Some of the Nylex clock concrete silos to stay after heritage intervention

A DECISION has been made on the fate of the silos under Nylex clock sign— and the result is promising for the $1 billion redevelopment site.

An artist impression of restorations to be made to the Malt House and incorporated into the build. Part of the Nylex development by Caydon which they call Malt District.

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MOST of the silos under the famous Nylex clock sign will remain under a $1 billion redevelopment of the Cremorne site.

Developer Caydon had originally wanted to demolish some of the silos and re-position the restored sign on top of a 19-level apartment tower.

But heritage authorities objected and forced Caydon to rethink the plan for a mixed-use development comprising apartments, a plaza, cafes, shops and a micro brewery.

Development plan for Nylex clock site in Cremorne to be called the Malt District.

The result is that most of the concrete silos under the Nylex clock will stay and the sign will sit atop extended silos maintaining sight lines to the iconic landmark.

Heritage Victoria has approved the changes and work on The Malt District site will start over the next few months with thousands of jobs expected to be created in construction, hospitality and retail.

Caydon’s original plans had been opposed by Yarra Council, but the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal gave the green light to stage one last year.

Caydon chief operations office Jarrod Stratton said that retaining and restoring the significant heritage fabric of the site had always been a priority.

“As has been returning the famous Nylex clock to working order for Melburnians to once again enjoy,” he said.

“We are now an important step closer to the Nylex clock being relit as a focal point of a great new destination for people to live, work and enjoy.”

The Nylex clock and surrounding silos have been a fixture in Victoria for decades. Picture: Jason Edwards

Mr Stratton said the company would continue to consult and work closely with Heritage

Victoria and other government officials on the remaining aspects of its plans.

Under a three-stage project, about 1000 units are planned in what has been described as a mini-suburb close to the CBD.

Research commissioned by the developer showed the revitalised area would tap into an estimated seven million annual visitors to the nearby sports and entertainment precinct.

Caydon had also raised the possibility of The Malt District being serviced by commuter ferries given its proximity to the Yarra River.

@JMasanauskas