New towers for Victoria Harbour

Lend Lease is awaiting planning approval for a major residential development in Collins St.

Located on the riverfront, west of ANZ, the proposal would see twin apartment complexes built over two stages.

Each development would consist of a podium and two towers, and combined would add 1070 apartments to Docklands’ residential market.

Stage one of the project would see the first building constructed at the western side of the site, while stage two will see construction of an apartment complex at the eastern side of the site.

The proposal also includes the creation of a new lane called Waterside Place between the buildings and public realm works.

A new sea wall and wharf rebuilding works to the Yarra River bank are also proposed as part of the development. This area will eventually be known as the Australian Wharf Promenade East.

The City of Melbourne’s Future Melbourne Committee last month endorsed the proposal, subject to a number of conditions.

Although he supported the proposal, Cr Rohan Leppert questioned the possible inclusion of ground floor apartments in the building’s design.

“I envisage of course, as we all do, that once Docklands is a fully established suburb and extension of the city that the waterfront here and indeed the extension to Collins St will one day be busy pedestrian thoroughfares,” Cr Leppert said.

“I do worry about the amenity of the ground floor apartments in this development in decades to come.”

Cr Stephen Mayne expressed support for the proposal, saying it was “an important site at the end of Collins St”.

The proposal is currently awaiting approval from Planning Minister Richard Wynne.