New Digital Harbour tower

The current medium-rise nature of Digital Harbour is set to be transformed, following the approval of a 23-storey office tower for the precinct.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy approved the tower last month, saying it would encourage continued growth in the Docklands commercial centre.

The $250 million building will be located at 1000 La Trobe St, between the Customs and Melbourne Water buildings.

“This new tower is clear evidence of the growth of this area and the role of Docklands as the premier commercial precinct in Australia,” Mr Guy said.

The 33,000 sqm building will feature 471 car parks, 110 bike spaces and ground floor retail.

Pre-commitment from an anchor tenant of 20,000 to 25,000 sqm is required to kick-start the development.

Digital Harbour director David Napier said: “We would hope that a large-scale federal or state government agency could commit to the building to complement the current state and federal tenants on the precinct, or a large superfund or financial corporation, a large bank or consultant group, or a similar organisation to any of these.”

1000 LaTrobe St will be the fifth building to be constructed in Digital Harbour.