New employment hub to revitalise Footscray
Planning Minister Matthew Guy today officially opened a new $100 million jobs centre in Footscray as part of a multi-million dollar urban renewal of the inner city suburb.
Mr Guy said the impressive building at 1 McNab Avenue transforms a vacant lot into an inner city employment centre, demonstrating a key initiative of Plan Melbourne in action.
“The development and construction of this building has created 1,000 jobs in Footscray’s city centre and it brings 1,355 more jobs to this thriving area, with flow-on revenue into local businesses,” Mr Guy said.
“The revitalisation of Footscray, which is identified as one of Melbourne’s Activity Areas, is a key initiative of the Napthine Government’s city plan, Plan Melbourne, and will strengthen the area’s economy and opportunities for growth.
“Plan Melbourne actively supports the creation of 20 minutes neighbourhoods where people have easy access to employment, public transport, retail centres and community services, and McNab Avenue is a prime example of this planning strategy in action,” Mr Guy said.
The 14 storey building offers 18,000 square metres of office space and ground floor retail, including a cafe. It features best-practice design and has received a 5 Star Green Star – Office Design Certified Rating by the Green Building Council of Australia.
The stunning new building is a significant inner west landmark just 6 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, housing organisations such as State Trustees, City West Water and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
Driven by the Victorian Coalition Government, the redevelopment has demonstrated a strong delivery partnership between government, Grocon and the City of Maribyrnong.
“The City of Maribyrnong is expected to grow by 42,000 people over the next 15 years and 65% of the population will be of employment age. By providing a variety of employment options within the growing council area we are supporting the economic resilience of this vibrant inner city suburb,” Mr Guy said.
Precinct improvement works are underway in the immediate surrounds, with an $850,000 redevelopment of the neighbouring road and Railway Reserve park that will improve pedestrian links between the station, Victoria University, council offices and central Footscray.
Source: News Release Premier Denis Napthine, 25 September 2014