PlanningMarisa WikramanayakeWed 17 Jul 24

Melbourne’s Robur Tea House Plan Wins Heritage Approval

Snohetta's render for the Tea House redevelopment project by MONNO in Melbourne's Southbank.

After a three-year planning process, developer MONNO has won heritage approval for its redevelopment project in Melbourne’s Southbank.

The project will redevelop the 135-year-old historic Robur Tea House warehouse on the 3000sq m site at 28 Clarendon Street.

Norwegian architecture firm Snohetta designed the plans for the redevelopment that includes seven integrated buildings from three to 30 storeys.

MONNO’s first scheme was rejected by Heritage Victoria in late 2023. The City of Melbourne had issued a permit in August of that year.

The developer worked with Heritage Victoria, the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, and the Office of the Victorian Government Architect to bring the project to fruition.

The site will become a destination lifestyle precinct that includes a 221-room luxury hotel.

The approved plans include an increased setback for a tower near the corner of Clarendon Street and Normanby Road, offset by an additional three storeys.

MONNO managing director Geno Hubay said that the Tea House building would be retained and the new buildings integrated and interconnected to it.

an early photo of the Robur Tea House, which was built between 1887 and 1888 and at one point was the tallest building outside Melbourne's central business district. Source: National Trust of Australia (Victoria)

▲ The Robur Tea House was built between 1887 and 1888. Source: National Trust of Australia (Victoria)

Hubay said that 15 of the world’s best hotel groups had submitted expressions of interest to become the preferred operator.

“We scouted the globe to find the world’s best designers and hotel operators to curate a world-class lifestyle precinct for Melbournians and a true attraction for visitors,” Hubay said.

“Since acquiring this site, I would say it’s become an obsession to deliver something exceptional.”

There will also be 5000sq m of office space with food and beverage, and retail space, including a restaurant on the ground floor.

A new forecourt will connect the Tea House to the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre next door as well as the Yarra River promenade.

Construction is expected to begin next year. The project has an estimated end value of $280 million.

The six-storey Tea House was once the tallest building outside Melbourne’s CBD. It was originally the premises for a printing firm and a manufacturing stationer before becoming a storage facility for tea chests for the Robur Tea Company.