Construction begins on Melbourne's Jam Factory redevelopment

Accommodation Singapore introduces

Construction has now begun on the $2.75 billion redevelopment of Melbourne's Jam Factory precinct in South Yarra, which is set to be transformed into a mixed-use hub.

First constructed in 1858, the Jam Factory was introduced as a brewery, then later became a preserve and jam manufacturer, before eventually evolving to become a retail and cinema precinct in the 1990s.

The precinct will now once again be redeveloped to accommodate 600 residences across five towers, 10,000 square metres of commercial office spaces, 20,000 square metres of retail and hospitality offerings, a new cinema complex, a 5-star hotel and a second boutique hotel. Additionally, a 2,500-square-metre north-facing public piazza called Village Square will be established.

Developer of the project, Gurner Group appointed American-born international architectural practice Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) alongside local architects Buchan to design the precinct, in conjunction with Gurner's in-house architect and interior design business Gurner Design House. Townshend Landscape Architects has been engaged to design the gardens and landscaping.

The project has undergone several design iterations since planning approval was first granted by Stonnington Council to the original property owner Newmark Capital in 2018. Changes and additions to the development team and various design amendments resulted in several proposals being resubmitted to the council, including one in 2021 by Bates Smart, Townshend Landscape Architects and Leonard Design Architects, which featured four residential towers, a hotel, and commercial, retail and entertainment spaces.

After Gurner fully acquired the site in early 2024, the new design team comprising SOM, Buchan and Townshend were awarded the project that is currently under construction.

Gurner's general manager of design Alexander Fin explained that the design features a variety of built forms to create visual interest. "The intent has been to design buildings that combine functionality with aesthetic expression, creating a visually captivating and architecturally diverse urban environment," he said, adding that the architecture "takes inspiration from both the timelessness of New York's most iconic residential and hotel buildings, and the modern buildings that make up its skyline."

Initial demolition efforts to remove all non-heritage elements have commenced across the 20,000-square-metre site. This phase of demolition involves removing the current Village Cinema complex while ensuring the iconic facade of the building is preserved. Village Cinemas will be reinstated into the precinct.