Council reaffirms position on former Footscray Hospital site

Published on 20 August 2026

Council welcomed the release of Development Victoria’s Draft Master Plan for the former Footscray Hospital site, describing it as an important step in planning the future of this significant precinct.

The Draft Master Plan provides an opportunity for Council, stakeholders and the broader community to help shape the redevelopment, with key themes including housing, public open space, active transport connections and community-focused outcomes.

Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra said the Draft Master Plan showed encouraging alignment with Council’s aspirations, while more work was needed to deliver the outcomes sought by the community.

“This is a significant site for Footscray, and we welcome the opportunity to contribute to its future. While there is broad alignment with Council’s vision, we will continue to advocate for stronger outcomes for public open space, housing, social infrastructure and connectivity.”

Council’s Footscray Hospital Advocacy Plan 2024 remains our adopted position for the future use and development of the site. The Advocacy Plan provides an evidence-based vision informed by community feedback, strategic planning objectives and local needs.

While the Draft Master Plan broadly aligns with Council’s vision in several key areas, assessment against the Advocacy Plan makes clear that significant improvements are needed in relation to public open space, housing, connectivity and social infrastructure to ensure the redevelopment delivers the strong, long-term community outcomes the community deserves.

Council’s submission identifies opportunities to strengthen the Draft Master Plan and better align it with Council’s adopted vision, ensuring the redevelopment maximises social, economic and environmental benefits for current and future generations.

Council will continue to work collaboratively with Development Victoria, the State Government, key stakeholders and the community through the next stages of planning and design, while strongly advocating for the outcomes identified in its Advocacy Plan.

To view Council’s Footscray Hospital Site Advocacy Plan, visit the Old Footscray Hospital Site webpage.

Maribyrnong News

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