The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) coordinates planning and delivery activities across priority precincts identified in Plan for Victoria as places where significant growth is being planned to deliver new jobs and homes.
Located approximately five kilometres west of Melbourne's Central Business District, Footscray is host to major health and education institutions, highly valued local businesses and arts and cultural destinations, and the busiest train station outside of the CBD.
Footscray was identified as a priority precinct in recognition of its role as a gateway to Melbourne's west and its concentration of services, employment and community infrastructure. DTP is working with key stakeholders to identify partnership, investment and transport connectivity opportunities across the precinct in line with the State Government’s vision for Footscray as “the heart of creativity and enterprise in Melbourne’s West”.
Health and Education
Healthcare, education and training play an important role in Footscray's economy and community. The precinct is home to Western Health and Victoria University as well as three schools and an early learning centre within the Footscray Learning Precinct.
New Footscray Hospital
The New Footscray Hospital opened in February 2026. The project represents an investment of more than $1.5 billion and includes expanded emergency, surgical, mental health and specialist services. The hospital is connected by a footbridge to Victoria University’s Footscray Park campus, strengthening links between healthcare, education, training and research.
Old Footscray Hospital Site
The relocation of services to the new hospital has created a significant opportunity to consider future uses for the old Footscray Hospital site. Development Victoria are leading building demolition, planning and community engagement activities to inform future opportunities for the site.
Victoria University
Victoria University's Footscray Park and Nicholson campuses support higher education, research and local workforce development. Partnerships with sporting, community and healthcare organisations across Footscray create new opportunities for collaboration and learning.
Housing and Growth
Footscray continues to accommodate residential, commercial and mixed-use development within a well-connected activity centre. Its inner-city location and access to transport supports bespoke urban renewal opportunities.
Footscray Station Precinct
The area surrounding Footscray Station contains a growing mix of residential, commercial and community uses. Its role as a major metropolitan and regional transport interchange continues to support commuter movements and investment and redevelopment activity.
Arts, Culture and Community
Footscray's cultural institutions, businesses and community organisations contribute to its role as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors.
Whitten Oval
A $46.3 million State Government contribution supported the redevelopment of Whitten Oval, completed in 2024. The project delivered a new indoor training field, advanced performance centre, upgraded spectator facilities and community spaces, reinforcing Whitten Oval's role as a sporting and community destination.
Image: Misson Whitten Oval, 417 Barkly Street, Footscray. Source: Department of Transport and Planning.
Footscray Community Arts Centre
The Footscray Community Arts Centre is a major cultural destination supporting contemporary arts, performances and community programs in Melbourne's west. Recent investment has supported ongoing improvements to the facility and surrounding precinct.
Footscray Market
Footscray Market is one of Melbourne's largest metropolitan markets and an important destination for fresh food retail, local businesses and multicultural commerce.
Footscray Park and Maribyrnong River Corridor
Footscray Park and the Maribyrnong River corridor provide significant open space, recreation opportunities and active transport connections across the precinct.
Image: Footscray Park along Maribyrnong Boulevard. Source: Department of Transport and Planning.
Transport and Connectivity
Footscray is one of Melbourne's most connected activity centres and provides access between Melbourne's CBD and the western region.
The precinct is served by metropolitan and regional rail services, bus routes, road connections and active transport networks. Planned transport projects, including Melbourne Airport Rail, would further strengthen Footscray's role as a transport hub for Melbourne's west.
Metro Tunnel
The Metro Tunnel opened in November 2025 and provides direct connections to Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac stations, improving access between Footscray and major education, health and employment destinations across Melbourne.
Melbourne Airport Rail
Stage 1 of Melbourne Airport Rail is underway between West Footscray and Albion. The project includes upgrades to Sunshine Station and surrounding rail infrastructure and forms part of future rail connections to Melbourne Airport.
More information
The Victorian Government is continuing to work with stakeholders to realise the vision for Footscray.
For more information or enquiries please contact: precincts@transport.vic.gov.au
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