In Kensington, the Younghusband development is transforming historic redbrick wool store buildings into Melbourne's largest net-zero-carbon precinct. The Macaulay Structure Plan Refresh is revitalising 90-hectares of Kensington and North Melbourne into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. On Stubbs Street, the 477-apartment Local Kensington Build to Rent (BTR) project offers innovative rental experiences and on-site concierge services. The completion of the Palace Cinemas development on Puckle Street has injected new life into the Moonee Ponds precinct. This twelve-screen cinema complex is part of a larger retail, hospitality, accommodation and leisure development.
Meanwhile, a master plan to turn a 30-hectare pocket of land next to Essendon Airport into a commercial, residential and recreational hub is also under consideration.
Community and sporting facilities are also receiving major upgrades. The Djerring Flemington Hub, which opened in September after nearly two years of construction, offers a wealth of resources for residents. This includes dedicated creative spaces, meeting rooms, a rooftop garden, a community hall and a café. The Hub is poised to become a centre for connection, creativity and learning. The $58 million redevelopment at the Kensington Community Recreation Centre is on track for completion next year, featuring a 25-metre swimming pool, water play area, health and wellness spaces, a café and three multisport courts. Looking further ahead, Clifton Park in Aberfeldie is in line for major development over the next 15 years, with staged works to include a new pavilion, play spaces, park furniture and landscaping.
Schools across the area are being comprehensively upgraded, ensuring access to exceptional facilities for a well-rounded education. Kensington Primary School continues its transformation with the modernisation of its historic Block A.
This project includes new classrooms and a reception and administration area for staff. Mount Alexander College in Flemington will benefit from a $26.3 million refurbishment. The centrepiece will be a stunning five-storey learning hub with an amphitheatre and a central square. Early childhood centres across the area are being comprehensively improved and expanded to accommodate expanded services, including Kensington Community Children’s Co-Operative Limited and St Mary’s Early Learning Centre.
This surge in infrastructure investment promises to reshape the landscape and re-energise the region. From game-changing transport improvements to world-class sporting facilities and enhanced schools, Kensington and Moonee Valley are poised for a bright future as a thriving inner-city location.
