Nod to new towers

Southbank’s population is set to continue growing with planning approvals issued for two more high-rise towers in April.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne has issued a permit for a 70-storey tower at 51-65 Clarke St, while the City of Melbourne has approved a 20-storey tower for 83-89 Coventry St.

Developer New City Lane (One) Pty Ltd has been given the green light to construct a curvaceous 233-metre tower comprising 565 apartments and more than 1000 sqm of ground-level retail and office space.

City of Melbourne councillors were complimentary of the proposal when it was heard at a Future Melbourne Committee (FMC) meeting in February, with the developer also contributing $1.6 million towards the City Rd master plan.

Meanwhile, R&Y Pty Ltd’s 60-metre tower for Coventry St did not receive the same level of support from the community, despite councillors unanimously approving a permit at its FMC meeting on April 18. Some 19 objections were received by council, with the building’s excessive height in Southbank’s low-rise precinct the main cause of concern.

Located on the boundary of the special character zone, the site is only subject to discretionary height controls of 40 metres and officers said in their report that this was consistent with other neighbouring buildings.

The new tower will comprise 143 dwellings and ground level retail premises.