Green light for $1.2b Lendlease project on Collins Wharf
Urban regeneration powerhouse Lendlease has the green light to develop the last stretch of its Docklands precinct in Melbourne, with a five-tower, $1.2-billion project.
Known as Collins Wharf, it is the final section in the vast Victoria Harbour precinct where Lendlease has built residential towers, office buildings and a library.
With approval from Planning Minister Richard Wynne, Collins Wharf will include five towers – each no more than 85 metres high – comprising about 1500 apartments.
Lendlease already has approval from last year for the gateway tower into Collins Wharf, a $300 million apartment complex that will rise to 29 storeys.
Artist’s impression of the redeveloped Docklands area being planned by Lendlease.
The Collins Wharf neighbourhood is at the end of the Collins Street extension into Docklands and occupies a narrow peninsula dividing Victoria Harbour from the Yarra River.
Architects Jackson Clements Burrows in collaboration with Aspect Oculus have designed the masterplan, which includes Eco Park with an innovative floating wetland, and a Yarra Walk offering new waterfront access along the river.
More than one kilometre of new public waterfront promenades will be created.
Every home will have views of the surrounding water. The dwellings will range from one, two and three-bedroom apartments as well as four-level townhouses along Collins Street.
Mr Wynne said the final stage would transform the Victoria Harbour precinct of Docklands into “a vibrant residential community with park space to enjoy the great outdoors”.
“Parklands and open space are the key to happy and healthy communities,” he said. “We’ve worked with the developer to ensure public space sits at the heart of this development.”
“This is a carefully considered planning decision, ensuring we continue to create living options and affordable housing opportunities – but not at the expense of the city’s great appeal.”
The Docklands extension of the Melbourne CBD has been productive for Lendlease. It built ANZ’s headquarters on the river’s edge and late last year agreed to build a second $430 million building for the bank next door.
Further back along Collins Street, closer to the old city grid in the Batman’s Hill precinct, Lendlease has begun work on Melbourne Quarter, a $2 billion development with residential and office towers.
