Footscray’s Forgotten Future

In Melbourne’s west, where the Maribyrnong River flows into the Yarra, lies a suburb with a tangled legacy of neglect. Footscray, once a thriving hub of industry and commerce, has become synonymous with urban blight. Despite significant investment in infrastructure, housing prices remain stubbornly low, and vacant shopfronts dot the streetscape.

Phil Gaby’s Nan’s Bakehouse is an anomaly in this landscape. Evicted twice, the business has persevered thanks to a loyal community that believes in its mission. Gaby himself wouldn’t trade Footscray for anywhere else – a testament to the suburb’s potential, if not its current reality.

The issue of land banking is a major contributor to Footscray’s stagnation. Owners are holding onto properties rather than developing them due to high construction costs, elevated taxes and charges, and expensive finance. This problem affects not just Footscray but Melbourne as a whole. New apartments in Footscray average $100,000 less than the city’s median apartment price – making it difficult for developers to justify building.

In 2022-23, central Footscray saw a 1297 percent increase in approved dwellings compared to the previous year. However, this surge has done little to boost prices or stimulate development. Instead, it’s created a cycle of stagnation where developers hold onto sites, waiting for feasibility to improve – which may never come.

The state government has committed to revitalize Footscray through a six-step plan that includes improving streetscapes, demolishing derelict buildings, and offering incentives for developers to build in the area. However, Maribyrnong City Council’s Mayor Mohamed Semra notes that this will require more than just government intervention – it’ll need collaboration with landowners, businesses, and community organizations.

The Victorian government points to its investment in infrastructure but acknowledges that this alone won’t be enough to unlock Footscray’s growth. The area needs a comprehensive plan that addresses the root causes of its stagnation: high construction costs, poor planning, and a lack of coordination between state and local governments.

As the Property Council warns, a “business-as-usual” approach will only perpetuate the status quo – and undermine the feasibility of new projects. Footscray deserves better than this; it needs a bold vision for its future that prioritizes community engagement, economic development, and sustainability.

Phil Gaby’s Nan’s Bakehouse may be an anomaly, but it’s also a testament to the power of community and determination. As the state government and local authorities work together to revitalize Footscray, they’d do well to remember this – and strive for a future that’s not just feasible, but vibrant, inclusive, and full of life.

The question remains: what will it take to bring Footscray back from the brink? Will it require radical change, or simply a willingness to adapt and innovate? One thing is certain: the suburb’s forgotten future can no longer be ignored.