Jean Nouvel-Designed Landmark Approved For CBD

The Victorian Government has given the nod of approval for a 70-storey hotel and apartment building designed by Jean Nouvel and Architectus.

Developer Sterling Global will deliver 488 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and 196 hotel rooms in the $700 million project at 383 La Trobe Street.

The project will have a 29:1 plot ratio, which exceeds CBD planning controls, but has been approved because the building meets the requirement of delivering public benefit.

An arcade, accessible from La Trobe Street, will feature art installations in the form of digital screens on the walls and ceiling.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne said the development was approved with people in mind, taking into consideration future residents, CBD workers, visitors to the city and the thousands of people who walk through the streets and laneways every day.

"This is a truly creative project but also delivers much-needed hotel rooms for the city and has a good mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

"It is not about limiting size, it is about encouraging quality," he said.

The arcade will lead to a new laneway with retail and restaurant space and will give pedestrian access to Elizabeth Street.

The brick boundary wall of the heritage listed former Royal Mint site will be publicly accessible and the new building has been designed to frame the wall.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect commended the proposal as “a strong and beautiful piece of architecture, offering a strong contemporary contribution to the city.”

The OVGA’s assessment noted the proposal is a high quality architectural response, including differing facade characters for each orientation - "far from a standard glass box" .