Herald Sun
23rd June
by Peter Rolfe
A “24-hour precinct” has been billed for a major renaissance of one of Melbourne’s busiest intersections as developers spend big trying to transform the west end of Collins St.
While the “Paris end” of Collins St is revered for luxury shops and architecture, investors are sparking a transformation of towers, hotels, shops, offices, apartments, restaurants, and new foodie hot spots at the other end.
Central to the plans is a $160m proposal being considered by the state government that would see several historic buildings demolished or partially torn down and a 42-level tower built in their place. The 152m tall tower with a rooftop pool would be built above the “significant” Batman’s Hill on Collins Hotel – the former State Savings Bank building in 1923 – diagonally opposite Southern Cross Station.
Developer Sterling Global wants to open a 229-room hotel, 175 apartments, four levels of offices, a rooftop bar, and a terrace on the “key site”, now occupied by three buildings.
Sterling Global director Brandon Yeoh told the Herald Sun it was a “forwarding looking” revamp.
“The eastern end of Collins St is active in the day but at night time less so, whereas with this part of Collins St we’ve got a chance to be a 24 hour precinct,” he said.
“And our mixed-use tower is reflecting that with residential, commercial and a hotel – so it’s always buzzing”.
Mr. Yeoh said the development on three parcels of land purchased from rich lister Bruce Mathieson and the family of late Grollo Homes founder Luigi Grollo was “the last piece of the puzzle” for Collins St.
“We’ve been drawn by the resurgence of this part of town,” he said.
“Our vision for the building is a vibrant architectural beacon that anchors the western entrance to the CBD.”
The development, with frontages to Collins and Spencer Street, would have a ground floor lobby, food, and drink outlets. The five-storey Batman’s Hill on Collins would undergo internal demolition and refurbishment, with a new restaurant, an outdoor courtyard and the façade preserved. Two outdoor rooftop terraces facing Collins St would be opened on the seventh floor, along with a bar, function room, gym and a 20m lap pool. Buildings at 607-613 Collins St would be demolished in full, making way for eight penthouses and sub-penthouses, the hotel and hospitality venues.
“Gone are the days when this part of town was just a thoroughfare”, he said.
“People used to knock off work and make a beeline to the central and eastern part of the city, but we are seeing the people are no longer doing that.”
“A lot are hanging around the area after work or before events to explore the options.”
It comes after up-market hotels, The Ritz Carlton and the Dorset recently opened in the area. Dorset sales director Narelle Welsh said “revitalization” of the precinct meant its: “changing shape is going to continually develop as a new part of Melbourne to come down and visit.”
“The rejuvenation and gentrification of the area is really creating a buzz.”
“There is Little Korea now and it’s almost what the Greek precinct was to Lonsdale St was 10-15 years ago.”