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Melbourne Central
Retail

Melbourne
Victoria AUS

Client: General Property Trust
Completion: 2005
Construction Value: $180M
Awards: RAIA (National) Walter Burley Griffin Award for Urban Design. RAIA (Vic Chapter) Commercial Architecture Award, Melbourne Prize. Australian Timber Design Award 2006
Best Use of Western Red Cedar – Commercial, Exterior Structures & Outstanding Use of Timber – Highly Recommended

ARM won an invited international competition for the masterplan, design and delivery of the complete revitalisation of 60,000 m2 nett lettable area retail component.

Melbourne Central is a major retail and commercial development interlinked with the busiest commuter rail station in Melbourne.

A major masterplan objective was to substantially improve the relationship between the retail/commercial components and the existing rail station, integrating the various components into a new urban commuter hub. Detailed analysis of people movements, circulation and arrival and departure patterns were undertaken in consultation with various authorities.
Demolition commenced on site in January 2003 in the LaTrobe building and continued as more of the complex was closed to the public. Documentation was done in association with NH Architecture.

The new Melbourne Central, with its matrix of city “laneways” providing a much improved direct and logical circulation system, contains a diverse mix of retail traders, including fresh food, cafes, restaurants, homewares, fashion and recreation facilities. The upper levels of the LaTrobe building now provide a new city location for Hoyts with the inclusion of 11 cinemas.