Key details
Location
433 Smith Street, Fitzroy
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
Policy objective
Create an urban village that includes new housing, community facilities, and open space.
Overview
Fitzroy Gasworks will be a new neighbourhood with the works – diverse and affordable homes close to public transport, a senior high school, open space, multi-use sports centre and commercial spaces.
We’re transforming the site of the former Fitzroy Gasworks into a thriving new precinct, with a range of affordable and sustainable homes, leading sports and education facilities, and public spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Development Victoria recognises the shortage of affordable housing across the State and is committed to increasing diverse housing supply.
This includes delivering approximately 1,200 much needed homes, including 20% affordable at the iconic Fitzroy Gasworks Site in inner Melbourne, close to jobs, transport and services.
Fitzroy Gasworks will set a new benchmark for urban renewal and affordable and sustainable living in one of Melbourne’s most historic and established suburbs.
Sports Centre car park proposal: Community consultation – now closed
Development Victoria is proposing a new car park within the Alexandra Parade median strip between Smith Street and George Street, opposite the Fitzroy Gasworks site, which could provide 79 new car parking spaces for future visitors of the Fitzroy Gasworks Sports Centre. If approved, the car park would be complete by mid-2024.
The car park would help alleviate traffic congestion on local streets and improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists accessing the sports centre.
Development Victoria consulted with the local community about the proposal in August through a short online survey and two pop up sessions. The survey is now closed, and an evaluation report is now being prepared for consideration by Yarra City Council.
3.9ha project area
20% affordable housing
1,200 new apartments
8.7% public open space
Development plan
The Development Plan for Fitzroy Gasworks was approved in September 2022. The development plan is based on detailed planning work and valuable input from the community. It ensures any future development complies with the vision for the site, once approved. This provides certainty about the nature of the proposed use and development to the community, stakeholders and the Minister for Planning, including building heights and open space requirements.
The community has actively shaped the Development Plan for the site through ongoing consultation and a Community Reference Group in place since 2017. The Plan provides certainty around the future use of the site, including the delivery of affordable housing.
Read the development plan in full here.
Development partners
Development Victoria is currently undertaking a process to appoint a delivery partner, or partners, to deliver approximately 70% of housing on site with appointment expected by early 2024 (subject to change). These homes, including affordable options, will be delivered in stages, with completion targeting late 2028 (subject to change).
In 2022, a Registration of Interest (ROI) process was open for four weeks for development partners to help shape the future of this iconic site. The ROI was followed by an Expression of Interest (EOI) open for 7 weeks. This has now closed and shortlisted bidders have progressed to the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase.
Key outcomes
Fitzroy Gasworks will be a new neighbourhood with the works:
- 1,200 apartments at different price points, to own or rent
- A 650-student senior high school - now open
- A new multi-use sports centre
- Underground car parking and aboveground bicycle parking
- Flexible spaces at ground level, to accommodate Disability Accommodation (SDA), and commercial, office and community uses
- 8.7% of the site as public open space, with additional communal open space within the residential developments
- Retention of the Valve House and relocation and restoration of the Porter Iron Store approved by Heritage Victoria (Porter Store relocation now complete)
- New accessible tram stop on Smith Street and pedestrian crossing on Queens Parade to make it easier and safer to access the precinct
Approach
The rejuvenation of the former Fitzroy Gasworks will transform an iconic urban site into an integrated, sustainable and thriving urban village.
Fitzroy Gasworks is a whole-of-government approach to urban renewal, delivered by Development Victoria in partnership with the public and private sector.
The vision for the project has been shaped by extensive consultation, to reflect the heritage of the site and the needs of the community.
Remediation
We are pleased to announce that the Fitzroy Gasworks Site Remediation is complete. The independent EPA Environmental Auditor is now finalising the audit to certify that the site is suitable for the next phase of this exciting development.
The removal of contaminated soil was required to deliver a cleaner, safer environment for the people of Fitzroy North and future users of the proposed site. The Department of Treasury and Finance appointed Enviropacific to manage remediation of the contaminated Fitzroy Gasworks land.
