A 28-storey hotel near Melbourne’s Crown Casino precinct in Southbank has been recommended for approval.
Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the tower at 292–294 and 296–300 City Road would sit behind the front section of an Edwardian-era, classical revival warehouse building, significant for its architectural style and association with Southbank’s industrial history.
Earlier plans to retain the facade alone were rejected and the plans now call for the building to be retained to a depth of six metres.
The proponents note the hotel building has been designed to complement the heritage significance of the site while not mimicking or the heritage features.
“The proposal includes the restoration of heritage brickwork to the City Road façade to ‘make good’ the original brickwork colours,” a report prepared by Urbis notes. “New openings at this interface will improve the overall activation and presentation to City Road. Reflective silver glazing, fins to tower levels and stone cladding to feature columns will complement the heritage brickwork façade whilst ensuring a contemporary tower form is achieved.”
The proposed hotel at 292–294 and 296–300 City Road, designed by Elenberg Fraser.
An alfresco cafe will sit directly behind the retained façade and stairs will lead up to the hotel lobby and bar. A double-height porte cochère with glazed roof is proposed along the east side of the building for one-way vehicle traffic and pedestrian entry.
Level one will be given over to hotel dining, level two to function space, level three to admin and level four to co-working office space and meeting rooms. Levels six to 26 will each house 18 hotel rooms, while level 27 will feature two “presidential” hotel suites. A function terrace is proposed for the top floor.
The $120 million development will be considered by councillors on the Future Melbourne committee on 3 August.
