PROJECT: Melbourne Convention Centre [Archive]

tayser

April 18th, 2004, 04:13 PM

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/18/1082226636118.html

New convention centre, bridge for city's west
By Royce Millar
City Reporter
April 19, 2004

A new footbridge over the Yarra linking Southbank and Docklands will be part of a $330 million convention precinct the State Government is expected to announce in its April statement tomorrow.

The precinct's centrepiece will be a 5000-seat convention centre, or plenary hall, earmarked for the former Mazda site next to the Exhibition Centre, widely known as Jeff's Shed.

Business groups have lobbied for years for a new convention venue, arguing that Melbourne's existing 1500-seat centre is hopelessly outdated.

The State Government has been tight-lipped about details of the April statement and has refused to confirm whether the convention centre project would be included.

Government sources said they expected the project to be a public-private partnership, with a private group building the centre and leasing it to the government.

The managers of the existing exhibition centre - a government-appointed trust - are likely to run the new centre.

But the project will hinge on support from the Melbourne City Council, which will be under intense pressure tomorrow to contribute $43 million, including about $15 million for the bridge.

Yesterday's Government announcement that it would return control of Docklands to the council was clearly timed to encourage the council to support the convention centre.

Yesterday a town hall source said the council had demanded it get Docklands back in return for a contribution to the convention centre.

A private town hall briefing today will be the first formal council discussion on the project. A special council meeting to vote on the contribution has been hastily called for tomorrow to coincide with the April statement.

Lord Mayor John So strongly supports the new centre. He will have the numbers to approve a council contribution.

But the council is split, with as many as four of the nine councillors possibly opposed to council involvement.

Finance committee chairman and former Labor Party member Kevin Chamberlin said yesterday the council administration had confirmed that a large contribution would result in service cuts, a rate rise, or both.

If the convention centre was to be a public-private partnership the council should not contribute, he said.

The Committee for Melbourne called on the council to back the project.

"People come to these conventions with millions of disposable dollars and this has a remarkable knock-on effect for business in the city," executive director Janine Kirk said.

State MPs and councillors have questioned whether Melbourne needs a new centre, when existing venues such as the Docklands football stadium can seat 5000.

But the chief executive of the existing Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, Leigh Harry, said that to compete for international conventions, Melbourne needed a centre with a large plenary hall, a large exhibition space, and plenty of smaller meeting rooms.

He said no existing Melbourne venue provided all three.

Mr Harry said among world cities Melbourne had slipped from fourth to 25th in the number of international conventions hosted.

He said that Melbourne's lack of convention capacity made it ineligible for 320 major international conventions.

A-brain

April 18th, 2004, 04:37 PM

Yeah the big Con centre has gotta happen, and I like the idea of the Mazda site - perfectly located next to the biggest Exhibition Centre around and all Melbourne City attractions.

Yes I too tire of hearing about 'Yet another bloody bridge' but I think a bridge between Docklands and Southbank is needed..

But then again thinking about it - thats exactly what the Yarra's Edge bridge is for - and it's not far at all from the Mazda site. Whilst up the other end the Spencer St bridge isn't that far either.

BigVman

April 18th, 2004, 11:51 PM

bbt - good news if it happens

zion

April 19th, 2004, 08:06 PM

More news in today's Age

Business to get a $1bn boost

By Darren Gray, Royce Millar
April 20, 2004
More than $1 billion of initiatives to boost Victoria's economy will be among key measures in a major economic plan to be released today by the State Government.

They include Government funding for a 5000-seat convention centre, support for the controversial Port Phillip Bay shipping channel deepening project and cuts to business red tape.

Cuts to WorkCover premiums of up to $200 million a year will also feature in the statement, to be released by Premier Steve Bracks. A 5000-seat convention centre to be built on the south bank of the Yarra, next to the Exhibition Centre, is one key project. It will cost about $370 million and be built with a mix of Government, private sector and Melbourne City Council money.

The economic blueprint will also include a commitment to accelerate the controversial channel deepening project. It is expected to cost about $500 million, but it remains unclear how it will be paid for.

Other projects to improve road and rail services in the port area are likely to be announced. Other measures include:

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A $2.5 million State Government contribution to establish a new freight and logistics centre in Melbourne.

A $5 million commitment to move the wholesale fruit and vegetable market from its Footscray site, possibly to Dandenong South or Werribee.

An $11 million program to boost Victorian exports.

Plans to streamline planning, including improvements to local council procedures flagged by Planning Minister Mary Delahunty last year.

A new priority development zone to help start housing development in activity centres designated in the Government's 30-year planning blueprint, Melbourne 2030.

Treasurer John Brumby yesterday said the Government would not increase debt or taxes to pay for the proposals. "This is about giving business a bit of a hand along, so that they can generate the jobs that Victorians want to see in our state," he said.

The economic statement comes in response to concern that Victoria's economy has slowed.

Economics forecaster Access Economics has predicted the state's economic growth will trail the nation this year, while the value of Victorian merchandise exports slumped by $3.8 billion last year.

"There will be a range of areas where we cut costs, cut regulation, streamline regulation, and there'll be a range of new initiatives in terms of public sector infrastructure," Mr Brumby said.

The Australian Industry Group's Victorian director, Timothy Piper, called the statement a positive step, but he urged payroll tax relief for exporters.

Opposition Leader Robert Doyle said there would be little new or exciting in the statement.

"I fear it's just another media stunt, more words not action," he said.

Melbourne City Council will vote today on whether to contribute $43 million for infrastructure around the proposed convention centre, including a $15 million footbridge across the Yarra.

chrisaus

April 19th, 2004, 10:41 PM

Space problems putting the squeeze on
http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/04/19/20CONGRESS,0.jpg
Melbourne is missing out on hosting large international conferences because of its small convention facilities, the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau says.

Melbourne is ranked eighth in Australia for its convention capacity, behind such cities as Brisbane, Cairns, Adelaide, Perth and the Gold Coast.

The State Government will announce plans for a larger convention centre today, but the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre's 1500-seat theatre will not accommodate the 2500 delegates attending the coming international health conference.

The director of the World Conference on Health Promotion and Health Education, Tom Seddon, said delegates who would not fit into the theatre for the plenary sessions would watch proceedings on a video screen.

"It would be a lot easier if there were a big plenary hall... that is something that Melbourne definitely needs to fix if they want to get this sort of international conference in future," he said.

The bureau said Melbourne had already missed out on 115 conventions with more than 1500 delegates each.

Of these, 54 per cent said the city's capacity constraints were the reason for not choosing Melbourne.

Bureau chief executive Garry Kingshott said Melbourne was bidding for nine international conferences with more than 1500 delegates. The conferences, to be held between 2008 and 2011, would bring the city an estimated $160 million.

The bureau has identified another 76 conferences with more than 1500 delegates that it could bid for in the next five years. These conferences are worth about $823 million.

Mr Kingshott said it was disappointing that Melbourne's lack of convention space excluded it from bidding for more conferences.

Mr Kingshott said there was growing competition from other cities in Australia and Asia to host conferences.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/19/1082357112015.html

A-brain

April 20th, 2004, 12:20 AM

A $5 million commitment to move the wholesale fruit and vegetable market from its Footscray site, possibly to Dandenong South or Werribee.

Standby for Footscray Rd to be earmarked for major redevelpoment in 10-15 years time.

I've had my eye on this road for a while. Although currently occupied by the Fruit Market, Shipping Ports, Freight Maintainence etc. - it's a perfect grandiose wide boulevard entering into Docklands just waiting to happend - in the tradition of Melbourne's other great boulevard entries (St.Kilda Rd, Flemington Rd, Victoria St, Royal Pde)

Remember you heard it here first!

tayser

April 20th, 2004, 10:52 AM

The full Economic plan document: http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/CA256D800027B102/Lookup/LeadingtheWay/$file/040321leadingtheway.pdf

looks nice and wordy, just freaking well implement it!

barneybuck

April 20th, 2004, 12:27 PM

This a great news overall with all the major business groups really giving the Bracks govt the thumbs up.The Convention Centre alone will generate 5 billion dollars over the coming years according to the industry spokesman.

Blabbyboy

April 21st, 2004, 09:51 AM

Looks like it's on, along with upgraded rail to the Port, the dredging of the main shipping lanes and the convention centre! It better be an architriumph that graces the covers of archimags all over the world! somebody give DCM a call...MUAHAHAHAHHH!

Bluestar

April 21st, 2004, 12:28 PM

IMO its the wrong site...why not incorporate a new convention centre with plans to upgrade the aquarium, across the road from the existing convention centre, in the carpark that separates the rail viaducts? It would involve some creative space usage, but an innovative solution is (always) possible. From the news releases it looks as though an architectural solution to the Mazda site has already been documented/modelled; does anyone know whose work this is?

Blue

silvermb

April 22nd, 2004, 12:02 AM

$1 billion dollar project

thats right, haven't read the article yet but the new convention centre will be worth $1 billion. Included will be highrise residential and hotel towers, retail and a stack or restaurants

Blabby, article online?

Grollo

April 22nd, 2004, 12:36 AM

The premier siad yesterday that the total value of the project would be $800 million. $370 million for the convention centre, $43 million for the new bridge and other works to be done by the city of Melbourne and $400 million for the new hotels/residnetial component.

So it will cost about the same as Southern Cross Station. $400 million should be enough to build a couple of 40 storey towers, nice gap fillers on the south bank of the Yarra between YE and the Southbank Towers.

Billy the Kid

April 22nd, 2004, 12:44 AM

The Hun today.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9350593%255E2862,00.html

Bracks tips centre will create 3600 jobs

Tanya Giles, Jeremy Kelly and Peter Mickelburough
22apr04

AN $800 million vision for Southbank was unveiled by the Bracks Government yesterday as it embarked on the big sell of its economic agenda.

Premier Steve Bracks and Treasurer John Brumby said the new Melbourne Convention Centre would be a landmark in the Southbank redevelopment, with a 5000-seat hall, ballroom and food and beverage outlets.
The Government is to invest $370 million for its construction.

Mr Bracks said private sector investment of up to $400 million would develop hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and possible residences around the Exhibition Centre, on the banks of the Yarra River. A further $43 million of infrastructure and other outlay was promised by Melbourne City Council.

The plans were revealed as the Government detailed $1.9 billion of cuts to land tax and WorkCover premiums to 250 business leaders at a breakfast function.

The Government predicted up to 1000 construction jobs and 2600 continuous jobs would result from the convention centre, as well as a $197 million-a-year boost to the state economy.

Lord Mayor John So said the convention centre would ensure the Docklands would continue being a vibrant part of the city.

A-brain

April 22nd, 2004, 01:28 AM

Just realised that a big successful convention centre could just be the stimulus for the big Shangri-La Hotel development over the bridge at Village Docklands ??

dynamoultraclean

April 22nd, 2004, 03:53 AM

Alarm over $800m convention centre
April 21, 2004 - 2:47PM
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/21/1082395905656.html?from=storyrhs

Victorian opposition leader Robert Doyle today sounded the alarm over costs for a new convention centre which appear to have doubled overnight.

The government pledged $370 million towards the 5,000-seat plenary hall as a key part of its business action plan, unveiled yesterday.

At the launch, Premier Steve Bracks said the construction cost was expected to be around $370 million, although he noted that the private sector contribution was still to be finalised.

But at a business breakfast this morning, Mr Bracks described the project as an $800 million development.

"So yesterday, the construction cost was $370 million," Mr Doyle said.

"Today, the premier announces that the construction cost is $800 million.

"How can you create a $400 million dollar black hole overnight? And that's what Steve Bracks has done."

Mr Doyle quoted from the government's economic statement which said: "The construction cost of the core Convention Centre buildings is expected to be around $370 million."

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The Melbourne City Council has also committed $43 million to the project and after a business breakfast this morning Mr Bracks revealed he expected "get more than $400 million extra in added value on site".

"The state government is putting in almost $370 million -- around $360 something million -- which will be in our budget in two weeks' time," Mr Bracks told reporters.

"I'm very pleased that the City of Melbourne has confirmed at their council meeting and the mayor has confirmed today that they're contributing some money as well.

"The private sector investment will be in other related activities - hotels, restaurants, some residential development - lifting it to an $800 million development and something which is really going to drive investment and job growth for Victoria."

Mr Doyle said the funding for the project should have been "clearly and specifically detailed" during yesterday's announcement for investors and the Victorian public.

"Instead of that, after one day, one of the major projects that Steve Bracks has announced is already under considerable question," he said.

"Is it $370 million? Is it $800 million? Where is the extra money coming from?"

Billy the Kid

April 22nd, 2004, 04:46 AM

Bluestar

April 22nd, 2004, 05:44 AM

From what I'm reading its implicitly clear that the cost of the convention centre itself is the $370million dollar figure. Doyle might have landed a solid punch with the Scoresby Freeway but he should carefully consider the numbers before attempting to sway public opinion concerning Bracks' credibility - which is by no means a lost cause! Doyle could be onto a winner if he just learns to stop shooting from the hip.

