EOIs open for Marvel Stadium waterfront sites as Docklands renewal gathers pace

The Victorian Government has opened Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the redevelopment of the two prime waterfront sites flanking Marvel Stadium, paving the way for what’s being billed as the next major chapter for Docklands.

Announced on October 13 by Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing, the call-out marks the formal start of a search for development partners to deliver the transformation of 140 and 160 Harbour Esplanade – currently home to AFL House and the former Channel 7 broadcast centre.

Under a Joint Venture Agreement between Development Victoria (DV) and the AFL, the state government hopes the sites will become a vibrant mix of housing, offices, hospitality and entertainment venues, extending the life and activity of the precinct beyond game days.

“The transformation isn’t just about buildings – it’s about creating new public spaces, local opportunities and a lively waterfront precinct where residents, workers and visitors can connect,” Minister Shing said. “This is an exciting step in delivering a new chapter for Docklands.”

The project builds on the $225 million Marvel Stadium upgrade, completed in 2024, and aims to further entrench the venue as one of Australia’s leading destinations for sport and live entertainment.

According to the government, the redevelopment will support “thousands of jobs” and contribute to Docklands’ reputation as one of Melbourne’s most significant renewal success stories, with nearly $15 billion in private investment already attracted to the area.

The EOI process, open until 5pm Friday, December 5, 2025, will shortlist developers to participate in a Request for Proposal (RFP) stage, with a focus on “high-quality urban design and community outcomes” before detailed designs progress to planning approvals.

While the government and AFL are promoting the project as a major opportunity for the city’s waterfront, it comes amid lingering community debate over the scale and design of future towers proposed for the same sites.

As reported by Docklands News in August 2024, the Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny approved planning scheme amendments allowing for towers of up to 129 metres on the sites, exceeding previous height limits of 60 to 75 metres. That decision drew criticism from the City of Melbourne, which argued that the development lacked adequate public benefit and that the master plan failed to address the long-term vision for Harbour Esplanade and the neighbouring Central Pier area.

At the time, councillors including planning chair Cr Rohan Leppert and Lord Mayor Nick Reece expressed disappointment that their recommendations for a more balanced design response had been overlooked, while Cr Jamal Hakim described the proposal as “out of step with community expectations”.

In response, Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said the redevelopment would “reinvigorate the area”, describing Docklands as a “fabulous precinct” with “enormous potential to enhance retail, housing and entertainment opportunities.”

A year later, with EOIs now open, the government’s tone has shifted from approval to activation. Development Victoria says the process will help identify “innovative proposals” that can deliver both commercial outcomes and broader community benefit, including improved public access to the waterfront.

The AFL’s executive general manager of finance, clubs and infrastructure, Matt Chun, said the redevelopment would “continue to amplify Marvel Stadium and the surrounding areas as Melbourne’s destination sports and entertainment complex.”

“We look forward to continuing next steps in the development,” Mr Chun said.

EOI details are available at buyingfor.vic.gov.au.