Plans approved to almost double the number of apartments on the iconic Jam Factory site

The City of Stonnington has approved a developer’s plan to double the number of apartments at the Chapel St site as part of a multibillion-dollar redevelopment.

An artist’s impression of the multibillion-dollar Jam Factory redevelopment.

Hundreds more high-end apartments will be delivered as part of the multibillion-dollar Jam Factory redevelopment.

The new plans, approved by the City of Stonnington at its meeting on Monday night, increased the overall number of apartments on the site to 886, up from 448.

The changes, approved by the council, also include demolishing and rebuilding the cinema, redesigning the Town Square and increasing the height of two buildings.

The overall number of apartments will be increased from 448 to 886.

Other approved changes include creating more vibrant laneways, better preserving the heritage chimney and slightly reducing the setbacks of two buildings.

The Jam Factory site is being transformed through a $3.75bn redevelopment by Melbourne developer Tim Gurner and the latest approved plans relate to Stage 3 of the redevelopment.

Mayor Melina Sehr said the project was a huge opportunity for Chapel Street.

“The Jam Factory is part of Chapel Street’s story, and this redevelopment will ensure it plays a leading role in its future,” she said.

“We’re delivering housing, hospitality, jobs and public space all in one landmark project. And, importantly, we’re doing it while preserving what makes this site iconic, the red brick facade and the historic chimney that locals love.”

“This is a bold, beautiful redevelopment that will bring new life to Chapel Street and secure its future as a vibrant, thriving destination.”

A council report into the proposed changes found the increased number of apartments had a “good range” between one, two and three-bedroom options, with floor area ranging from 47 to 676 square metres.

“The mix of apartment types provides good dwelling diversity and will appeal to a range of occupants,” the report stated.

The council report states that demolishing the cinema building, which was built in the 1990s, will allow a better facility and more space for apartments above it.

However, after the council unanimously approved the changes to the Jam Factory development, a member of the public gallery called out “dodgy”.

“You can’t just ignore me, I live there,” he said.

The meeting was temporarily paused shortly after the outburst and resumed a few minutes later.

The revitalised Jam Factory development will deliver:

• Over 880 new apartments

• A six-star hotel

• A new Cinemas complex

• More than 9000sqm of retail space and nearly 8000sqm of offices

• A redesigned Town Square

• Safer, more vibrant pedestrian laneways

• Preservation of the heritage chimney