Future Victoria: How AFL’s vision for Marvel Stadium could boost Docklands

The AFL has revealed grand plans to open Marvel Stadium to the water, making it the centre of a boosted Docklands precinct for tourists, residents and workers. See how it would look.

If the AFL and Melbourne City Council have their way, Marvel Stadium will be at the centre of a Docklands revamp.

Marvel Stadium is set to be opened up to the water and land around the Melbourne Observation Wheel and Central Pier revamped to make Docklands more attractive to tourists, residents and workers.

If the AFL and city council have their way, a new waterside hotel, function centres, restaurants, cafes and bars would be built in the area.

The AFL has detailed long-term plans to make its Docklands stadium the centre of a precinct packed with potential but gripped by long-term growing pains.

While current Marvel Stadium upgrades focused on amenity upgrades on the east and south of the stadium, including rooftop bars and function rooms, AFL executive Kylie Rogers said it was only the start of plans to make it a seven-day venue.

The AFL has detailed long-term plans to make its Docklands stadium the centre of a revamped Docklands precinct. Picture: Aaron Francis

“The final piece of the puzzle, of course, is north and west,’’ she said.

“What are we doing with Harbour Esplanade?

“How do we make sure that the city meets the water?

“What are we doing from a community perspective?

“We have some preliminary plans that we’re are working through the government at the moment so we are a fair way off actually finalising those and then getting a funding program to ensure we can kick those off.’’

While the stadium had previously been “closed off and inwardly focused’’, she said the league was now trying to open it out so the community could enjoy the facility and water’s edge.

If approved, she said big ticket changes would benefit the precinct, not just the stadium.

The Melbourne Star observation wheel may be brought back to life. Picture: Ian Currie

“That’s 1500-person function rooms, that’s foods courts, residential – that’s potentially a hotel,’’ she said.

“There is a lot there we are considering but we are not close to finalising those plans.

“That closes the grand vision of city meets the water.’’

The derelict Melbourne Star observation wheel – closed in September 2021 – and Central Pier – shut by Development Victoria in early 2020 due to safety concerns – could also be brought back to life for future generations to enjoy thanks to their unique proximity to the city, water and public transport.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said a redeveloped Central Pier would “become a focal point for Melbourne’’.

Docklands derelict Central Pier may also be brought back to life. Picture: Ian Currie

“A hub for hospitality, entertainment and retail with the potential to create 3,800 jobs

and generate more than $770m for the local economy,’’ she said.

“We’ll continue to work with the state government and a range of other stakeholders to support this significant precinct-shaping project as it comes to life.”

She said the council would “love to see the Melbourne Observation Wheel back in action, establishing Docklands as an entertainment hub for visitors and families – with shopping,

cinemas, bowling lanes, an ice-skating rink and a brewery all just a short stroll away.”

She said the stadium, wheel and pier revamps could change the face of the city.

“The future of Docklands is bright, and we’re excited for its growth as more people choose to live, work and play in this stunning waterfront neighbourhood,’’ she said.