Stage one complete at Melbourne Square

Melbourne Square is the city’s largest new precinct worth $2.8 billion and stage one, which includes two residential towers, a new park, full-line supermarket and childcare centre, is now complete.

The project, which began construction in 2017 in a joint venture between developer OSK Property and construction company Multiplex, is a shining example of how large-scale development in Southbank can produce much-needed public amenity.

The development includes a 3745 sqm Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL) designed public park on Kavanagh St, Victoria’s first double-storey Woolworths supermarket and an 87-place childcare centre operated by THINK subsidiary Nido Early Schools.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp, Cr Kevin Louey, OSK Property chief operating officer Woon Chong Boon and Boon Wurrung Foundation’s David Johnston were in attendance to mark stage one completion which featured an aquatic art performance that involved two dancers inside an inflated transparent ball floating across Melbourne Square’s 25-metre lap pool.

OSK Property sales and marketing director Scott Jessop said he was thrilled with how well Melbourne Square had resonated with purchasers in the off-the-plan market, as well as the positive impact the project has already had on the community.

“It has been an incredibly exciting journey to see our vision for Melbourne Square come to life over the past four years. While last year had its challenges, it was immensely rewarding to see our parkland and Woolworths supermarket playing a supporting role for the public during a time of uncertainty. The amount of visitation they have both seen in a short timeframe is quite amazing,” Mr Jessop said.

“Melbourne Square aims to deliver an elevated lifestyle experience for residents while championing the concept of a two-minute neighbourhood. Further to this, we have been thrilled to watch how seamlessly the project has anchored itself in the broader Southbank community.”

The development’s private residential component includes 1054 luxury apartments, resort-style outdoor lap and wading pool area sheltered by a sun terrace, an indoor pool, sauna, yoga studio, music room, multiple gyms, a golf simulator, cinema, private dining areas and kitchen facilities, as well as further communal spaces for games including mah-jong, table tennis and billiards.

As for the public component, locals can expect vibrant mix of eateries including gluten-free fishmongers Theo’s Fish Bar, Sicillian pizzeria Pizza Pantelleria, specialist roasters and cafe Espresso Bar, Vietnamese restaurant Golden Bunny by Tho Tho, Japanese soup and curry experts Waku Waku and a new BWS bottle shop.

The two COX Architecture-designed towers feature contemporary interiors conceived by Carr and stand at 236.7 metres and 184.3 metres respectively.

COX Architecture director Paul Curry said stage one of Melbourne Square formed a key component in the growing footprint of the City of Melbourne and would comprise a total of six towers when fully completed including a workplace tower, luxury hotel and retail precinct.

“The Melbourne Square masterplan is an exciting public realm focused addition to the city’s urban fabric,” Mr Curry said •

For more information: melbournesquare.com.au