This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Victorian government has approved a $700 million 70-storey hotel and apartment building designed by world renowned French architect Jean Nouvel.
Developer Sterling Global has received the green light for the 488 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and 196 hotel rooms project at 383 La Trobe St.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne said although the project will have a 29:1 plot ratio, which exceeds CBD planning controls, it has been approved because the building meets the requirement of delivering public benefit.
The development will include an arcade, which will lead to new laneway with retail and restaurant space and will give pedestrian access to Elizabeth St.
The Office of the Victorian Government Architect commended the proposal as “a strong and beautiful piece of architecture, offering a strong contemporary contribution to the city.”
“Every development needs to be considered with people in mind – future residents, CBD workers, visitors to the city and the thousands of people who walk through the streets and laneways every day,” Wynne said.
“This is a truly creative project but also delivers much-needed hotel rooms for the city and has a good mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.”
“This approval shows how our CBD controls deliver a better outcome for the city – it is not about limiting size, it is about encouraging quality.” Wynne concluded.
The Nouvel-designed tower is the second project linked to internationally renowned architect.
Earlier this year, the government approved a $300 million skyscraper designed by the late Iraqi-born British architect Zaha Hadid. The 54-storey tower will include 420 apartments, more than 10,000 sqm of office and retail space and more than 600 sqm of public realm works – including a ground floor art space and a public plaza at 582-606 Collins St.
These projects are part of Minister Wynne’s push for a higher standard of inner city development and towers which contribute to the streetscape.
Australian Property Journal
