$450m Northbank development in Melbourne CBD gets planning approval

THE CBD’S neglected northbank has long been a puzzle for city planners. But that’s changing with a key 17-storey project given the nod.

The Flinders Wharf site with old cargo shed and crane. Picture: Ellen Smith

A NEGLECTED northbank CBD site is set to be revitalised with a $450 million redevelopment approved.

Seafarers Place will comprise a 17-storey hotel and apartment tower, and a new public park.

Developer Riverlee plans to turn historic Goods Shed No. 5 on the site into a function hall and restore Flinders Wharf and its heritage-listed crane.

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Flinders Wharf site’s Goods Shed No.5.

Located between Spencer St and Charles Grimes Bridge, the area has been called the missing link between the CBD and Docklands.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp has nominated the Yarra’s northbank an eyesore, especially the precinct between Spencer St and Flinders St Station.

Seafarers Place got City of Melbourne approval in February and now the state Planning Department has given the project the green light.

Riverlee’s proposed $450 million Seafarers Place development.

Architects are Fender Katsalidis and landscape design is by OCULUS.

Riverlee development director David Lee said wharf and crane restoration works had started, and main construction was due to start mid-2019.

“With never-to-be-built-out views of the Yarra River and Docklands Park, this under-utilised site will transform into a world-class waterfront precinct bridging Melbourne CBD and Docklands,” he said.

“The open spaces and public park are designed to give the waterfront back to the

community and celebrate the unique character and history of the site.”

Mr Lee said the refurbished goods shed would become a premium waterfront space “designed

to celebrate and highlight its grand original roof trusses”.

The tower will have 280 hotel rooms and 150 luxury apartments.

Riverlee is a privately owned property firm founded by Malaysian-Australian businessman Clement Lee.

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