Blue

silvermb

April 22nd, 2004, 07:16 AM

Blabbyboy

April 22nd, 2004, 07:18 AM

Any architects? Pics of the new centre? It better be an archi-marvel!

Blabbyboy

April 22nd, 2004, 07:21 AM

From the AFR:
Southbank at heart of $1bn spend
Apr 22
Karina Barrymore

Melbourne's Southbank precinct is to have almost $1billion in new development, including a hotel, restaurants, high-rise residential and retail outlets, as part of a state government proposal to build and fund a new convention centre.

The new developments are planned to surround the $370million convention centre on land owned by the Victorian government west of the city and next to the Docklands precinct.

Premier Steve Bracks revealed yesterday the new precinct would be opened to private developers in a partnership arrangement linked to the construction of the 5000-seat convention centre.

The development offer appears to be designed to reduce the government's financial outlay for construction of the convention centre by offering tenderers the right to develop surrounding land.

The Victorian government plans to build the centre on land next to the existing Melbourne Convention Centre and to offer the adjoining land for private development.

The adjoining land, the former Mazda manufacturing site, was purchased by the government about four years ago for up to $20million.

Its acquisition at the time was justified because it was planned to be used to extend the convention centre, which is colloquially known as Jeff's Shed. But the extension was subsequently delayed.

The extra land surrounding the convention centre and the former Mazda site will now primarily be used for private development ventures, including high-rise hotel and residential projects, adjoining Mirvac's Docklands precinct.

Mr Bracks said yesterday the new convention centre would be the centrepiece of an $800million-plus redevelopment of the surrounding Southbank precinct.

A breakdown of the government's proposal showed the total planned development at the site was almost $900million.

As well as the $370million convention centre, a further $175million will be spent extending the exhibition centre and up to $100million is to be spent redeveloping the old convention centre.

Also, the Melbourne City Council will spend $43million on a new footbridge and other capital works, and at least $200million on the new hotel, residential developments and restaurant precinct.

Fountainhead

April 22nd, 2004, 01:41 PM

Any architects? Pics of the new centre? It better be an archi-marvel!

I think the architects are COX Sanderson Ness. The render in todays AFR was fairly standard convention centre architecture, so don't hold your breath...from what I remember it is glassy and curved, with an overhanging moderninst COX style roof overlooking the Yarra

Billy the Kid

April 22nd, 2004, 03:45 PM

billy stop your bitching, you sound like a woman

as for the $1 billion figure, that will be reached with the $175 million taken to extend Jeff's Shed and another $100 million to redevelop the existing convention centre. the highrise elements are a minimum $200 million. $370 million for the new hall and $43 million for infrastructure

all of the above are part of the precinct development according to the AFR.
Mate I just dont like the way Doyle is constantly putting the State down to try and score some dubious poltical pionts .
He would be better to keep his mouth shut and maybe sometimes come up with something positive.Nothing was ever achieved by being negative.

A-brain

April 22nd, 2004, 09:37 PM

Since when were politicians any f'n use ??? I agree it's ridiculous the automatic 'I must slander anything you say or do just because I'm in opposition'.

Bracksy said it would cost taxpayers $350m + $400m of potential private sector investement - so Doyle says 'Oh the government changed it's mind from $400m to $800m in one day' ... bolllocks!!

Anyway.. the render in the Feral-Pun wasn't bad. It included what looked like a 100m+ Hotel Tower in the mix ..

Blabbyboy

April 23rd, 2004, 10:23 AM

Fountainhead

April 24th, 2004, 07:43 AM

i saw the render in the AFR too - i hope it's just an artist's concept, becos it was bluddy boring...we need something of the calibre of the ACCA or the Kennett era "blades". i can't think of another city that quite made such an architectural identity out of a feature like the blade. even LA and other cities try to have "gateways" that don't have any impact - but over here in humble melbourne, we make bold statements about who we are!!!

I have since found out that the render in the AFR is just a masterplanning concept. The final design will be chosen through a consortium tender bid process (architect+builder+financier teams)....similar process to Spencer St Station. The preferred design will be chosen next year.

Aussie Steve

April 25th, 2004, 05:24 AM

Can anyone scan the pic in the AFR & post it so that we can all see??

OSJ

April 25th, 2004, 10:04 AM

The final design will be chosen through a consortium tender bid process (architect+builder+financier teams)....similar process to Spencer St Station. The preferred design will be chosen next year.

I'm not too keen on this type of precurement. I think it works good for standard government projects, but for something this important it limits the designs to only larger recognised names, and also cancels out real innovation as the banks and builders oversee the architecture.

I think a better approach would be to have a 2 stage process which involved an open international design competition. From that, a shortlist of say 5 designs would be selected. The second stage would be as per spencer street, to ensure buildability, financially security etc. That way an unbuildable design wouldn't attract the financial backing, then wouldn't of course win the second stage, and thus the government wouldn't have egg on the face and a cost blowout.

Federation Square for example would never have occurred as it is because LAB had never built anything, yet it functioned well with them teaming up with Bates Smart. What people tend to forget is that the stuff ups happened on the government/project management side, but the architecture/engineering side worked highly successfully for such a complex project. Since Bracks has been in there hasn't been a design competition for a large civic project. Kennett had us on the right track in this respect with the Museum and Fed Sq.

Fountainhead

April 25th, 2004, 04:18 PM

I'm not too keen on this type of precurement. I think it works good for standard government projects, but for something this important it limits the designs to only larger recognised names, and also cancels out real innovation as the banks and builders oversee the architecture.

I think a better approach would be to have a 2 stage process which involved an open international design competition. From that, a shortlist of say 5 designs would be selected. The second stage would be as per spencer street, to ensure buildability, financially security etc. That way an unbuildable design wouldn't attract the financial backing, then wouldn't of course win the second stage, and thus the government wouldn't have egg on the face and a cost blowout.

Federation Square for example would never have occurred as it is because LAB had never built anything, yet it functioned well with them teaming up with Bates Smart. What people tend to forget is that the stuff ups happened on the government/project management side, but the architecture/engineering side worked highly successfully for such a complex project. Since Bracks has been in there hasn't been a design competition for a large civic project. Kennett had us on the right track in this respect with the Museum and Fed Sq.

I fully agree and would love to see that happen here. They are not fast-tracking the process however. The new centre opens in 2008. Given a construction period of say 2 years, that still leaves about a year to get a design chosen. I briefly read in a press release that a two stage process is involved, and you are right in that is emerging as the preferred basis for most major public buildings (Brisbanes' millenium arts projects, etc). However, I think it will be more a first stage of open submissions from consortium teams, with second round of shortlisted teams developing schemes. Not quite an open design process as it means architects have to team with established contractors (and possibly financiers), which generally precludes smaller innovative firms such as what LAB were 7 years ago. Also might limit the international side of things.

True, the process does limit ideas to larger established design practices (I happen to work for one), but that does not mean a bad outcome. Some pre-qualified "established" practices may form relationships with more "innovative" newcomers to gain an edge...anything could still happen.

Blabbyboy

April 26th, 2004, 08:24 AM

I agree on those points too, Fountainhead & OSJ. And it's certainly a relief that the masterplanning concept is only a concept!

silvermb

May 4th, 2004, 03:27 PM

a fairly basic concept design for the complex

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/mecc.JPG

i spotted what different design on tv tonight - similar to the Beijing Olympic Stadium, the main difference being the metal lattice-work covers the glass plenary hall rather than a stadium, a promising design and a real chance to create a genuine landmark, don't stuff it up!

Aussie Steve

May 5th, 2004, 01:09 AM

That pic above shows the new complex on the car park behind the sheds along the banks of the Yarra not on the old Mazda site!

Blabbyboy

May 5th, 2004, 03:06 AM

plotstyle

May 5th, 2004, 04:45 AM

The Collector

May 7th, 2004, 01:17 AM

They should get the architect who did the Age printing facility near Tullamarine - that's got convention centre written all over it (even though it's one of the schmickest industrial buildings anywhere!)
The Age Print Centre
Winner of the 2002 Victorian Architecture Award for best commercial building.
Architects: Ken Sowerby (Trevi, Italy) and Hassell (Melbourne)

I agree with you here Blabbyboy and if not Hassell, it should be ARM for
something really cutting edge! :yes:

______________________________________________________________
I collect, therefore I am. :cool:

Adamonline

May 7th, 2004, 02:50 PM

Hmmm ... Another bridge for the Yarra. Let's see, between:

- Princess Bridge
- The 1984 Sesquicentenary Foot Bridge
- Sandridge Bridge
- Queens Bridge
- Kings Bridge
- Spencer Street Bridge
- Charles Grimes Bridge

I reckon that Melbourne can easily afford to build a river under all of it's bridges. At least Melburnians can only complain of being so spoiled for choice. I must admit that regardless of whether they build another bridge over the few remaining exposed remnants of the Yarra that I would like to see the government adn MCC make a final end of the Sandridge Bridge. Last time that I checked, Sandridge was at the same stage of completion of its redevelopment as the Athens Olympic Stadium.

Grollo

May 8th, 2004, 03:32 PM

How much will the new Convention Centre cost?

Construction of the new facility is estimated to cost $367 million. The ultimate cost to the State will depend on the outcome of the tender process, the scope of services to be provided by the private sector, and the proceeds attributable to the development of other sites within the precinct, which will be undertaken as part of the Convention Centre Redevelopment.

What sort of other buildings/development will be part of this? Hotels?Restaurants?

The Convention Centre will be the catalyst for around $800m in redevelopment of the surrounding precinct for uses such as a hotel, restaurants, retail outlets and residential development. A footbridge link to the Northbank and the realisation of alternative uses for the existing Convention Centre will also be part of the overall redevelopment. A master plan will be developed for the precinct in consultation with the private sector, the City of Melbourne and the Minister for Planning.

What will happen to the existing Convention Centre?

The existing Convention Centre will remain open at least until the new Centre commences operations in 2008. Subsequently, there are a number of options for use of the site, including the operation of a smaller complementary facility or alternative uses which are currently being explored with other stakeholders.

Please, please demolish this blight on the Yarra:
http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/04/19/20CONGRESS,0.jpg

Is the Exhibition Centre to be expanded as part of the Redevelopment?

The Project approved by Government is Stage 1 of a masterplan. Stage 2 involves the potential extension of the Exhibition Centre. The site designated for this extension is to be quarantined from development and is proposed to be used for carparking (this can be seen in the schematics for Stage 1).

Timeline:

Late 2004: Expressions of interest
Mid 2005: Tender documentation released to short-listed bidders
Late 2005: Winning bid announced
Early 2006: construction commences
2008: construction completed

Will the new Convention Centre look like the design shown in the schematics?

No. The schematics illustrate a conceptual design for the new Convention Centre. The State will require that the design meets aesthetic requirements appropriate to the prominent position of the site.

Lucky it's only a schematic because it looks bloody awful, but you get the idea:
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~naharrison/cc 1.jpg
I hope DCM get the job so they can intergrate the design with Jeff's shed (which this design doesn't do very well)
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~naharrison/cc 2.jpg

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~naharrison/cc 3.jpg

A slightly different concept with three towers :-)
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~naharrison/cc 4.jpg

Map of the area:
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~naharrison/cc map.jpg

pixaus

May 9th, 2004, 03:40 AM

very ordinary designs, second sketch is ok. I say move polly woodside to the turning basin next to the aquarium, that way they can utilise the area better and build right up to the water where polly woodside was, maybe with a few cafes looking towards the city on the edge

tayser

May 9th, 2004, 03:58 AM

the first concept looks like an indoor Ice Hockey stadium you'd find in Canada:

GM Place in Vancouver

http://www.via-architecture.com/images/pics/expertise/urbandesign/bg_92171M_MODEL.jpg

overall, that 2nd concept would be preferable - more towers to give YE some friends, dunno bout keeping those old warehouses - the boardwalk along there's pretty crappy.

thanks for the info grollo!

I think it's safe to say that this is probably what's going to drive development westward and connect Docklands to the "old City". I'd be willing to bet that this most certainly sets the precedent for massive development & concentration of between King and Spencer Street over the next 10 years. Lay low whilst this boom finishes its construction cycle, and the next won't be too far around the corner!

Bring it on :banana:

Aussie Steve

May 9th, 2004, 07:11 AM

Why does it need to be so close to the river, Set it way back closer to the freeway and leave some open space between the riverside sheds and the new building.

Grollo

May 9th, 2004, 01:43 PM

Why does it need to be so close to the river, Set it way back closer to the freeway and leave some open space between the riverside sheds and the new building.

It has to be that close to the river to leave room for stage 2 which is the expansion of the Exhibition Centre. If they built it further back then there would be no room for the Exhibition Centre to expand.

kasperluke

May 9th, 2004, 02:56 PM

I think that design looks alright, something that is needed for sure.

Like tays said! Thanks for the pics/ info grollo!

