Far East Consortium’s $2-billion West Side Place Stage 2 has been completed after Multiplex scooped up the Melbourne CBD project the the wake of the ProBuild collapse.
It marks the completion of the biggest mixed-use development in the Victorian capital in more than a decade following a number of hurdles including Covid-19 shutdowns and the previous contractor going into administration.
Multiplex regional managing director Ross Snowball said the Cottee Parker-designed four-tower precinct spanned an entire city block at 651-669 Lonsdale Street.
“West Side Place is arguably one of the most significant and complex developments undertaken in Melbourne’s CBD in many years, and we are proud to have delivered it,” Snowball said.
“It has already breathed new life into this part of the city, and will no doubt be a catalyst for further development within the western CBD.”
West Side Place comprises four high-rise towers with a combined total of 2895 residential apartments and new high-end hotel accommodation.
Melbourne CBD’s first Ritz-Carlton Hotel delivers 257 luxury 5-star hotel rooms in addition to a 317-key 4-star Dorsett Hotel. The Ritz-Carlton is Australia’s tallest hotel and opened its doors recently.
Dorsett Hotel also opened its doors to its first Melbourne hotel as the brand extends its Australian presence.
The towers are between 64 and 82 storeys and also provide for a new dining and retail precinct that connects Lonsdale and Little Lonsdale Streets.
The construction of West Side Place was over four years and generated 3847 jobs. The project comprised 33 different facade types for the podium facade.
The residential tower, built on the former site of The Age, made the news in 2021 after the building was flooded in act of vandalism that caused the evacuation of 1000 residents.
Far East Consortium paid $75 million for the 250 Spencer Street site when it bought it from ISPT in 2013, and launched the project to market in 2016.
The Hong Kong-based developer also has the completion of mega-project Queen’s Wharf in its sights.
