The tower that’s dividing Melbourne
Southbank’s proposed new tower designed by designer BKK Architects.
Its creators have labelled it an ”elegant” urban icon, but a damning Melbourne City Council report has warned a new apartment building almost as tall as the Rialto would oppress and stifle the neighbours.
The 72-storey Southbank mega-tower was previously approved by the state government before changes to planning controls saw the developer Urban Matrix sent back to the drawing board.
Months later council staff still do not like the plans for 54 Clarke Street, which are currently before the Minister for Planning.
A report to be presented to councillors on Tuesday said the tower, at almost 240 metres high, will cast a shadow on ”a great number” of public spaces and dominate the view of those who live in nearby south-facing Bank Apartments.
But those conclusions have been fiercely rebuffed by the building’s designer BKK Architects. Director Simon Knott said the tower will instead become a landmark for those driving along the West Gate Freeway.
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