Blabbyboy

May 10th, 2004, 08:47 AM

That design is AWFUL - I hope (again) that it's only a "concept".

plotstyle

May 10th, 2004, 11:24 AM

well presented except that plan and hand/chop job

buts its very contempory and and something more experiemental would be better in other words this building doesnt speak for itself...

Fountainhead

May 10th, 2004, 12:23 PM

Cox group are in the habit of recycling ideas - notice the similarity to King Street Wharf in that promenade perspective?

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~naharrison/cc%204.jpg

http://www.dynacorp.com.au/images/promanade_high_res.jpg

As far as a masterplan goes, it is very straightforward. Nothing really unexpected. I think the extension of the exhibition halls will be very awkward, but there is not much choice.

Personally, I think it should be a very different design to the exhibition centre, and have a very neutral connection so as not to interfere too much with the promenade / concourse of the existing building. I think it should be either very complementary (IE - a DCM design) or totally different, but VERY contrasting (say an ARM)....the masterplan images are not much of either

As a very preliminary masterplan sketch, the main problem I have with this is the rectangular buildings with curved roofs that surround the plenery hall - they box it in and don't give any chance for the hall to have its own object / expression....Of course, it is JUST a masterplan so it has to be neutral and non-committal (and uninspiring!) until the real design is chosen.

@Collector - watch for another Hassell - AGE collaboration soon;)

Grollo

May 10th, 2004, 01:24 PM

Will the new Convention Centre look like the design shown in the schematics?

No. The schematics illustrate a conceptual design for the new Convention Centre. The final design will be the one submitted by the successful tenderer during the forthcoming tender process. The State will require that the design meets aesthetic requirements appropriate to the prominent position of the site.

tayser

August 3rd, 2004, 04:16 PM

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/08/03/1091476487942.html

Convention hall 'must go green'
By Helen Westerman
August 4, 2004

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/08/03/convention,0.jpg

The Property Council is calling for a 50 per cent reduction in energy use. The Victorian Government announced in April it would commit $367 million to build a new "world-class" convention centre and 5000 seat plenary hall into the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
Picture:Craig Abraham

The Victorian Government needs to "go green" with the design of Melbourne's new convention centre or risk being uncompetitive against international centres, according to peak industry body the Property Council of Australia.

The call to develop the new centre as a green icon has been backed by the Green Building Council and the Energy Sustainability Authority.

But the PCA also warns a "token green effort" could undermine the project's viability, especially if the State Government sacrifices sustainability principles because they cost more.

The Victorian Government announced in April it would commit $367 million to build a new "world-class" convention centre and 5000 seat plenary hall into the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, as part of a redevelopment of Southbank.

Melbourne City Council will commit $43 million. This week it announced infrastructure spending around the centre, including $15 million for a footbridge to link the centre with Docklands.

The Government also wants to see private-sector investment of up to $400 million to develop hotels, restaurants and retail outlets around the site.

With planning in preliminary stages, the Government says the extent to which environmental standards and principals are to be included is still being considered. Expressions of interest will be sought in October.

But PCA executive director Jennifer Cunich says now is the time to ensure that the centre is developed as a "green icon".

"This project is an important one for Melbourne and Victoria to attract major conferences and it shouldn't be sacrificed as it's not going to come up soon again," Ms Cunich says.

The PCA is calling for a 50 per cent reduction in energy use, storm-water recycling, and for the project to plant native gardens to improve indoor air quality, recycle all demolition material and use "approved green building materials".

A yet-to-be-published Property Council paper claims Pittsburgh's David L. Lawrence Convention Centre in the US attracted 35 per cent more conventions in its first year by using "green" as a marketing feature.

However, Ms Cunich believes a competitive advantage could be lost if the Government opts for a development that simply has the lowest dollar value, rather than sustainability principles.

"It's my understanding there've been a number of projects that have had the opportunity to be more leading edge, but it's been weighed up against cost and decided that's not the way to go," she says.

A US survey found ensuring buildings were "green" added 2 per cent to capital costs. However, the argument is that this is recouped in longer-term operating savings and life-cycle costs.

Sustainable Energy Authority business director Megan Wheatley says sustainable innovation in some areas often leads to cost savings in others.

Grocon director and board member of the Green Building Council Daniel Grollo says the new centre offers Melbourne an opportunity to set new international benchmarks.

"To be the most sustainable convention centre in the world is probably not a bad marketing element," he says.

______________________________

$10 says this is Grollo's next big project :)

bearbrass

August 4th, 2004, 02:01 AM

I reckon you are right on the money Tays.
Grollo will be looking for some decent size projects with QV, MCG and Eureka past the 1/2 way marks.. But who really cares who gets to build it? lets got on with building the bloody thing.

Grollo

August 4th, 2004, 03:24 PM

Depends if Grocon gets the Burj Dubai contract, if they do I think they will be pretty busy for the next four or five years :-)

nickyb

August 5th, 2004, 10:15 AM

i hope they dont build some ugly stadium looking building. there is an amazing looking glass building in singapore that looks a bit like fly eyes. we really need something that makes a statement something a bit curvie.

Dean

August 5th, 2004, 10:40 AM

This will be a massive project - at around $700-800million im expecting a hotel of around 500-600 rooms in the 4.5 to 5 star range, so a tower similar to Crown Towers in height, and a second smaller tower with serviced apartments. plus the 5000 seat CC + cafes, restaurants and retail outlets as standard.

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

Icanseeformiles

August 5th, 2004, 10:47 AM

maybe this could be our chance to get a truely international landmark.
it had better be damn funky!

Fountainhead

August 5th, 2004, 10:55 AM

$10 says this is Grollo's next big project :)

...is that a good thing?

the amount of cut corners on the MCG and QV is staggering...

Either way, it will be won by a consortium that Grocon will be a part of, not just on their own. There will most likely be 3-4 consortiums shortlisted. I can almost guarantee the consortiums will be:

Grocon, Baulderstone Hornibrook, Multiplex and maybe Leightons (if they decide to bid, but based on Southern Cross...)

because it is a PPP, the consortium financiers and facility managers are equally as important as the builders to winning

Grocon have not much experience in PPP projects and the Royal Womens Hospital is the first one they have done to my knowledge....

ABN Amro and Macquarie Bank will be among the main players from the banks side

Favco750

August 5th, 2004, 11:24 AM

Don't think daniel son is all that keen on building anything in Melb, the way he and his new best mate van camp are going, they might as well go and build al arab burj, take their gear and stay there. There is no love b/w daniel son and his employees any more. His father had the most respect of any building boss in Australia, don't think too many grocon blokes would piss on ds or VC if they were on fire now.

pisstake

August 5th, 2004, 01:55 PM

Fountainhead - What have been the cut corners on the MCG?
The changes to BHP@QV were from BHP, had nothing to do with Grocon.
I found out I know the architech of the BHP building through my family and he is livid with how it turned out because the cutbacks completely ruined his design

plotstyle

August 6th, 2004, 04:29 AM

What have been the cut corners on the MCG?

dont know for that project exaclty but generally finishes and design changes that make the thing easier to build or they just take things out for example a curved feature becomes straight aluminium becomes mild glav steel ect ect feature precast panels become just washed agg ect

Fountainhead

August 7th, 2004, 03:30 PM

dont know for that project exaclty but generally finishes and design changes that make the thing easier to build or they just take things out for example a curved feature becomes straight aluminium becomes mild glav steel ect ect feature precast panels become just washed agg ect

yup, that is basicly it

most builders try to 'simplify' things but grocon are a bit more notoroius in the construction industry for doing things cheaply

qv examples are just cutting / cheapening materials - replacing blustone of laneways with concrete pavers, cutting facade materials down etc (BHP would have to be one of the cheapest facades to be built in melbourne ever - i know the facade costs and it was scary!)

admittedly, they do have a bit of guts to do more big-picture style things, even if the detail does'nt get through

Fountainhead

August 7th, 2004, 03:40 PM

Hardie

September 6th, 2004, 01:52 AM

Sorry if this is already posted somewhere?

I just received a newsletter from my professional organisation and they stated that a new convention centre is being built in melb and to be completed by 2008, next to Jeff's shed?? and that our 2010 annual conference will be held there.

Is there anything on paper yet or is it just a proposal at this stage??

Billy the Kid

September 6th, 2004, 04:19 AM

tayser

September 6th, 2004, 07:12 AM

Don't look at me.

Sorry if this is already posted somewhere?

It doesn't take more than a minute to do a search (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/search.php?) for any previous threads.

Threads merged.

tayser

October 4th, 2004, 05:06 PM

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/10/04/1096871818627.html

First booking for new convention centre
By Misha Ketchell
October 5, 2004

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/10/04/starchitect4_wideweb__430x258.jpg

An artist's impression of the new convention centre.

Victoria has taken the first booking for its planned 5000-seat convention centre - a congress on internal medicine in 2010, the State Government has announced.

Premier Steve Bracks yesterday said 4000 delegates would come to Melbourne for the International Society of Internal Medicine congress. The event would generate an estimated $22 million for Victoria's economy, he said.

The $800 million convention centre is to be built on the Mazda site next to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Mr Bracks said Victoria would not have been able to host a conference of this size had the Government not decided to build the new convention centre, due to be finished in 2008.

The State Government has agreed to invest $367 million in the centre and is seeking almost $400 million from the private sector.

The Government hopes to enter a public-private partnership to build a hotel, restaurants and shops, and possibly a residential development, around the centre.

Lord Mayor John So said the Melbourne City Council had agreed to invest $43 million in the project and the money would be spent on infrastructure in the area.

Tourism Minister John Pandazopoulos said the 2010 conference would raise Victoria's international profile, particularly among business leaders and scientists.

Opposition major projects spokeswoman Louise Asher said the Government had put the cart before the horse in announcing a convention when the buildings were unfunded and there was no developer.

"It would be preferable to announce who is going to build the project," she said. "Given the Government's track record, it is unlikely the centre will commence operations by 2008, and I wish the Government well for 2010."

Aussie Steve

October 5th, 2004, 12:54 AM

This is great news! :D And it looks like another highrise tower on Southbank next to the Charles Grimes Bridge. Its almost an extension of Yarras Edge!

tayser

October 5th, 2004, 02:23 AM

yer - going by YE1, looks like ~90m

Drunkill

October 5th, 2004, 09:54 AM

Seems to fit in well with jeff shed. Hope they get it done by 2009, so they can get it ready for the convention. And more conventions = more money = better city! and its good that it is next to jeff shed, then conventions can go together, and have talks in the new center, and displays in the shed.

But another tower, yay, well hopefully another.

sakor1

October 5th, 2004, 12:06 PM

Fits in nicely from that render, I can almost see it now! Hopefully they get cracking soon, the sooner its done the sooner we can have those conventions :D

stu

silvermb

October 5th, 2004, 01:13 PM

take it easy ladies

it's been mentioned many a time in this thread that the above is just a concept image, tenders were called yesterday for design & construction, commencing early 2006

tayser

October 5th, 2004, 01:27 PM

big man who drives a Vectra and is too scared to catch Public Transport has spoken :cool:

silvermb

October 5th, 2004, 02:09 PM

yeah yeah back into that cave called upper beaconsfield

kasperluke

October 5th, 2004, 04:18 PM

^lol :)

Edit:.......Oh yeah i kinda like the convention centre.

kichigai

July 26th, 2005, 12:55 PM

Some news on this one from of all places Epicure

Here's the gist
3 groups shortlisted - bank led groups (no mention of developers)
ABN-Amro
Macquarie Bank
Plenary Group (Deutsche Bank)

2 of the 3 consortia involve major food precincts with some of Melbourne's best chefs.

Tender expected to be awarded by October with construction to begin early next year.

A r c h i

July 26th, 2005, 02:46 PM

^I believe after the Commonwealth Games. And I'm sure Baulderstone Hornibrook and Multiplex were part of 2 of the three proposals.

Blabbyboy

July 27th, 2005, 05:38 AM

^I believe after the Commonwealth Games. And I'm sure Baulderstone Hornibrook and Multiplex were part of 2 of the three proposals.
And the third builder was Lend Lease.

Grollo

July 27th, 2005, 07:12 AM

Grollo

July 27th, 2005, 07:20 AM

This is the DCM design for the proposed 18,000 square metre expansion of the Exhibition Centre that never went ahead:

http://web.aanet.com.au/nmharrison/dcm exhibition.jpg

Fountainhead

July 27th, 2005, 08:36 AM

The three successful consortia invited to tender for the development in December last year were:

- Convene – Bovis Lend Lease (Builder), Spotless (Services Provider) and ABN AMRO (Equity)
- Melbourne Convention Centre Partnership ("MCCP") – Baulderstone (Builder and Services Provider) and Bilfinger Berger (Equity)
- Multiplex / Plenary Consortium ("MPC") – Multiplex (as Equity, Builder and Services Provider) and Plenary Group (Equity)

Good timing for this thread.....I have been working on this project for the past 4 months, which have involved 70 hour long weeks of pure intensity!

