Melbourne’s $1.9b development between Collins and Flinders given go ahead
A HUGE development featuring seven towers and a public “skypark” in the CBD’s biggest chunk of vacant land has been given the green light.
National
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A huge development on Melbourne CBD’s biggest chunk of vacant land has been given the go ahead.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne today announced approval the first stage of the Melbourne Quarter development, between Collins and Flinders streets.
The $1.9-billion project will span 2.5ha and include seven commercial and residential towers opposite Southern Cross Station.
There’ll also be public “skypark” 10m above Collins St.
Construction on the first stage of the Lendlease project will begin within weeks and is expected to be complete by 2018.
Mr Wynne said the “ambitious” plan was part of booming development across Melbourne.
Construction on inner-city towers generated $5 billion last year, with another $4 billion in proposed works “in the pipeline”.
“Melbourne will soon have Australia’s tallest skyline with more than 100 buildings over 100m planned or already under construction,” Mr Wynne said.
“We have now outpaced Sydney in terms of being the development capital of this country.
“This area of Melbourne for many is undiscovered but it is an exceptional part of our city.
“We are growing in a smart and a sustainable way.”
The first stage of the development will feature 1 Melbourne Quarter — one of four commercial towers.
Design and engineering group Arup announced last year that it had signed a lease to be the building’s first tenant.
The precinct’s three residential towers are expected to house 3000 residents.
The Melbourne Quarter will also feature a public “sky park” 10m above Collins St.
A laneway with bars, cafes and shops will connect Collins and Flinders streets.
Lendlease urban regeneration managing director Jonathan Emery said the development was “for Melbourne, of Melbourne”.
“One thing we see across the world is the increasing trends for cities to all look the same,” he said.
“The laneway is classically Melbourne ... with little nooks and crannies that defy normal development logic.
“We are creating something really special and unique to Melbourne.”
The major development will create 15,000 construction jobs over the next decade.
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