New community created around town build-to-rent towers
LONDON: A new multigenerational community in the city centre will be created around two new build-to-rent towers.A new public plaza, laneways and twin towers would be built at Docklands and a 29-storey office building developed in the CBD under $572m plans submitted for state government fast tracking.
Developers have applied for ministerial approval for two high-rise ‘build-to-rent’ towers of 23 and 18 storeys housing 925 apartments in total at Waterfront City East, a short walk from Victoria Harbour.
The $240m plans would see the privately owned, publicly accessible “The Plaza” built as a central open area with in-ground water feature, barbecue zone with an open sloped lawn, play space and landscaping.
Looking to cash in on Melbourne’s rental crisis, they would build a new “Saint Mangos Lane pedestrian connection to sweeten the deal and provide a link from Little Docklands Drive to The Plaza.
And publicly accessible spaces called “The Way” and “The Lane” would also be built to provide pedestrian and vehicle connections through the site at 24 Little Docklands Drive.
City of Melbourne councillors have been urged to support the plans at a meeting on Tuesday night, subject to conditions, with town planners calling for a reduction in building heights.
Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said: “Just a stone’s throw away from District Docklands and the CBD, Little Docklands Drive is an exciting pocket with excellent potential for development.
“Building a range of new housing options will be vital as the residential population in Docklands is projected to more than double over the next 20 years.”A separate significant development application to be considered by the council would see a city car park demolished and a 29-storey office tower built in its place.
Investment fund ICPF Nominees Pty Ltd has asked the government to issue a planning permit for redevelopment of prime land at 522–552 Flinders Lane.
The $332m plans would see the wrecking ball applied to the existing multistorey car park and the office building with shops, 402 bike spaces and two levels of basement carparking erected in its place.
Mr Reece said it was “a significant proposal for a busy corner of the city’’.
“Flinders Lane is an enviable city location with this site offering easy access to Southern Cross Station, green open spaces and the Yarra River,’’ he said.
“While the rhythm of the city continues to evolve, it’s incredibly pleasing Melbourne is still attracting high quality large scale new office proposals in the heart of the CBD.
“This is a strong sign of confidence in the future of the city as a central business district.”
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny informally referred the applications to the council for comment but the ultimate decision for the future of both sites will be decided by the government.
