Revised plans filed for final stage of Melbourne's Jam Factory redevelopment

Updated plans for the third and final stage of the Melbourne Jam Factory precinct redevelopment have been lodged.

Built in 1858, the Jam Factory was first established as a brewery, later becoming a factory for producing preserves and jams, before eventually evolving to become a retail and cinema precinct in the 1990s. Now, the factory site is set to be transformed once again into a mixed-use hub with retail, residential, accommodation and hospitality offerings.

American-born international architectural practice Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) alongside local architects Buchan were engaged to design the precinct, in conjunction with Gurner's in-house architect and interior design business Gurner Design House. Townshend Landscape Architects was appointed to design the landscape.

According to a communique, the latest proposal substitutes the previously approved box-style commercial tower fronting Chapel Street with "sculptural fluted towers." Additionally, the allocation of 600 residences has increased to 800 dwellings. As a result of these changes, the estimated cost of the project has increased to $3.75 billion, up from the earlier estimate of $2.75 billion.

The precinct will additionally accommodate 20,000 squares metres of retail, commercial and hospitality spaces; a reimagined Village Cinemas; two hotels; a 1,600-square-metre, north-facing public piazza; and a through-site link that leads visitors past retail and dining offerings.

The heritage facade along Chapel Street will be restored and the heritage chimney will be reconstructed as part of the project.

Construction has already commenced on the project, with demolition works underway. Once complete, the total area of the Jam Factory precinct will match the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), covering an area of 20,000 square metres.