Action on “world-class” Docklands Media Precinct
The state government has opened expressions of interest (EOI) for a state-of-the-art media precinct in Docklands, the newest of its kind in Australia.
On April 15, Minister for Business Precincts Martin Pakula and Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson announced interested parties from local and international film, screen and media organisations and partners were being sought to demonstrate how they could achieve the government’s vision of growing the “thriving” and “world-class” Docklands Media Precinct.
“We know Victoria is a global destination for screen, technology, innovation and creative industries. This project will further build Melbourne’s profile in these industries and attract more world class organisations and guests to our city,” Minister Pakula said.
The EOI seeks to attract the best and most capable from across the globe to put forward innovative proposals that cement Melbourne as an international destination for film and screen production.
Building on the government’s current $46 million project to create a sixth sound stage, the Docklands Studios Melbourne site has the potential to support further development and create a home for a community of screen businesses that can support the studio operations.
EOIs are now open for local and international film, digital, technology, screen and media organisations to collaborate to bring the media precinct vision to life.
With EOIs closing in June, Minister Pearson said the Docklands Media Precinct project could be breaking ground in 2022, providing a boost to the state’s economy and create new jobs through construction and its ongoing operations in Docklands.
“This is an excellent opportunity to build on the strengths of Docklands Studios and we look forward to submissions that will help to bring the precinct vision to life and strengthen our screen industry, creating more jobs for the sector,” he said.
Prior to the pandemic, Victoria’s screen industry contributed $2.2 billion to the state economy and 17,000 jobs.
Following the global COVID-19 hiatus, the local industry is buzzing again, with work on COVID-safe films, television series and commercials now underway in Melbourne and regional Victoria. •