New suburb on doorstep of Melbourne’s CBD to become a reality
• Napthine Government announces Expressions of Interest for new suburb in West Melbourne rail yard
• 20 hectare E-Gate site is expected to generate $3 – 4 billion worth of investment, creating more than 5,000 jobs and housing 10,000 residents
The Napthine Government is calling for Expressions of Interest to develop the 20ha E-Gate site on the western edge of Melbourne’s CBD, the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Peter Ryan announced today.
“E-Gate is a world class development opportunity on the doorstep of the Melbourne CBD. It will be home to around 10,000 residents as Melbourne’s newest inner city suburb,” Mr Ryan said.
“The project is a 20 year plan to deliver a new, integrated community close to jobs and transport, with new parklands and all the things that make life in Melbourne great. It will be a game-changer for the inner west linking Docklands and West Melbourne and creating
new activity in both areas.
“E-Gate is one of the Napthine Government’s priority economic development projects in the Footscray to Richmond rail corridor that will transform Melbourne by unlocking underutilised land and expanding the central city.
“It is a secure long-term, pipeline project that is expected to generate $3 – 4 billion of investment in Victoria and create more than 5,000 jobs,” Mr Ryan said.
Speaking at the EOI announcement, the Minister for Major Projects David Hodgett said the development offered economic and public benefits.
“The Napthine Government wants to harness the innovation and creativity of the private sector for ideas to develop the E-Gate site with the maximum benefit for the community and Melbourne,” Mr Hodgett said.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a new suburb in the heart of our city, and we are determined to get this right.
“E-Gate residents, workers and visitors will enjoy new green open space, great public transport access and new pedestrian and bicycle paths linking north, south, east and west.
“We also expect the development of E-Gate by the private sector to provide substantial economic stimulus to the State with the value of the developed site around $3 – 4 billion.
“E-Gate is a strategically significant site for Melbourne and Victoria. The Napthine Government has a responsibility to get this right and get the best value for money outcome for Victorians.
“We firmly believe the market at home and abroad will be attracted to this once in a generation opportunity for a site of this scale and significance in inner Melbourne,” Mr Hodgett said.
Source: News Release, The Hon Peter Ryan MP, The Hon David Hodgett MP, 27 October 2014