It will be an amazing project for Melbourne (hopefully) no matter which team wins

.....as I write this, our final bid drawings are being printed and compiled to be lodged tomorrow!

most of the above is true, but as it is a hugely confidential project I can't say too much except that the MCCP team is not quite what is publicised above - Macquarie Bank (and another builder) took over from Bilfinger Berger / Baulderstones

the DCM image was done prior to the convention centre co-location intent.... part of the bids that get lodged tomorrow is masterplanning to incorporate that size of exhibition centre expansion on the site (as well as convention centre of 50,000SqM+, and commercial development). It will eventually go ahead when the government secures funding, but probably will only get the go ahead after 2008 when the convention centre opens!

by the way, architect teams are:

Convene: Daryl Jackson + TVS Crawford (american convention centre architects), and Peter Hunt (Perth based conevntion centre architect - did Gold Coast Conv centre)

MCCP: HASSELL + HOK (Convention Centre architects) with Bates Smart

MPC: NH Architecture + Woods Bagot with Larry Oltermanns (American Convention Centre Architect)

wowsim

July 27th, 2005, 08:51 AM

^^^ Cool thanks for the info Fountainhead. Will there be renders of the proposals released tomorrow?

Grollo

July 27th, 2005, 09:01 AM

It is a shame that DCM didn't get a chance to design the new convention centre, the exhibition centre is an excellent building.
Also I hope the designs for the site take into account future market conditions and include a couple of aprtment/hotel towers rather than taking a short term view and not developing the site to it's full potential.

OSJ

July 27th, 2005, 09:20 AM

The Collector

July 27th, 2005, 09:36 AM

^^^AGREE, AGREE, AGREE!! :yes:
Couldn't have said it better myself. :)

Lightning~Bolt

July 27th, 2005, 10:59 AM

fantastic news!

Blabbyboy

July 28th, 2005, 01:40 AM

The original DCM building (Jeff's Shed) has its strength in its sweeping, standalone design. As you drive on the West Gate, you can see the "cross section" where the "wing" ends. To attach something to it would be a mistake IMHO. That's the problem with the DCM extension proposal - it compromises the integrity of the original structure. I'd prefer underground access to a new, complementary MECC. Perhaps another low rise "blade"-like structure sweeping along the Yarra?

Grollo

July 29th, 2005, 02:25 AM

Press release today:

Mr Brumby said the development of convention centre had moved a step closer with proposals being received at the end of this week from the three short listed bidders- Convene, Melbourne Convention Centre Partnership and Multiplex/Plenary Consortium.

"Bidders are encouraged to developed innovative, competitive bids and adopt best practices ecological sustainable development principles," he said.

A decision on the successful consortium will be made by the end of this year.

Fountainhead

July 29th, 2005, 05:03 AM

^^^ These kind of projects should always be done as international design competitions, at least in the first round. Whilst I understand they are trying to avoid the cost blowouts of fed square type experimental projects, there is no reason that proper buildability and economic assessments couldn't be a part of the later stages of an open competition.

I don't know what these designs will be like, and they be amazing, but Melbourne has IMO missed alot of opportunities in the last few years to really put itself on the map design wise. The examples I give are -

MCG - big, yes but compare this to the allianz arena or the beijing olympic stadium

Vodaphone - technically sufficient - architecturally awful.

Telstra - didn't even get the technical right - the minute I saw the design, I knew they'd have trouble with shadows and TV, and the grass not growing. The exterior looks like a factory.

CG Village - what an opportunity for urban design, sustainability etc.

Albert Park pool - ho hum suburban sports centre.

Fed Square proves that controversial architecture can be embraced publicly, and the MEC proves that design can be beautiful and technically/economically successful at the same time.

I totally agree OSJ,

but - as the press about this and other issues in the AGE a couple of months ago suggests:

The attitude to procurement of major projects rests with the government of the time. The sad reality is the Bracks labour government has a less than enlightened view on these projects (from an aesthetic view or any other view apart from the bottom line). That is being corrected slightly with the apointment of a State Gov Architect later this year.....

but still, the goverments attitude to this is they consider a project like the convention centre as "infrastructure", not "architecture"...which says it all really

I have also argued about the merits of a two stage process, and there is a lot of rational behind that. However, the attitude in Government is about getting the "best value" outcome, not the "best design" outcome....

The other side of coin is the benefits of the "experience economy" - Bilbao effect etc, which tourism benefits far offset the cost of a little $200-300M building. Again, a diiferent government would see it differently.

of course, this would be a different project under a "Kennet style" government

and anyway, I would wait to see the result before making any judgements about design quality! does'nt mean it's going to be crap!

OSJ

July 31st, 2005, 01:26 PM

^ Yeah true we don't the result. It could be like Spencer street, which has been a fantastic outcome design wise.

Another thing is that whilst this process doesn't push design as strongly as an open competition, it seems to push it moreso than other tender processes, as it seems to be a factor in the selection process. I may be wrong, but I believe the tender process for buildings like Vodaphone or the Albert Park complex involved no concept designs during the tender process. The architects were assessed based on previous projects and abilities. Correct me if its otherwise.

wowsim

August 17th, 2005, 07:20 AM

Bump.... The bids have been submitted for a while now....anyone know of any renders out there?

Drunkill

August 17th, 2005, 11:59 AM

Read somthing yesterday in the age, said that Multiplex and Lend Lease were the two main contenders, reckon they will win, one of those two.

joed

November 1st, 2005, 01:32 PM

Interesting to see demolition has started on the old mazda site.

http://homepage.mac.com/jbadcock/Melbourne/misc/P1000062.jpg

Aussie Steve

November 2nd, 2005, 12:49 AM

Good. And about time too.

MelbEuropa

November 2nd, 2005, 08:14 AM

jlb

November 2nd, 2005, 09:00 AM

It will be interesting to see the proposals when they do get realised. Just hope they arent boring like the World Trade Centre/Convention Centre. I have a feeling the Government will go cheap on this project after such fiasco's as the Spencer Street Station (will the contractors want to get involved in complex designs when dealing with Vic Governmenbt again?)
I wouldn't call it a fiasco on State Govt's behalf... there's always a risk of this happening with compulsory competetive tendering... contractors often stuff up the costings in pursuit of trying to get the cheapest/ most competetive price. Plus given the context the costings should be easier for this site, i.e. there aren't rail lines or any continuing use during construction.

tayser

November 10th, 2005, 12:39 AM

AFR
New line-ups bid for Docklands
Mathew Dunckley
10 November 2005

Consortia led by Lend Lease and Multiplex will go head to head as preferred bidders for the $350 million Melbourne Convention Centre project, the Victorian government announced yesterday.

The announcement followed a late rejigging of the unsuccessful Melbourne Convention Centre Partnership (MCCP) bid, which was backed by Macquarie Bank.

The Lend Lease consortium, Convene, includes services provider Spotless and ABN Amro, while Multiplex is teamed with the Plenary Group.

They are competing to build and manage the 5000-seat centre at Southbank through a public-private partnership agreement estimated to be worth about $350 million.

The contract includes a 20-year deal to run the existing exhibition centre, known locally as Jeff's Shed after former premier Jeff Kennett.

It will also require the design and construction of a pedestrian bridge, linking the north side of the Yarra and the Docklands.

Earlier this year Baulderstone Hornibrook and German parent Bilfinger Berger quietly withdrew from the MCCP bid.

Macquarie Bank then stepped up to take over leadership of the bid bringing in Leighton Holdings - which is also the contractor on the embattled Spencer Street Station PPP project - but no announcement was made at the time by the government or the parties involved.

Last year, Leighton's boss Wal King savaged the state government's approach to PPPs, describing it as a "master-slave relationship".

None of the parties were willing to comment when contacted by The Australian Financial Review.

The process has been a long one and the convention centre is already more than a year behind schedule. It is now expected to be completed late in 2008 and delivered in 2009.

Mr Lenders said the changes in the consortia took place in April after a "legal and probity evaluation".

Macquarie Bank had always been a member of the MCCP consortium, he said.

"Today's announcement is a significant step in the construction of Australia's largest convention and exhibition precinct," Mr Lenders said.

"The evaluation process, including an assessment of what bid offered the best value for Victorian taxpayers, found these two bids came closest to addressing our requirements."

Mr Lenders said negotiations with the remaining consortia would now start to clarify construction, design, services and commercial details of each bid.

A decision on the successful contractor would be made early next year with construction expected to begin after the Commonwealth Games in March, he said.

The government estimates the centre will contribute an additional $197 million annually to Victoria's economy and create 2500 new jobs each year over 25 years.

____________________

who wants to start haggling Daryl Jackson for renders? :happy:

A r c h i

November 10th, 2005, 05:39 AM

Hope there's a tower or two attatched to the site as per conceptual renders.

Grollo

November 10th, 2005, 07:31 AM

Lend Lease and Multiplex, how predictable was that :-)

Marky Mark

January 30th, 2006, 10:46 PM

Convention centre plan up in the air
Email Print Normal font Large font By Royce Millar
January 31, 2006 :)

Advertisement
AdvertisementA $1.1 BILLION "mini-city" including a five-star hotel, offices, apartments and shops is one of two "chalk and cheese" schemes before the State Government, which is struggling with a decision on its next major project — the convention centre at Southbank.

Well-placed sources say the Government is finding it hard to choose between two vastly different bids for the 5000-seat centre. Sources close to the bidding say the Government, which has committed $370 million to the project, is nervous after problems with the Spencer Street Station revamp and other public-private partnerships.

The alternative bid is a $500 million to $600 million bare-bones scheme that includes the centre and a hotel. It was so modest, said one source, that the Government asked the proponents, including Melbourne architect Daryl Jackson, to submit a more "ritzy" and "landmark" design.

Sources have confirmed confidential details by the two remaining consortiums:

■Builder Multiplex and financier Plenary Group bid: Goes well beyond the Government's brief and features five large buildings including the convention centre, a $100 million Hilton Hotel, two state-of-the-art German-style retail centres and an office-and-apartment tower.

■Builder Bovis Lend Lease and finance group Babcock & Brown: A more minimal approach that sticks to the Government brief and focuses on the convention centre itself and associated hotel.

A source close to the Multiplex project has likened the Government's choice to a contest between the Flower Drum restaurant and McDonald's. Another source close to the Lend Lease team warned of the "smoke and mirrors" in the Opposition's "Disneyland" scheme.

Bureaucrats are believed to be undecided about the two approaches, referring the project to cabinet ministers.

Major Projects Minister John Lenders is believed to favour the simpler option while Tourism Minister John Pandazopoulos apparently sees the bigger project as a potential international drawcard and money spinner. A decision was due late last year and is now expected next month.

While not backing a particular bid, the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday called for a bold decision.

Chamber president Richard Holyman said all big Australian and Asian cities had convention facilities and Melbourne needed a spectacular centre to set it apart. But he cautioned against elaborate frills and infrastructure that might not be realistic in the current property market.

Opposition major projects spokeswoman Louise Asher last night said the Kennett government had planned to start building the centre in 2000. The Bracks Government is aiming for a 2009 opening date.

She said the Government's failure to get the centre built was damaging the economy, because Melbourne was falling behind as a convention destination.

Mr Lenders' spokeswoman, Manika Naidoo, said the tender was not yet finalised and so no comment could be made. A decision would be made soon.

OSJ

January 30th, 2006, 11:28 PM

It was so modest, said one source, that the Government asked the proponents, including Melbourne architect Daryl Jackson, to submit a more "ritzy" and "landmark" design.

How depressing.

I hope the other one is better and the government has some balls on this one.

A r c h i

January 31st, 2006, 01:43 AM

Hope Multiplex wins. By the sound of things their's is by far the best solution as all that activity will liven up that part of the city. During the day going from the Exhibition centre to Yarra's Edge on foot it's pretty dead apart from the occasional reception every now and then and the few people that frequent that ghastly Maritime Museum. It'll also mean more cranes and shut some of the naysayers up.

Bluestar

January 31st, 2006, 07:28 AM

Hrrm. Next thing we know, an undecided Bracks government will launch a $50million study into which option is best. When the study gets bogged down after 5 years of deliberation (or it doesn't give the answers that the Labor government of the day wants) a $25million enquiry will be launched into the study. The findings, of course, will be inconclusive, apart from that no-vision government doesn't know what the bloody hell to do other than aim for the next election. When the centre does get finally built in 2054 it might be good for cockroach racing on Australia Day, but because the big conventions have long gone to Sydney, Brisbane and the now-thriving metropolis of Oodnadatta, there won't be anyone to convene in it.
Thanks Steve, you make me want to be a worser man.

Blue

auslankan

January 31st, 2006, 07:48 AM

Dean

January 31st, 2006, 08:28 AM

Major Projects Minister John Lenders is believed to favour the simpler option while Tourism Minister John Pandazopoulos apparently sees the bigger project as a potential international drawcard and money spinner.

