Beulah’s “redefining” vision for Southbank

A Yarra River Business Association (YRBA) luncheon on June 23 was given an insight into developer Beulah International’s grand vision to expand Southbank’s offering beyond Southbank Promenade by redefining amenity and retail for both residents and visitors.

Beulah International is the developer behind STH BNK by Beulah – a $2.8 billion project that will deliver Australia’s tallest tower to the island site encompassing Power St, City Rd and Southbank Blvd currently occupied by the BMW showroom.

Hosted by the YRBA at Eureka 89, businesses heard from the developer’s general manager of commercial and culture David Monaghan on June 23, who provided an exciting and in-depth snapshot of what Southbank could expect.

While Southbank’s visitor economy has historically been focused on Southbank Promenade’s various activity centres including Southgate, Crown Casino, MCEC and South Wharf, the twin tower project seeks to expand on that by drawing people in from the river.

A project of “unprecedented scale for Melbourne, drawing together leading figures in international design and placemaking to create a world-class, multi-use development,” Mr Monaghan told guests that STH BNK sought to “redefine” city design.

Having recently announced Four Seasons Hotel as its chosen operator, along with Paris’ Centre Pompidou as its cultural partner, Mr Monaghan said it continued to test and experiment with new ideas ahead of its planned completion in 2027.

Having done what many Southbank developers have chosen not to by putting its car park underground, it has allowed Beulah to open STH BNK’s podium up to a range of cutting-edge community, educational, sustainability and retail opportunities.

Notably, Mr Monaghan said the retail component of the project sought to meet increased consumer demand for more “experience-based” immersive shopping by harnessing new technologies and embracing sustainability.

He said the project also aspired to both complement, and add to, Southbank’s Arts Precinct, while the vertical garden travelling up the tower’s spine, designed by Cox Architecture and UN Studio, aspires to feed directly into Southbank Boulevard and Alexandra Gardens.

Sthbnk.com •