City of Melbourne backs plans for an office tower in Collins St with changes
Plans for a new officer tower in the so-called Paris end of Collins St, which features the exclusive Melbourne Club among some grand buildings from the 19th century, have sparked overshadowing concerns.
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A bid to build a 26-level office tower next to the famous Melbourne Club has been qualified backing by the City of Melbourne.
Dexus Funds Management has applied to partly demolish a “grand” 19th century former residence in Collins St to enable construction of the $140 million office building.
Heritage-listed Melville House, which adjoins the exclusive Melbourne Club, is considered an excellent example of Boom Style architecture of 1880s Victoria.
Under the plan, fully demolished would be a 15-storey building on the corner of Collins and Exhibition streets used by the Reserve Bank of Australia.
State Planning Minister Richard Wynne will decide on the application, but has asked the City of Melbourne for its views.
Council planner Jane Birmingham said in a report to councillors that the rear addition to Melville House would be excessive, “particularly given its close relationship with the retained front part of the heritage building”.
Ms Birmingham said the proposal would also cause overshadowing of the Collins Place public forecourt on the other side of Collins St.
“The extent of overshadowing is considered to unreasonably prejudice the amenity of the space and is therefore prohibited,” she said.
Ms Birmingham said the proposed tower, designed by architects Bates Smart, was otherwise of high quality, and included appropriate setbacks and a pedestrian link between Collins St and McGrath’s Lane.
“However the effect of the impacts identified is considered to be substantial with regard to both the amenity and heritage values of this area,” she said.
However, a council meeting this week supported the project with conditions that the overshadowing of Collins Place be reduced, and that the Melville House facade be better protected in heritage terms.
Planning portfolio chair Cr Nicholas Reece said the overall design was exceptional.
“The new laneway link will improve life pedestrians while the building materials are of a high quality making this projecT a glamorous addition to the Paris end of Collins St,” he said.
A Dexus spokeswoman said: “It is an important precinct for the city and we will continue to work constructively with the council and state government in seeking final approval for this project,” she said.
The spokeswoman said it would provide vital premium office space for the CBD.
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