Lenders = myopic numbskull

Panda = CHAMP.

case closed

OSJ

January 31st, 2006, 08:59 AM

Whats with all the Bracks Labor bashing? the bloody project hasnt been decided on as yet and the usual whingers are at it.

Have a look at the new theatre and recital hall to be built at Southbank and tell me that is "stodgy". Bracks and co might just surprise you with this one as well.

As I said in an earlier post - and not a particular swipe at this government, but buildings of this importance should be open to an international design competition - if the competition has enough safety factors in terms of buildability, cost etc, then a bank and a builder will pick the project up.

So it should be staged - first: open design comp with a shortlist created. Second: consortium comp where the best overall package is chosen.

As you can see with Spencer street, even when a reputable consortium/designer does get chosen, sh!t can still hit the fan cost wise.

A r c h i

January 31st, 2006, 09:00 AM

Does John Denton have any input into which proposal is chosen or make any recommendations to the government?

dynamoultraclean

January 31st, 2006, 03:43 PM

Maybe they should extend the Casino :)

Marky Mark

February 14th, 2006, 10:40 PM

and it better be Multiplex ! :)

Green rules to tighten on big projects
Email Print Normal font Large font By Farrah Tomazin
February 15, 2006

Advertisement
AdvertisementDEVELOPERS would be forced to meet tough "green" rules when they bid for major projects, under changes being considered by the Bracks Government.

In a push to bolster Labor's environmental credentials in the lead-up to this year's state election, the Government may ask all future tenderers to meet minimum "green design" standards on energy reduction, water saving and emissions.

The $367 million Melbourne Convention Centre, to be built at Southbank after the Commonwealth Games, will be a public infrastructure "test case".

The Government is on the brink of announcing the winning design for the project, several months behind schedule. Major Projects Minister John Lenders said bidders had been asked to make sure their plans supported ecologically sustainable development and achieved at least a four-star environmental rating.

He said the Government was considering whether to extend this regime to all future infrastructure projects, but this would be "heavily influenced" by whether taxpayers saved money in the long term.

"We know that ecological sustainable development is important for Victoria's future. We also know that building designs that conserve water and energy can deliver significant savings to government in the long term," Mr Lenders said.

The infrastructure industry has been calling for more environmentally friendly major projects for some time, but some key figures say the Government had been slow to agree.

"Developers and building owners have seen green star ratings as a good thing, but in some instances the Government has lagged behind," said Rob Stent, Victorian president of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.

Opposition major projects spokeswoman Louise Asher described the plan as an "amazing about-face" given the Liberal Party had last year called on the Government to implement water savings plans for all major projects — an initiative that now forms part of the Liberals' own policy.

The Government has about $10 billion worth of major projects in the pipeline, including the Spencer Street redevelopment, the Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village and the Australian synchrotron project.

It is in the process of choosing between two very different designs for the 5000-seat Melbourne Convention Centre: the first being a bid by Multiplex and financier Plenary Group; the second a proposal by Bovis Lend Lease and finance group Babcock & Brown.

The Age revealed last month that the Multiplex bid features five large buildings including the convention centre, a $100 million Hilton hotel, two German-style shopping centres and an office-and-apartment tower. By contrast, the Bovis Lend Lease bid has adopted a minimal approach that sticks to the Government brief and focuses on the convention centre and associated hotel.

Sources at the time likened the Government's choice to a contest between the Flower Drum restaurant and McDonald's.

Goyougoodthing

February 21st, 2006, 11:37 PM

Stay tuned, because my mail is that the big announcement of the winning tender is due this morning. Lets hope!

dynamoultraclean

February 22nd, 2006, 03:29 AM

So, did it happen?

Grollo

February 22nd, 2006, 03:29 AM

No news as of yet, they usually have press conferecnes releasing big news like this at around 4.30pm so that it is rushed onto the 6pm news without too much time for critical reaction :-)

Grollo

February 22nd, 2006, 03:49 AM

They picked the super sized $1 billion version!

The news web sites are a bit slow today:

Wednesday, 22 February 2006

CONVENTION CENTRE CORNERSTONE OF YARRA REDEVELOPMENT

The Premier, Steve Bracks, today unveiled details of a major redevelopment of the lower Yarra’s southern banks, including a 5000-seat Convention Centre, a five-star hotel, an office and residential tower, a riverfront retail promenade and revitalised Maritime Museum.

Mr Bracks, who announced Multiplex/Plenary Consortium as the successful tenderer for the Convention Centre contract, said the State Government’s contribution to the project would be $370 million.

“The new Convention Centre will be an iconic building and major new landmark for Melbourne,” he said.

“The centre will secure Melbourne’s position as Australia’s business event capital generating millions of dollars each year for the business tourism and retail sectors and create thousands of new jobs for Victorians.

“The new centre is part of a public-private partnership project that will complete the urban renewal of the Yarra River’s edge linking Southbank to Docklands and creating a commercial and lifestyle district down the river’s spine to the bay’s edge and port districts.”

Mr Bracks said the consortia’s $1 billion proposal included:

• a 5,000 seat, six-star energy rated Convention Centre;
• a five star Hilton Hotel;
• an office and residential tower;
• a riverfront promenade of retails shops, including cafes, bookstores and wine merchants;
• a premium brand homemaker retail complex; and
• an investment in public spaces including a partnership with the National Trust for a revitalised Maritime Museum.

“The remaining developments will be financed privately as a public-private partnership under the Partnership Victoria model,” Mr Bracks said.

“The winning bid is a great example of how the Partnerships Victoria policy can bring innovation and benefits to the Victorian community.

“The Melbourne City Council will also invest $43 million to finance a bridge linking the southern and northern banks, other capital works and marketing of the new centre.”

Mr Bracks said today’s announcement followed a rigorous tender process.

“The Multiplex/Plenary Consortium proposal delivered commercial, services, technical and design excellence and will elevate Melbourne’s business events profile internationally,” Mr Bracks said.

“Melbourne’s new convention centre will be a facility all Victorian will be proud to call their own.

“It will incorporate state of the art design features and achieve a six star green star rating.

“The timber-clad, 5,000-seat Plenary Hall will be fan-shaped achieving an unobstructed view of proceedings.

“I have also asked Victoria's newly-appointed Government Architect John Denton and his office to work with the successful bidder on the delivery of the proposed iconic design.”

The Convention Centre will also feature:
• a ball room;
• an 18-metre high glass wall façade fronting the Yarra;
• a gala seating system in the Plenary Hall to allow for flexible seating configurations;
• 32 meeting rooms; and
• a ground foyer for 11,000 guests.

Mr Bracks said the Convention Centre project was a great example of strategic infrastructure investment designed to grow the entire State.

“The new Convention Centre will generate 2,500 jobs plus 1,000 jobs during the construction period and increase economic activity by $197 million each year over 25 years.

“Interest in this magnificent new centre is set to soar now that we have a proposal that offers a world class ‘green’ facility for a full spectrum of international conferences and events.”

The Minister for Tourism, John Pandazopoulos, said Victoria had already secured five big international conventions for the new centre worth nearly $70 million and collectively bringing almost 12,500 delegates to the State.

“Business events already contribute $1.2 billion to the Victorian economy and employs more than 22,000 people,” Mr Pandazopoulos said.

“Business tourists spend twice as much as leisure tourists and business tourism is the fastest growing and highest yielding tourism sector.”

The Minister for Major Projects, John Lenders, said the new convention centre was part of the largest program of infrastructure spending by any Victorian Government.

“The Bracks Government is delivering the biggest infrastructure spend in Victoria's history - we are building roads, schools, hospitals and police stations and other vital projects in a financially responsible way for all Victorians,” Mr Lenders said.

“In the last five years we have spent $10 billion on infrastructure, or an average $2 billion each year, and will spend more than $10 billion or an average of $2.5 billion each year in the next four years.”

The Mulitplex/Plenary Consortium consists of the Plenary Group (consortium lead, equity investor and project management), Deutsche Bank (financial underwriter), AUSTEXX (commercial development partner), Multiplex Constructions (builder), Multiplex Facilities Management (service delivery over the 25 year concession period), Hilton International (hotel operator) and NH Architecture/Woods Bagot/Larry Oltmanns (architecture and urban design).

Construction is scheduled to start after the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games and the centre will be operational in 2009.

Marky Mark

February 22nd, 2006, 04:05 AM

Can't wait for the Renders ! :)

dynamoultraclean

February 22nd, 2006, 04:17 AM

Awesome! Will this be the stone that gets the ball rolling for our next cycle?

Hardie

February 22nd, 2006, 04:29 AM

WOW!!, The article suggested the design is complete, why no Renders?

wowsim

February 22nd, 2006, 05:54 AM

Excellent news!

sakor1

February 22nd, 2006, 06:08 AM

Rock on :rock:

Stu

AUboy

February 22nd, 2006, 06:19 AM

Fantastic stuff.. Are there height limits around this area?

A r c h i

February 22nd, 2006, 07:27 AM

Wow what a great day, first the Ice rink at Docklands and now this, things couldn't get any better....*awaits announcement of supertall on Powerstation site*. And they're fixing up the Maritime Museum too which is a bonus. The article also answered my question about John Denton's involvement.

Grollo

February 22nd, 2006, 08:14 AM

The Hilton Hotel will be 12 storeys high.

More info:

- The Precinct -

The Multiplex-Plenary Consortium was established by Plenary Group in 2004 to bid for Melbourne’s landmark Convention Centre.

! This is a $1 billion integrated mixed-use precinct investment that will create a contiguous Southbank river frontage – the last, and most crucial, urban renewal of
the Yarra’s edge, linking the south bank to Docklands.

! The total Precinct development delivers much more than just the base case convention centre and bridge. It will also deliver:

− a 319 room 5 star Hilton Hotel
− an 18,000m2 office and residential tower, and
− a 10,000m2 riverfront promenade of lifestyle retail, incorporating cafes bookstores and tourism retail
− a 50,000m2 premium brand homemaker retail complex that will be one of the largest single stage retail developments ever completed in the Melbourne CBD
− an investment in public spaces including a partnership with the National Trust for a revitalised Maritime Museum.

- Convention Centre -

! The project will commence after the Commonwealth Games in 2006 with a construction completion to allow it to be operational in 2009.
! Floor area of Convention Centre 66,000m2.
! Height of building 25m.
! Triangular roof area 20,000m, the sides of triangle approximately 200m long each.
! The building basement provides truck unloading facilities below ground directly into the Plenary Hall. The majority of plant rooms and back of house facilities (main kitchen) are housed out of sight in this location.
! The Plenary Hall has a maximum capacity of 5,000 persons and is sub dividable into 3 smaller plenary configurations of 2500, 1500 and 1000 persons respectively; made possible by the extension of sound proof walls.
! The ground floor foyer is able to host as many as 11,000 guests at a cocktail type function.
! The meeting room provision is 32 rooms of varying size.
! The vertical transport system allows for trucks to be lifted to all levels for exhibition and displays.
! 18 meter high glass wall façade to riverfront and maritime village which maximises views back up the river with the city skyline as a backdrop.
! General Material Quantities:
− Concrete – 19,985 cubic metres
− Reinforcing Steel – 1830 tonne
− Bulk excavation – 101,813 m3
− Structural Steel – 5200 tonne
− Ceilings – 61,034 m2
− Roof sheeting – 14,643 m2
− Lifts - 15 lifts
− Escalators - 16 Escalators

- Design Elements -

! Located on the southern bank of the Yarra River adjacent to the existing Melbourne Exhibition site. The area will be linked by a new pedestrian bridge also to the northern
side of the river. The development will create a contiguous Southbank river frontage – the last, and most crucial, urban renewal of the Yarra’s edge, linking the South Bank
to Docklands.

! The new Convention Centre will deliver the world’s first six green star rated convention centre, underpinned by an above-brief investment in black water treatment and water conservation.

! It will be an elegant and iconic triangular building – a major architectural statement for Melbourne, enhancing its reputation for built form design excellence.

! Three entry points lead delegates into the building itself, foyers are visually linked to the outdoor public spaces and wrap around the circumference of the 5000-seat auditorium without interrupting operational efficiency. Expansive glass facades provide for visual connection to the CBD.
! Double height circulation voids adjacent to the north façade also create visual connectivity between floors - a sense of space and volume.
! All services, including arrival and handling of goods occur out-of-sight at basement level.
! The interior finish of timber clad wall components and the inclusion of a feature ceiling create an ambience of the highest international standing.
! The Plenary Hall’s fanned-shape design and seating rakes result in 100% of delegates achieving an unobstructed view of proceedings, no matter what the convention mode. This will be the world’s first 5000 seat facility to achieve this.
! The Gala seating system is without question the world’s leading-edge technology in achieving limitless flexibility in seating configurations providing the greatest speed and operational efficiency in event change over.
! Active pedestrian promenades and a number of public forecourts link the convention centre’s three major entry points to the broader retail, hotel and restaurant facilities.

A r c h i

February 22nd, 2006, 08:31 AM

Channel 10 gave no warning. All I managed to get was this pic of a tower which looks to be about 20 storeys tall. It was annoying because they showed a fly through but no still renders.

