Melbourne City Council gives nod to $2 billion Southbank tower

A Southbank mega tower that would be the nation’s highest has been given the green light by Melbourne City Council but the developer faces more hurdles before the project can get off the ground.

Southbank by Beulah features two towers up to 365m high.

Plans for Australia’s tallest building have won approval from Melbourne City Council planning officers, but aviation authorities will also need to be on board.

Under a $2 billion project, developer Beulah wants to build two towers of 102-storeys and 59 levels in Southbank, near Eureka Tower.

Melbourne City Council has considered the $2 billion Southbank by Beulah project.

Southbank by Beulah - to include a hotel, apartments and offices - would be 65m higher than Eureka, and more than 40m taller than the new Australia 108 building nearby.

While the final decision on Beulah will be made by the state government, council officers have recommended approving it subject to dozens of conditions.

These include considering a future pedestrian link to Freshwater Place and Queensbridge Square, and showing how the proposed level eight running track will have public access.

Beulah has also agreed to make the podium publicly accessible 24/7, and to contribute $5 million toward the council’s Southbank Blvd upgrade.

A report to go before councillors next week said that the project’s height of 365m would need separate approval from aviation authorities.

“Subject to minor amendments secured through conditions, the proposal will comply with the modified requirements of (planning policies) including setbacks, street wall heights, overshadowing and wind impacts,” the report said.

Southbank by Beulah was designed by UNStudio and Cox Architecture.

“The proposal will deliver a high level of amenity for residential apartments.”

Planned for the corner of City Rd and Southbank Blvd, Beulah’s design features two twisting towers, a rooftop “sky garden”, a fresh food market at street level, apartments, offices, a health precinct and conference and entertainment centre.

Beulah has launched a global search for a hotel brand to make its Melbourne, and possibly Australian, debut in the tower.

The five-star hotel comprising at least 150 rooms would boast a rooftop Michelin star restaurant and bar, and several event spaces.

A BMW showroom currently occupies the site, while the tower will include a BMW “experience centre”.

Dutch firm UNStudio and local outfit Cox Architecture are the designers.

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