Melbourne Is Getting a New Riverside Food Precinct Curated by Acclaimed Chef Scott Pickett
The 2000-square-metre food precinct will be part of a new residential development in Melbourne's north.
The emerging riverside suburb of YarraBend might have slipped under your radar so far, but that's all set to change as more details are revealed about its much-hyped food precinct, curated by acclaimed Melbourne chef Scott Pickett.
The mind behind culinary hits like Estelle Bistro, Matilda 159 Domain and Saint Crispin, Pickett has jumped on board to help shape this new artisanal food district, as the suburb pushes to become one of the world's most liveable.
YarraBend's planned food offering incorporates 2000 square metres of space for new restaurants, cafes, bars, providores and gourmet grocers, as well as indoor and al fresco dining areas unfolding onto parkland. And, it seems, Pickett has grand plans for the project saying, "We're going to create a new foodie precinct and could end up giving High Street, Northcote, a run for its money."
As well as the food precinct, Yarra Bend will also be home to apartments, townhouses, workshops, art hubs and community facilities, such as bike paths, pools, gyms and parks.
The new development on the banks of the Yarra — bordering Alphington, Ivanhoe and Kew — was first announced back in 2016, billed as a world-first 'Tesla Town'. What this means is that Tesla Powerwalls, which allow energy to be stored during off-peak times, will be built into every home along with solar panels and electric car recharging points.
A global report released by British trends forecaster The Future Laboratory last month predicted YarraBend could become the World's Most Liveable Suburb by 2025, and highlighted food as a major liveability factor.
The YarraBend development is expected to be completed by late 2020.
Image: Dominique Cherry
