Melbourne Quarter officially launched

Lend Lease’s Melbourne Quarter project was kick-started last month with the approval of a “skypark” and a 19-storey office tower.

The 2000sqm elevated park will be built above part of Wurundjeri Way and Collins St and will be known as “Melbourne Skypark”.

In launching the project last month, Planning Minister Richard Wynne described the new park, as “the real jewel in the crown” and described it as Melbourne’s own High Line.

The skypark is expected to be complete by 2018, while engineering company Arup has signed on as the first tenant for the commercial tower approved for Aurora Lane and Collins St.

Early works on the site of the new tower will begin this month while construction is due to commence by mid-year.

According to Lend Lease’s managing director of urban regeneration Jonathan Emery, more than half of the 2.5 hectare Melbourne Quarter site will be dedicated to open space.

“We are absolutely thrilled to deliver this project in collaboration with state and local government and in doing so, create a unique, memorable experience for the people of Melbourne,” Mr Emery said.

Alongside the approved skypark, the company has also proposed plans for “Melbourne Square” which it describes as the most significant public space created in the central city since Federation Square and similar in size to City Square and a neighbourhood park off Flinders St.

“Melbourne Quarter is designed to connect people with nature in building and in the urban environment to improve amenity, productivity and liveability,” Mr Emery said.

Lend Lease is also awaiting approval on a further two commercial buildings and three residential towers comprising approximately 1700 apartments.

It has proposed retail, food and beverage, a health and wellness centre, a childcare centre and a community facility as part of the plan. The entire project will be delivered over the next 10 years.

“With its apartment neighbourhood located next to a thriving commercial district, Melbourne Quarter offers the opportunity to live next to work, which is increasingly appealing for young professional owner occupiers and investors with a keen eye on the leasing market,” Mr Emery said.
Mr Wynne said Lend Lease had been pivotal in developing the long-term commercial and residential vision for Docklands.
“This project adds greatly to the public realm, I enthusiastically support projects which contribute to the surrounding streetscape and create places where people want to live and work.”
The $1.9 billion Melbourne Quarter project is expected to generate around 15,000 construction jobs and on completion will be home to 10,000 workers and 3000 residents.