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/2466/mconcentre0kg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I'll watch Ch9 and 7 news to try and get more and better pics.

Hardie

February 22nd, 2006, 08:34 AM

Good work guys, and well done archibomber!

Lightning~Bolt

February 22nd, 2006, 09:18 AM

this is a massive development!! bigger than when I first heard, anyone catch channel 9 and 7 news!!! a 5 star hilton hotel, and a very, very fat scraper!!!!

Lightning~Bolt

February 22nd, 2006, 09:19 AM

plus they will be pulling down that horrible old shed near polly woodside and building a modern maritime museum!!! and this project is being done in one stage!!!!

A r c h i

February 22nd, 2006, 09:23 AM

Yep pics:

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/2137/mccmodel7sy.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Hotel to the left and Office/resi to the right.

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/2425/mccexterior5oj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/1945/mccinterior7yj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Lightning~Bolt

February 22nd, 2006, 09:24 AM

Archibomber's come up with the goods again!! well done mate!! i want to know how wide that scraper is, its one fat boy.

A r c h i

February 22nd, 2006, 09:28 AM

The hotel looks to be about 35-40m wide

Lightning~Bolt

February 22nd, 2006, 09:30 AM

what do you think the residential tower is? hard to tell by renders.

A r c h i

February 22nd, 2006, 09:34 AM

The resi/office looks like it's been split with about 7 levels of office on top of about 12 or so of residential or vice versa it was a bit hard to tell from the only render they provided. Couldn't get a shot unfortunately, I've just got that model to go by.

Drunkill

February 22nd, 2006, 09:34 AM

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes... *big breath* yes yes yes yes yes yes yes.
Phew, anyway, awesome, that will be great for the western end of southbank, southwestbank? :p

uewepuep

February 22nd, 2006, 09:38 AM

Hurrah for digital TV cards. Get the rest of the images I captured here (http://www.melbournephotos.net/images/.misc/conventioncenter/).

http://www.melbournephotos.net/images/.misc/conventioncenter/snapshot_j_2006222_0014.jpg

http://www.melbournephotos.net/images/.misc/conventioncenter/snapshot_j_2006222_0015.jpg

http://www.melbournephotos.net/images/.misc/conventioncenter/snapshot_j_2006222_0001.jpg

http://www.melbournephotos.net/images/.misc/conventioncenter/snapshot_j_2006222_0006.jpg

http://www.melbournephotos.net/images/.misc/conventioncenter/snapshot_j_2006222_0022.jpg

Hardie

February 22nd, 2006, 09:42 AM

cammo2004

February 22nd, 2006, 09:55 AM

Hmm, it just looks like a (very large) shed with glass sides. The towers however look excellent.

The bowl looks good too. Looks like it'd lend itself well to concerts.

Hardie

February 22nd, 2006, 10:18 AM

Yes not exactly Fed Square for Architecture, maybe another missed oppurtunity for an architectual icon, but looks functional and fits in with other south bank buildings, and completes the river???

A r c h i

February 22nd, 2006, 10:22 AM

I get the feeling this is why Woods Bagot hasn't gotten back to me about doing work experience, they've been working on this and probably wouldn't trust me to keep it hush hush. That or they just forgot.

Grollo

February 22nd, 2006, 10:32 AM

The deign matches the exhibition centre nicely. Remember that the glass wall facing the Yarra is 18 metres high and the roof is 25 metres high, so from ground level it will look pretty awesome.

Also the big car cark park out the back is where the extension of the Exhibition Centre will go so it won't be a crappy car park for that long.

The best thing I heard on the news was the guy from the Multiplex-Plenary Consortium saying that they are commited to building the whole lot in a single stage of construction, unlike Southern Cross Station where we could be waiting years fro the commercial, hotel and residential towers.

Aussie Steve

February 22nd, 2006, 12:17 PM

Looks good. Its interesting that most of the development will occur on the existing car park and part of Lorimer St, whilst most of the old Mazda site will become more open air car parking! At least that gives us scope for a future expansion of the MEC. Great work all round, espeically with the retention of the historic sheds along the southbank of the river, a new maritime museum and the continuation of the wonderful southbank promenade. All we now need to do, is move the existing pedestrian bridge built next to the Spencer Street bridge, west to the new Maritime Museum and that will save some money!

lenicrombie

February 22nd, 2006, 12:32 PM

yummy

Adamonline

February 22nd, 2006, 12:45 PM

The Hotel will be Hilton according to Channel 7 News. The interior of the new hall will be amazing, all timber ... marvellous.

Lightning~Bolt

February 22nd, 2006, 12:52 PM

The Hotel will be Hilton according to Channel 7 News. The interior of the new hall will be amazing, all timber ... marvellous.

ya, that is correct, a 5 Star Hilton as well ;-)

flow

February 22nd, 2006, 01:42 PM

Just as long as it's not a Paris Hilton!

boom boom!

auslankan

February 22nd, 2006, 02:18 PM

Great news for Melbourne esp as most of the other "big ticket" projects are starting to wind down and finish.
Looks just right in the renders as well
I notice its being claimed as another "biggest in the southern hemisphere " building in Melbourne I wonder what the total is ?

Garmatt

February 22nd, 2006, 03:30 PM

Great news!!
I'm not blown away by the design - pity, because I really had my hopes up for this development. Possibly another missed opportunity (shouldn't these things really go out to International tender?? really is time to get some big names working in melbourne...) but it'll complete the river nicely and integrate the whole area as a fully functioning precinct (especially with SCS nearby and Docklands going full steam ahead).
Hard to tell what the Hilton's going to look like.
Hmmmm...oh well, here's hoping that the boat is really pushed out for the design at the end of Central Pier. At least one definitive icon would be nice!

pisstake

February 22nd, 2006, 03:33 PM

I never realised it was going to sit in front of half of Jeff's Shed. Although I also figured that South Atlantic Wharf would get in the way, so now it makes much more sense.

tayser

February 22nd, 2006, 05:51 PM

nice & cohesive.

I like the look of this car park:

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/3881/bracksshack40wp.jpg

(I originally thought it'd take up much of that land?! weee more space!)

Grollo

February 22nd, 2006, 06:02 PM

The car park is for the future expansion of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and a possible extra tower :-)

tayser

February 22nd, 2006, 06:06 PM

:guns1:

*sigh* read next time tays.

Adamonline

February 22nd, 2006, 10:35 PM

I have to admit that I had a small chuckle when the 'Multiplex' spokesperson stated that the project would be delivered on time and on budget ... My mind immediately sprang to thoughts of Wembley Stadium :)

A r c h i

February 22nd, 2006, 11:23 PM

I just noticed these two renders show three towers, I thought there were only going to be two. Looks like two of about 70m and one of about 90m+.

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/2744/bracksshack24iv9jy.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/4238/bracksshack39hc3yo.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Aussie Steve

February 22nd, 2006, 11:53 PM

I can only see 2 towers. Where is the 3rd one?

Curtain

February 23rd, 2006, 12:21 AM

The Age
$1bn mini-city along the Yarra
By Farrah Tomazin
February 23, 2006

AUSTRALIA'S largest convention centre will be built in Melbourne within three years as part of a $1 billion "mini-city" along the Yarra River.

The bold precinct will include a five-star Hilton hotel, 40 apartments, offices and shops in what Premier Steve Bracks yesterday described as the biggest urban renewal project on a single site ever undertaken in Victoria.

<snip>
Mr Bracks said the 5000-seat convention centre would bolster Victoria's economy by $197 million a year over the next 25 years. "This is the biggest plenary hall in the southern hemisphere," he said.

"We will be competing not with the rest of Australia; we will be competing internationally for the best business conventions in the world."

<snip>

The centre will link Southbank and Docklands, and will have 3000 more seats than the existing convention centre.

<snip>

"I think this project, with its related retail and hotel space, would probably go a long way to extending the current footprint of the city and create a more vibrant Melbourne into the future," said Neil Coulson, chief executive of the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

<snip>

Taxpayers will contribute $370 million to the project, with $530 million from the private sector. Construction will begin after the Commonwealth Games.

Rest here:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/1bn-minicity-along-the-yarra/2006/02/22/1140563859772.html

Aussie Steve

February 23rd, 2006, 01:48 AM

Great photo showing the MECC & the CBD.

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/186/mecc8qj.jpg

A r c h i

February 23rd, 2006, 02:56 AM

I can only see 2 towers. Where is the 3rd one?

Here we go (sorry about crapness).

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/6228/mccmodified8iv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

They make no mention anywhere of a third tower but for some reason there are three in that render; the Hilton, the Woods Bagot designed tower (which is only slightly visible because the Hilton blocks out most of it) and that other one to the far left which looks like a 30 storey resi, I thought it might of been a really crappy YE1 model but it looks to be in the wrong spot.:dunno:

Aussie Steve

February 23rd, 2006, 03:15 AM

http://www.theage.com.au/ffxmedia/2006/02/23/2302webstory_convention1.jpg

I think the photo is miss leading. I suspect because of the angle, it looks like 2 towers in that shot, when in fact its only 1. The other tower is closer to Charles Grimes Bridge.

There is also a poll on The Age (http://theage.com.au/polls/form.html) web site.

Hardie

February 23rd, 2006, 03:24 AM

Well, it's no architectual masterpiece, but it does fit!

Aussie Steve

February 23rd, 2006, 03:32 AM

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/02/23/2302convention_map_copy_narrowweb__300x385,0.jpg

A r c h i

February 23rd, 2006, 03:35 AM

I think the photo is miss leading. I suspect because of the angle, it looks like 2 towers in that shot, when in fact its only 1. The other tower is closer to Charles Grimes Bridge.

I thought that may have been the case too but if you look at this pic the Woods Bagot tower is nowhere near the height of that tower on the far right. Plus that darker strip (visible next to the Hilton which I've labelled Tower 2) couldn't be part of the Hilton as the Hilton has a parallelogram-like floorplan which you can see in the pic you posted. I must get to the bottom of this. They probably just through that taller tower in for the sake of it. They're screwing around with my head.

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/2137/mccmodel7sy.jpg

Aussie Steve

February 23rd, 2006, 03:47 AM

The tall tower you see in the distance is YE1.

There are only 2 towers proposed as is clearly shown in the pic above you posted.

A r c h i

February 23rd, 2006, 04:00 AM

So it's just a really bad model of YE1 then. Dang.

Icanseeformiles

February 23rd, 2006, 07:57 AM

why tack it onto 'jeffs shed'? why?!

is there some sort of architectural merit for this that I am missing?

Drunkill

February 23rd, 2006, 08:06 AM

I agree, it should be a bit more of a gap. Oh well.

The Collector

February 23rd, 2006, 09:28 AM

http://www.theage.com.au/ffxmedia/2006/02/23/2302webstory_convention1.jpg

I’m disappointed, the look of it is very ordinary and I don’t like the fact that they have joined it to the Exhibition Centre.
The pedestrian bridge is not needed either, because the relatively new Spencer Street pedestrian bridge is very close to this proposed development.

Lightning~Bolt

February 23rd, 2006, 01:23 PM

The pedestrian bridge is not needed either, because the relatively new Spencer Street pedestrian bridge is very close to this proposed development.

I agree, scrap the bridge, I'm sick of the Yarra always getting these low lying bridges, the look shocking scattered everywhere. I know you need bridges, but some decent ones would be good, ones that dont sit so low.

BraddyBoy

February 23rd, 2006, 02:02 PM

Jeff's Lean-To :D

What will this mean for views from my beloved YE1 :(

Garmatt

February 23rd, 2006, 02:05 PM

Melb_Rulz

February 23rd, 2006, 02:08 PM

:colgate: so is his just another excuse to build another foot bridge??? lol

Grollo

February 23rd, 2006, 02:34 PM

Here is how the site used to look:
http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/6858/103006858dl1140493396.jpg

Arunava

February 23rd, 2006, 02:58 PM

I'm reserving my judgement on this one until we see some more detailed pictures. What we've seen so far hasn't really been much, and we've seen nothing detailed.

Adamonline

February 23rd, 2006, 04:32 PM

So the general consensus is that it's pretty ordinary....
I thought I was the only party pooper in that respect - good to see I'm not.

I expected the Daryl Jackson proposal (the one given the "McDonalds" analogy) to look something like this. I dread to think how bland that must have been.

I think it really says something about the state of the media and the government's awareness of good design when they make claims that it will become Melbourne's next 'icon'. They seem to be very easily impressed..........
Still, at a billion dollars I'm sure the materials and finishes will be top notch. Attention to detail may save this development, but in the meantime it seems that Melbourne has given up striving for that elusive '"icon".

People can be critical all that they want to be. But I ask that does every single building in Melbourne have to be an 'Opera House' or something bold and adventurous? Does indeed Melbourne need a landmark building? The ones that it has are very impressive and add to the fabric of the city. You're quite right that Melbourne can build marvellously by providing quality instead of statement.

