Melbourne's $1.9BN Precinct Moves Forward

THE first stage of a USD $1.9 billion new precinct in Melbourne has been completed while construction is well underway on the project’s first residential tower.

Called “Melbourne Quarter” the development will provide a much-needed link between the city’s CBD and Docklands areas.

Above: The new precinct will link Melbourne's CBD with the Docklands (image courtesy of Melbourne Quarter).

Described as a once-in-a-generation transformation of the CBD by Melbourne’s Minister for Planning, Richard Wayne, the project will create 130,000 square metres of office space, 1,690 apartments, 4,000 square metres of retail space and 1,000 square metres of community spaces.

Above: The development includes ample open spaces, including a sky-park (image courtesy of Lendlease).

The centrepiece of the development will be Melbourne Quarter Tower, a 31-storey commercial tower designed by Woods Bagot and featuring more than 70,000 square metres of office space.

Strategically located on Collins Street, the tower will sit across the road from the busy Southern Cross Station.

Above: Melbourne Quarter Tower will be the tallest building on the site (image courtesy of Woods Bagot). 

The precinct has prioritised large open spaces, sustainable design and “sky-parks”.

The development will also include designs from Melbourne architectural heavyweights Fender Katsalidis and Denton Corker Marshall, as well as urban design specialists Aspect Oculus

Construction began in 2016 and is expected to be completed by 2022.