Mirvac plans expansive rooftop venue at Riverside Quay

25 May 2022

Mirvac Group has reinforced its commitment to the revival of Melbourne’s CBD by lodging a planning permit application to bring to life a vibrant rooftop venue at its Riverside Quay precinct at Melbourne’s Southbank.

Subject to approvals, the project would see the transformation of 2,000 square metres of under-utilised roof space on top of the two Riverside Quay buildings, reimagined as one of Melbourne’s most exciting and unique venues once complete.

Andrew Butler, General Manager, Office at Mirvac said that lodgment of this planning permit application signifies Mirvac’s confidence in the Melbourne market.

“We are excited to see Melbourne returning to its former glory, and our plans for Riverside Quay’s rooftop venue forms part of our contribution to the revival of the CBD following the effect of the multiple COVID-19 lockdowns experienced in 2020 and 2021.

“In 2018, our revitalisation of the precinct included a new flagship office building and a public park, as well as the transformation of the waterfront introducing an eclectic array of dining options, activating the area beyond the nine to five work day. This rooftop venue will be the crowning glory for the precinct, adding an incredibly unique and unparalleled attraction to an already popular destination.”

Leading architect Fender Katsalidis has been appointed to create a visionary design concept for the new venue that actively contributes to Melbourne City Council’s plan to create greener rooftops across the city. Design concepts include an expansive, mature tree as a centre-piece to the new green rooftop urban oasis, maximising the opportunity that’s afforded by Melbourne’s existing architecture. The rooftop space will also feature a new dedicated lift well between the two buildings to provide exclusive access to the venue.

Nicky Drobis, Director at Fender Katsalidis said they were looking forward to realising their vision for the design of the new rooftop venue.

“We are excited to be working on the Riverside Quay project and bringing to life this under-utilised rooftop space in Melbourne’s Southbank. By responding to such a prime location, our design for the new venue will become a vibrant addition to this already popular dining and entertainment precinct. Our design will transform the venue into a green oasis with views back towards the city, contributing towards City of Melbourne’s plan for a greener skyline,” Ms Drobis said.

“The City of Melbourne has prioritised the creation of a greener city with its Urban Forest Strategy, and the plans for this new rooftop venue supports this approach. A healthy urban forest will play a critical role in maintaining the health and liveability of Melbourne, a vision that is shared by Mirvac through our sustainability strategy, This Changes Everything, that sets out clear targets to ensure we continue to have a positive environmental and social impact, and make better choices in all that we do,” added Mr Butler.

“We are constantly investing in our assets and looking for ways to deliver great amenities and outcomes for customers and the wider community by reimagining urban life. This rooftop venue is set to deliver something really special to Riverside Quay and the Southbank precinct. We are looking forward to working with the City of Melbourne as we move through the planning process.”

The submission follows Mirvac’s recently lodged planning permit application to transform its office asset at 90 Collins Street and secured planning approval to refurbish its 380 St Kilda Road office building, as the Group advances its significant $12.9 billion Commercial & Mixed Use development pipeline and further enhances the quality and resilience of its $2.4 billion Melbourne office portfolio.