Government goes out to tender for Arden

The state government is currently seeking expressions of interest from developers to help deliver urban renewal in the Arden Precinct – a move which has drawn concern from right across the community. 

In June, Development Victoria released tender documents for around 13 hectares of government-owned land in Arden, which is expected to be awarded to a single private developer. 

“This EOI is the first phase of a multi-staged market process to identify a shortlist of bidders who will be invited to participate in a subsequent request for proposal process," the government’s website read. 

“This process offers an exceptional opportunity for industry to demonstrate leadership in urban renewal and contribute to supporting population growth and the future of Victoria’s economy.” 

With all signs indicating the land will go to one major developer, many, including Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, have since expressed concerns that Arden could be destined for the same fate as neighbouring Docklands. 

Development Victoria is still the responsible authority for urban renewal in Docklands, which has been redeveloped under a series of opaque development plans with a handful of major developers since the late ‘90s. 

Docklands has long been criticised for its “development first” approach to urban renewal, with critical community infrastructure, including a new primary school, being prioritised last. 

While the tender represents a significant step in Arden’s renewal, the state government has come under fire from the local community and the City of Melbourne for its handling of the North Melbourne urban renewal project. 

Just two kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, the government expects 34,000 jobs and around 20,000 living in Arden by 2051, but to date, there are still no employment plans or affordable housing targets for the precinct. 

Last year, the government also scrapped $5-$6 billion plans announced in 2022 for a new hospital in Arden, and the community has been ramping up pressure on the government to allocate sites for badly needed schools. 

While Arden will be home to its own Metro Station when it opens next year, Cr Rohan Leppert said this year that it would be opening “in the middle of a vast empty site: a potent symbol of a missed opportunity.” •