jessica Campbell, Director of Projects Victoria at YPM Avanti who is overseeing the sales campaign, says Far East Consortium are “pioneers of amenity spaces.”

“One thing Far East Consortium has done is delivered exceptional amenity over many many years,” Campbell says.

“Having the experience of knowing what residents want, they’ve delivered over an acre of space just around the corner at Upper West Side, and then more recently at West Side Place. They have hands down delivered the best quality amenities within Melbourne, and I would go as far as to say Victoria and even Australia.”

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Campbell says there’s no doubt there will be something for everyone in the shared spaces at 640 Bourke. Future residents will have private access to a luxury wellness centre with a carefully designed swimming pool and gym space.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang says the team wanted to make the gym and the pool area “an absolute destination.”

“When you traverse across this space, there’s a gentle familiarity to beautiful notions of the Hamamm and the Roman baths, a gentle nod to history.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335413]

Chang says there are a few “hidden gems” located on each amenity level, from the art therapy room to a piano salon.

"They are highly considered spaces to each function," Chang explained.

"The private dining rooms are a gentle nod to the speakeasy culture of Melbourne.”

Spaces to socialise and entertain guests was a high priority, so FEC and Rothelowman came up with several spaces for residents to gather, like a whisky lounge, mindfulness lounge, games room, movie theaters, and a library.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335419]

Despite its proximity to Melbourne’s commercial district, working from home is a trend that isn’t going away anytime soon. Residents will have access to meeting rooms and private working rooms, on level 11.

The glass tower of 640 Bourke will rise from the iconic Eliza Tinsley building. The adjacent Langs Lane will be widened and home shopping boutiques and cafes, providing the ultimate convenience for those who will call 640 Bourke home.

Buyers only have until October 2025 to take advantage of the VIC Government's generous stamp duty concessions announced late last year.

*Renders shown are artist's impressions correct as at March 2025.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Investment property in Melbourne's Hawthorn expected to fetch more than $1.6 million

Staff reporter

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