Revitalising Southbank And Creating Jobs

VIC Premier

The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Melbourne remains the nation’s cultural heartland with the approval of a $470 million redevelopment of Southgate, which will provide enhanced amenities and experiences for locals and visitors.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne today confirmed approval of the redevelopment which will bring new life to Melbourne by better linking Southgate to the iconic Melbourne arts and entertainment precinct – creating hundreds of construction jobs and thousands of ongoing jobs.

The redevelopment will deliver spaces for new bars, restaurants and retail within a five-story podium on Southbank promenade, as well as a 26-storey office building.

The project is expected to create 850 jobs each year during its construction and 3,600 ongoing jobs when complete.

The project will be delivered by ARA Australia and is estimated to provide public benefits valued at more than $12 million with benefits including more accessible open space for the public and provide pedestrians with links to other precincts in the area.

Separately, the Labor Government is investing $1.7 billion into the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project which will build NGV Contemporary, new parklands, cafes and restaurants, and an extensive restoration of the State Theatre – reinvigorating the heart of Australia’s cultural capital.

The Southgate project was approved following consultation with bodies including Melbourne City Council, Heritage Victoria, the Department of Transport and Melbourne Water. Additionally, the Office of the Victorian Government Architect provided advice to inform the final design.

In line with the Melbourne Planning Scheme the project layout ensures minimal amenity impacts to surrounding properties and no overshadowing to public open space, including the Yarra River, between 11am and 2pm.

As stated by Minister for Planning Richard Wynne

“This redevelopment will bring new life to this much-loved part of Melbourne, providing a thriving new hub for retail and hospitality.”

“The new-look Southgate will create a new destination for Melburnians and tourists – creating hundreds of local construction jobs and thousands of ongoing jobs once the project is complete.”

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