Melbourne tallest approved

The controversial Australia 108 tower will be built at 70 Southbank Boulevard after Planning Minister Matthew Guy approved the final proposal last month.

The tower, which will stand at 388 metres tall – 91 metres taller than Eureka – will be the tallest building in the southern hemisphere, and the 19th tallest in the world.

Minister Guy hailed the new tower as an iconic addition to the city’s skyline.

“I am proud to approve a tower that will define our city for many years to come and which I am sure will become as iconic a Melbourne landmark as Flinders Street Station or Federation Square,” Mr Guy said.

“Towers such as Australia 108 are consistent with the Coalitlion Government’s drive to concertrate high-density development in defined areas and out of existing, quiet neighbourhoods,” he added.

“Every apartment in this tower is one less apartment in an existing quiet neighbourhood.”

The tower contains 646 apartments, a 288-room 6 star hotel, plus retail and office space.