Munro site plans revealed

Last month, the City of Melbourne finally revealed their plans for the former Munro site, to be developed by PDG Corporation into a mixed-use development comprising a 58-storey Bates Smart-designed tower of 308 dwellings and a 300-room hotel, after the developer was awarded the rights to develop the site on CoM’s behalf. 

The Munro site represents the first stage of the larger Queen Victoria Market renewal project, the council will sell the site which covers 93-151 Therry St, 452-468 Queen St and the rear 128-130 Franklin St, to VG Property Holdings No. 6 Pty Ltd for $33m to help offset the cost of development.

According to council, in addition to the 196m tower, the Munro site will also accommodate 56 affordable housing units, a 120-place childcare facility, a maternal, child health and family services centre, a community centre and kitchen, artist spaces and a gallery which add up to approximately $90 million in community benefits.

Elsewhere, local developer Caydon is developing a 23-storey, boutique 4.5-star hotel at 1 Queen St, which is expected to start construction this year with an anticipated completion during early 2019. The building will include 204 hotel rooms, plus an indoor heated pool, gym facilities and retail spaces to street level.  TOGA Group will be the operator of the hotel development, under its Vibe brand.

In the northern reaches of the CBD, along Elizabeth St, another of the northern giants has topped out with the 69-storey Light House following hot off the heels of Eq. Tower, which topped out late last year. Joining Lighthouse in having its jump form removed is the 62-level Empire. Also along Elizabeth St, the distinctly green Victoria One is approaching the 200m mark, on its way to an eventual floor count of 75 and the mantle of Elizabeth St’s tallest building.

Aurora Melbourne Central - the area’s biggest build - is progressing at a rapid pace, with the podium structure for the 88-level Goliath at its mid point. Also marching along is Scape Student Living’s first Melbourne project at 393 Swanston St. Regular floor plates and a pre-cast exterior, which is installed with windows in situ, has allowed construction on the 42-storey building to rocket along.

Further toward the CBD’s north-east corner, both Conservatory and 42-50 LaTrobe St are at early stages of their construction life, with both projects being undertaken by the builder, Hickory Group.

With 308 Exhibition St, Queens Place, 111 A’Beckett St, RMIT’s new mixed-use A’Beckett St tower and Scape Student Living’s reworked 97 Franklin St on the horizon, the northern CBD will continue to see further transformation.

The Munro Site forms part of the City of Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market renewal project

Since Labor has been in power …

Since Labor has been in power …

March 20th, 2024 - Evan Mulholland
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