AFL backs plans for twin towers next to Marvel Stadium

Developers say their plans to build twin towers next to Marvel Stadium would “improve Docklands as a destination.”

An artist's impression of the new towers developers want to build next to Marvel Stadium.

A prime parcel of land handballed by the AFL at the height of Victoria’s coronavirus lockdown is set to be transformed into twin towers next to Marvel Stadium.

A $230 million plan for two high rise residential buildings and a large multi-function space for the AFL is being considered by the state government.

The towers — up to 100m high — would house 676 “built-to-rent’’ apartments.

A BBQ pavilion, 25m pool, yoga and sun deck, games room and outdoor terrace would be built in a three level podium.

The podium would also house shops, cafes, a pet centre, treatment rooms, cinema and the multi-function rooms opening up to Marvel Stadium.

In its pitch to government, land owner GFM investment Management Limited said the “multi-function space to be used by the AFL and other parties’’ would “improve Docklands as a destination.”

The towers — up to 100m high — would house 676 “built-to-rent’’ apartments.

“In delivering this project in partnership with the AFL, the multi-function space was a key deliverable for future function space desirable for the Docklands precinct with such close proximity to the Marvel Stadium,’’ it said.

“The large, three-storey void function space will be a significant space for future functions of the AFL.”

The AFL offloaded the La Trobe St site to a developer for an estimated $60 million in June when the league was forced to seek financial aid as COVID-19 temporarily shut down the season.

Now it is eyeing 1718 sqm of “multifunction’’ space on the ground floor of the 4411 sqm site and another 493 sqm for “AFL Services’’.

An AFL source said the league leveraged an “option’’ with the developer but had not yet signed as a tenant

The land, next to the AFL-owned Marvel Stadium concourse and facing gate seven of the venue, is considered a key part of Docklands redevelopment plans.

The development would feature electric car charging stations, a gym, group fitness room, steam and sauna.

The podium would also house shops, cafes, a pet centre, treatment rooms, cinema and the multi-function rooms opening up to Marvel Stadium..

Before COVID-19 struck, the AFL intended to buy the La Trobe St land and add green space to the Marvel Stadium revamp it is bankrolling with $225 million state government support.

Instead, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan — who penned a letter of support for the developer’s plan — oversaw the onselling of the land.

The application, to be decided by Planning Minister Richard Wynne, said “the AFL’’ was a “key” part of the project.

“The partnership has resulted in early stages of design consultation to provide the best outcome for the site, particularly at ground floor and the lower levels,’’ it said.

“In delivering this project in partnership with the AFL, a new multi-function space was a key

deliverable for a future high-ceilinged multipurpose space with direct access to Marvel Stadium.’'

The development would “immediately activate the northern gateway to the Stadium’’ through increased amenity and landscaping.

GFM Investment Management Limited is Australia’s largest investor in the build-to-rent sector.

It said more than 1000 jobs could be created and construction could start as soon as approved.

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