- Published:
- Thursday 22 October 2026
Victorian families deserve more homes and schools close to jobs, transport and the city.
More than 10,000 people will call Arden Central home, with the precinct set to deliver more homes and a new secondary school thanks to the Carroll Labor Government.
A developer has been appointed to deliver more than 5,400 homes – an increase of over 50 per cent above its original target of 3,500 - right next to the newly opened Arden Station along the Metro Tunnel line.
Land has now also been secured to build a new secondary school - which will be the first Government secondary school built in the City of Melbourne since University High School was founded in 1910.
Hamton and Hostplus will deliver Arden Central on 12 hectares of land, just 1.5 kilometres from the CBD.
Homes, jobs, open space, education and entertainment will all be within walking distance.
Housing will cater to first home buyers, families, key workers and students, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable housing.
Arden will be an anchor site for our First Home Buyers scheme with over 4,000 homes designated for Victorians looking to purchase their first home.
Live Nation will deliver and operate a 5,000-capacity live music venue, establishing the precinct as a major entertainment hub.
Melbourne Victory will establish its new Arden Campus, including a Women’s Academy and youth female pathway program.
The precinct will also feature retail, food and beverage, and 5.5 hectares of open space.
Arden Central will support around 3,800 construction jobs and create more than 1,100 jobs across the precinct. Works are expected to begin in 2027, with around 1,700 homes completed by 2033.
Having good public schools closer to home is something every Victorian deserves.
We have now secured the two lots next to Arden Station on Arden Street to build a new public secondary school. The vertical school will help meet growing inner-city enrolment demand, including from the Arden Precinct.
Land has also been identified for a future public primary school in the precinct.
We have invested $20.1 billion in school infrastructure, building 121 new schools and delivering more than 2,400 upgrades at more than 1,250 public schools.
You can’t deliver new schools and new homes with Jess Wilson’s Liberal-One Nation Coalition’s $40 billion of cuts.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Building Housing and Precincts Nick Staikos
“We’re delivering more homes than what was originally committed so more first home buyers, families, key workers and students can live in a well-connected neighbourhood close to the CBD, jobs, education, the arts and services.
"Arden Central will be a precinct designed for the community and the visitors it will attract, with green space, sport and recreation, retail and live entertainment all on the doorstep, and a new Metro station connecting it to the rest of Melbourne.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Gabrielle Williams
“We have the largest school building program in the country and have built 121 new schools – but we’re not stopping there.”
“We are laying the groundwork for new schools where they are needed, including in Arden.
Quote attributable to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
"Labor is delivering more homes, more jobs and more opportunities so families can choose where they want to live."
Quote attributable to Paul Hameister Executive Chairman Hamton
“Without the Victorian Government’s investment in Arden Station, an opportunity of this scale and significance simply would not have been possible.”
Quote attributable to David Elia CEO Hostplus
"Arden Central highlights the powerful role institutional capital can play in unlocking major developments that have the potential to generate strong member outcomes while also contributing to thriving communities and economic growth.”