Northwharf details revealed

Northwharf developer Asset 1 WTC has revealed details of its proposed redevelopment of the heritage listed Shed 5 and crane.

Speaking at the last Docklands News Networking Lunch in June, Asset 1 WTC strategic director Phil Hill said the heritage values of the site would be preserved within the redevelopment.

He said his company would be spending $500,000 alone restoring the 1948 Malcolm Moore-built electric crane which used to run on tracks in front of the 1939-built, asbestos-ridden shed.

Asset 1 WTC has announced a 14-storey office block, which will straddle the shed and take in the vacant area between the shed and Flinders St.

The shed itself will become an internationally-significant, 2625 sqm retail arts precinct, modelled on a successful example in Germany.

Mr Hill said the 22,000 sqm office tower would be at least 5 Star Green Star rated for its environmental performance.

Its environmentally-friendly credentials would include:

Water capture, treatment and reuse;

High-performance glazing and shading systems, optimised window sizes with high building insulation fabric values with exposed thermal mass;

A mechanical ventilation system which would provide air rates at 100 per cent above code levels of outside air with heat recovery system; and

Low-energy use systems, such as chilled beams.

The tower would have 140 car spaces in the first four podium floors, Mr Hill said.

The development also includes the upgrade of Seafarers Park, an area of open space between the Mission to Seafarers and the river.

The park was under threat in the lead-up to the redevelopment, with the State Government offering to re-zone it in the return for developer dollars.  

Local residents have been vigilant to ensure it remain public space and will be delighted with the upgrade plans which will bring long-awaited recreational amenity to the area.

Mr Hill said the park would be “preoccupied with people”.

Heritage Victoria says Shed 5 and the crane are significant because:

“Berth No.5 North Wharf is historically and technologically important as the most complete and intact cargo berth in the Port of Melbourne remaining from the pre-containerisation era.”

“It remains essentially unchanged since its redundancy as a cargo berth. It is unusual for the retention of its original semi-portal electric crane. The berth is important for its ability to demonstrate the cargo handling methods of the pre-containerisation era.”