Argo Group’s $30m South Melbourne project gets the nod from City of Port Phillip

Violet Li

Melbourne developer Argo Group’s $30 million Tichborne Place project in South Melbourne’s Moray St precinct adjoining Southbank has been approved by the City of Port Philip.

Designed by Fender Katsalidis, the 3727 sqm office development at 45 Tope St will contain four independent six-storey office premises, responding to a brief which sought a series of flexible commercial spaces that could suit a variety of potential occupants each having its own entrance, facilities, and utilities.

Inspired by the multi-storey terraced homes prevalent in South Melbourne, Fender Katsalidis partner James Pearce said the location of Tichborne Place called for a robust, honest design in keeping with its industrious locale.

“In every project that Fender Katsalidis embarks on, there is always a deep consideration of how people have interacted with a site previously, and how they will engage with it in the future,” he said.

“We have used the contemporary detailing of an industrial palette of concrete, steel, glass, and brick to create a richly textured building, looking to South Melbourne’s future,” added Fender Katsalidis associate director Shem Kelder.

Surrounded by small bluestone lanes that allow opportunities for access on all sides, Tichborne Place features wide frontage, northerly light, and views towards Southbank and the CBD on the upper levels.

“South Melbourne is home to many beautiful Victorian homes and light industrial buildings, but it is certainly undergoing a transformation into a precinct of office and commercial showrooms,” Argo Group managing director Nick Argyrou said.

“Working collaboratively with the City of Port Philip, we were able to present them with a unique design that not only honored the city’s past but also aligned with the vision for its future.”

The construction and the sale of the individual commercial spaces are expected to begin in mid-2023.