Melbourne Square a finalist in 2019/20 Asia Pacific Property Awards
- 09/04/2019
With its extensive public realm and bold architecture, Melbourne Square has secured the rare honour of being named a double finalist in the highly acclaimed 2019/20 Asia Pacific Property Awards.
Part of the International Property Awards that recognise some of the best residential and hospitality projects in the world, Melbourne Square has been selected in two categories for the best ‘Mixed-use Development’ and ‘Residential High-Rise Architecture’ in the Asia Pacific Region, with the winners to be announced in Bangkok, Thailand in May.
This puts Melbourne Square one step closer to being acknowledged on a global scale, as a victory in the Asia Pacific Region will put the development in the world-class company of previous international winners such as London’s landmark Kings Cross Gasworks apartments, the Royal Academy of Music and Heathrow Airport.
Melbourne Square scored its finalist spot thanks to its approach to creating a truly integrated precinct within an urban regeneration zone, with the precinct to feature an abundance of public open spaces, as well as residential, office, hotel, childcare and retail amenities.
Chairman of OSK Property, Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat, said he believed the abundance of integrated public space along with the architectural response design had particularly captured the attention of the awards panel and commended project partners, Cox Architecture, for creating a pair of buildings in stage one that will enhance the beauty of Melbourne’s skyline.
“We are doing everything that we can to create the best public realm in Melbourne within our development, which is located in the heart of Southbank,” he said.
“The Melbourne Square public park will be the largest architecturally significant green space to be delivered in Southbank to date. It’s also the last large format site in Southbank that has the capacity to provide public open space of this scale.
“The park will significantly assist with the suburb’s new green-focused network of public open spaces including Boyd Park, and the Green Spine works leading from the NGV along Southbank Boulevard to the river, both of which are under construction.
“We are thrilled to be recognised by our peers and nominated for two categories in these prestigious awards, up against some of the best names in the industry globally.”
Another key factor believed to boost Melbourne Square’s popularity amongst the judging panel is its 3,745 square metre ‘green heart’ that will include cascading water features, European-inspired piazzas, belvederes and an elevated outdoor terrace.
Designed by multi award-winning firm, Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL), Melbourne Square’s natural centre-piece will build on the practice’s extensive repertoire work, seen in public arena projects such as Birrarung Marr, the Australian Garden in Cranbourne, Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the National Arboretum in Canberra.
TCL director Lisa Howard said: “Melbourne Square’s park is designed as a network of gardens inspired by the Royal Botanic Gardens, as well as civic qualities from other cities around the world including Paris, Berlin and Barcelona.
“It will be an important destination, delivering benchmark sustainable urban design, and a place for people to live, work and play, with the park drawing people from across the city in.
“The brief was focused on creating an opportunity for residents of Melbourne Square but also local residents and the public in Southbank to engage with nature,” she said.
Melbourne Square continues OSK Property’s expertise in large-scale developments that put the community at their heart, with the diversified company also delivering several large-scale townships and award-winning projects in Malaysia.
