The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) coordinates planning and delivery activities across priority precincts identified in Plan for Victoria as places where significant growth is being planned to deliver new jobs and homes.
Located approximately two kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, Parkville is Australia’s leading biomedical precinct. Home to world-class hospitals, universities, medical research institutes and biotechnology organisations, it brings together the expertise and talent to turn discoveries into better healthcare, new businesses and jobs. Its strengths in research, clinical care and education make it a major contributor to Victoria’s knowledge economy.
The Parkville Precinct Opportunity Statement identifies close to 73,000 jobs in the precinct and projects this number will exceed 80,000 by 2036. It also highlights more than $2.8 billion in investment in research and healthcare facilities and the Parkville's contribution of 20 per cent of Australia’s unique patent citations. These strengths support collaboration between researchers, clinicians and industry, helping turn discoveries into new treatments and technologies.
The Department of Transport and Planning works with government, industry, education and health sector partners to coordinate planning and investment and support infrastructure delivery. This work builds on Parkville’s success as a globally recognised centre for biomedical research and innovation, supporting opportunities to attract investment, grow businesses and develop the skilled workforce needed for its continued success.
Parkville Precinct Opportunity Statement
The Parkville Precinct Opportunity Statement sets out a shared vision for Parkville’s continued growth as a world-leading biomedical and innovation precinct. It brings together education, research and commercialisation to support better health outcomes, attract investment and create jobs.
The statement identifies five goals:
- Drive future investment.
- Nurture innovation.
- Attract talent and ideas.
- Coordinate Victorian Government services and infrastructure.
- Strengthen physical and digital connections.
Health and Medical Research
Parkville brings together leading hospitals and medical research institutes, connecting patient care with research, clinical trials and the development of new treatments. Key institutions include:
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital
- The Royal Women’s Hospital
- The Royal Children’s Hospital
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI)
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research is Australia’s oldest medical research institute and a major contributor to Parkville’s biomedical expertise. Its research spans cancer, immune health and infection, developmental disorders and healthy ageing. Through collaboration with hospitals, universities and industry, WEHI translates scientific discoveries into better health outcomes and helps train the next generation of medical researchers.
Together, these organisations advance research and treatment across cancer, infectious diseases, neuroscience, child health and other specialist fields. Their proximity supports collaboration and clinical training, helping translate discoveries into better care for patients.
Significant investment continues to strengthen Parkville’s health and research capabilities, including the Victorian Government’s $2.3 billion commitment to the first stage of redevelopment of the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Royal Women’s Hospital.
Education and talent
The University of Melbourne is a major anchor institution in Parkville, bringing together education, research and industry expertise. Its students, researchers and graduates contribute to the skilled workforce that supports the precinct’s hospitals, research institutes and growing biotechnology sector.
Monash University’s Parkville campus, home to its Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, adds specialist expertise in pharmacy, drug discovery and development to the precinct’s education and research strengths.
Parkville’s universities and research organisations offer opportunities for clinical training, collaboration and the development of new ideas and technologies. Strong connections between education, healthcare and industry help attract talent and support careers in biomedical science, health and related fields.
Industry and Innovation
Parkville connects universities, hospitals, research institutes and industry to turn research discoveries into new treatments, technologies and businesses. Access to clinical expertise, specialist facilities and commercial partners helps emerging biotechnology companies develop and grow.
CSL
CSL’s global headquarters and research and development facilities anchor a major biotechnology presence in Parkville, connecting the precinct’s research expertise with a global company developing medicines for patients worldwide. Its location alongside leading hospitals, universities and research institutes support scientific collaboration and the translation of discoveries into new therapies.
The headquarters also houses the Jumar Bioincubator, established by CSL, WEHI and the University of Melbourne. Jumar provides emerging biotechnology ventures with specialist laboratories, facilities and business expertise to help turn medical discoveries into commercial opportunities.
Zoetis
Global animal health company Zoetis Australia is strengthening Parkville’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities through an investment valued at up to $350 million.
The investment includes the acquisition of the majority of the former CSL site on Poplar Road, upgrades to production capabilities and the creation of up to 95 jobs. It will support the supply of essential veterinary and livestock vaccines in Australia and opportunities to expand exports, building on Parkville’s strengths in research, innovation and advanced manufacturing.
Advancing infectious disease research
Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID)
The Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID) brings together the University of Melbourne, the Doherty Institute and Burnet Institute to strengthen Australia’s ability to prevent and respond to infectious diseases and future pandemics.
Construction is underway on a purpose-built research facility in Parkville, bringing the partners together with advanced laboratories and spaces for collaboration with industry. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2029, with commissioning and operations to follow.
The $650 million project is supported by a Victorian Government commitment of up to $400 million, with the remaining $250 million contributed by the foundation partners.
Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics
The Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics, based at the Doherty Institute in Parkville, is advancing research to develop treatments more rapidly for future pandemics. Its work aims to shorten the time between identifying an emerging infectious disease and delivering effective treatments to patients.
Established through a $250 million philanthropic donation from Geoffrey Cumming and a $75 million Victorian Government commitment, the Centre provides long-term support for innovative research. It collaborates with more than 150 medical researchers across over 30 institutions worldwide, connecting Parkville’s expertise with international efforts to prevent severe disease and save lives.
Transport and Connectivity
The Metro Tunnel, which opened in November 2025, has transformed access to Parkville, providing a direct rail connection to the precinct’s hospitals, universities and research institutions.
Parkville Station connects the precinct to the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, with nearby Arden and central Melbourne also served by the tunnel. These connections make it easier for patients, workers, students and visitors to reach Parkville and strengthen links with other employment and innovation precincts across Melbourne.
Living and working in Parkville
Parkville combines world-class health, education and research facilities with established neighbourhoods, heritage streetscapes and extensive green space. Royal Park and the precinct’s proximity to central Melbourne contribute to its appeal as a place to live, work and study.
Housing options range from student accommodation and Victorian-era homes to contemporary apartments and social housing, providing choice close to major employment, education and healthcare facilities.
Parkville Gardens is transforming the former 2006 Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village into a residential neighbourhood with homes, heritage buildings, wetlands and parklands. Delivered through an agreement between Development Victoria and the Village Park Consortium, the 20-hectare development is planned to provide approximately 1,600 homes, with 20 per cent dedicated to social housing.
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