A Montague shaping proposal

Property developer GURNER has submitted a $1.5 billion mixed-use scheme for a prominent Montague precinct site.

The property is situated at 2-18 Montague Street, bound by Montague, Munro and Johnston Streets and is currently leased to Mazda and Otis.

The property scheme for this site will include three buildings with residential and serviced apartments, a 4.5 star hotel with it own rooftop bar and restaurant, childcare facilities and large commercial and retail components.

The developer’s director Tim Gurner told Southbank Local News it was focused on offering a high end product at an affordable price and contributing to the area’s regeneration.

“This site offers a strategic location on the front row to the Fishermans Bend precinct so we are responding with a proposed scheme that will deliver world-class amenity to electrify the area and create a self-sustaining neighbourhood where everything is at its doorstep,” he said.

“This project has been staged carefully to ensure we can start as soon as possible and begin the transformation of this very important precinct for Melbourne.”

While the State Government released its new framework and planning controls for Fishermans Bend last month, the development will be assessed under the current framework introduced by the former Liberal government.

Cox Architecture has been appointed by GURNER to design the precinct into iconic buildings that will redefine the area and become a catalyst for change.

Cox director Phillip Rowe said he believed that development of the site into three well designed and planned buildings would provide excellent opportunities for the rapidly growing area.

“The architecture of the podium and towers respond to the surrounding context, with a stepped, sculpted form that maximises day-lighting and views towards Melbourne’s CBD, Docklands, Southbank and Port Philip Bay,” he said.

“The three unique towers provide sculpted, dynamic and diverse addition to the South Melbourne skyline.”

“To this end, the project prioritises public open space at its core, adding extensively to this ingredient which is essential to the wider appeal and amenity of Fishermen’s Bend.”