Victoria Minister for Planning Matthew Guy

$200 Million Renewal In The Heart Of The CBD

Victor P Taffa

A prominent site in Melbourne’s legal precinct, vacant for more than 20 years, will be redeveloped to become premium office suites and apartments.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy has granted a permit, subject to conditions, for the redevelopment of 189-203 William Street for residential, office, parking and ground floor retail space.

“The refurbishment of the existing buildings will reinvigorate this prominent part of the central business district legal precinct, and bring buildings which have been vacant for more than 20 years back to life.” Mr. Guy said.

“The development is expected to attract the legal fraternity given the site’s close proximity to the law courts and various barristers’ chambers.”

The site was originally developed by the Commonwealth Government to house Telstra and is close to Flagstaff Gardens, with the Queen Victoria Market and the central business district core retail area within a short walking distance.

“Of particular note are popular Guests Lane, which links Bourke and Lonsdale Streets, and will be upgraded at the cost of the developer to enhance pedestrian amenity and continue Melbourne’s great laneway lifestyle.” Mr. Guy said.

The proposal by Hengyi Australia Pty Ltd is outlined in the planning permit and available at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/permits