Melbourne’s Rialto Towers to undergo transformation for 30th birthday

VISITORS to the Rialto Towers will feel like they’re in an airport terminal under a $200 million redevelopment of the city icon.

Shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and offices will feature in the new precinct. Picture: Supplied

VISITORS to the Rialto Towers will feel like they’re in an airport terminal under a $200 million redevelopment of the city icon.

As the building celebrates its 30th anniversary, the owner has unveiled plans for a transformation of the ground floor area along Collins St.

Shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and offices will feature in the new precinct that will better integrate the 251m-high skyscraper with the street.

Partner in the Rialto Joint Venture, Lorenz Grollo, said the refurbishment was responding to changing work ­patterns.

“We all need to go to work and being at work is like our second home, so we want people who are at work at the Rialto to love where they are,” he said.

An artist’s image of the Rialto redevelopment. Picture: Supplied

The Rialto is Melbourne’s seventh tallest building. Picture: Supplied

“Rialto downstairs is going to be more akin to an airport terminal and have a hive of activity as the ground floor becomes an informal meeting place, which will also be open to the wider public.”

Mr Grollo, whose father Rino and uncle Bruno built the Rialto, said the new space would also be used for pop-ups and activities linked to the city’s events calendar.

Mercedes Benz and Bank of Melbourne are key tenants that will move into the ­building.

Mr Grollo’s Rialto partner, John Apps, said the redevelopment coincided with the changing demographics of the CBD, with the centre moving to the city west.

“By this time next year, we’ll have a vibrant new building, probably the quality of anything in the Melbourne CBD,” he said.

Designed by firm Woods Bagot, the regeneration will comprise a five-storey building that will “wrap” Collins and King streets and physically connect with the Rialto towers.

The low-rise building will also feature a rooftop entertainment area.

When completed in 1986, the Rialto was the nation’s tallest building, but is now the seventh tallest.

It remains Australia’s highest office tower to roof.

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@JMasanauskas