Construction company Multiplex has reached a major construction milestone on Central Equity’s $470 million Melbourne Grand, ‘topping out’ the new 58-level high-rise apartment tower.
Located at 560 Lonsdale Street in Melbourne’s CBD, Melbourne Grand was designed by Guilford Bell + Graham Fisher Architects. It will comprise 646
residential apartments in a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations. Topping out on level 58, Melbourne Grand is now some 200 metres above street level.
Significantly, one of Melbourne’s oldest buildings will also be restored as part of the project. The Heritage-listed neighbouring 556 Lonsdale Street was constructed between 1855 and 1878 and will be integrated into the Melbourne Grand development.
“We are proud to have reached this major construction milestone and continue our ongoing collaboration with Central Equity. Melbourne Grand will not only house a vibrant new vertical community, it will also help preserve more of Melbourne’s history with the restoration of 556 Lonsdale Street,” says Graham Cottam, regional managing director of Multiplex Victoria.
According to Multiplex, 2200 workers have worked on-site to meet this milestone. Innovative construction methods include façade installation behind the formwork screens and precast elements used for cantilevered sections. Construction challenges to date include working within the tight confines of one of Melbourne’s busy foot-traffic laneways and legal precincts. At the top of the building, the constantly changing curved shape of the floor plate necessitated multiple changeovers.
Melbourne Grand is Multiplex’s 18th project for developer Central Equity, with the contractor having delivered many of its landmark Melbourne towers including Southbank Place, Southbank Grand and Southbank One apartment buildings – all of which are Housing Industry Association (HIA) award-winning developments.
A key feature of Melbourne Grand is the exclusive Lonsdale Club, which is located on Level 10 overlooking Lonsdale Street. This floor will be dedicated to exclusive resident facilities including a spacious lounge, banquet room, coffee bar, luxe theatre, indoor pool, sauna, gym, yoga studio, barbecues and outdoor areas. The luxury apartments will boast spacious living areas, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling, double-glazed windows, allowing sweeping views of Melbourne’s CBD. Kitchens will include composite stone benchtops, feature lighting, soft-close high gloss cabinetry, German tapware and high-quality Miele appliances.
Residents will also enjoy 24-hour concierge services, keyless entry and secure car parking. Located in the heart of Melbourne CBD, Melbourne Grand is within walking distance of Melbourne’s public transport network, CBD restaurants, cafés, education, medical, commercial, legal and retail precincts.