City of Melbourne, developer PDG Corporation in deal to transform Southbank site with hotel, apartment tower

Southbank is set to be transformed into a “vertical village”, with a key CBD site to be developed in a deal involving the City of Melbourne. See what’s planned.

A hotel and apartment tower will be built at Southbank under a City of Melbourne deal with a developer to transform a public site.

PDG Corporation has paid the council $16.5 million to develop a parcel of land on the Boyd Community Hub site between City Rd and Kavanagh St.

It plans to construct a 32-level residential and commercial tower, including 40 affordable housing units.

Two floors of community facilities will be owned and run by the council.

Dubbed a vertical community village, the development will also include an 80-room hotel, 176 apartments, shops, offices and 168 bike parks.

An artist’s impression of the Boyd site redevelopment in Southbank

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the deal was the final part of the revitalisation of the old J H Boyd Girl’s School site.

“We’ve negotiated a fantastic outcome to deliver community facilities and affordable housing at the Boyd site, putting the needs of a growing Southbank community at its heart,” she said.

“Offering more affordable housing is one of the most important priorities for our city.”

The development will allow the expansion of existing Boyd Community Hub services such as library, maternal and child health services and creative spaces.

PDG has flagged the possibility of a build-to-rent component as part of the Boyd development.

The developer is already working with the council to redevelop the so-called Munro site, near Queen Victoria Market, with a mixed-use tower, including 54 affordable housing units.

The redevelopment will include more community facilities.

PDG managing director Vince Giuliano said the Southbank project had similarities.

“We will deliver a precinct that reflects its distinct local character, bringing together various community spheres in one location,” he said.

“Our vision is a true vertical village on the park – high-quality residences, affordable housing, fine-grain retail and community facilities.”

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“It’s not often you get an opportunity to develop in a location like this. There are no adjoining high-rise buildings and an abundance of green open space, making it prime for a community atmosphere of residential and commercial spaces.”

Subject to planning approval, construction is due to start late next year and be finished in late 2022.

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