The Falls approved

Minister for Planning Matthew Guy has continued his vision of inner-city high-rise living in Southbank by approving the proposed 71-storey residential tower, The Falls.

The tower will be built at 25 Queensbridge St, between the under-construction Prima Pearl and the already approved, and much-discussed, Queensbridge Tower.

At 236 metres, The Falls will be the fourth tallest building in Melbourne. The second and third tallest will be Queensbridge Tower and Prima Pearl respectively.

The Falls is a project by developer Suleman Property Group.

Because The Falls is over 25,000 square metres, it fits within the Minister for Planning’s jurisdiction, with the City of Melbourne being asked only for its view on the development.

Mr Guy said the approval was consistent with the direction the Government had laid out for Southbank.

“Southbank is becoming a true vertical community, with hundreds more Melburnians expected to call The Falls home, in a precinct that has seen huge population growth over the last 20 years,” Mr Guy said.

“The approval of The Falls is consistent with the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to grow a greater Melbourne CBD and to continue the transformation of the city centre to a world-class, 24-hour city,” he added.

Suleman Property Group's Sam Suleman said the company was very pleased with the decision.

"We're happy with the result. One of the challenges we put to our architects was to come up with a contemporary design. We've managed to come up with something that will fit in well alongside Prima Pearl, Queensbridge Tower and Eureka," Mr Suleman said.

"Obviously we had size restrictions on the site, but we think we've come up with a contemporary design and one that provides 360 degree views, which is a good acheviement given the location," he added.

Not everyone is happy about the approval though.

Residents of Freshwater Place have been vocal in their opposition of Queensbridge Tower and a group of residents, led by owners' corporation chairman Peter Renner were equally frustrated with the latest approval.

“It doesn’t need to be done this way. Matthew Guy is ruining the suburb by adding residents without concern for amenities such as schools, parks and infrastructure” Mr Renner said.

“It’s just another crazy decision. There is no care for privacy with residents looking into each others’ apartment at 10 metres. The Minister is not the Minister for planning, he is the Minister for development,” he added.

“This is disastrous for Queensbridge St. There’ll be 3500 new residents and 1400 extra cars on Queensbridge St. It’s planning gone mad," he said.

Mr Guy clearly disagrees, saying: “The Coalition Government is committed to providing Melbourne’s growing population with inner city residential opportunities in close proximity to transport, restaurants, shops and community infrastructure.”

“This project ticks all those boxes and Southbank is vital in achieving appropriate high density where people can enjoy the benefits of inner-city living,” Mr Guy said.