Photo: premier.vic.gov.au

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Planning Richard Wynne at Southbank this morning to announce planning approval for Crown Melbourne’s new six-star hotel – a 90-storey tower that features 388 hotel rooms, visitor attractions and 708 residential apartments.

Victoria has the fastest growing economy in the country, and today’s announcement shows yet again that business sees our state as a destination to invest and grow.

This project is one of true state significance and will result in Melbourne becoming home to Australia’s tallest tower.

It will create 3000 direct and indirect jobs during construction – including for apprentices, helping them complete their training and secure well-paid jobs. Once complete, the project will sustain another 1000 ongoing operational jobs.

The economic benefits for Victoria set to stem from the project are estimated at $2.1 billion.

The Government has also taken steps to ensure Crown Melbourne and the Schiavello Group give back to the state, with a $100 million community benefits package, including:

• A $25 million upgrade to Queensbridge Square, including landscaping and two new cafes
• A further $15 million for the Sandbridge Rail Bridge
• Landscaping and public realm improvements on Southbank Boulevard, including a new bike strip
• Street furniture and additional trees along Queensbridge Street, and better connectivity with Freshwater Place

The tower’s design was subject to an international design competition, won by the firm WilkinsonEyre.