Remedial works commenced in June 2018 and were delivered over three phases. These included the development of a strategy, site investigation, on site remediation works and additional works scope. For more details on the delivery of remediation works visit the Enviropacific website.
Timeline
- Community engagement – vision
- Community reference group formed
- Start of remediation
- Rezoning
- Community engagement – Victorian School Building Authority
- Community engagement – collaborative design
- Development plan exhibition
- School complete and open for students
- Development plan submission
- Precincts B and C Registration of Interest
- Precincts B and C expressions of interest
- Remediation complete
- Fitzroy sports centre construction commences
- Development Plan approved
- Community Reference Group meeting
- Parcel B and C request for proposal (subject to change)
- Community Reference Group meetings
Location
The site is bordered by Smith Street, Alexandra Parade and Queens Parade, and has an area of 3.9ha.
It's surrounded by the suburbs of Fitzroy, Clifton Hill, and Collingwood.
Development Victoria acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional Custodians of the land.
Who to contact about this project
For more information about the remediation process visit:
Enviropacific
Or call the dedicated project number:
1800 560 822
Development Victoria
Customer service
Ph: 131 852
fitzroy.gasworks@development.vic.gov.au
Media
Ph: 03 8317 3700
media@development.vic.gov.au
City of Yarra
Ph: 03 9658 9658
After hours: 03 96589774
Latest news
View allWas this page helpful?
Upcoming authority works: September 2023 – early 2024 (subject to change)
Development Victoria is managing the delivery of upgrading underground assets on behalf of Greater Western Water and Citipower.
These assets need to be upgraded and relocated prior to any development occurring on the Fitzroy Gasworks site. The works will be managed by Development Victoria and delivered by Built Environs, Enviropacific and a sub-contractor, Ansina. These works will commence in September 2023 and are expected to be completed by early 2024, subject to change.
Excavation works will need to take place which means some contaminated soil may be disturbed, which may cause odour to be released which may be smelt by the local community and businesses. This will be monitored to ensure there is no harm to public health, and control measurements will be implemented to minimise the odour.
Read our frequently asked questions here.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at fitzroy.gasworks@development.vic.gov.au or contact 1800 560 822.
Sports Centre construction: 2022 - 2024
Development Victoria is managing the build of the Fitzroy Gasworks Sports Centre, a multi-purpose indoor sports centre, adjacent to Wurun Senior Campus.
Built Environs is our construction partner and has been busy on site since late 2022, with construction works expected to generate approximately 150 jobs.
Development Plan
The Development Plan for Fitzroy Gasworks was approved in September 2022.
The approved Development Plan outlines the planning controls, policy objectives and outcomes that will guide the design and construction of the site. This includes approximately 1,200 apartments, 20% of which will be Affordable Housing, approximately 8.7% of the site to be offered as public open space, two bicycle spaces per dwelling, the Valve House retention and enhancement and much more.
Key elements of the plan
- buildings to reflect the local character in terms of built form, materiality and uses.
- a central community heart linking together diverse public spaces with places to play.
- maximise urban greening by introducing trees, ground cover, vertical and roof top vegetation.
- create ground floor uses that showcase a variety of activities and provide activation.
- the plan has achieved a 6-star green star communities rating through the Green Building Council of Australia with a focus on initiatives that:
- maximise potential for energy generation on site, with solar panels to most rooftops
- maximise thermal performance of buildings for lower living costs over time
- minimise waste produced on site, with consolidated collection points.
- approximately 8.7% per cent of the site to be offered as public open space, with additional communal open space associated with residential development.
- a community garden with 220m2 of agricultural space for the residential community to access.
- delivery of 20% affordable housing.
- a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes.
- a priority on housing that is affordable to rent.
- encourage a variety in building heights up to 10 storeys.
- flexible spaces that may include retail, hospitality, office and coworking spaces, affordable workspaces for creative industries, galleries, grocery stores and gyms.
- restoration of the heritage listed valve house.
- pedestrian-priority neighbourhood with consolidated parking and minimal reliance on private cars.
- high-quality pedestrian and tram links that integrated with the surrounding community.
- a high-quality street at the heart of the precinct for bicycles, pedestrians and vehicle pick up and drop off.
