Controversial 67-Storey Tower Proposal Near Queen Victoria Market Sparks Local Outcry

MELBOURNE, Australia — A proposed 67-storey high-rise development near the historic Queen Victoria Market is igniting concerns among local residents and heritage advocates as it awaits planning approval from the Victorian Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny. The tower, spearheaded by Malaysian-based developer Sime Darby Property and designed by COX Architects, is planned for 380-400 Queen Street, a site currently occupied by a seven-storey carpark and TMG College Australia. If approved, the skyscraper would stand at 220 metres tall, significantly altering the skyline of Melbourne's northwestern Central Business District (CBD).

The mixed-use development aims to feature 33 levels of residential apartments, 20 levels designated for student accommodation, seven office floors, two retail levels, and four basement levels, along with a rooftop lounge and mezzanine. Plans also include revitalizing the street level with new open-air laneways, a central pedestrian arcade, and a pocket park situated between Queen and A'Beckett streets. However, local residents are expressing apprehension over the tower's proximity to the Queen Victoria Market, a significant cultural and historical landmark.

Richard Grace, a resident of the Melbourne Terrace apartment building, voiced his concerns, stating, "It’s a bit like living in a development site here, and the government seems to allow anything to go up. There seem to be very few controls around it." Mary-Lou Howie, president of the Friends of the Queen Victoria Market, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the proposed tower contrasts sharply with the low-rise buildings that have historically characterized the area. She asserted, "The developers are having a great time here at the expense of the community. The market has already lost one third of its traders because of mismanagement and bad planning."

The City of Melbourne's Deputy Lord Mayor, Roshena Campbell, noted the significance of the site acquisition by Sime Darby for $115 million, deeming it one of the most crucial sales in recent Melbourne history. "I am very excited about the possibility for significant investment in one of the highest urban growth parts of our city," Campbell stated. She emphasized that it is ultimately up to the planning minister to weigh the potential impact of the development on the heritage sites in the area.

The proposal comes in the wake of ongoing discussions regarding the Gurrowa Place development, which includes plans for three adjacent high-rise towers as part of a $1.7 billion redevelopment project. This project, which received state government approval in March 2024, is currently stalled due to a federal heritage review that began in June 2024.

Despite the pushback from residents, the developers of the 67-storey tower have indicated that they have significantly reworked their plans in response to community concerns. The ground floor will feature a central retail arcade filled with food and retail outlets, while proposed amenities for student residents include a gym, cinema room, and rooftop garden terraces. Private apartment residents will benefit from wellness facilities, including a 25-metre indoor lap pool and meditation spaces.

As the application undergoes initial assessment, the timeline for when construction may commence remains uncertain. The proposal has provoked a heated debate about urban development in Melbourne, particularly concerning the balance between growth and preserving the city’s historical character. Local residents and advocates continue to voice their opposition, urging for a more community-focused approach to future developments in the area.

This controversy underscores a growing tension in urban planning, reflecting broader challenges faced by cities worldwide as they navigate the demands of growth against the preservation of cultural heritage. As Melbourne’s skyline evolves, the outcome of this proposal may set a precedent for future developments in historically significant neighborhoods.