$2 billion tech hub announced for Fishermans Bend

Fishermans Bend is set to become Australia’s next major hub for high-tech innovation and industry, following the announcement of a $2 billion digital campus to be delivered by data infrastructure giant NEXTDC.

Premier Jacinta Allan joined Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson and NEXTDC CEO Craig Scroggie on June 12 to unveil the landmark investment, which will see a new Technology Centre of Excellence, AI Factory, and Mission Critical Operations Centre built at the former General Motors Holden site.

The development marks the most significant private investment to date in the Victorian Government’s Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct (FBIP) and is expected to generate thousands of jobs across tech, defence, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.

“This major investment means more jobs and training for the next generation of tech workers,” Premier Allan said. “We’re open for business and we’re backing Victorians every step of the way.”

The digital campus, dubbed “M4 Melbourne,” will anchor itself within the government’s $180 million innovation precinct, already under development at the eastern edge of Fishermans Bend. It will operate alongside the University of Melbourne’s new Engineering and Design campus, currently under construction and set to open in 2026.

The precinct forms part of a broader urban renewal project spanning 480 hectares across the City of Melbourne and the City of Port Phillip. By 2050, Fishermans Bend is expected to house up to 80,000 residents and provide employment for 80,000 workers.

NEXTDC CEO Craig Scroggie said the company’s decision to locate its new campus at Fishermans Bend reflected the site’s growing appeal as a future-focused innovation district.

“Precincts matter,” Mr Scroggie said. “By anchoring M4 at Fishermans Bend, we’re activating a nationally integrated ecosystem for industrial AI, defence, research, and deep tech.”

“We are building the foundational infrastructure for Australia’s participation in the next wave of global innovation—from artificial intelligence and cloud computing to defence, quantum, and space technologies.”

The project is backed by the state through VicScreen and facilitation support under the government’s $240 million Economic Growth Statement, which prioritises tech, defence, and advanced manufacturing as key sectors for Victoria’s future economy.

Minister Pearson said the partnership with NEXTDC would “lay the groundwork to support future developments in AI, advanced manufacturing and defence.”

“Victoria already leads the nation in tech jobs, and this investment further strengthens our global competitiveness in the sector,” he said.

According to the government, Victoria’s tech sector contributes over $34 billion to the economy and supports more than 306,000 workers—accounting for nearly a third of Australia’s total tech workforce.

The announcement builds on a wave of recent infrastructure activity in the FBIP. In May, main works began on Stage 1 of the innovation precinct, with contractor Winslow Infrastructure delivering roads, public spaces, and essential infrastructure to enable development-ready sites. Smart poles equipped for EV charging and 5G technology are also being installed across the site by OneWifi.

As planning continues for future tram connections and a proposed rail tunnel through Docklands and Fishermans Bend, the precinct’s transformation into a high-tech employment and education district is well under way. However, critics continue to push the state government to deliver rail connections to the precinct as soon as possible, which are considered critical for the area’s success.

Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor welcomed the latest announcement, calling it “a big win for Fishermans Bend and Victoria.”

“We have the vision, we have the people, we have the skills, and we have the ideal location,” she said.

Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing echoed that sentiment, describing NEXTDC’s investment as “another clear signal to the world that Fishermans Bend is a key industry and market centre for growth.” •