Key projects
Wurun Senior Campus
Wurun Senior Campus, the new senior secondary campus for Collingwood College and Fitzroy High School, is located in the Fitzroy Gasworks precinct.
Delivered by the Victorian School Building Authority, Wurun Senior Campus has capacity for 650 students and opened in Term 1 2022.
Sports Centre
The Fitzroy Gasworks Sports Centre, a multi-purpose indoor sports centre, adjacent to Wurun Senior Campus, is a key element of the Victorian Government’s vision for the Fitzroy Gasworks precinct.
The vertically designed sports centre will provide much-needed sport facilities to Melbourne's inner north.
Built Environs has been selected as the construction partner, and have commenced works on site. The facility is expected to be completed in mid-2024.
The centre comprises of 4 courts for basketball and netball, plus a multipurpose court for futsal and other informal programs; a gymnasium; café and lounge area; community facilities, unisex change rooms; and a foyer and reception area.
Its integration with Wurun Senior Campus’ 2 courts will enable shared use of the courts to create a 7-court facility outside of school hours.
We recently celebrated a major milestone of completing the building’s frame, with work soon commencing on the fit out for the new sports centre.
Build-to-rent
Fitzroy Gasworks may include a build-to-rent development, providing affordable, high-quality and secure rental options for a range of different households.
Build-to-rent allows more people the opportunity to live in an established and well-serviced location and create a vibrant and diverse community.
Building a community in the heart of Fitzroy
Development Victoria has worked with Fitzroy community members to identify local priorities and aspirations, and plans to address these as part of the development.
Between 2016 and 2017, the community provided input on: school and sports facilities, social housing, open space, community art, height and density, traffic, parking, and the heritage of the site.
In October 2019, community feedback was provided for the draft Development Plan via an online survey, pop-up information sessions, and two drop-in sessions.
The project team incorporated this feedback into the development plan, which was presented back to the community ahead of the formal submission.
A Community Reference Group (CRG) was established with 18 members representing the broader community. The CRG will continue to meet on an ongoing basis during the next phase of the project.
Supporting documents used during the October 2019 engagement sessions include the project fact sheet and design boards.
Fitzroy Gasworks Community Engagement
October 2019Sports Centre car park proposal: Community consultation – now closed
Development Victoria is proposing a new car park within the Alexandra Parade median strip between Smith Street and George Street, opposite the Fitzroy Gasworks site, which could provide 79 new car parking spaces for future visitors of the Fitzroy Gasworks Sports Centre. If approved, the car park would be complete by mid-2024.
Read the frequently asked questions to find out more about the proposal.
We consulted with the local community about the proposal in August through a short online survey and two pop up sessions. The survey is now closed, and an evaluation report is now being prepared for consideration by Yarra City Council.
History
Fitzroy Gasworks is located on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.
The former gasworks on the site was established in 1860 and became an integral part of Melbourne’s gas infrastructure.
Gas production ceased in 1927, with the site remaining operational as a construction workshop and as a gas storage point until the 1970s.
Heritage assets
There is a Heritage Overlay on the former Fitzroy Gasworks Valve House, located in the south-west corner of the site.
The Valve House will be retained as a significant heritage element. Options for its re-use were considered as part of the community engagement in October 2019.
The J. H. Porter Iron Store formerly located on the Council depot site is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as being of State significance.
The Heritage Overlay is only applicable for the asset, and not the land it sits on. A heritage permit was issued by Heritage Victoria for Development Victoria to carefully restore and relocate the J. H. Porter Iron Store to Fairfield Park. Restoration and relocation was successfully delivered in 2021.
Current works
Development Victoria is managing the delivery of upgrading underground assets on behalf of Greater Western Water and Citipower.
The Greater Western Water assets are being upgraded as they have reached the end of their lifecycle and the Citipower assets are being relocated prior to any development on the Fitzroy Gasworks site to ensure the works can be delivered without major impacts to the local community and businesses.
The works will be managed by Development Victoria and delivered by Built Environs, Enviropacific and a sub-contractor, Ansina. These works will commence in September 2023 and are expected to be complete by early 2024, subject to change.
