New $70m, 25-storey residential tower planned adjacent to casino
LONDON: A new $70 million, 25 residential tower being planned for a citysite adjacent to a casino is being pitched at the boomer market.The $70 million plans would see the tower, with a green rooftop on level seven, built on a site now occupied by a two storey building on a prime plot of land between City Rd and Crown casino.
Plans for a planning permit submitted to the council include provision for three apartments to be transferred to a not-for-profit, registered housing association or provider.
It comes as latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows the population in Southbank grew by 2,100 between July 2012 and June 2013, putting the overall population figure at 15,600.
The increase of 15.2 per cent makes Southbank the fifth fastest growing suburb in Victoria. Designs for the 36-42 Clarke St revamp have been drawn by architect Fender Katsalidis. Melbourne-based developer LAS Group said the tower with an angled facade would be a “sculptural addition to the Southbank skyline’’, with 188 one-and two-bedroom apartments on the corner of City Rd and Clarke St.
LAS Group spokesman Les Smith said: “One and two-bedroom apartments are highly sought after in Melbourne’s Southbank, particularly at a mid-tier price point,’’ he said.
He said the designs “both respect the heritage of the area and create a sense of place for people to call home in one of Melbourne’s most desirable locations, just one km from the CBD.”
The lower reaches of the building have been designed to tap into the 19th century industrial heritage of the area, with rich red brick detailing and arched windows.
Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said the application would be carefully considered by the council.
“As one of the city’s most central locations – we can see why there’s demand from developers to continue making their mark in Southbank,’’ he said.
“Southbank is the city’s most densely populated suburb – so we welcome the opportunity to review plans for new residential digs.”
