Forum recap

The Docklands Community Forum (DCF) was held on June 26 at the Library at the Dock.

Chairperson and DRG member Jason Ting introduced guest speakers from developer Salta Properties, the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) and the Fishermans Bend Taskforce, who each provided updates on their major projects.

Salta development manager David O’Connell touched on the developer’s long-awaited redevelopment of the site next to Channel 7 at 699 Latrobe St.

To comprise 200 hotel rooms around 300 build-to-rent (BTR) apartments, he said the building would most likely start construction next year and be completed in 2023.

Mr O’Connnell said that the developer had experienced some issues with neighbours and authorities over the project, and that the “apartment crisis” in Victoria was presenting developers and government with plenty of challenges.

A representative from the VSBA provided a very brief update on the new Docklands Primary School, currently under construction on Footscray Rd. The only major update on the project was that an early learning centre would be added to the campus, which had caused a slight delay to completion due to new plans being drawn.

Jacqui Banks from the Fishermans Bend Taskforce also provided an update on the urban renewal project, highlighting the new Fishermans Bend Secondary School (open in 2022) and $4.5m for early works on a new tram route.

To be held on September 18, plans are underway for the next DCF in collaboration with the Docklands Chamber of Commerce, which is to be held at Marvel Stadium with a focus on the stadium’s redevelopment.