Developers shortlisted to present Arden Central “master plans” 

Four developers have been shortlisted to become the Victorian Government’s partner for the Arden Central precinct, sparking concerns among residents. 

The shortlisted bidders comprise four groups of developers, social housing providers and architects who have partnered with one another to deliver their respective master plans for the precinct during 2025. 

Australian Unity has teamed with Formus Property, Community Housing Limited and Lyons. 

Gurner and MAB Corporation will create their master plan together with Women’s Housing Limited and SOM. 

Hamton Group has allied with Woods Bagot, Populous and Nelson + Khoo, while Lendlease Development and Assemble will be working alongside Scape, Keyton, NH Architecture and Prior + Partners.

Development Victoria will now lead the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, with all four proposals due in mid-2025. This will provide the shortlisted bidders with the opportunity to present their comprehensive development plans for a community-focused and sustainable Arden Central precinct.

However, some residents are concerned by one developer ultimately being given the opportunity to implement their master plan. 

North and West Melbourne Association (N&WMA) committee member, Mary Masters, said that she would like the process to be transparent and with a clear timeline established. 

“Everyone wants to see the precinct developed in the most beneficial way possible and not just into the pockets of the developer,” Ms Masters said. 

Ms Masters also believes that the precinct is in need of more community and green spaces, which she would like to see factored into the master plans. 

Just two kilometres from the centre of Melbourne’s CBD, the Arden precinct will house up to 20,000 people by 2051.

A State Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said, “The development of the Arden precinct is expected to create thousands of jobs, enhance local infrastructure, provide essential amenities to the growing population and deliver much-needed housing for Victorians.” 

Additionally, with the new Arden Metro Tunnel train station set to open in 2025, one year ahead of schedule, future residents will also be well serviced by public transport. •