June 15, 2018

Construction of what will likely become the tallest residential tower in the southern hemisphere upon completion has hit its first major milestone, with the first residents set to move into Australia 108 in June.

Builder Multiplex has handed over the first portion of the building, comprising 277 apartments located between levels 14 and 30.

If completed as expected, the 100-story tower located on the corner of City Road and Southbank Boulevard in Southbank will house over 1,000 apartments. and eclipse Eureka Tower as Melbourne’s tallest tower.

“This is a historic moment for this iconic project, which is not only on its way to becoming Melbourne’s tallest building but will also house the highest residences in the Southern Hemisphere," World Class Global chief executive David Ng said.

Construction of the remaining floors above will continue unbeknownst to the new tenants, with workers accessing the building through a separate entrance as well as a variety of innovative techniques including temporary "jumping" lift motor rooms, hoists, and cranes.

Multiplex regional managing director Graham Cottam said the project was on track for completion in the next two years following a rapid construction process, with the core structure up to level 59 and slabs at level 53.

The project, designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, was initially proposed in 2012 but cancelled in April 2013 as it was found to infringe on federal regulations protecting aircraft safety.

World Glass Global acquired the Australia 108 project in 2014 for AU$42.3 million (US$32 million), with the revised scheme given the green light by the Victoria government after new designs were submitted and the hotel portion of the tower was removed.

Launching for sale in November 2014, Australia 108’s 1,103 apartments sold quickly, with the 750-square-meter penthouse setting the record for Australia’s most expensive apartment when it sold to a Chinese national for AU$25 million (US$19 million) in April 2015.

If completed on schedule, the residential tower will become Australia’s tallest building by roof height and second-tallest building by total height.

It will also be the southern hemisphere's only building with 100 levels until the construction of the recently approved Orion Towers.

The public will have a chance to see inside Australia 108 in July, with the building included in this year’s Open House Melbourne program.

 For more on this story, go to The Urban Developer.

Reference: http://www.ctbuh.org/GlobalNews/getArticle.php?id=6134#!

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Keywords: Tower Melbourne eclipse Eureka Tower Melbourne’s tallest tower

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