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Packer's plans to build Australia's tallest building

Market Insights
7 years ago
1 minutes

Billionaire tycoon James Packer wants to construct Australia’s tallest building, a $1.5 billion hotel and apartment complex that will connect with the Crown Casino in Melbourne.

The report in the Australian Financial Review says the 90-level tower will rise to 323 metres, pipping at the post the 319 metre high Australia 108-apartment tower, currently under construction nearby.

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Crown has teamed up with the Schiavello Group, lodging plans for the Queensbridge Hotel Tower project which will include 708 apartments and a six-star hotel, as well as a pedestrian footbridge connecting Crown Casino with the new development.

It will include one and two bedroom apartments at an average size of 184 square metres, larger than the average city dwelling.

Crown has asked for the project to be classified it as a project of state significance, bypassing planning laws.

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In the report, a spokesperson for Victoria’s planning minister Richard Wynne says ”Crown's application has been received and the minister will take the time needed to consider the proposal.”

It comes as the Andrews Government works to rein in over-development in the CBD, with interim laws introduced last year to limit the density of skyscrapers.

However under these laws, Mr Wynne can grant extra development and a larger plot of land if the project proves to be of benefit to the community.

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The casino operator will need the planning minister to waive the current rules, as the Queensbridge Hotel Tower will have a gross floor area of 306,666 square metres.

But the fact Crown contributes an estimated $3.1 billion to the Victorian economy annually, and its promise to upgrade the nearby Queensbridge Square as part of the proposal, will no doubt help sweeten the deal.

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