Victoria One's core tops out - becomes CBD's tallest structure

Victoria One's core tops out - becomes CBD's tallest structure
Laurence DragomirJune 21, 2017

First covered on Urban.com.au just a tick over 3 years ago, Golden Age Group's Victoria One has achieved a significant milestone with head contractor Probuild topping out the core at a height of 271m AHD and in the process claiming the title of the tallest structure in the Melbourne CBD. 

According to Probuild the the core’s last concrete pour occurred at the tower on Saturday 17 June, well ahead of schedule

Victoria One's core tops out - becomes CBD's tallest structure
The view from the top. Image: Probuild

One of the many challenges posed by the development has been the staged settlement for apartments within the tower. Probuild has strategically constructed Victoria One to allow the settlement of 232 apartments, up to Level 39 can occur unencumbered, whilst it completes the remainder of the building by June 2018.

This will allow Golden Age to be the first developer of the currently under construction Elizabeth Street talls to commence settlement, despite the likes of Light House and Empire reaching structural completion in advance.  As a comparison the first residents will begin moving into Empire from the end of next month.

The sleek rectilinear design of Victoria One is in stark contrast to Elenberg Fraser's other Elizabeth Street tower, the neighbouring Light House, which has adopted a much more complex form to capture and reflect light. Victoria One's architecture has been inspired by its namesake's vast array of park's gardens and rainforests which is reflected in it's green facade that also evokes images of timber grain and fluidity.

The form and façade of this mixed-use tower recalls Victoria’s famous landscapes – the gardens, waterfalls, rainforests, waterways and beaches that make up this southern state. The fluid façade appears soft and yielding like the local parks, oceans and rivers. Green glazing with gold highlights gives a botanic feel. The fins – which appropriately also assist with wind and sun protection – are shimmering silver, shifting like the currents of a stream or leaves being shaken with rain.

- Elenberg Fraser

Victoria One's core tops out - becomes CBD's tallest structure
Victoria One already dominating the Elizabeth Street skyline. Image: Probuild

While a significant achievement it will be short lived with another Elenberg Fraser designed tower also being delivered by Probuild set to usurp Victoria One in the next 18 months. The 88-storey Aurora Melbourne Central will eventually rise to a height of 269m above street level or 287m AHD claiming the title of Melbourne CBD's tallest structure.

Project Facts

Victoria One will comprise:

  • 78 levels, 643 apartments, 163 car spaces, with provision for bicycle storage.
  • 4 retail spaces located spread over Ground floor and Level 1 Amenities will include a swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room and gym with an indoor/outdoor area featuring native trees on level 9.
  • Split handover. SP1 – 232 Apartments up to Level 39; SP2 June 2018.
  • Communal spaces are located on Levels 40 and 66
  • 253,097m² total floor area

Core Topping Out facts:

  • Last pour completed Saturday 17 June 2017
  • Total number of pours: 85
  • Permanent lifts now serving Ground to Level 42
  • Cubic metres of concrete: 6,500 m3 – equivalent to 1300 truck loads
  • Tonnes of reinforcement: 1,100 tonne – equivalent to 733 family sedans
  • Number of crane climbs: 17

 

Victoria One's core tops out - becomes CBD's tallest structure
Aurora Melbourne Central on the horizon. Image: UEM Sunrise

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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