AFL to make temporary move to Melbourne Quarter as Marvel waterfront redevelopment nears

The AFL will temporarily relocate its Melbourne headquarters to Lendlease’s Melbourne Quarter Tower later this year, in a major office move that clears an important path for the long-anticipated redevelopment of Marvel Stadium’s waterfront edge at Docklands.

The league confirmed on May 11 that AFL House would shift from its current base on Harbour Esplanade to Melbourne Quarter Tower, with staff expected to move into the new premises in late 2026.

The AFL stressed, however, that the relocation is temporary and tied directly to the redevelopment of the existing AFL House precinct at Marvel Stadium. It is understood the league intends to move its headquarters back to the waterfront site once that redevelopment is complete.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the move was necessary to allow the next stage of works at Marvel to proceed.

“AFL House at Marvel Stadium has served the game incredibly well for many years, however the planned redevelopment of the precinct requires us to secure an alternative home that supports immediate operations,” he said.

The AFL’s move is significant not just for the league, but for Docklands more broadly.

As Docklands News reported last year, the Victorian Government opened expressions of interest in October 2025 for the redevelopment of the two prime waterfront sites flanking Marvel Stadium at 140 and 160 Harbour Esplanade, currently home to AFL House and the former Channel 7 broadcast centre.

That process marked the formal beginning of the next major chapter in the renewal of Docklands’ waterfront, with the state and the AFL seeking development partners for a mixed-use transformation that could include housing, offices, hospitality and entertainment uses.

The temporary relocation to Melbourne Quarter is therefore a practical and symbolic milestone: it confirms the AFL is now preparing to vacate the site so the long-foreshadowed Marvel waterfront redevelopment can move ahead.

Dillon said Melbourne Quarter would give the AFL a strong interim base while keeping it close to the stadium.

“The Melbourne Quarter Tower offers a centrally located workplace that reflects the importance of our people, our partners, our clubs and our connection to the city,” he said.

“It will be a base for all our clubs and stakeholders to be able to visit and work, all while remaining in close proximity to Marvel Stadium.”

For Melbourne Quarter, the AFL’s commitment is another major leasing win for Lendlease’s $3 billion precinct opposite Southern Cross Station. The development already houses major tenants including Medibank, Seven Network, Google, EnergyAustralia and Arup.

Lendlease executive director of development Adam Williams said the move reflected continued demand for high-quality, connected workplaces in central Melbourne.

“We are pleased to welcome the AFL as part of a growing community of leading organisations choosing Melbourne Quarter as their long-term workplace destination,” he said.