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Master Plan To Overhaul Former Convention Centre Site

09 May 2016

A new master plan with towers, shops and open space has been approved for the former Melbourne Convention Centre site on Spencer Street, overlooking the Yarra River.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne has approved a $200 million, three tower development as part of plans to transform the under-used and dated site.

The Docklands North Wharf promenade is set for more than $1 billion worth of residential and commercial development and work is already underway.

Latest plans include three apartment buildings, ranging from 27 to 34 storeys, which will have a total of 1060 apartments, retail space, 451 car and 160 bicycle spaces.

Shadowing studies have determined maximum building heights for the towers to avoid shadowing the Yarra River beyond the existing buildings.

The developer agreed to change their plans to allow Sidderley Street to be open to the sky for the full length of the site, removing footbridges and overhauling public open space.

A master plan was prepared because the project the size and scale of the project means it will be delivered in stages, and master planning sets a clear vision for the site's future.

Each stage will have detailed plans so the buildings have protection from train noise, good sunlight and communal facilities for future residents.

Parts of the former Melbourne Convention Centre are being demolished to make way for the development, but the 13-level Crown Plaza Hotel which overlooks the Yarra River will remain intact.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne

“This is a good development in a prime location near Southern Cross Station, trams and public space along the Yarra River which will provide more housing at the gateway between the CBD and Docklands."

"This master plan shows how we can deliver more housing in under-used parts of the city while increasing the amount of parks and open space for the public."

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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