Melbourne CBD Model update: August 2016

Melbourne CBD Model update: August 2016
Laurence DragomirAugust 17, 2016

One of the first things I was keen to do upon returning from my European holiday was provide the Urban.com.au 3D model with some much needed attention, particularly in light of a number of recent significant approvals.

As such the following 11 projects have been added to the model or updated in the previous two weeks:

Key - Red: proposed.  Blue: approved.  Green: Under Construction.

Melbourne CBD Model update: August 2016
Soon enough you'll be able to pan around the Urban.com.au 3D model, much like Google Earth

Despite the additions, there still remains a significant number of projects yet to be added across the CBD, Southbank and Docklands, meaning a relatively complete model is still some time away. Ideally early 2017 would see a complete Melbourne model.

Ultimately as we continue to improve Urban.com.au, there are a number of features we will be looking to implement, one of which would be providing an interactive model of the city (with various layers) that visitors to the site could orbit around and switch on and off proposed, approved and under construction buildings etc.

But for now you'll all have to rely on my renders and screen grabs, which I think are good for a bit of fun visual analysis of the state of play in the central city.

CBD North continues to perform as the west end slowly gathers pace

The CBD North area is currently the busiest in terms of construction and this is likely to continue with projects such as Queens Place, the Munro Site at QVM, and Swanston Central kicking off over the next 12 months or so. Meanwhile the west end of the CBD is gearing up for a host of major developments commencing with Collins Arch, Olderfleet Place, Collins House, West Side Place Towers 1 & 2, and Melbourne Quarter adding a mix of apartments, hotel suites and office space; and let's not forget much needed public open space.

These projects also go some way to better connecting Docklands with the CBD both visually and physically; Spencer Street which once had a number of major bombsites will be unrecognisable in five years time.

Melbourne CBD Model update: August 2016
CBD North is experiencing the greatest change

Melbourne's future buildings would make for an impressive skyline

As the elevations below illustrate the Melbourne skyline is in for significant change (in case you weren't aware). The height and density far exceeds anything that has been developed in the last 20 years, where a whole other city is essentially being built within the current CBD.

Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area also shapes as another CBD-sized development in itself.

Melbourne CBD Model update: August 2016
Existing, future and combined.

The diagram also illustrates that there is a strong pipeline of development approved (blue) and ready to commence in the next few years once the current and sizeable construction cycle (green) draws to a close.

Lastly, I thought I would end with a render that shows how this current development boom is unique and unlike any other in Melbourne's history.

Melbourne CBD Model update: August 2016
A who's who on the Melbourne skyline.

The above image features: a Beyonce-inspired curvaceous tower, Melbourne's first Ritz Carlton hotel and the tallest hotel in Australia (until One Queensbridge Street takes the crown), a Zaha Hadid designed tower, a Jean Nouvel-designed tower, a Grimshaw designed tower, a SHoP-designed tower and two mainstays of Melbourne architecture in DCM and FKA teaming up to deliver the final piece of Batmans Hill.

The view of the city from the Yarra River and Southbank will be very different in the not-too-distant future, and tinged with the designs of some of the most recognisable architects of our time.

Laurence Dragomir

Laurence Dragomir is one of the co-founders of Urban Melbourne. Laurence has developed a wealth of knowledge and experience working in both the private and public sector specialising in architecture, urban design and planning. He also has a keen interest in the built environment, cities and Star Wars.

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