Three more Melbourne skyscrapers, 2,022 apartments, approved

Central Melbourne will be home to three new skyscrapers totalling 2,022 apartments, with Planning Minister Matthew Guy approving the developments this week.

Over $830 million will be invested into the three projects, which will house an expected 4,000 people and provide 5,800 construction jobs.

“Importantly, central Melbourne is the right place for high density, high rise living,” said Guy, saying it’s the most walkable city.

“Building more apartments in the city takes population pressure off quieter suburban areas,” he said.

The three projects each include shops and cafes at ground/street level, pedestrian links and resident amenities and facilities.

“Australia 108 will be the first 100-storey building in the Southern Hemisphere. At a height of 319 metres above ground it fits within relevant aviation regulations, and will include 1,105 apartments. This includes a good mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments that will bring diverse household types into this central city location,” he said.

“When completed Australia 108 will be the most striking building on Melbourne’s skyline and a great example of the strength of homegrown Melbourne architecture.”

Another apartment tower is 452 Elizabeth Street, a 75 storey creation rising 241 metres, that includes 622 apartments, including three levels of communal resident facilities.

The third tower is 84-90 Queensbridge Street in Southbank, which will see a 54 storey creation spanning 185 metres high, containing 295 apartments.

“Victoria has the strongest construction sector in Australia, and our planning system is geared towards maintaining this economic advantage,” Guy said.

“Since 2010, 54% more homes have gained building approval in metropolitan Melbourne than in Sydney, and 11% more than the entire state of New South Wales,” he said.

“By building more homes, we are ensuring we won’t have the drastic and harmful housing shortage Sydney is experiencing.”