Southgate slated for $800m complex redevelopment set for City of Melbourne backing

An $800m plan to rejuvenate Southgate and build a 21-storey office tower has council’s backing. See how the city could change.

Render of proposed park over Southbank Promenade as part of ARA Australia's Southgate complex redevelopment.

An $800 million redevelopment of the Southgate shopping and dining complex that would transform the riverside precinct is set to get backing from city authorities.

The overhaul comprises a new five-level podium with shops, eateries and bars, and construction of a 21-storey office tower.

A key proposal is 2000 sqm of public open space above Southbank Promenade at the level of Hamer Hall and St Kilda Road.

Aerial view of ARA Australia's Southgate complex redevelopment plan.

A newly-released image shows this would have grass and trees, and the potential to form a seamless link with the Hamer Hall frontage.

Pedestrian links are also envisaged to the arts precinct, while City Road access would be improved.

Southgate owner ARA Australia would work with the City of Melbourne to integrate its redevelopment with the riverside promenade.

Under the design by architects Fender Katsalidis, part of the Southgate complex would be demolished, but the two-level structure in front which houses HopHaus and PJ O’Brien’s pub would remain.

The nearby Langham Hotel would also stay.

Render of proposed park over Southbank Promenade as part of ARA Australia's Southgate complex redevelopment.

The state government will make the final decision on the project, but a city council report to be considered by councillors on Tuesday recommends conditional support.

Opened in the early 1990s, Southgate has become a popular tourist destination but was in need of a substantial revamp.

Also likely to get council support is a $100 million plan to build a 21-storey office tower above the former Kilkenny Inn on the corner of Lonsdale and King streets.

The 1915 inn, which is heritage listed, would retain its front rooms and corner turret under the Cox Architects design.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said both projects would be carefully considered by councillors and judged on their merits.

A view to the Yarra River from the proposed Southgate redevelopment.

“It’s fantastic to see two major development proposals worth almost $1 billion combined come before council for consideration,” she said.

“These new developments are a sign of confidence in the long-term future of our economy, but it’s vital we also ensure they include high-quality designs that increase sustainability and provide enhanced amenities.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece welcomed major developments on either side of the Yarra River.

“There are opportunities right across our municipality, and we want to tell the rest of Australia and the world that we are open for business,” he said.

“Lonsdale Street near Southern Cross Station is traditionally a thriving office worker hub, and it’s exciting to see developers remain keen to invest in new large scale commercial projects in this area.”

Pending approvals, the Southgate redevelopment could start construction by late 2022.

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