City of Melbourne Supports 32-Storey Mixed-Use Development in CBD

Designed by Cox Architecture, the project will transform the 3,928-square-meter site, which fronts both Flinders Lane and Collins Street. The development is estimated to cost around $267 million, according to documents submitted to the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning.

The final decision on the project now rests with the Department of Transport and Planning, following Heritage Victoria's approval of the proposal. Heritage Victoria assessed the potential impact on the historic Winfield and Rialto buildings, which are listed on the Heritage Register. These buildings, part of a group of five constructed between 1888 and 1891, are notable for their uniform height, width, and intricate detailing, forming one of Melbourne's most significant historic streetscapes.

Currently housing a residential hotel and ground-floor retail spaces, the site is set to be redeveloped into a mixed-use complex. The new development will feature retail outlets, office spaces, a luxury hotel with 273 rooms, a club, and meeting and conference facilities. The plan includes the demolition of an existing 1980s building that encloses Winfield Square, making way for a new structure that will house the hotel, office space, and conference facilities. An additional 19 hotel rooms will be added to the Rialto building, connected to the new development by a footbridge.

Winfield Square will be reimagined as part of a pedestrian link between Collins Street and Flinders Lane, serving as an atrium connecting the new podium with the heritage buildings. The 35-storey tower will offer 22,000 square meters of office space from the 16th floor upwards, with retail spaces at street and lower ground levels. The development will include three basement levels for back-of-house facilities, services, loading areas, and end-of-trip amenities. Notably, the building will not provide car or motorcycle parking, but it will include 229 bicycle storage spaces.

Salter Brothers presented the proposal to the Office of the Victorian Government Architect in February 2023, where it was reviewed by a panel that included City of Melbourne staff. Subsequent meetings between the City of Melbourne, the Department of Transport and Planning, and Salter Brothers in March 2023 considered the panel's feedback. The plans were officially referred to the City of Melbourne in October, followed by requests for additional information in November, December, and early 2024.

City of Melbourne Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece highlighted the city's evolving standards for architectural and design excellence during the meeting, noting that major projects now undergo rigorous review processes. Planning officers have recommended the project for approval, pending minor modifications.

The city received over 156 submissions regarding the proposed development.