Hamton and Hostplus have been appointed to develop Arden Central, a $7bn transformation that will create a new cultural and parkland neighbourhood just 1.5km from Melbourne’s CBD.

Gadens advised the Hamton and Hostplus partnership throughout the bid and negotiation process, bringing together expertise from across the firm to advise on the complex legal, commercial, tax and financing aspects of the project.

Following a competitive tender process overseen by Development Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government, the project will deliver more than 5,400 homes for more than 10,000 residents, together with 5.5 hectares of open space and major retail, hospitality, sporting, entertainment and education facilities.

Gadens Chairman Jeremy Smith said:

“The scale and complexity of the project required dynamic, commercially focused advice through an intensive negotiation. Our team worked alongside Hamton and Hostplus as trusted advisers, bringing together expertise from across Gadens to navigate the legal, commercial, tax and financing challenges and help achieve this outcome. This is an outstanding result for our clients and a significant milestone for a project that will help shape the future of Melbourne.”

Stage One is expected to be delivered by 2033 and will target approximately 1,700 homes, alongside green open space and new retail, hospitality, sporting, entertainment and education facilities. More than 45% of the completed site will be dedicated to parks, living landscapes and gardens, with the full Arden Central vision to be delivered progressively over 25 years.