Fishermans Bend Innovation

Kate Spencer's connection to the future of Fishermans Bend started back in 2016, when the Victorian Government’s announced the acquisition of the former General Motors Holden site and the future Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct. At that time, Kate led a team at Squint/Opera (now Unsigned and part of Aurecon) to visualise the future of the precinct through 3d renders and animation.

Step forward to 2022, when Kate led a program of early-stage creative placemaking for the City of Melbourne, in partnership with the Victorian Government. To build community connections, facilitate collaboration and celebrate the proud legacy of innovation and advanced manufacturing in Fishermans Bend, Kate curated and delivered a diverse program of activities under the “Gateway Hub” banner.

Today, Kate is the Partnerships, Engagement and Networking lead at FB IDEAs.  FB IDEAs was established as an independent organisation to nurture incremental and experimental urban renewal and activation during the transformation of Fishermans Bend.  Built on principles of innovation, diversity, experimentation and activation, FB IDEAs supports a diverse range of activities to  seed an innovation culture and attract smaller scale activity ahead of major investments in the area.

Gateway Hub, Shed 21, April 2022 to June 2023

Open House Tours of the former Holden site, July 2022.
Photography by Sam O'Reilly

Padel & Bites weekly event, Shed 21, May to December 2022

Celebrating Holden in Fishermans Bend event, December 2022.
Photography by Liana Hardy

'Imagine, Design + Make' talks and tours series, October 2022 to May 2023

Pop Up Bar and live music at Shed 21, October to December 2022

FB Ideas - panel discussion

'Designing Complex Futures: the Legacy & Future Of Design In Fishermans Bend', Melbourne Design Week event, May 2023. Photography by Damian Vincenzi

Melbourne Knowledge Week bike tours, May 2022