Ending the year on a high

Ending the year on a high

2016 looks set to end on a high (quite literally) with plans finally being unveiled for a mixed-use development at 308 Exhibition St comprising twin towers of 70-storeys.

Developed by SP Setia and designed by COX in collaboration with Fender Katsalidis, the project is set to feature 504 hotel rooms and 16 hotel residences, 500 plus apartments, 330 vehicle bays, 254 bicycle bays and three retail tenancies combining for 437sqm across its two 254m towers.

Arguably the project’s most striking design feature, a curving sky bridge will link the towers across levels 49 and 50, with the structure slated to include communal spaces among other features.

Additionally the development will include a host of public and private facilities headlined by retail spaces, a 1370sqm child care centre, restaurants, lounge/bars, a 548sqm ballroom and 1333sqm of pre-function and function space.

Last month saw Planning Minister Richard Wynne approve a 64-storey apartment tower at 111 A’beckett St. Dubbed “Myriad,” the $190 million project, designed by Elenberg Fraser, will retain the existing deco-style frontage of the Commonwealth Motors building.

It includes 632 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, retail space, car and bike parking in addition to laneway upgrades and space dedicated to community use, such as a childcare centre.

Meanwhile, the City of Melbourne’s Green Laneways program is entering the next phase of its implementation with the release of concept designs for four laneways which form the pilot project.

The four pilot laneways were selected earlier this year to be the very first laneways of the Green Your Laneway pilot program following the initial phase of community engagement.

City residents, building owners and businesses were encouraged to participate in helping to select the four laneways as part of the pilot project, to be fully funded by the City of Melbourne.

The selected laneways are Coromandel Place, Guildford Lane, Meyers Place and Katherine Place.

Initial design concepts have been developed for each with further community engagement to refine the concepts.

Looking ahead, the new year will see a number of significant city-changing projects kicking off headlined by early works kicking off on the Melbourne Metro project including services diversions, and deep excavation to allow for the construction of new stations.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle securing a third term which will see the Queen Victoria Market renewal project push ahead, including development plans for a high-rise tower on the Munro site in addition to parking and community facilities being provided by developer PDG.

This will allow for works to then begin on further improvements, including a new alignment for Franklin St, refurbished heritage sheds and a new Market Square.

Beyond this, 2017 will see a number of high-rises top out or completed – particularly along the northern stretch of Elizabeth St including Light House, Victoria One, Eq. Tower and Empire.

Taking their place on the list of construction projects will be Collins Arch, Olderfleet Place, 80 Collins St, Queens Place, West Side Place and a long list of others set to change the Melbourne skyline.

And finally I’d like to wish all CBD News readers a safe and relaxing break over the holiday period and look forward to what should be a big year in 2017. Thanks for reading.

Since Labor has been in power …

Since Labor has been in power …

March 20th, 2024 - Evan Mulholland
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