Soil turns on Stage 1 of Melbourne Square as piling nears completion
Urban.com.au was on hand late last week for the soil turning ceremony for the first stage of OSK Property's $2.8bn Melbourne Square project, which marked the official commencement of construction by head contractor Multiplex.
Designed by Cox Architecture, Melbourne Square is one of the largest development projects in Victoria, and will feature six mixed-use towers of varying heights and programme, in addition to a new 3,700 sqm public park for Southbank, which will also be delivered as part of stage one.
Already at the time of writing, 95% of piling for stage one has been completed, with the tower structures becoming apparent in coming months.
Over 7,000 tonnes of steel and 50,000 cubic metres of concrete will be used in the first stage of construction, with the workforce expected to peak at approximately 600 people.
Stage one of Melbourne Square comprises two residential towers of 54 and 69-storeys accommodating 1,048 apartments and delivering essential amenity and services to Southbank residents.
This includes the delivery of a retail precinct incorporating shopping, dining and café facilities as well as Southbank’s first full-line supermarket, through a recently announced deal with Woolworths who will occupy 3,800 sqm over two levels.
The ambitious project will play a pivotal role in bringing much-needed community amenity to Southbank, with the entire city block revitalised to become a vibrant vertical village and deliver much-needed green open space and services to the precinct.
Cox Architecture's design for stage one is characterised by fully glazed pleated towers highlighted by a dramatic shard element at level 54. The unique pleated facade provides a bay window type feel with the added effect of widening the external views and maximizing natural light.
Speaking about OSK Property's vision for the Melbourne Square project OSK Group's executive chairman Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat remarked that the intent was to create "a fully integrated iconic project" that provided a memorable entry experience for visitors coming from Melbourne airport - "a symbol, a landmark".
Tan Sri added that very early on the development team worked closely with DELWP and City of Melbourne to create a vision for the site that met their expectations and adhered to planning requirements, and provided another landmark for Melbourne that "blended in with the city."
Melbourne Square will add to Southbank's growing list of green spaces joining the new expanded park at the former Boyd School, Sturt Street spine, Southbank Boulevard linear park and improvements to City Road.
Stage one of Melbourne is due for completion in October 2020. A hotel operator and tenant(s) for the commercial tower are being finalised with an announcement expected in the 2nd quarter of 2018.
What they say
We are excited to see Melbourne Square come to life. The project will breathe life into an area that is already a coveted location within walking distance of the CBD, Southbank arts precinct, Royal Botanic Gardens and the Crown entertainment precinct. We are also delighted to be able to do our part in providing much-needed amenity to the Southbank community.
- Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat, Executive Chairman of OSK Group
We’re pleased that we’ll soon be able to offer local residents the convenience of a supermarket that will include all the usual features our customers have come to expect. From fresh fruit and vegetables to a large range of grocery items at great prices, those living in the area will be able to pick up all their shopping essentials, without needing to travel too far.
- Brad Karge, Woolworths’ State Property Manager
We’re pleased to kick off the construction process on what is set to be one of Central Melbourne’s most exciting new developments. It will be a busy three years ahead to bring Melbourne Square to life and we’re looking forward to working closely with OSK Property in its delivery.
- Graham Cotton, Multiplex Victoria’s Regional Managing Director