- Published:
- Thursday 6 October 2016
Construction on the stand-out Collins Arch development – dubbed “The Pantscraper” – has officially begun at 447 Collins Street.
Collins Arch covers an entire CBD block and is a $1.25 billion build of two 42-storey towers connected at the top with a sky bridge.
Through negotiations, the original proposal was reduced in height by 21.6 metres to reduce overshadowing over the Yarra River.
The towers will include 250 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, offices space, a five-star hotel and shops.
The CBUS project will deliver about 2000 square meters of public open space, including a new park on the corner of Collins and Market streets.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne and Lord Mayor Robert Doyle were on-site for the start of works, welcoming the construction jobs the project will support as well as the long-term gains from open space and much-needed hotel rooms for Melbourne.
The Andrews Labor Government is driving planning policy change to raise the bar for inner city development and this project shows how good planning can support construction while contributing to the city’s liveability.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“This project will revitalise a dormant CBD block while delivering more construction jobs – that’s a great example of how our planning policies encourage a contribution to the city.”
“We worked with the council and CBUS so the final design would protect the Yarra River, deliver more parkland in the city and reflects our push for long-term design we can be proud of.”