Jam Factory redevelopment one step closer after planning win

The Jam Factory – once a buzzing playground, now a veritable ghost town – is getting closer to a glow up after the City of Stonnington approved amendments to the original planning application.

Designed by Bates Smart, the 2ha precinct will soon encompass new retail, entertainment, housing and a 5-star hotel. Village Cinemas, which is the only tenant still trading on the site, will remain.

The amendments to the original plan, which was granted a permit in 2018, include increases in building height and apartment number (from 400 to 448). The hotel also won under the amendment, with function rooms, bars and a conference centre all added to the new design.

The Jam Factory is owned by Gurner, Newmark Capital and Qualitas. Its redevelopment will cost $500 million, with an estimated end value of $1.5 billion.

News of the planning approval was welcomed by councillors and local traders, who hope that the redevelopment will (finally) breathe new life into Chapel Street.

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