$3.75B Jam Factory plans to move ahead in Melbourne

Inside one of Australia’s biggest commercial and residential builds

Melbourne’s iconic Jam Factory in South Yarra is moving into its final transformation stage. The $3.75 billion project, led by GURNER™ Group and Qualitas, will bring new life to the area with luxury homes, shops, restaurants, and an upgraded Village Cinemas – all linked by public spaces and sustainable design.

Luxury Living, Flagship Retail & Cinemas Reborn

The Jam Factory will offer a full lifestyle experience:

• Residences: Around 800 ultra-premium apartments across five sculptural towers
• Retail & Hospitality: Approximately 20,000 m² of curated high-end retail and dining, including the pedestrian-friendly “Lovers Walk” laneway
• Village Cinemas: A flagship cinema by Village Roadshow, with Gold Class and event-ready auditoriums
• Commercial Offices: Modern office spaces situated near the retail and leisure zones
• Hotels: Two luxury hotel brands will be included, adding vibrancy and accommodation choices

Reimagining a Cultural Icon: Why the Jam Factory Still Matters

Built in 1858, the Jam Factory has a rich industrial and retail history. Today, it’s being reshaped into a modern, world-class destination. Old box-style buildings will be replaced by fluted towers that rise from Chapel Street’s restored heritage facade. This large-scale renewal is one of Australia’s biggest urban upgrades.

Designed for Experience: Blending Heritage with Human-Centred Spaces

The design replaces plain towers with fluted forms that blend with the site’s heritage elements. Garden Street and other laneways will be revived to boost walkability. Features like the original chimney will become public landmarks. Outdoor areas will offer sunlight, greenery, and places for people to gather and relax.

Sustainability in Every Corner

While no green-star rating has been specified yet, the project includes key eco-friendly features. Building setbacks will be increased, allowing 10% more direct sunlight in public zones. Many existing heritage materials will be reused to reduce environmental impact.

How Visibuild Keeps a Project of This Scale on Track

Visibuild’s digital quality assurance platform keeps construction efficient and accountable. It allows teams to track defects, store documents, and manage handovers with ease. Whether it’s restoring historic buildings or constructing new towers, Visibuild helps reduce rework and secure long-term build quality.

Key Milestones Shaping the Precinct’s Future

• December 2024:Demolition of non-heritage structures begins (Mann Group)
• May 2025:Final-stage plans officially lodged
• Mid to Late 2025:Construction expected to begin
• From 2027: Cinemas, apartments, shops, hotels, and public spaces will open in stages

How This Project Reflects a Global Shift in Construction

The Jam Factory follows a global trend of mixed-use spaces that blend culture, retail, and modern living. It mirrors districts like New York’s Meatpacking District and Greenwich Village. With platforms like Visibuild, the project shows how digital tools are reshaping construction – making it smarter and more efficient.

What’s Next: The Jam Factory’s Role in the Future of Urban Living

When complete, the Jam Factory will help re-establish Chapel Street and South Yarra as cultural and lifestyle leaders. With renewed facades, green walkways, and premium experiences, it will become a model for modern urban renewal. The project signals strong confidence in high-quality design and future-focused development.

Want to See the Future of Construction?

Ready to improve your next project with Visibuild? Request a demo and discover how real-time digital quality control can simplify even the most complex, heritage-rich builds.