7 May 2020
Planning approvals for vertical village “Green Spine” were fast-tracked, paving the way for Beulah International’s development to revitalise Melbourne’s Southbank precinct post COVID-19.

The Victorian State Government has approved plans for the Green Spine, officially known as Southbank by Beulah, to be constructed in Melbourne’s iconic Southbank precinct. The expedient process was due to COVID-19 related impacts and shovel-ready projects that can significantly contribute to Victoria’s economy.

The Green Spine is an exemplary 101-storey, 365m twisted formation, which is set to drive social and economic outcomes to an extent which compares to its height. The $2 billion revitalisation project will redefine how Melburnians will work, live, learn and play, with substantial accommodation and employment uses, as well as creating a retail, entertainment and tourism  – a quintessential placemaking destination.

The newfound heart of Melbourne’s Southbank will provide much needed services and amenities, as well as opportunities for meeting and engagement, which is historically lacking in the area’s existing development. Connections between Southbank and the wider City will also serve to draw people to the thriving vertical village.   

Beulah International appointed Urbis’ multidisciplinary team to manage and undertake the planning approvals and an economics assessment for the iconic 270,000 sqm mixed-use sustainable vertical village. Valuation analysis was also undertaken for the proposed Public Benefits to justify the floor area uplift obtained for the project.

A large, complex project for which we achieved unanimous planning approval from the Melbourne City Council within a short time frame. This is an absolute legacy project for Melbourne and will redefine the Southbank precinct.

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Urbis Director, Jamie Govenlock said the decision making and navigating the planning process was equally as important as the planning itself when it came to realising the vision of the largest project he’s been involved in. 

“The Green Spine is a large, complex project for which we achieved unanimous planning approval from the Melbourne City Council within a short time frame. The application was lodged in August 2019 and we received a permit in April 2020. This is an absolute legacy project for Melbourne and will redefine the Southbank precinct,” said Mr Govenlock.

Located in an area of transition, the strategic redevelopment of the site represents an opportunity to contribute to the transformation and the repair of this part of Southbank and create an iconic global landmark that will not only redefine the City’s skyline, but also set a new standard for urban development and design excellence and innovation.

Rebecca Lyons, Urbis Associate Director said, “The overarching ambition and vision by Beulah International to realise something unique and contributing to not only the Melbourne skyline but the heart of Southbank itself, has been inspiring and an absolute privilege to be involved in. This is truly a city shaping project of great scale and importance, both now and into the future, and one that all involved, can be proud of”.

Construction is expected to commence in 2021, taking approximately 5 years to complete.

Urbis has a dedicated team of experts in Melbourne who are here to help. Get in touch to discuss any projects and initiatives that contribute to shaping our cities and communities.

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