After a five-year wait, upgrades at the Jam Factory site are finally moving forward. This $500 million project will include a five-star hotel, retail and entertainment spaces, and 448 apartments across several buildings. Planning permission for a build-to-rent project at 671 Chapel Street has also been approved, with the 22-storey tower to offer 130 apartments, office and retail space. Meanwhile, Prahran Market is getting a well-deserved makeover with a multi-year restoration project set to breathe new life into this landmark, ensuring it remains a vibrant shopping destination for years to come.
The region is raising its game for residents who love to stay active. Following a brief pause in construction, the $65 million redevelopment of Kew Recreation Centre is back on track. This project promises to be a game-changer for sports and wellness enthusiasts, with a dedicated learn-to-swim pool, a warm water pool and an aqua play area for all ages, alongside modern indoor sports courts and allied health suites. Completion is expected in early 2026. Glenferrie Oval precinct works are progressing, with the Ferguson Stand now demolished to make way for enhanced open space. The Michael Tuck Stand will be fully restored, with improvements to kick off in late 2025.
The new dive pool at Harold Holt Swim Centre in Glen Iris is proving a hit with the centre’s 500,000 annual visitors, and there are plans for an upgraded gym and further improvements to the 50-metre outdoor pool. In Malvern East, the Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park, a brand-new $50 million sports complex featuring four indoor basketball and netball courts and improved club facilities, opened last year. A $4 million upgrade at the Canterbury Sports Ground pavilion will begin later this year, while new pavilions are also on the horizon for Ferndale Park in Glen Iris
and Willsmere Park in Kew East. Additionally, Victoria Road Reserve will benefit from a $1.7 million upgrade to its sports facilities, including a revamped oval. The $11 million Canterbury Community Precinct development will breathe new life into Canterbury Gardens and create a thriving community centrepiece.
The stunning new main building and beautifully restored former Canterbury Bowls Pavilion on Kendall Street opened last year, with construction now focused on revitalising the former Canterbury Maternal and Child Health Centre and Public Library buildings.
Schools across Boroondara and Stonnington are experiencing a wave of upgrades, ensuring access to exceptional facilities for a balanced education. Ruyton Girls’ School will open a new $34 million theatre and library precinct this year. St Kevin's College boasts a new music
centre and foyer, while Lauriston Girls’ School is in the middle of its 10-year makeover which includes an early learning centre, music and performing arts spaces. Other recent investments include a $9.7 million upgrade at Belmore School, a $5.7 million modernisation at Hawthorn
West Primary School next year, new play spaces at Renown Kindergarten and Armadale Primary School, and increased kindergarten spaces across the region.
Upgraded playgrounds have also been unveiled at Grovedale Park and Mary MacKillop Reserve, in Surrey Hills. Kew youngsters can look forward to their turn later this year, with brand new equipment planned for Hays Paddock and JJ McMahon Memorial Kindergarten.
A green transformation is underway across Stonnington, with temporary parks taking shape at Dixon and Basil Streets in Malvern. Brookville Gardens and Fairbairn Reserve in Toorak are receiving a multi-stage makeover featuring new paths, seating, lighting and gardens. Prahran residents will welcome two ‘pint-sized’ parks on Bangs and Mount Streets – the first step towards a network of green connectors in the area –and a new park in Izett Street, which is set to open later this year.
This major investment in transport infrastructure, world-class sporting facilities and excellent education facilities continues to attract discerning buyers and fuel market performance across Boroondara and Stonnington.
