Melbourne Square recognised

Melbourne Square recognised OSK Property’s $2.8 billion six-tower Melbourne Square mixed-use development on Kavanagh St has been selected as a double finalist in the highly-acclaimed 2019/20 Asia Pacific Property Awards. Although still under construction, the development has impressed judges, who have shortlisted it under two categories for the best “mixed-use development” and “residential high-rise architecture” in the Asia Pacific Region. The winning projects are to be announced in Bangkok, Thailand in May, after which the top award winners go on to compete for global recognition as part of the International Property Awards. The international awards recognise the best projects globally, with previous winners including London’s landmark Kings Cross Gasworks apartments, the Royal Academy of Music and Heathrow Airport. Melbourne Square scored its finalist spot thanks to its approach to creating a truly integrated precinct within an urban regeneration zone, with the precinct to feature public open space, residential, office, hotel, childcare and retail. Chairman of OSK Property Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat said he believed the abundance of integrated public space along with the architectural response had particularly captured the attention of the awards panel. He said Cox Architecture were to be commended for creating a pair of buildings in stage one that will enhance the beauty of Melbourne’s skyline. “We have done everything that we can to create the best public realm in Melbourne within our development and it’s right in the heart of Southbank,” he said. “The Melbourne Square public park will be the largest architecturally significant green space to be delivered in Southbank to date. It’s also the last large format site in Southbank that has the capacity to provide public open space of this scale.” “The park will significantly assist with the suburb’s new green-focused network of public open spaces including Boyd Park, and the green spine works leading from the NGV along Southbank Boulevard to the river, both of which are under construction.” “We are thrilled to be recognised by our peers and nominated for two categories in these prestigious awards, up against some of the best names in the industry globally.” To span 3745 sqm, the park will include cascading water features, European-inspired piazzas, belvederes and an elevated outdoor terrace. It has been designed by multi-award winning firm, Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL) and will build on the practice’s work delivering landmark public areas including Birrarung Marr, the Australian Garden in Cranbourne, Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the National Arboretum in Canberra. The park will be delivered by late 2019, as part of works being completed in the project’s first stage, which will also deliver two luxury apartment buildings, childcare, retail and a new full-size Woolworths supermarket. Melbournesquare.com.au