The City of Melbourne has opened the doors to a new creative studio hub on Collins Street - bringing more than 100 designers, video game producers, architects and writers into the heart of the city.
Council has partnered with the Victorian Government to transform a large office floor at 271 Collins Street - the size of two basketball courts - into a vibrant collection of spaces for creative practitioners.
Located amongst Melbourne's premium retail and professional businesses, more than 50 creatives have already taken up residency, including:
- Summerfall Studios (digital games)
- Winston Tang (digital games)
- Robin Boyd Foundation (architecture and heritage)
- Mungo Horey (screen-based design)
- Cypher Culture (supporting street dance entertainers)
- VectorStorm (digital games)
- No More Poetry (writing and publishing)
Collins Street Studios are the latest hub to join Council's Creative Spaces program, connecting creatives with affordable, well-located venues to help them thrive.
Research by SGS Economics estimates the new studios will inject $23.8 million into the economy - fostering more rapid growth in the sector through on-site collaboration and providing an attractive office location for sought-after talent.
Collins Street Studios is supported through the $200 million Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund - a joint partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
"Melbourne has always been the arts and culture capital of Australia - and we're proud to create a new home for our next generation of creatives."
"The Collins Street Studios will generate $5 for every $1 we invest, while providing a platform for professionals to share ideas, resources and skills."
"We hope to see more creatives and businesses set-up shop in this part of the city, which is good news for nearby local traders."
Quotes attributable to Creative Melbourne portfolio lead Jamal Hakim
"Collins Street Studio will act as an incubator - providing professionals with the spaces and resources they need to innovate and succeed on the world stage."
"Our Creative Spaces program is making a real difference, which has seen a 12 per cent increase in searches for available venues since 2020 - showing demand continues to grow across the cultural sector."
Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
"We're proud to back Collins Street Studios which offers our creative talent with the space they need to grow their practice and businesses while boosting Melbourne's reputation as Australia's creative and cultural heart."
Quotes attributable to Summerfall Studios Chief Executive Officer Liam Esler
"We are thrilled to have moved into Creative Spaces' new Collins Street location. Summerfall began its life within The Arcade, a collaborative co-working space for videogame development, and since then we have always preferred to work alongside others in the creative industries."
"Through Creative Spaces, we have the opportunity to intersect with many kinds of creatives, and we look forward to creative exchange with our new neighbours."
