Tuesday, 29 July 2025

 Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (18:44): (1756) My adjournment matter tonight is directed to the Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts. Just a few kilometres from the CBD, the Arden precinct is one of the most ambitious urban renewal projects in the state. Located right in the heart of Melbourne’s growing inner suburbs, Arden is being transformed into a thriving new neighbourhood, one that will deliver thousands of new homes, jobs and public spaces over the coming decades. This is about more than just new buildings. It is about creating an entirely new piece of the city that is planned thoughtfully, sustainably and in partnership with the community.

Arden will be home to a diverse mix of housing, including social and affordable homes, as well as commercial and innovative spaces that support jobs of the future. With a target of 34,000 jobs and 20,000 residents, this is a bold vision that puts climate resilience, transport connectivity and community infrastructure at its core. It is particularly exciting to see health, education and research positioned as key industries in the precinct. The location is already adjacent to the world-renowned Parkville medical precinct, and Arden will expand this reputation, becoming a hub for collaboration, discovery and innovation. New open spaces, tree-lined streets and a new station as part of the Metro Tunnel will help make the precinct accessible and welcoming for everyone, from workers and residents to visitors and students. This is exactly the kind of forward-looking and people-first development that growing cities like Melbourne need. Just as importantly, the proposed new school in the precinct is being designed to serve families from the outset and ensure that the area grows as a place where people can live, learn and work locally.

The action I seek is for the minister to join me on a tour of the Arden precinct. I would welcome the opportunity to walk through the site with the minister and see firsthand the progress being made and the potential that lies ahead. Arden gives us an opportunity to build our neighbourhood from the ground up with the community in mind, and I know the Allan Labor government is committed to ensuring that it becomes a neighbourhood that Melbourne and Melburnians can be proud of.