In 1984 there was a curious "60 Minutes" story hosted by Jana Wendt that compared the two cities in 1984. One critic said boldly that Melbourne wasn't or didn't seem to have any ambition to strive to international heights. The end of the story finished with a punch line as Jana Wendt declared her favourite city. "An my favourite between the two is ... "

Grollo

February 23rd, 2006, 05:01 PM

This will easily be the largest and the best convention centre in Australia and will be fully intergrated with the largest and the best exhibition centre in Austrlia.

It is not supposed to be an iconic building for the arts, it is a money making machine for Melbourne and will look better than every other convention centre/exhibition centre in Australia.

If you want to see iconic architecture all you will have to do it take a short walk across to southabnk and you will come across this:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/sC_apache/EurekaFromPrincessBridge.jpg

and this:
http://www.a-r-m.com.au/images/projects/38/photos/MTC%20ext_01%20copy.jpg

http://www.a-r-m.com.au/images/projects/38/photos/final%20mrc_mtp%20elevation.jpg

sakor1

February 23rd, 2006, 10:58 PM

^^^ Amen.

What really matters in attracting the conferences and such desired is not how pretty the building looks on the outside, but the quality of the facility and amenities available... of which this will be second to none. In any case, personally I like it, it complements the exhibition centre well and is not at all ugly. Two thumbs up from me.

Stu

Garmatt

February 24th, 2006, 12:06 AM

Maybe so.....but how often do these enormous projects arise? If, as Bracks says, this is the biggest redevelopment of a single site in Victoria's history why wouldn't you take the opportunity to make a huge statement - especially if your gonna spend 1 billion dollars in the process?

You must admit, most people have been waiting with baited breath for the announcement of this project and when it's finally revealed the general reaction is......"hmmm, well.......yes.....umm...well, it's functional!"
Melbourne deserves better than that!

Don't get me wrong. I'm only saying this because I care about Melbourne making the most of itself.

Adamonline - if Melbourne isn't crying out for an cion when these opportunities come up, why are the words "Opera House" mentioned by a Melburnian yet again? There's alot of really interesting stuff going on in Melbourne at the moment......but when is it going to get something smack-in-jaw stunning? The opportunities are there but no-one seems prepared to take the risk - so far.

What was Jana's choice, by the way? (considering she lives in Sydney and was interviewed on Clive James waxing lyrical about the place I can only guess...................)

Grollo

February 24th, 2006, 12:34 AM

The Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre Project is smack-in-jaw stunning.

Look at the recently constructed Brisbane, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Perth convention centres and you will see that although all of them are nice buildings none of them are anywhere near smack-in-jaw stunning.

All of Melbourne's public buildings usually end up being better than any other in the country but for some reason we expect every new public buildings to be the next Opera House.

A r c h i

February 24th, 2006, 02:00 AM

People can be critical all that they want to be. But I ask that does every single building in Melbourne have to be an 'Opera House' or something bold and adventurous? Does indeed Melbourne need a landmark building? The ones that it has are very impressive and add to the fabric of the city. You're quite right that Melbourne can build marvellously by providing quality instead of statement.

:applause: I also think that people are forgetting about the six star green rating, which would be seen as a constraint on the design, as certain materials and design strategies would have to be employed to achieve this. For a building that achieves a six star rating it's pretty damn good. And I also think it's wrong to pin your hopes of a landmark and iconic design on a convention centre, it would be best reserved for a cultural building, perhaps like the end of Central Pier speaking of which they should be announcing that pretty soon. My only gripe with the Convention centre is the bridge (don't need it) and how close it is to the Exhibition centre. Other than that I couldn't ask for more (maybe another tower but meh). I'm interested in seeing all the other submissions.

Blabbyboy

February 24th, 2006, 03:40 AM

A r c h i

February 24th, 2006, 03:44 AM

^^Don't forget Southern Cross Station.

Who your daddy now? :hilarious

Curtain

February 24th, 2006, 03:53 AM

Dont mean to be bleak but really dont know why they awarded the tender to a developer in such financial strife at the moment.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/multiplex-feels-sting-of-wembley/2006/02/23/1140670205842.html

Hopefully they will deliver.

Blabbyboy

February 24th, 2006, 03:57 AM

Blabby isn't happy with the design - Jeff's Shed has a certain iconic presence in the sense that it should be interpreted as a (standalone) sweeping wing. Put something next to your wing and you get a drumstick. We're getting a drumstick that mangles that design sensibility. I wonder how John Denton feels - kicked in the nuts. But blabby is happy with the rest of the proposed elements. Convention centres don't need to be iconic in the way that Jeff's Shed was iconic - but they need to respect their urban context.

Grollo

February 24th, 2006, 04:06 AM

John Denton is the state architect and had input into this decision and will assist in refining the design, so you would presume he is OK with it.

Bluestar

February 24th, 2006, 04:24 AM

I will freely admit that:

-I had a premature bitch session about how the Bracks government was going to delay and diminish from and probably hamstring this development through indecision and timidity.
-I also wanted to see an 'iconic' globally memorable structure go up, more out of my remaining vestige of parochial sentimentality than anything else.

I was wrong on both counts. Government ministers have taken a ballsy decision on the much more substantial proposal, and took far less time doing it than I thought they would. (Some of you that have pilloried me for being a Bracks bashing whinger should note that down for posterity. I credited the Bracks government with something; good heavens the end must be nigh! :))
I agree with the prevailing sentiment that this building did not need to be iconic more than it needed to pursue more worthwhile objectives:
-the fantastic river frontage and interaction between promenade and building; if a building like this doesn't work at ground level it doesn't work at all. By the looks of it the manner in which the CC interacts with the riverside is its finest selling point.
-the six star energy rating which, from an economic-viability standpoint
is bloody difficult to comply with.
Melbourne is not and never will be known for a singular iconic structure or structures, but rather for the originality and class that pervades all of the better designed public buildings. Just because a building screams 'look at me' does not make it a good building; nor a kind of building that should be sought after by a city seeking to aspire to more substantial ideals than appearance.
Melbourne always has.

Question: the word was earlier that the entire development was going to go up at about the same time; surely this does not include the residential towers?

Blabby, the interaction between Jeff's Shed and the CC will probably work better at ground level and in practise than it does in the renders.

Blue

Icanseeformiles

February 24th, 2006, 05:20 AM

I don't have time for a rant.
1 - it's bloody ordinary
2 - hate the way it clashes with 'the shed'
3 - no , it doesn't have to be a bloody opera house but come on...it's just an increment above ordinary.

Grollo

February 24th, 2006, 06:37 AM

Question: the word was earlier that the entire development was going to go up at about the same time; surely this does not include the residential towers?

Yes it does, there are only 40 apartments, so they should easily be able to sell that many apartments in such a fantastic location.

A journalist at the launch asked if it would end up like Southern Cross with the design watered down and the residential and commerical components built years later and the guy from Plenary Group basically siad there is no way that will happen.

Garmatt

February 24th, 2006, 12:32 PM

Melbourne is not and never will be known for a singular iconic structure or structures

Why not?? (if it doesn't strive for one...then - yes, I agree with you)

3 - no , it doesn't have to be a bloody opera house but come on...it's just an increment above ordinary.

Absolutely hit the nail on the head in a far more concise way than I could've.

I know it may seem that I come in here and pick shit out of Melbourne's new developments, so I want to set the record straight:
- Eureka: stunning
- SSS : awesome
- Docklands : looking pretty good (especially all the public art)
- Sandridge Bridge : will be amazing
- GPO : pure class
- New MTC & Recital : So good it could've become the definitive Melbourne icon if it wasn't hidden away behind Southbank and was much, much bigger.
All wonderful buildings, but not yet icons.
This is a really exciting time for Melbourne, so why should it be impressed with itself for designing buildings "better than Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane"? Better than London, Paris and Barcelona, maybe........
I personally just feel that this is a bit of a wasted opportunity.

Next big opportunity that I'm really excited about is the central pier development. Do you have insider information on the announcement date Archibomber? I just hope I don't feel the same way when I first see the design for that as I did about the CC.......that's all

BTW - Adamonline - what was Jana's answer? I'm dying to know.....

wowsim

February 24th, 2006, 12:42 PM

Why does Melbourne have to have an Opera House? what has it done for Sydney? has it pushed architectural boundries, forced the city to strive for better and more innovative architecture? No, architecturally Sydney is miles behind Melbourne, while we don't have one "postcard" building to project to the world we have a built environment that embraces some of the best and most innovative architecture in the world. Who cares if there isnt any single show-stopping example? Would you really have Melbourne turn into the one trick pony that Sydney is? (Harbour with a bridge and opera house)

I don't think Melb has anything to worry about, while the CC is not cutting edge design it is 6 star energy rated, will be among the most stunning CCs in the world and will revitalise a park of Melb that is in dire need of it. Melb is spoiled with great architecture....

A r c h i

February 24th, 2006, 01:02 PM

Next big opportunity that I'm really excited about is the central pier development. Do you have insider information on the announcement date Archibomber?

Don't quote me on this but I've heard a few whispers that we should be getting an announcement on Central Pier some time around the Commonwealth Games and it is supposed to involve Grand Plaza as well. Don't know much about the design (other than it should please most). Not sure what it will facilitate but some sort of cultural building is likely. :cheers:

Garmatt

February 24th, 2006, 01:10 PM

Sydney is not a one trick pony! Any Melburnian who thinks it is is seriously kidding themselves!
It has a rich and interesting urban fabric that includes everything from stunning beaches to quirky Victorian inner-city neighbourhoods to a Manhatten-style CBD! It also has a stunning natural harbour and with all these things is probably the one city in the country that DOESN'T need an architectural icon. And still it has THREE! Harbour Bridge, OH and Sydney Tower all lend themselves to become what is now one of the most instantly recognisable and internationally famous skylines in the world.

And it's gunning for another one at the peninsula of the EDH development. And blow me away if they don't get a big name architect to come in, take a risk, spend a shit load of money and score another international winner.
I sure most of the forumers from interstate came into this thread left rubbing their hands together because Melbourne's getting just another "shed with glass walls". No competition there then!

So, in my opinion, Melbourne DOES need an Opera House - pretty bloody quickly.

Anyway, I'm not going to win any arguements in here so I'll leave it at that. Sydney's recent architecture has not been all that....so it's now Melbourne's time to shine. If it doesn't want to take advantage of that and is satisfied with mediocrity, then so be it.

wowsim

February 24th, 2006, 01:21 PM

Ahhh... I lived in Sydney for 10 years, as far as built environments go you're kidding yourself if you think its anywhere near on par with Melb. Of course there are many examples of fine architecture and many beautiful neighbourhoods, but unfortunately in the last 5 decades or so there is nothing much of note. Sydney has a beautiful natural setting, but in my opinion it hasn't added much too it, especially last century.

Any you're kidding yourself if you think that overseas, and indeed interstate, when people think Sydney they don't think the Harbour, Bridge and Opera House....and nothing else. Of course Sydney is far more than that, but its so identified by its icons they almost define the place.

Sydney doesnt take risks with architecture...

Arunava

February 24th, 2006, 02:28 PM

Sydney doesnt take risks with architecture...
The impression I get from Sydney is that they've rested on their laurels somewhat because they have the twin icons of the SHB and Opera House. Thus, they produce a lot of forgettable architecture, especially on smaller projects. I could never imagine something like Storey Hall in any Australian city other than Melbourne, and that's because we take risks with architecture on a citywide scale, rather than just producing a wonder here and there and leaving the urban fabric as rather mediocre.

Garmatt

February 24th, 2006, 02:47 PM

Of course Sydney is far more than that, but its so identified by its icons they almost define the place.

What's wrong with that?
At least people overseas think about Sydney - or even know about it. I tell people over here (UK) that I'm from melbourne and they give me a blank stare.

You're clutching at straws Wowsim

wowsim

February 24th, 2006, 02:51 PM

rrrrright......People in the UK don't know where Melbourne is...... Are you by chance working in a psych hospital with patients in a persistant vegetative state?

uewepuep

February 24th, 2006, 03:24 PM

Sydney doesnt take risks with architecture...
http://www.melbournephotos.net/images/2004-11-29%20Sydney%20-%20Darling%20habour,%20CBD%20wandering%20and%20Farm%20cove/IMG_5174.jpg

tayser

February 24th, 2006, 03:46 PM

[Insert Blues Point Tower here], that was definitely a risk, and it became a cancer! :lol:

Tri-City Guy

February 24th, 2006, 04:27 PM

Looks great! Let's hope they don't have the name confusion with the hotels that the two former Sheraton's had (if you recall one was a chain Sheraton but the other just had the name Sheraton...though Melbourne is now "Sheraton-less" is it not?)

I'd say keep the East Melbourne property (it was Australia's first Hilton afterall) as just the Hilton and call the new one Hilton Yarrafront or something associated with the area. Still more likely than not the Convention Centre will become the Hilton and the other property will become Hilton Garden Inn or something daff.; actually Hilton Parkview be tolerable.

