The ‘Gateway to the GMH’ project demonstrates the vision for the Fishermans Bend NEIC coming to life, showcasing innovative approaches to infrastructure delivery, and providing partnership opportunities.
The Victorian Government is working in partnership with the City of Melbourne on the planning, design and delivery of urban renewal in the Fishermans Bend NEIC .
By 2050 the Precinct is envisaged to be internationally renowned as a centre of innovation in advanced manufacturing, engineering and design, home to at least 40,000 jobs and up to 20,000 students.
Catalysing the transformation of the precinct will be the Government-led redevelopment of the former General Motors Holden (GMH) site as the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct . In the most recent Victorian State Budget $179.4m was committed to transform and renew this site over the next three years.
The University of Melbourne are already secured as the first major new tenant, with more opportunities to secure world leading companies, research institutes and budding entrepreneurs set to present themselves in the years to come.
To support this major investment, the Fishermans Bend Taskforce has partnered with the City of Melbourne to deliver early works on Turner Street in a complementary project called ‘Gateway to GMH’.
The project is the first step in Turner Street’s transformation, and showcases the vision for the precinct coming to life through four interrelated project components:
- Accessibility – a bike and pedestrian path connecting Lorimer Street to Salmon Street along Turner Street, improving access and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Creative Placemaking – creative and engaging experiences including a public art trail along the bike path and the creation of a temporary placemaking hub to host events and activities.
- Greening – planting to enable a more mature tree canopy cover and improve human thermal comfort.
- Digital – digital infrastructure to support and monitor future innovation within the renewal precinct, such as sensors, smart poles and technology that integrates with art.
This enabling infrastructure will provide support for existing businesses in the precinct including Boeing, Siemens, Blackmagic Design, the Australian Road Research Board and the Commonwealth’s Defence Science and Technology research facility, and improve the accessibility and amenity of the future University of Melbourne School of Engineering and Design campus from day one.
The project is an opportunity to showcase innovation, from the materials used in the construction of the bike path to the trial of different plant species and deployment of digital technologies.
As a trial project it presents a unique opportunity to do things a little differently, and in doing so, honour and celebrate the legacy of innovation and creativity in Fishermans Bend.
Funding for this project stems from the $2.7 b Building Works package announced by the Victorian Government in 2020 to support COVID recovery and deliver projects big and small to get thousands of people back to work.
To understand more about the project and see how you can get involved please see the City of Melbourne Participate Melbourne website
Page last updated: 09/09/21