Southbank by Beulah: State Government give Australia's tallest future skyscraper the green light to commence construction

The highly anticipated $2 billion dual tower skyscraper, Southbank by Beulah, has been awarded the seal of approval from Planning Minister Hon. Richard Wynne to commence construction next year.

It's a pivotal moment for the property industry and skyscraper enthusiasts across the country, who have waited almost a year to hear the verdict as to whether the landmark development would be gracing the Melbourne skyline anytime soon. In a time of social and economic disruption due to the current pandemic, the positive news couldn't have come at a more apt time.  

Beulah International Managing Director, Jiaheng Chan, acknowledged the financial strain the country is currently experiencing and hopes to reinvigorate the market once the new Southbank project is delivered. 

"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to both the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne for their endorsement of Southbank by Beulah, which we hope will play a significant role in Melbourne's economic recovery over the coming years."

Southbank by Beulah is likely to take five years to complete construction and will offer jobs to approximately 4,700 construction workers, via the provision of a $1 billion additional investment stimulus to the Melbourne construction industry. Once complete, the development also has scope to provide the Victorian workforce with around 3,250 jobs in the commercial, retail, entertainment, hospitality and child care sectors. These new job opportunities will, in turn, grow the Southbank working population by around 8%.

"Southbank by Beulah will transform the way Melburnians work, live, learn, revitalise and play — it will set a global benchmark for an unprecedented lifestyle hub that caters to present and future generations and will assist in the future growth of Melbourne and its vision to become a truly global smart city."

Jiaheng Chan, Beulah International Managing Director 

With plans to reach a staggering 365 metres tall, Southbank by Beulah is likely to claim the title of Australia's tallest building, overtaking Australia 108 which is due to top out early this year.

The collaborative design by Dutch firm UNStudio and local firm Cox Architecture will see the transformation of the existing BMW site, into a future-focused vertical village, spanning a total of 270,000 square metres of sought-after real estate. 

Each of the two towers feature a unique helix shape, which ensures each floor utilises the exceptional city views on offer. Colloquially referenced as the 'Green Spine', Southbank by Beulah dons striking vertical greenery, as well as a vibrant rooftop garden, encased in a canopy of alternating vertical and horizontal beams, which will protect the plants from the elements. The decision to include vertical greenery is not only visually striking and an environmentally conscious choice, but it also pays homage to Melbourne's title of The Garden City. 

As a mixed-use development, the buildings will also include a variety of designated zones such as:

• Residential 
• Commercial
• Arts and cultural spaces
• A 5-star resort
• A childcare centre
• Town hall
• Rooftop sky garden
• Public spaces
• Health and wellness precinct
• World-class retail

Congratulations to all involved in the project, we look forward to watching the progress take shape over the coming years.