Docklands Approval

The project, which has a $120 million construction value, is the 20th inner city high-rise approved under the Andrews Labor Government, totalling almost $3.5 billion worth of investment.

Mr Wynne approved a permit for 383 apartments to be built on the corner of La Trobe St and Harbour Esplanade, bringing the number of high-rise apartments approved under the Labor Government to more than 6000.

This permit replaces an earlier plan for the site and Mr Wynne said the revised design would result in better places for people to live, offering more daylight to the 225 one-bedroom and 158 two-bedroom apartments.

Approved plans for the mixed-use project include a 27-storey tower, rising 92 metres from the ground, which is higher than the discretionary 75 metres allowed on this site.

Mr Wynne said he approved the project because the apartments are well-designed, will not rely on borrowed light and an extra 14 metres over the discretionary height limit will have little broader impact.

“Docklands is only half-finished and will be host to more investment, development and jobs," said Minister for Planning Richard Wynne.

The design was also changed so office and retail space will front the street on some upper levels, instead of car parking.

The project will also include 2213 square metres of office space, 670 square metres of retail space, 309 car spaces and 142 bicycle spaces.

Melbourne’s population is expected to rise by about 100,000 each year and Mr Wynne said about half of those people are set to live around the inner suburbs.

Mr Wynne said areas best suited for development, such as Docklands and Fishermans Bend, will offer new jobs through construction and investment as well as accommodating more people close to Melbourne’s centre.