The Victorian Government has purchased the General Motors Holden (GMH) site at Fishermans Bend in a move that signals its intention to capitalise on advanced manufacturing across multiple sectors, including defence. 

The deal worth $130 million will see the car manufacturing plant transformed into a leading design and engineering precinct.

The 37.7 hectare site, home of Holden for more than 80 years, is located five kilometres from the Melbourne CBD.

"We will bring together industry leaders in the cutting edge areas of aerospace, defence, marine design, automotive design, and more."

"We will bring together industry leaders in the cutting edge areas of aerospace, defence, marine design, automotive design, and more," the Victorian Government release stated.

The Government is in advanced talks with Holden about their future plans to remain on the site, as well as major global companies and leading education partners for the new development.

“We have a clear vision for this historic site and the future of Fishermans Bend, which builds on our strengths in defence, education and advanced manufacturing,” Victorian Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan said.

“This was a once in a generation opportunity to secure a site of this size and proximity to the CBD – we didn’t want to see it wasted.”

The Government claims the site will be the centrepiece of the Fishermans Bend Employment Precinct, supporting 80,000 residents and 60,000 jobs by 2050.