Excavation works will need to take place. Some contaminated soil may be disturbed during excavation and this may cause the release of odour which might be smelt by the local community and businesses.
Control measurements will be implemented to minimise the odour and monitoring will take place to ensure no harm to public health. These will include covering of stockpiles and the use of suppressants to minimise any odour.
Control measures will include covering of stockpiles and the use of suppressants to minimise any odour occurring from the works.
- Noise: During work hours, noise levels will remain consistent with current works underway on site. The contractor will do as much as possible to reduce noise impacts, however there may be some occasion where you may become aware of site works.
- Odour: Some odour is expected when carrying out the works due to harmless gases escaping the soil. Some odours may be noticeable during the works, however, these will be monitored to ensure there is no risk to public health, and control measurements will be implemented to minimise the odour.
- Dust: Some dust is expected when carrying out the works. We continue to work closely with our contractor to ensure that proper measures are in place to minimise potential disruptions from dust.
- Working hours: Hours of operation will remain in keeping with Yarra City Council guidelines.
Sports centre
Funding for the Fitzroy Gasworks Sports Centre was announced in the 2021 Victorian State Budget. The Victoria Government has committed $49.5 million to the project and there is a $5 million contribution from Yarra City Council, who will manage the sports centre.
Development Victoria is delivering the project working in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria and Yarra City Council.
Construction works commenced in late 2022 and is being constructed by Built Environs, with major construction expected to generate approximately 150 jobs.
The sports centre is expected to be open for use in mid-2024.
It will comprise four multi-purpose courts, a 1,000-plus square metre gymnasium, café and lounge area, community facilities, change rooms, umpire change rooms, foyer and reception.
The centre will provide much needed new facilities for a range of local sports clubs including the Collingwood Basketball Association who will host games and competitions in the heart of Fitzroy. In detail this includes:
- Four full-size indoor multi-use sports courts for highball sports such as basketball and netball
- A 1,000 squre metre gymnasium
- Physical integration with the school
- Community facilities and multi-purpose spaces for community use
- Team and umpire change rooms
- Tournament Office
- Foyer/Reception
- Management Office
- Café/lounge
The centre is for community use. Its integration with Wurun Senior Campus’ two courts will enable shared use to create a six-court facility outside of school hours.
Yarra City Council will manage the centre on its completion and has also contributed $5 million to the centre.
The new sports centre forms part of the Victorian Government’s vision for the Fitzroy Gasworks Precinct to create a new neighbourhood in the inner north that will eventually be home to around 1,000 families.
Precinct wide
The site is located at 433 Smith Street, North Fitzroy and is bordered by Alexandra Parade to the south, Smith Street to the east, Queens Parade to the north and George Street to the west.
- The Fitzroy Gasworks site offers a unique opportunity to bring together four diverse surrounding suburbs – Fitzroy, Collingwood, Fitzroy North and Clifton Hill.
- Responding to community feedback, a shared vision was created which will deliver an iconic urban village that includes approximately 1200 apartments, including 20% affordable housing, new housing, a senior high school, a sports centre and public open space.
The site is made up of four precincts, The Sports Centre and School precinct, affordable housing (Parcel A) and Parcels B and C comprising of approximately 800 apartments, retail, flexible commercial tenancies, and a hotel. A Registration of Interest (ROI) process in March/April 2022 assessed developer interest for Parcels B and C only.
The Development Plan for Fitzroy Gasworks was approved in September 2022. The approved Development Plan outlines the planning controls, policy objectives and outcomes that will guide the design and construction of the site. This includes approximately 1,200 apartments, 20% of which will be Affordable Housing, approximately 8.7% of the site to be offered as public open space, two bicycle spaces per dwelling, the Valve House retention and enhancement and much more. Read the Development Plan here.
- Fitzroy Gasworks will deliver 20% affordable housing.
- To achieve the delivery of affordable housing, the Development Plan includes an emphasis on building one and two-bedroom apartments, a priority on housing that is affordable to rent in the long-term, wider housing affordability measures that reduce the costs of living and apartments designed for increased adaptability and accessibility.
