Argo Group’s $280m Melbourne Office Tower Approved

Argo Group will break ground on a $280-million office tower in central Melbourne after securing planning approval.

The developer, alongside partner Hickory, will build a 30,000sq m A-grade office tower on the corner of King and Little Bourke street across four sites spanning 1300sq m in the city’s legal precinct.

The slender 23-level development, to be known as 570 Little Bourke Street, is in Melbourne CBD’s legal precinct close to Flagstaff train station.

The City of Melbourne approved an initial development application, designed by UNStudio in collaboration with Melbourne-based architects XO Projects, in mid-2020.

Melbourne-based Argo, which was established about 30 years ago, secured an adjoining three-storey building at 232 King Street soon after landing its approval, allowing for a larger precinct.

The developer submitted amended plans, enlisting Fender Katsalidis to build on the existing proposal and increasing the office floorplates from 625sq m of net lettable area to 900sq m.

It was unanimously approved by the Future Melbourne Committee and will now go before planning minister Richard Wynne for the final sign-offs.

The development will include the retention and redevelopment of the heritage-listed Great Western Hotel, comprising a new kitchen and basement level, as well as the recently acquired building at 232 King Street.

Fender Katsalidis director James Pearce told The Urban Developer said the design would enrich Melbourne’s laneway culture through the provision of an activated arcade link, connecting the tree-lined boulevard of King Street and Brown Alley’s pocket park.

“It also encapsulates the various characteristics of the multiple site frontages, while retaining the local pub,” Pearce said.

Melbourne deputy lord mayor Nicolas Reece said there has been a “robust exchange of ideas” between the council and the developer to get the proposal over the line.

“I believe this will be an outstanding building and one in which Melbourne can be proud,” Reece said.

“Council officers have received agreement for several conditions which have been incorporated into the amended plans including setbacks and the retention of the brick motif along Brown Alley.

“I am pleased to see the design changes which will emphasise a hidden square off Brown Alley and as a result of this development that pocket square will become one of the most popular gathering places for people in central Melbourne.”

Construction is expected to commence in mid-2022 with completion scheduled for 2024.

The approval is a positive sign for Melbourne’s beleaguered office sector with activity slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Melburnians have been returning to CBD workplaces at a faster rate than Sydneysiders since the country emerged from lockdowns late last year.

Argo Group managing director Nick Argyrou said the approval of the project solidifies the evolution in quality workplaces in Melbourne.

“It has always been our intention to create a world-class office destination, from our initial collaborations with UN Studio and XO Projects to the renowned expertise Fender Katsalidis bring to this significant amendment,” Argyrou said.

“Although our immediate attention was to contribute to the upgrade of the King Street precinct, exemplar developments like this will be critical in enticing workers back into the city and are essential to the revival of the CBD.”

Nearby, Mirvac will is advanced on a similar A-grade office tower after securing planning approval last year.

Mirvac intends to build a 44,000sq m office tower of 31 levels at 383 La Trobe Street, the current home of the Australian Federal Police.

At 600 Lonsdale Street, developer V-Leader also has approval for a $500-million mixed-use development.

Its 42-story building will comprise 24,400sq m of A-grade office space, a 280-key boutique hotel, amenities, and retail space.