Chapel Street’s Jam Factory Is Officially Closed But We’re Hanging Out For Its $2.75B Redevelopment

We all have memories of traversing the empty foyer of South Yarra's Jam Factory to head to the cinema, but no more.

The iconic precinct has officially closed to make way for a $2.75 billion redevelopment which will see it become a massive shopping and dining hub that will land somewhere between Collins Street in the CBD, and Chadstone Shopping Centre—bougie.

While the existing VIllage Cinema complex is gone, but they’ll be keeping the building’s iconic facade and putting up 600 ultra-luxury residents over five towers, a 10,000m2 commercial private office complex and 20,000m2 of luxury retail and hospitality tenancies, as well as a world-class Village Cinema and Gold Class complex, a five-star hotel (yet to be named) and a boutique lifestyle hotel.

The icing on the cake though? A 2500m2 north-facing public piazza, called Village Square, which is set to reinvigorate Chapel Street. 

The redevelopment of the precinct in part is being handled by the Gurner Group, which is responsible for the super-exclusive gyms Saint Haven and SAINT, and Qualitas. 

“Our vision for the Jam Factory is to create a renewed world class cultural icon, and a destination for all of Melbourne that brings people together for dining, entertainment, culture and experiences,” Gurner Group founder and chairman Tim Gurner says.

First constructed in 1858, the Jam Factory dates back more than 160 years. It was originally a brewery, then became a preserving and jam manufacturer and then later the iconic retail and cinema precinct we know today that anchored Chapel Street through its peak in the 90s and 00s.

Need somewhere new to catch a flick? Head over here for the Moonlight Cinema and Docklands Mov'in Beach Bed outdoor cinema or check out our must-watches.