Holden Lists 93-Acre Port Melbourne Site For Sale
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While Holden continues its efforts to improve its standing with Australian consumers, it becomes harder to hide big pieces of news like this. Because this piece of news stretches 93 acres.
Car Advice noticed Holden has now officially listed its 93-acre Port Melbourne site in an expression of interest program. Holden has occupied the site since 1936 when it opened a new manufacturing facility and headquarters in the area.
The sale is one of the biggest pieces of news to come through since Holden officially announced local manufacturing would cease in 2017.
The Australian government forecasts the site to be redeveloped and zoned to become home to 40,000 unspecified jobs, and 80,000 residences by 2050. It’s expected part of the deal, whenever one is reached with a buyer, will include a clause to allow Holden to re-lease portions of the land as the brand strengthens its import-only stature.
The publication reached out to Holden, with Kate Lonsdale, Holden Senior Manager of External Communications, providing the following statement:
As part of an ongoing review of our national sites and operations, Holden has initiated an Expression of Interest program for certain unused plots of land on the Fishermans Bend site.
No decisions have yet been taken and we are evaluating all available options. This Expression of Interest program will have no impact to Holden’s ongoing manufacturing operations or corporate headquarters on the site.
The end of an era has truly begun.
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Holden sold off the original GMH Headquarters (where the first Holdens were manufactured) a few years back. Given the historic nature of those 1936 (?) buildings and the ease at which they walked away from them the latest sell off will mean nothing to them other than cash. There won’t be too many tears shed at Holden.
I realize that one can build high density cottages; but 80,000 residences on 93 acres? Perhaps 80,000 residents in high rise housing.
Let’s hope the new owners get the same satisfaction as the thousands of skilled workers got from attending this place every day for the last 60 years. At least we have the knowledge that we built something iconic that will always be remembered by true Australians. It was a huge privilege to be part of that history and unlike the buildings, the spirit of Holden can never be demolished.