$232m CBD Revamp Will Create New Sustainable Melbourne Landmark

The City of Melbourne is currently considering the recent project proposal to redevelop almost an entire block of the CBD, with sustainability at its core.

The plan would cost $232 million, aiming to become Melbourne’s most sustainable urban landmark. The ambitious plan would require the Council House 1, which is now 50 years old, on Little Collins Street – as well as some surrounding buildings.

The adjoining Commonwealth Bank building would be restored and connected to the creation of a new civic precinct. The precinct would reach 10 storeys and run between Bourke and Little Collins Streets.  

The precinct will be home to retail spaces, laneways, commercial office spaces, publicly accessible rooftops, and lastly a third of the building will be dedicated to office space for council staff.

The existing Council House 2 received many accolades and was the first Australian building to receive a six-star green rating. Naturally, all eyes are now on this project to work towards even more innovative sustainable efforts.

“Six star is wonderful, but not leading edge anymore because they did that 10 years ago,” says urban planning expert Dr Dominique Hes. “The green infrastructure – green roof that’s publicly accessible, a vegetated facade – will be great. For it to be a leading project, I would [want to know] the ecological capital and social capital they’ll be producing.”

If approved by councilors, Melbournians could see construction begin in early 2020, to be completed by 2024. It would create a new benchmark for sustainable urban design.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp has complimented the project for its potential to continue to invigorate retail and commercial opportunities in the CBD.

“This entire precinct will be opened up at street level via the creation of new laneways where people will be able to discover new cafes and shops. These laneways will also offer endless possibilities when it comes to holding community gatherings and events,” she said.