Marvel Stadium is looking to undertake a multibillion-dollar development on the waterfront side of the stadium, including accommodations, retail and food and beverage developments, and a hotel similar to the one at Adelaide Oval. The AFL is focused on creating a public realm that caters to a diverse range of activities and brings people together for entertainment and socializing. While Taylor Swift’s shows at the MCG made headlines, the recent P!nk concerts at Marvel Stadium showed the potential for the space. Government funding may be required for a development of this scale, as the AFL has entered into a joint venture partnership with the Allan government to explore redevelopment opportunities at two Docklands sites.
The joint venture has raised some questions, with concerns being expressed by Hatem Saleh, CEO of the Atlantic Group, which operated hospitality venues at Docklands Central Pier before a legal dispute led to a settlement with the government. However, the AFL is not the only organization interested in Docklands. Moon Dog, a popular brewery, is constructing a new venue adjacent to Marvel Stadium called Doglands. The venue features unique elements such as palm trees, a volcano, and a hidden karaoke room, aiming to create a distinctive experience for visitors. Despite recent closures of various hospitality venues in Docklands, Moon Dog remains optimistic about the potential of the area, citing its success with Moon Dog World in Preston.
Doglands will offer a 120-seat restaurant and bar open seven days a week, along with a 1800-square-meter function space for Marvel Stadium games and events, as well as private functions. Moon Dog co-founder Josh Uljan believes that creating a destination venue in Docklands will attract visitors and contribute to the area’s revitalization. Lord Mayor Sally Capp emphasizes the importance of activating vacant shopfronts in Docklands through hospitality offerings. She points to the success of cafes and shops around the Docklands library, including longstanding cafe Saluministi, as positive examples of activating the precinct.
Peter Mastro, owner of Saluministi, describes his cafe as a beacon in the area due to its consistent presence and strong community connections. Despite the challenges stemming from low foot traffic in Docklands, Saluministi has persevered through difficult times and is now thriving. Mastro believes in the potential of Docklands and is expanding to open a new Saluministi shop in Collins Quarter. Both Moon Dog and Saluministi exemplify the resilience and commitment of businesses in Docklands, as they work to contribute to the area’s growth and transformation. Lord Mayor Capp acknowledges that while progress has been made in activating the precinct, more cafes and retail options are needed to attract visitors and residents to Docklands on a daily basis.
