Docklands is facing fresh scrutiny after The Nanny exhibition was mothballed, reigniting debate about the precinct’s identity and long-term viability.
The high-fashion world of Fran Fine has been mothballed for more than a year, with a major Docklands exhibition replaced by a children’s activity centre.
The Nanny Exhibit at The District Docklands was due to open in February 2025, offering more than 100 designer outfits worn by Fran Drescher in the hit 1990s sitcom. Tickets were priced at $49.
Instead of Dior and Dolce & Gabbana gowns, the space is now operating as a kids play venue.
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The delay is another hit for a precinct still rebuilding after the 2021 failure of the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.
Its operator went into liquidation with more than $3.9m in debt. The attraction is not expected to reopen until late 2026.
REIA president Jacob Caine said Docklands was facing what he called an “imposed identity crisis”.
“I don’t think Docklands is dead, I think it’s been badly positioned,” Mr Caine said.
“For years it’s been sold as Melbourne’s version of Circular Quay: Waterfront living, dining, tourism.
“But it hasn’t delivered what people were promised.”
The Nanny Exhibit at The District Docklands was set to showcase more than 100 iconic designer outfits before being “paused”. Picture: Instagram/thenannyexhibit
He said perception had become Docklands’ biggest problem.
“Less foot traffic leads to shorter retail lifespans, that reinforces the perception again,” he said.
“That cycle has been hard to break,” he said.
The Nanny organisers confirmed the exhibition was “paused” while they worked through issues securing key costumes.
“Some production issues caused major delays, which triggered scheduling conflicts with the loan of key costumes,” a Pomerium representative said in a statement.
Fran Drescher’s high-fashion character Fran Fine helped define 90s television style, with Dior and Dolce & Gabbana among the featured labels. Picture: CBS/Getty Images
“We are working through this to ensure the most iconic looks are available for display.”
All ticket holders have been refunded.
When asked if the show would open this year, organisers said that was their “ideal situation”.
Docklands has shown it can attract crowds when activation lands.
The $49-a-ticket Docklands showcase promised Fran Fine’s famous fashion moments before being replaced by a children’s activity centre. Picture: Instagram/thenannyexhibit
The District hosted The Fans Strike Back: Exhibition last year, with organisers describing the Star Wars showcase as a sell-out.
But one-off successes have not shifted the broader narrative.
Mr Caine said layering major attractions onto Docklands had not solved the core issue.
“We’ve seen the wheel, major exhibitions, delayed exhibitions, big concepts,” he said.
“But trying to redefine Docklands with grand gestures hasn’t delivered the transformation people expected.
“If you remove the pressure and treat it as an inner-city suburb first, identity can form naturally.”
The Fans Strike Back exhibition previously drew strong crowds to The District Docklands before closing its Melbourne run.
The Nanny became a global cult hit, with Fran Fine’s bold wardrobe turning the sitcom into a fashion phenomenon. Picture: Supplied
Barry Plant Docklands director Daniel Cole said commercial conditions remained tight.
“A lot of Docklands’ commercial buildings have remained vacant since Covid, and retailers and restaurants are still doing it tough,” Mr Cole said.
“Return to office is critical, that daily workforce drives hospitality and supports retail. Without it, the precinct struggles.”
Mr Cole said as a long time resident of Docklands it is a great place to live.
“For a lot of buyers, it starts as a financial decision, but it quickly becomes a lifestyle choice,” he said.
Retailers at The District Docklands continue to battle reduced foot traffic following pandemic-era disruptions and major attraction closures. Picture: David Bonaddio
Vacancies and stalled activations have fuelled debate about Docklands’ long-term commercial stability. Picture: David Bonaddio
The Barry Plant Docklands director said long-term stability would come from infrastructure, not novelty.
“The primary school has been a huge positive,” Mr Cole said.
“What Docklands needs more than another headline attraction is deeper community infrastructure, potentially a secondary school and stronger connectivity.”
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is expected to reopen later this year after its 2021 collapse and $3.9m operator debt. Picture: David Bonaddio
Property figures say a future Lorimer station as part of a second Metro tunnel could improve connectivity and buyer confidence in Docklands. Picture: Victorian Government
There is ongoing speculation a future second Metro tunnel could include a Lorimer station as part of Melbourne’s proposed Metro Tunnel 2 from Newport to Clifton Hill which property figures say would improve accessibility and buyer confidence.
But until Docklands defines what it is, the precinct will continue to battle perception as much as reality.
— Additional reporting by David Bonaddio
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david.bonaddio@news.com.au