Hotel at heart of Southbank tower in Melbourne

A new lifestyle focused mixed-use hotel and residential tower is planned for the heart of Melbourne’s Southbank.

A new lifestyle-focused mixed-use hotel and residential tower is planned for the heart of Melbourne’s Southbank.

The Clarke Street address was the first purchase by Chinese ­developer Newcity Development Group outside of the mainland. It was initially approved as a 69-storey residential tower but was redesigned to better align with the changing demands of the market.

Initially approved for 565 apartments, the new approvals will see this plan replaced with a 199-room hotel and an estimated 420 apartments. The design also accommodates a ground-floor restaurant and bar, two swimming pools, a gym and yoga studio, as well as a rooftop observatory and sky garden with views of the CBD, Port Phillip Bay and the Botanic Gardens.

The Southbank area is currently undergoing a rejuvenation after the state government committed $208m over two years to the transformation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct.

Young professionals aged ­between 25 and 40 are the key demographics for the project’s residential offering. To tap into this market, four levels will be dedicated to co-working space, including conference rooms and hot-desk areas, to allow greater flexibility for tenants and guests.