Queensbridge Tower approved

After much conjecture, the Queensbridge Tower was approved last month by Planning Minister Matthew Guy.

The approval means Southbank will be home to both Melbourne’s tallest and second tallest buildings.

The $275 million project will rise above the former site of the Queensbridge Hotel at 1-15 Queensbridge St and was proposed by Schiavello.

As previously reported in the Southbank Local News, residents in neighbouring Freshwater Place have actively campaigned against the approval of the building on this site, and the minister has placed a number of conditions on the site in an attempt to extend the olive branch.

Mr Guy said the approval showed that Southbank was a natural extension of the Melbourne CBD, suggesting: “The tower will be a stunning addition to Melbourne’s skyline, with an innovative design to reflect its location at a key gateway linking Southbank and the CBD.”

He also outlined the economic benefits of the project, pointing out that it will create 800 jobs, of which 650 are in construction.

“A project of this scale cements Victoria as the premier investment location in Australia,” Mr Guy said.