$244 million CBD museum, tower plan
A major new Greek museum and 164m-high city building could be built above one of Melbourne’s oldest buildings if it gets the green light. See what the plans entail.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A new museum, international exhibition space and 29-storey commercial tower would be built above one of Melbourne’s oldest buildings under a $244m plan.
A blueprint to revamp the former Land Titles Office, including a 164m high commercial building in the heart of Melbourne’s historic legal precinct, have been submitted to the state government.
Developers have teamed with The Hellenic Museum in a bid to make Melbourne the only city outside Greece with a permanent Benaki Museum on the site.
The museum, public atrium, open air rooftop terrace with CBD views and a new public entrance to the heritage-listed site at 283 Queen Street would be built by developer ISPT.
But the plans will first have to win the support of the government and Heritage Victoria. The building is listed on the state register for its architectural and historic significance.
ISPT chief executive Daryl Browning said the project would revitalise the precinct and restore heritage appeal.
“We believe it’s a really good outcome for the community,’ he said.
Mr Browning said the heritage buildings would house the Hellenic and Benaki museums and be open to the public for the first time.
“For most Melburnians, they’ve never seen inside those buildings because when they held the titles they were very valuable and secure documents,’’ he said.
“So Joe Public would never have seen the titles holding area and we thought that precinct would be revitalised by both the tower and the concept that was sympathetic to the heritage of the old building, but open it up so that Melbourne can experience it brought back to its grandeur.’’
A 1000sq m “touring hall’’ to display international exhibitions is also planned.
Construction of the building dates back to 1874. Conservation and restoration of the heritage features of the building have been priced at $45m.
Development of the commercial tower would foot the bill and The Hellenic Museum would be offered a rent-free lease for 50 years.
The former Land Titles Office is one of only two surviving 19th century buildings that extend along a complete Melbourne city block, along with the Supreme Court.
A report to government said the importance of the site to Victoria “requires a particularly creative adaptive reuse solution … that reflects the ever-changing, vibrant and lively contemporary city of Melbourne whilst simultaneously remaining respectful and sympathetic to its heritage value,’’ it said.
If approved, construction is likely commence next year and take up to three years to complete.
MORE NEWS
NSW RECORDS MORE CASES THAN LOCKED-DOWN VICTORIA
THE SAYINGS AND SLANG ONLY VICTORIANS UNDERSTAND