Historic Southbank building to be refurbished, site developed
After a surprise setback – for a setback – Geno Hubay’s MONNO has been approved to regenerate a spectacularly located site opposite Crown Casino’s main entrance, near the Yarra River.
The end value of the project – to refurbish Southbank’s Robur Tea House and construct seven buildings around it – circles $280 million.
The executive had unanimous City of Melbourne support in August, 2022, before the plan was rejected by Heritage Victoria late last year.
Following negotiations with those parties, the Office of the Victorian Government Architect and the Department of Transport and Planning, requiring some small design amendments, all groups are now on board.
Construction is expected to start next year.
Surprise setback sorted
MONNO paid $28m for the 2944 square metre property, 28 Clarendon Street, Southbank, in 2020.
The vendor had not long earlier had plans rejected to build a 39 level skyscraper on a vacant tract at the north west corner of Normanby St.
A revised design, for a 25 storey tower, was also refused by council.
Mr Hubay, shortly after settlement, appointed Oslo based Snøhetta for a scheme including a refurbishment of the six level Robur Tea building, built in 1887/1888 for Fergus & Mitchell stationers and for years the tallest building outside the CBD.
The proposal also called for new structures between three and 30 floors (story continues below).
HV approved it after the applicant committed to a greater setback for one tower – at the intersection of Clarendon St and Normanby Rd, in exchange for three more levels on a smaller building.
What is planned now
The mixed use MONNO project will contain apartments and a 211 room high end hotel; Mr Hubay said the company received 15 submissions following a recent expressions of interest campaign for an operator.
“The day-to-night precinct will be further enhanced by a combination of world-class commercial, hospitality and dining,” according to the executive.
“It will be made up of 5,000 sqm of Premium grade office space…serviced by a curated range of global and local food and beverage and retail offerings including a signature restaurant on the ground floor of the historic Tea House building and an exceptional rooftop experience,” he added.
“A new north-facing public landscaped forecourt connecting the Tea House, MCEC and the Yarra River promenade is set to reinvigorate the western end of the city.
“[The] project will deliver an experience unlike anything Melbourne has seen.
“We scouted the globe to find the world’s best designers and hotel operator to curate a world-class lifestyle precinct for Melbournians and a true attraction for visitors”.
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