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The state government of Victoria has given their approval to a 90-storey proposal in Melbourne's Southbank area, setting the stage for the construction of Australia's tallest building. Dubbed One Queensbridge, the 323-metre supertall is the brainchild of Crown Resorts and Schiavello Group, with UK-based Wilkinson Eyre mapping out their architectural vision for the property.
On top of the building's 388 hotel rooms and 708 residential apartments, the project's proponents have conceptualized a pedestrian bridge spanning over Queensbridge Street that will provide a direct connection between the tower and a new lobby in the neighbouring Crown casino complex. Unsurprisingly, Australia's tallest building will come with major community benefits, a condition of its approval. A new bike path, public realm enhancements on Southbank Boulevard, street furniture and landscaping on Queensbridge Street, a revitalization of Queensbridge Square, and an upgrade to the historic Sandridge Bridge are all included in the huge perk package totalling $100 million.
The tower is only one of a large group of recent proposals that have pushed Melbourne's traditional height ceiling to the limit. With a plot ratio of 57:1, the development greatly exceeds the maximum 24:1 outlined under interim planning controls that were adopted in September 2015. In April 2016, a new proposed maximum of 18:1 was introduced. All development proposals submitted prior to the new prescriptions are being assessed under the old regulations.
Wilkinson Eyre won a design competition for the building in October 2015, beating out Bates Smart, Foster and Partners, Ateliers Jean Nouvel, and Hassell. A construction start date has reportedly been penciled in for 2018.
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