OH...does anyone know.....does this mean the Hilton Docklands proposal is dead as this must be 'it' now. If you recall orginally Hilton had there eyes on a location around Spencer Street Station....opps sorry Southern Cross. I swear it will be Spencer Street to me till the day I die. LOL

Garmatt

February 24th, 2006, 04:40 PM

Grollo

February 25th, 2006, 01:41 AM

OH...does anyone know.....does this mean the Hilton Docklands proposal is dead as this must be 'it' now. If you recall orginally Hilton had there eyes on a location around Spencer Street Station....opps sorry Southern Cross. I swear it will be Spencer Street to me till the day I die. LOL

Hilton had been looking for the last few years for a new Hotel in the Docklands precinct but have now decided that their second Melbourne hotel will be part of the convention centre. So yes Docklands Hilton is dead :-)

They are definately keeping East Melbourne and will be doing a complete redevelopment and adding a second serviced apartment tower soon after the Commonweath Games are completed.

wowsim

February 25th, 2006, 01:42 AM

^^^ well if thinks its a far better situation for a city to go from having little international awareness (although i'd argue that Melb has a pretty fair one from the Oz Open and F1) to being recognised soley from one building....more power to you i guess...

wowsim

February 25th, 2006, 01:44 AM

http://www.melbournephotos.net/images/2004-11-29%20Sydney%20-%20Darling%20habour,%20CBD%20wandering%20and%20Farm%20cove/IMG_5174.jpg

Its nice, certainly progressive skyscraper architecture, but is it something new and a risky like fed square, the Opera House or the upcoming recital hall?

auslankan

February 25th, 2006, 02:03 AM

I never said that Wowsim.............

All I said was that they give me a 'blank stare' - ie. they have nothing to say. Of course they've heard of it and know where it is.
They just have no opinion or image or reaction to it - simply because Melbourne's international 'brand' is just not strong enough for people to have formed any sort of image or opinion or, indeed knowledge.
You can blame that on the ATB ("Australian Tourism Board" for all of you out there who work in psych hospitals and therefore have no intelligence or right to voice a valid opinion) - but then I guess it's easier to promote the country using familiar images like, say, a stunning Opera House or harbour than it is to show a generic looking city with generic looking buildings that could be anywhere.
(PS. I will take that last comment back once Eureka is completed).
Melbournes "international brand" is growing year by year and is not about one or two iconic buildings its more about having an exciting, friendly and enjoyable experence when visiting and feeling safe.
These are the images and feelings that travellers take home with them not some fake ocker images of the outback or of beaches that are found all around the globe.

Brizer

February 25th, 2006, 02:11 AM

And designed by DCM! Wow! Another beauty!

A r c h i

February 25th, 2006, 03:54 AM

The architects/firms involved are NH Architecture, Woods Bagot and Larry Oltermanns. John Denton would have had some input but wouldn't have been invoved in the actual designing of it. Another two renders from MECC:

http://www.mecc.com.au/resources/images/mccd1.jpg http://www.mecc.com.au/resources/images/mccd_Grimshaw1.jpg

Also according to Woods Bagot, construction should commence in April.

OzFrog

February 25th, 2006, 06:33 AM

What will this mean for views from my beloved YE1 :(

Tsk tsk... you know what they say... never buy an inner city apartment solely for the "views" :).

The Collector

February 26th, 2006, 07:40 AM

^^Always remember, views are a privilege not a right!
At least when it comes to city apartments.
I would like to think that city apartment views are dynamic. :)

christarrant

February 28th, 2006, 12:58 AM

Guys, more info in todays Australian re: the hotel, office, retail components down at the Convention Centre.

Austexx in $500m Southbank project
The Australian Florence Chong February 28, 2006

FACTORY outlet developer Austexx is about to embark on its largest single project, costing $500 million, at Melbourne's Southbank.

Austexx is part of the Multiplex Plenary Consortium that was awarded the right to the billion-dollar development of a Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on the Yarra last week.

The development, a private-public partnership with the Victorian Government, will link Southbank to Docklands.

Austexx managing director Geoff Porz said Austexx would undertake all the commercial development in the precinct.

Of the 140,000 square metres of projects, including a hotel and a convention centre, Austexx will be responsible for 68,000sqm.

The developer has plans for an office/residential tower; riverfront promenade; and a premium brand homemaker retail complex. Multiplex will build the convention centre, 319-room Hilton Hotel and a walkway across the Yarra.

Mr Porz said work was scheduled to begin in April, after the Commonwealth Games, and was due to be completed in 2009.

The first phase includes a 50,000sqm homemaker centre and a 10,000sqm river-front promenade designed for lifestyle retail, incorporating cafes, bookstores and tourism retail.

The next phase is a 12-storey tower with 12,000sqm of office space and 40 apartments.

The homemaker centre signals a broadening of Austexx's retailing activities from factory outlets focussed on fashion.

Austexx was founded in 1997 and develops, owns and operates direct factory outlets (DFO) centres. The company, owned by Mr Porz, David Goldberger and David Wieland, is undertaking about $1 billion in development work around Australia.

Mr Porz said: "We have identified a need in the market for well-managed centres where (homeware) retailers are grouped together under one roof."

Having realised the potential, Austexx began refining the concept in the last two years and has started constructing its first homemaker centre adjacent to its DFO Centre in Essendon, Melbourne. But unlike its DFO centres, the homemaker centres will not offer discounted merchandise.

He expected Austexx's premium brand homemaker centres to be an "enhanced version" of Sydney's Moore Park Supacentre, currently Australia's biggest centralised complex for homewares.

Mr Porz said Austexx had "substantially advanced" plans for other homemaker centres which would be rolled out to other states.

auslankan

February 28th, 2006, 01:46 AM

Sounds ok for that area so long as they dont put up some shitty buildings like DFO.

Grollo

February 28th, 2006, 02:19 AM

Supa Centre (despite the awful name) is actually more like a big box retail centre with the likes of Dick Smith, Harvey Norman, Oz design... it is not a discount factory outlet centre.

here is a link to the Sydney Supa Centre:

http://www.supacenta.com/location.jsp

There is plenty of luxury goods/high end retail in Crown and Southgate and the other end of the market will be taken care of by DFO at Spencer Street.

This will complment the retail mix in the Docklands/Southbank/Southern CBD area perfectly and encourage more more people to live in the area and developers to build more towers ;-)

Garmatt

February 28th, 2006, 12:34 PM

I've just read over my past few messages and I'm ashamed at how negative I've been.........

I'm still a bit disappointed with this design, though. However there's plenty of other fantastic stuff going up in Melbourne for this not to matter too much.
Really excited about the MTC/Recital and Central Pier developments!

24x37

March 6th, 2006, 03:31 PM

I believe the bridge - in the image posted by Archibomber - is by Grimshaw.

The architects/firms involved are NH Architecture, Woods Bagot and Larry Oltermanns. John Denton would have had some input but wouldn't have been invoved in the actual designing of it. Another two renders from MECC:

http://www.mecc.com.au/resources/images/mccd1.jpg http://www.mecc.com.au/resources/images/mccd_Grimshaw1.jpg

Also according to Woods Bagot, construction should commence in April.

Grollo

March 6th, 2006, 04:22 PM

Nobody has really picked up on the fact that Larry Oltmanns used to be a Partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and has helped design convention centres in Hong Kong, Dallas, Seoul and Adelaide and well as the the new Nato Headquarters.

The Melbourne exhibition and Conference Centre will be even larger than the Hong Kong one:

http://www.hkcec.com.hk/english/images/gallery/gal_cv_img01_1.jpg

A r c h i

March 7th, 2006, 11:10 AM

Also the MCC design displays characteristics usually associated with deconstructivist buildings. While it's hard to tell in the renders the facade facing the Yarra actually folds in and out not unlike certain parts of Fed Square's facade, as does the roof, however it's not as full on as some deconstructivist buildings.

Grollo

March 22nd, 2006, 07:58 AM

http://www.plenarygroup.com.au/templates/default/images/mod_projects/MECCAerial_lowres.jpg

Dean

March 22nd, 2006, 08:09 AM

a lot of people have been bitchin about this project. too close to this and that etc, not daring enough etc, no need for the bridge etc,

i reckon it looks fabulous. and towers are a good height for that area.

Drunkill

March 22nd, 2006, 08:58 AM

Looks great, exept right of that main tower, why is it only 4-5 floors? I call that a waste of space. And the bridge could go up a bit more, seems very low (damn low bridges)

Adamonline

March 22nd, 2006, 09:10 AM

Looks great, exept right of that main tower, why is it only 4-5 floors? I call that a waste of space. And the bridge could go up a bit more, seems very low (damn low bridges)

Only four or five floors allows taller buildings to be developed behind it which would create a layered vista of buildings as well as enable more poeple in other future projects to enjoy a river view.

A r c h i

March 22nd, 2006, 09:28 AM

Someone's got a sense of humour having that yacht on the Yarra heading in the direction of the bridge.

wowsim

March 22nd, 2006, 12:20 PM

Loving the colour of the Yarra too....

cowface

March 22nd, 2006, 12:39 PM

Stunning.

Grollo

April 3rd, 2006, 03:08 PM

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/9252/402089252cl1144039383.jpg

Mr Magnate

April 3rd, 2006, 03:21 PM

The design looks excellent and very classy! :)

Grollo

April 3rd, 2006, 04:12 PM

http://www.mcvb.com.au/images/mcc-development-entrance-full.jpg

http://www.mcvb.com.au/images/mcc-development-day-full.jpg

http://www.mcvb.com.au/images/mcc-development-hotel-full.jpg

http://www.mcvb.com.au/images/mcc-development-plenary-full.jpg

http://www.mcvb.com.au/images/mcc-development-bridge-full.jpg

Drunkill

April 3rd, 2006, 04:27 PM

Ohh, nice new renders. I'm liking that rooftop courtyard in the third pic.

DrDan

April 3rd, 2006, 05:26 PM

I don't know whether it is rooftop, I think it's just a courtyard.

tayser

April 3rd, 2006, 06:51 PM

I like the Bridge. The Plenary hall is very European-continental parliament / UN-esque EH.

Grollo

April 4th, 2006, 12:47 AM

Strange you should say that because one of the architects, Larry Oltmanns, is also the designer of the new NATO headquarters in Brussels.

dynamoultraclean

April 4th, 2006, 02:43 AM

Has anyone noticed how massive this city is becoming?

A r c h i

April 4th, 2006, 02:52 AM

Well I didn't want to say anything as it may offend certain people (they know who they are). :D

DrDan

April 4th, 2006, 04:36 AM

I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of the black roof.

DrDan

April 17th, 2006, 01:58 PM

A bridge that may be too far to fund
By Rachel Kleinman
April 17, 2006
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/a-bridge-that-may-be-too-far-to-fund/2006/04/16/1145126008839.html

Multimillion-dollar funding for the state's new convention centre could be jeopardised by Melbourne City councillors.

Major projects committee chairman Peter Clarke said that $15 million pledged by council for a footbridge should be withheld until the State Government proved it was necessary.

Work is due to start on the $370 million, 5000-seat centre next to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on May 1.

In 2004, a majority of the previous council voted to contribute $43 million for the bridge, marketing costs and landscaping around it.

The State Government announced two months ago that a Plenary Group consortium headed by builder Multiplex would build a $1 billion complex on the site. Plans for the joint public-private partnership included the convention centre, a hotel, offices, shops, 3100 parking spaces and 40 apartments.

Councillors received a briefing on the project last week.

But Cr Clarke, a staunch Liberal Party member, was not happy with the plans.

"There was no research or data about why we needed the bridge … about how many people they expected to move across the bridge," he said.

"So I am going to be arguing that unless they provide some justification that we don't build it, we don't spend the $15 million. The last thing Melbourne needs is another bridge across the Yarra at that location."

Cr Clarke said he was also concerned about pedestrian access through the site and its integration with public transport for international visitors who would stay at hotels in other parts of the CBD.

"The community should be worried about delivery of this project from Government. I am very concerned at this point and will argue that council should withhold its funding until it gets more answers on these issues," he said.

Major Projects Minister John Lenders' spokeswoman Manika Naidoo said the Government would not respond to internal council debates.

Cr Clarke's fellow councillors Catherine Ng and Fraser Brindley have expressed concern about parts of the development.

A special council planning meeting on Thursday will consider a planning scheme amendment for the site.

Garmatt

April 18th, 2006, 11:07 AM

Great! It's started already..................
The bridge is one of the best (of not THE best) part of the overall scheme, in terms of design anyway.
Get ready for the whole thing to be diluted over the next 3 years until only a big black shed is actually constructed by 2009. Using the council's logic, there is hardly a need for 80% of this proposed development (ie. a hotel, shops, apartments - none of which are hardly requisite at the moment)
Ahhh, I can see it already.....Spencer Street Station all over again!

Alibaba

April 20th, 2006, 10:47 AM