The Development Plan Overlay sets out a series of height controls. This includes a maximum of 10 storeys across the site, with peripheral interface set-backs ranging from 4 to 6 storeys along Smith Street and Queens Parade.
The Development Plan Overlay required a minimum of 8% public open space and the aim is to deliver approximately 8.7% public open space, with additional private open space to be delivered within private developments, which will be publicly accessible.
The Valve House will be retained and enhanced as a significant heritage element for the site.
One of the benefits of inner-city living is its proximity to public transport options like buses and trams. There will also be a strong focus on walking and cycling connections within the site to encourage active forms of transport.
- Fitzroy Gasworks aims to deliver best practice sustainable design, benefiting future residents and the local community. Sustainability at Fitzroy Gasworks includes a focus on measures that will lead to costs of living benefits such as energy and water conservation, waste management and transport solutions.
- The plans for the site have achieved the internationally recognised 6 Star Green Star Communities rating. Green Star Communities focuses on liveable, healthy places and recognises quality of design, construction and operations for sustainable buildings and fit outs.
Fitzroy Gasworks will be a pedestrian-priority neighbourhood. The new internal road will be a shared street, with slow traffic speeds and will be safe for pedestrians. Fitzroy Gasworks will promote cycling as a preferred transport method for the community, with bicycle parking throughout the site. The planned shared streets – for pedestrians and cyclists – will encourage slower speeds to ensure it is a shared space.
We anticipate almost 170 direct jobs over the next 10 years, with a further 566 jobs created via the supply chain (i.e., sub-contractors and suppliers).
Construction for the broader precinct (Parcel B and C) is expected to commence in 2024, subject to change.
Submit your email details via the registration tab here.
Sports Centre Car Park proposal
- Development Victoria wishes to construct a new car park within the Alexandra Parade median strip between Smith Street and George Street to meet the future parking needs of the Fitzroy Gasworks Sports Centre.
- The car park would help alleviate traffic congestion on local streets and improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists accessing the sports centre.
- A similar car park is currently operated by Yarra City Council close to this location between George Street and Napier Street.
- Approximately 79 new car parking spaces would be provided.
- Information on car parking ticketing or restrictions are yet to be determined.
- Accessible parking spaces for the Fitzroy Gasworks Sports Centre will be available on Gore Street and Queens Parade.
- Due to the recent remediation of the Fitzroy Gasworks Sports Centre site, the delivery of underground car parking was not a practical option.
- We want to minimise traffic impacts and ensure pedestrians and cyclists remain safe. To do this we are proposing a new car park on the Alexandra Parade median strip to try and alleviate visitors to the sports centre parking in surrounding streets.
- The proposed vehicle entry to the car park would be off the westbound carriageway of Alexandra Parade via a newly constructed slip plane. Vehicles can exit onto both the eastbound and westbound carriageway of Alexandra Parade.
- The proposed pedestrian access would be via existing safe footpaths and pedestrian crossings at Smith Street and George Street.
- Yes. Some trees would need to be removed that pose a risk to public safety and are in poor condition. Three trees are required to be removed as part of the carpark development.
- The trees required to be removed are not categorised as significant. A tree is deemed significant if it is individually listed or included in a group of trees within Council's Significant Tree Register.
- The carparking bays will be paved grassed instead of concrete to allow for greater stormwater management and limit impacts to existing trees.
- Potential traffic impacts will be confirmed if the car park proposal is approved. Any impacts will be communicated prior to works commencing.
- Complete a short survey
- Speak with us: Corner Alexandra Parade and George Street, Friday 11 August at 4pm-5pm and Tuesday 15 August at 8am-9am
- Email us: fitzroy.gaswork@development.vic.gov.au
- Leave a message: 1800 560 822.
- The online survey will open on Monday 7 August 2023 and close on Friday 25 August.
- Once feedback is received, reviewed and considered, Development Victoria will generate an evaluation report which will be provided to Yarra City Council for consideration.
- Sign up to the mailing list at development.vic.gov.au/projects/fitzroy-gasworks.
- If approved, Development Victoria will keep the local community informed about the proposal and will ensure construction updates are provided in a timely manner.
Updated on 20 September 2023