Melbourne's CBD Could Score a Huge New Precinct with Plant-Filled Rooftops

Melbourne's famed collection of laneways and rooftop spaces could soon welcome a few new additions, under a proposal by City of Melbourne to overhaul almost an entire CBD block.

Announced by Lord Mayor Sally Capp today, the proposed $232 million development would see a site between Bourke Street and Little Collins Street transformed into a multifaceted public commons precinct.

Standing at 10 storeys, and around 40-metres, tall, the planned development would boast two new laneways, a variety of ground floor retail sites, office space and two publicly accessible green rooftops. What's more, this 'next generation' site is set to feature some landmark design work, aiming to achieve a Six-Star Green-Star rating and meet a Carbon Neutral Certification target.

There are also plans for the commercial, retail and community spaces to be powered by solar, and incorporate a stormwater recycling system, a lush garden atrium, rainwater tanks and a basement carpark just for electric vehicles.

The proposed new CBD precinct

The Council is expected to submit plans for approval soon and if they get the go-ahead, the City of Melbourne development will kick off in early 2020, to be completed in 2024.