Remember That Nylex Clock?

We all know that Nylex clock that looks over the Yarra River - it's been seen on the way to that Friday night footy game at the G, or when you're on the freeway on the way home from dinner in the city.

But today, it was announced that the Nylex clock, that for generations has stood watch over inner east Richmond, Cremorne and South Yarra, will be restored to full working order as the centre piece of an ambitious new residential, commercial and tourism destination for Melbourne.

Property developer Caydon has lodged further town planning applications for development at the former maltings site in Cremorne, which is bordered by Gough Street to the north, Cremorne Street to the east, and Harcourt Parade to the south west. Caydon has owned the Harcourt Parade parcel of the site since 2008 and acquired the remaining Gough Street parcel last year.

The 1.4 hectare precinct will be known as the Malt District in a nod to its former use as a storage facility for malt used in brewing beer, and as the historical home of the old Cremorne Brewery.

Caydon has been working closely with architects Fender Katsalidis, landscape designers Oculus, and other experts to refine its vision for the site, which includes celebrating the precinct’s association with beer brewing and malt storage through retention of historical structures – including some of the concrete silos – and restoring the Nylex clock to permanent operation.

This has included consultations with heritage experts Lovell Chen, City of Yarra planning officials, Parks Victoria and other key stakeholders, to achieve a development outcome that unlocks the site’s potential whilst respecting its past.

“The opportunity to create a residential, commercial and tourism hub in an area that has such a fantastic historical pedigree is rare for any developer, and our plans will establish a new precinct where people will be excited and proud to live, work and visit,” said Caydon principal Joe Russo.

“This project is about so much more than building somewhere for people to live. It’s about creating a vibrant destination where small businesses can make a start, artisans can display their craft, and where local and international tourists can visit for a drink or a meal.

“That’s why our vision incorporates opportunities for people to establish ventures that complement the site’s unique place in Melbourne’s history – for example a craft brewery catering to locals and tourists,” Mr Russo said.

Creating direct linkages to the adjacent Yarra River was a key consideration for Caydon.

“Melburnians are embracing the Yarra frontage as a place to socialize, exercise and even commute, as people shun cars to get in and out of the city,” Mr Russo said.

“With expectations many residents in the new Malt District will work in town, it was important that we capitalise on bicycle and pedestrian networks along the Yarra and adjacent parks.

“There is also the potential for ferry services in and out of the city, and the site’s proximity to the Yarra makes this a viable possibility. It’s easy to imagine a future where Malt District residents commute into town on a regular ferry service, as happens in other riverfront cities around the world.”

The total project is expected to cost around $1 billion, with more than 500 jobs to be created during construction.

Plans include up to 1000 apartments and serviced apartments, and 6000 square meters of retail and commercial space including bars, restaurants and other entertainment venues. Buildings would range from 3 to 21 levels.