property
Major Development Approval Granted for Westport Avenue Near Williamstown CBD
Council greenlights large-scale mixed-use project, promising over 200 new dwellings and fresh commercial spaces within walking distance of Nelson Place.
How we reported this
Williamstown City Council granted final approval late Thursday for an ambitious mixed-use development slated for the corner of Westport Avenue and Gellibrand Street, just four blocks from Nelson Place and the heart of the CBD.
The green light comes amid surging demand for both housing and local retail south of Station Road. Planning documents reviewed by The Daily Williamstown reveal the project will bring 212 new apartments, 18 specialty retail tenancies on the ground floor, and a landscaped public courtyard, making it the largest single addition to the precinct in a decade.
Impact on Williamstown's Changing Centre
The approval marks a major moment in Williamstown’s evolving real estate landscape. The Westport Avenue parcel-formerly the site of the disused Brett & Co. Toolworks factory-is now poised to become a focal point linking the historic Williamstown Theatre precinct with maritime parklands along Battery Road. Local urban planning group Harbor Tomorrow, which has campaigned for denser housing near schools and train lines, logged 1,172 public submissions to council in support or opposition during the first round of consultations in April.
Nearby, Lambeth Reserve and the iconic Williamstown Library will both see direct neighbours for the first time in years. The approved design includes a requirement for upgraded pedestrian crossings at Stevedore Street and improved bicycle paths connecting to Ferguson Street station. School zone impact assessments for Williamstown North Primary were included in council’s final conditions for the build.
According to Williamstown Real Estate Monitor’s June 2026 report, median apartment prices in the CBD-adjacent blocks climbed 6.7% over the past year, hitting $661,000. Rental demand for one-bedroom units has outpaced supply for 10 consecutive quarters. Agents at Tack & Line Property noted fewer than a dozen new builds of this scale have been approved in the district’s core since 2015.
What Happens Next
Developers say early civil works could begin as soon as October, weather permitting, with the first residents moving in by early 2028. Council’s decision attaches 19 detailed conditions, including staged construction management and ongoing reporting on noise and dust for neighbouring properties along Aitken Street. Local residents can access weekly site bulletins at the Williamstown Civic Centre or via the City’s online planning tracker. Existing traders on Nelson Place have also been invited to a council-led strategy session later this month to coordinate foot traffic and support for established small businesses during the build period.
Residents interested in learning more about sales launches or community updates can register with the city’s development liaison office. Plans and architectural models are on display at the Maritime Heritage Centre until the end of July.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.