Twenty years on, Matt Fletcher reflects on the Docklands life he built

When Matt Fletcher moved to Docklands in February 2006, the waterfront precinct was still very much an idea in motion – a suburb rising from rail yards and open space, full of potential but far from complete.

Victoria Point was still under construction when he arrived with his then partner Miriam. Cranes framed the skyline, and Docklands itself was only beginning its transformation into the dense, modern neighbourhood it is today. Matt wasn’t entirely sure what he was signing up for, but something about the vision – and the convenience – convinced him it was worth the leap.

Nearly 20 years later, he’s never left.

“Miriam, being European, was very used to apartment living and could see the enormous potential for the area. I was excited about what the area could become, but it’s fair to say I didn’t know what to expect,” he told Docklands News. “Now, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Matt first lived at Victoria Point, where he became one of the building’s early owners’ corporation committee members – an experience he said gave him a deep appreciation for the volunteers who help apartment communities function. Today, he lives at Watergate, having watched the suburb grow around him, layer by layer.

Docklands is also the only home his 10-year-old son Harrison has ever known. “He’s grown up using the playgrounds, learnt to ride around Marvel Stadium, watched his first AFL game there, and found a love of basketball on the courts in front of Watergate,” Matt said. “It’s a special way to grow up – right in the heart of the city, but with so much space and freedom.”

The past two decades have given Matt a front-row seat to Docklands’ evolution: from quiet early days to major precinct launches, from business booms to the challenges of lockdowns and the collapse of Central Pier. Through it all, he said, long-term locals have held onto a sense of optimism.

“There’s a hope among residents – old and new – that something very special is emerging in our waterside suburb,” he said. “It was a huge area to take on, and it was always going to take time. But we can see the fabric filling in now.”

As the founder of MSC Group – a financial services and trustee business he launched in 2012 – Matt said Docklands had played a surprisingly important role in his professional life too.

“Living here has been incredibly helpful while building my business,” he said.

MSC Group began as Melbourne Securities Corporation and today oversees $32 billion in assets, with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

“It’s been an incredible journey. We act as the voice of investors and provide risk and regulatory oversight across 260 fund manager and corporate clients. It’s topical work, especially with all the regulatory focus on private capital.”

Prior to launching MSC, Matt worked in banking and on the construction finance of the very initial residential buildings in Docklands, at NewQuay with MAB and Watergate with Pan Urban.

For Matt, Docklands gives him what every business owner values most: time.

“As a founder, time is precious. Docklands gives me a short walk or tram to my office on Collins St, fast access to the airport, and peace on the weekends. And I have so many things I can do here with Harrison.”

After two decades, Matt is now one of Docklands’ proudest advocates – not because the suburb is perfect, but because he’s watched it grow, adapt and begin to fulfil its bold vision.

“I never thought I’d live anywhere for two decades,” he said. “But I honestly can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be.” •