Work on the $1 billion redevelopment of Cremorne’s Nylex clock site has started

CONSTRUCTION has finally started on the controversial mixed-use Nylex clock development site in Cremorne. Works began a month after the site was hit with security incidents.

WORK on the $1 billion redevelopment of the controversial Nylex site has finally started.

The Malt District site in Cremorne has been hit by security incidents in recent months, including trespassing and a fire last month.

But construction has begun after developer Caydon had its design drawings endorsed by the City of Yarra.

NYLEX CLOCK AT HEART OF PROPOSED MINI SUBURB THE MALT DISTRICT

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TEENS START FIRE AT TROUBLED CREMORNE DEVELOPMENT SITE

An aerial rendering showing how a completed Malt District redevelopment of the Nylex clock site by Caydon is expected to look. Picture: Supplied.

Stage one of the project comprises a nine-level office tower, and the 12 and 15 stepped-level Coppins Corner tower with more than 200 units.

Shops and restaurants are planned at ground level.

The final project will include a microbrewery, and the iconic Nylex clock will be retained atop extended concrete silos.

The original design was significantly changed after the intervention of Heritage Victoria.

Caydon chief operations officer Jarrod Stratton said that when finished, The Malt District will be home to hundreds of residents and retail, hospitality and office workers.

“Its many shops and restaurants — including a rooftop bar beneath a restored Nylex clock — will be a major drawcard for visitors, providing jobs and investment opportunities for local people,” he said.

Artist image of proposed towers for The Malt District development at Nylex site

Mr Stratton said the office tower had been fully leased to MYOB and there was solid interest from apartment-buyers in a highly sought-after area.

“We are thrilled to finally start construction at this iconic urban renewal site,” he said.

Builder Probuild has started erecting perimeter hoarding, and site offices and sheds will be progressively installed.

Hundreds of workers are expected to be on site for the estimated five-year construction period of the project.

Caydon said it had responded to a Heritage Victoria order, outlining further steps it had taken to protect heritage structures including permanent on-site security at night, and extra drive-by and walk-through patrols.

It has also repaired boundary fencing and gates, sealed off external doors and windows among other measures.

@JMasanauskas