Southbank Faces Setback In Overshadowing Debate A Decade Later

A month after describing Yarra River overshadowing rules as “sacrosanct,” Lord Mayor Robert Doyle supported a new 300-meter skyscraper at Collins Street, approved in a 6-3 vote by Melbourne City Council.

The development will overshadow Queensbridge Square in Southbank but will provide 1,900 square meters of public park space as a trade-off. Although this marks a first in supporting overshadowing the river, Doyle dismissed concerns of setting a precedent, citing existing tall buildings with similar shadows.

If approved by Planning Minister Matthew Guy, the building will cast a shifting shadow over Southbank Promenade, Freshwater Place, and Crown Casino during winter. At the council meeting, Cbus, the developer, argued that the shadow would be minimal, urging a flexible approach to the planning scheme.

Councillor Ken Ong supported this view, downplaying the shadow’s impact, noting it could be “out-walked within 10 seconds.” However, some residents, like Freshwater Place resident Peter Renner, worry the decision reduces already limited open spaces and detracts from local amenity.

The council’s approval now places the final decision in the hands of the Planning Minister.