Renovations and collaborations with Area 53
Image: Ashlie Hartigan, from Area 53, at the FB IDEAs Showcase Event, November 2025. Photo by Dre Chez Photography
As key members of the Citiport and Fishermans Bend innovation ecosystem, we have had a long standing relationship with Area 53 - but their exciting renovation program has supercharged the collaboration.
Expanding the life sciences innovation offer in Fishermans Bend
As a part of a network of 5 life sciences innovation hubs nationally, Area 53 is located within the Citiport complex in Fishermans Bend. They offer a flexible commercial environment designed to support science, technology, advanced manufacturing and innovation-led businesses within Melbourne’s Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct. With flexible laboratory and technical workspaces, adaptable R&D and advanced manufacturing space, shared meeting rooms and collaboration areas, and logistics access within Citiport Business Park - it provides life science innovators the opportunity to establish operations in one of Melbourne’s most rapidly evolving employment and technology corridors. And they are expanding!
The science and innovation real estate platform is building new PC2-grade lab and write-up spaces for lease with shared breakout spaces with a dedicated dangerous goods storage and loading bay. They have seven 60-90sqm labs with adjacent write-up space that can be customised to specific fitout requirements. Available from July 2026, with flexible leases it is a great opporutnity for a scaling business with room to expand and specialise with focused support. For more information: info@area53.com.au
Collaboration beyond the “water-cooler”
Since April, while Area 53 are renovating and expanding their cutting-edge lab and accelerator spaces, we have welcomed the team from Area 53 and their innovative tenants to the FB IDEAs Hub. The teams from Voltavate, DiviGas and LaGrange.ai have become regulars at our events, bringing fresh perspectives and innovation insights. Casual interactions, akin to the “water-cooler” conversations, through being co-located have also built strong connections between FB IDEAs Hub and Area 53 members.
Last week we even turned the Hub into a film set to support a series of videos about the value of innovation accelerator and co-working spaces like Area 53 and FB IDEAs Hub.
All in the spirit of a collaborative co-working space!
