Seafarers Yarra River Precinct

The Seafarers precinct is Melbourne’s new mixed-use development which includes the first 1 Hotel (5 star) and 1 Homes branded residences in Australia.

This landmark project sits on the riverbank at Melbourne’s revitalised Northbank precinct, situated between the CBD and Docklands.

Designed to breathe new life into a forgotten stretch of the Yarra, the mixed-use 20 level with basement waterfront development includes a hotel, residential apartments, function centre, dining, and retail space.

The project also features extensive public works including an adjacent public park, refurbishment of the wharf, and amenities for the local community.

Cross-disciplinary approach

WSP has been involved in the Seafarers precinct since the project's commencement.

We were engaged in 2015 as a consultant by Riverlee to provide a range of services for the mixed-use development at North Wharf, a component of the new Seafarers precinct. These include Building Services, Structural, Civil, Waste Management and Sustainability.

Location

Melbourne, Australia

Client

Asset 1 WTH Pty Ltd

Project Value

$550M

Project Status

Completed 2024

Blending old with new

The Goods Shed is a heritage-listed building in the North Wharf section of the precinct that has been sitting empty for the last 45 years.

It was constructed in 1941 and catered to the sudden influx of cargo, with over four-meter-high sliding doors to allow ample headroom for movement.

The North Wharf was a hive of activity and played a huge part in Melbourne's development from the 1940s and onwards.

Seafarers

3500m2

Branded residences

114

Guest rooms

277

Storeys

20

WSP has been involved in the remedial and preservation works of the Goods Shed. Our Structural team had a vision of innovatively breathing new life into the historic shed. Through a process of ‘delicate dismantling’, more than 2.2 km of timber has been recovered and re-used in the new Seafarers mixed-use development. The existing timber piling supporting the wharf structure has been strengthened to have a 50-year design life. WSP collaborated with Heritage Victoria to carefully design the strengthening of the existing steel structure of the Goods Shed to ensure it can be enjoyed by current and future generations.

The Goods Shed was refurbished and integrated with the new building structure for its new role as the ground floor of a new hotel /apartment entry and function area.

Sustainable luxury

WSP was engaged by Riverlee to provide a considered sustainability strategy for Seafarers, and to demonstrate how the proposed development will meet the requirements prescribed by the City of Melbourne’s Planning Scheme.

Our approach to sustainability includes:

Application of industry best practice standards and approaches
Pursuit of LEED silver certification
A circular upcycling approach to the existing and heritage materials on site, creating feature points of regenerated building materials
Supporting sustainable transport solutions through design
Ensuring the development is Future Ready for emerging transport electrification
An onsite contribution from renewable energy
Sustainable construction materials, including low emission concrete mix and internal finishes
Strong focus on water sensitive urban design and thoughtful connection to the Yarra River
A rich user experience enhanced by sustainable design solutions
Water efficiency and biophilic response to water within the building design make the journey of water an important focal point
Elimination of single used plastic in key uses
80% of hotel rooms come with operable windows
Improved natural biodiversity and biophilic experience in the precinct.

The design of the hotel is inspired by the flora and fauna of Victoria’s coastal landscapes and rural countryside. The precinct will also encompass Melbourne’s newest 3,500 square metre public park, Seafarers Rest. This is set to transform the northern banks of the Yarra River into a great place for the residents and visitors of the Northbank precinct.

Construction was completed and the development officially opened in 2024.