Situated on the grounds of a prior approved project in Melbourne’s Southbank, the fresh design by Cox is currently seeking authorization for a 67-storey structure positioned above the historically significant Queens Bridge Hotel.

PDG Corporation, a property developer based in Melbourne, has lodged a permit application for a new skyscraper adjacent to the Crown Casino in Southbank. Crafted by Cox, the design integrates residential units above a commercial base, in close proximity to the revered Queens Bridge Hotel on the site.

Cox has communicated that the proposed 67-storey tower, if constructed, will stand at an estimated height of around 240 metres. According to PDG, the envisioned project includes communal dining spots, entertainment zones, and “luxury wellness and lifestyle amenities” exclusively for the residents of the 483 units.

Furthermore, Cox highlighted that their design not only captures “optimal views whilst providing efficient shading and thermal performance,” but also draws inspiration from the environmental and geological narratives of the location, mirroring the erosion patterns of the Yarra River through a tiered architectural approach.

Cox's Director, Simon Haussegger, remarked, “At its core, this project is about honouring the forces that have shaped Melbourne – both natural and human-made. By embedding ecological narratives into the design, One Queens Bridge Street becomes more than a building; it becomes a dialogue between past and future, landscape and city.”

Described as an "urban connector" in the design brief, the skyscraper aims to bridge Southbank's vibrant riverfront entertainment precinct with the surrounding residential and cultural hubs. The building's façade design incorporates terraces that provide intimate spaces for relaxation and a connection to nature.

Senior Associate of Cox, Ignacio De Mena, underlined the project's human-centric approach, stating, “One Queens Bridge Street is designed for longevity – its form is conceptually shaped by the elements, but its purpose is deeply human-centric. By integrating a generous ground plane and an active mixed-use program, the project enriches Southbank’s urban life, and ensures it will remain a dynamic and welcoming destination for generations to come.”

The site at 1–29 Queens Bridge Street previously hosted a proposal for a 90-storey building by Crown, which controversially bypassed local planning regulations and gained approval from the state government in 2017. Designed by Wilkinson Eyre in collaboration with Architectus, this earlier plan aimed to claim the title of Australia's tallest building when it was first submitted for planning. However, approval for the project expired in 2019 after the state government turned down Crown's request for an extension, leading to the site's sale to PDG in 2024.

Vince Giuliano, Founder and Managing Director of PDG, highlighted that the luxury residences boasting expansive views of the Yarra River, Melbourne CBD, and Port Phillip Bay are “designed to be liveable, sustainable and ensure lasting value for our clients.”

“We are looking forward to collaborating with the state government, the City of Melbourne, and the local community to further elevate the Southbank Precinct, ensuring it remains Australia’s premier destination for residential living, arts, entertainment and lifestyle,” Giuliano expressed.

The development is situated near PDG's Boyd Village project, a mixed-use endeavour blending residential and affordable housing, designed by DKO Architecture. Construction began in 2022, reaching its peak in February 2025.

Pending approval, PDG forecasts that One Queens Bridge will be finalised by 2029, marking a significant addition to Southbank's architectural landscape and urban fabric.

 

Source: Architecture, Au

Image Source: PDG

 

 

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