Southbank heritage buildings face chop under proposed redevelopment

A $420 MILLION redevelopment involving the partial demolition of some heritage buildings will transform a key part of Southbank.

A $420 MILLION redevelopment involving the partial demolition of some heritage buildings will transform a key part of Southbank.

Melbourne City Council is backing plans for a 47-storey residential and hotel tower on Queens Bridge St.

The project will provide 1465 sqm of open space linking Queens Bridge St and City Rd, as well as shops and offices.

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Artist impression of the proposed 47-storey residential and hotel tower with open space on Queens Bridge St, Southbank.

Designed by Fender Katsalidis and Cox Architects, the plan for developer Aohua Sheng Le Property was scaled back after consulting state government and council planning officers.

The tower will have 733 units, including 132 three or more bedroom units, 400 two bedroom units and 200 one bedroom units.

City council planning portfolio chairman Nicholas Reece said the development would be a game changer for Southbank in terms of pedestrian friendliness and linking people to the nearby Boyd Park and community hub.

Plans for the proposed 47-storey residential and hotel tower with open space on Queens Bridge St, Southbank.

“The architects have come up with a clever and elegant design that retains some existing heritage facades, reduces overshadowing of Boyd Park, and opens up a large, public forecourt,” he said.

Cr Reece said the developers had also shown support for a new pedestrian crossing, as well as bluestone feature paths and trees along parts of City Rd.

Arts, culture and heritage portfolio chairman Cr Rohan Leppert generally supported the project but regretted the demolition of heritage buildings.

The state Planning Department will have the final say on the proposal.

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