Melbourne Is Getting A New 5,000-Capacity Music Venue, Two Minutes From Arden Station

Melbourne’s gig calendar could be getting a whole lot busier. Live Nation has announced plans for a purpose-built, 5,000-capacity music venue in North Melbourne, with more than 100 events expected to fill the room each year.

The new venue will form part of Arden Central, the $7 billion neighbourhood being developed by Hamton and Hostplus just 1.5 kilometres from the CBD. And with Arden Station a two-minute walk away, getting to your next gig should be pretty straightforward.

There’s no opening date or artist lineup just yet, but the plans promise a significant new stage for Australian acts and international touring artists. Here’s what we know.

Jump to:

• Where Will Melbourne’s New Live Nation Venue Be?
• Who Will Play At Arden Central?
• What Else Is Coming To Arden Central?

Where Will Melbourne’s New Live Nation Venue Be?

The venue is planned for Arden Central in North Melbourne, two minutes from Arden Station. It’ll be delivered as part of the precinct’s first stage, joining a wider development set to bring homes, restaurants, shops, sporting facilities and 5.5 hectares of open space to the neighbourhood.

Live Nation will deliver and operate the purpose-built space, which is being designed by its in-house design and development group, Blueprint Studio, alongside architecture firm Populous.

Capacity is set at 5,000—a size that gives touring acts a substantial crowd while keeping fans connected to what’s happening on stage. The design also includes premium experiences, artist amenities and production access, though the finer details are still to come.

Who Will Play At Arden Central?

No acts have been announced, so we’ll have to wait a little longer before planning our ticket purchases.

Live Nation expects the venue to host more than 100 events annually, creating another Melbourne stop for international tours and a new stage for Australian artists and local talent. A new Live Nation Community Events Fund will also support local artists and community use of the space. 

What Else Is Coming To Arden Central?

There’s considerably more happening here than a new gig spot. Once complete, Arden Central is expected to deliver more than 5,400 homes for over 10,000 residents, alongside hospitality, retail and community facilities.

Live Nation joins Melbourne Victory Football Club and the University of Melbourne as new precinct partners, with North Melbourne Football Club also involved.

The neighbourhood is being designed in partnership with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders and communities, guided by Designing with Country principles. Open spaces, gardens and sporting facilities are all part of the plans—giving you a few more reasons to spend time in the neighbourhood before the doors open for a show.

An opening date hasn’t been announced. For now, Live Nation has confirmed the venue will form part of Stage One of Arden Central, with construction and ticketing details still to come.

Image credit: Live Nation | Supplied