Multiplex to Build Southern Hemisphere’s Tallest Skyscrape

Construction giant Multiplex is set to commence work on the ambitious Sth Bnk project in Melbourne early next year, as revealed by Beulah, the developer behind the dual-tower landmark; the project aims to construct the tallest skyscraper in the southern hemisphere, featuring two twisting towers measuring 275m and 365m high, with the world’s tallest vertical garden nestled in between, signifying a major milestone for the Brookfield-backed builder’s portfolio.

The Sth Bnk by Beulah project is described as a “hyper-mixed-use” development that will encompass a retail precinct, wellness precinct, childcare center, Four Seasons Hotel, cultural center, offices, parks, and residential offerings. Following its launch last year, the project enjoyed tremendous success, amassing $600 million in sales within four months, including apartments that were sold at record-breaking prices of up to $38 million.

Multiplex, a renowned construction firm, is also concurrently working on the city-shaping Queen’s Wharf project in Brisbane, where the sky deck atop The Grand Star hotel has just topped out. A spokesperson for Multiplex assured that the two projects would have separate management and site teams, with sufficient capacity to run both programs simultaneously.

Early construction activities for the Melbourne project are scheduled to begin between late 2023 and early 2024, with an estimated completion timeline of five years. Beulah’s Managing Director, Jiaheng Chan, expressed confidence in Multiplex’s expertise, having previously collaborated on some of Australia’s most significant and innovative projects. The decision to partner with Multiplex for this iconic undertaking followed an extensive review period and highlights the builder’s track record of success, including their role in delivering Beulah’s award-winning Paragon project in 2021.

Multiplex’s Regional Managing Director, Ross Snowball, conveyed excitement at being named the preferred builder for the remarkable skyscraper, noting that it stands as one of the most anticipated projects in Melbourne’s CBD. Snowball highlighted their recent achievement of delivering Australia 108, the southern hemisphere’s tallest residential tower, and expressed eagerness to work with Beulah in bringing their vision for Australia’s tallest tower to life.

Having secured approval from the Victorian government in April 2020 amidst the initial outbreak of the Covid pandemic, the Sth Bnk by Beulah project has seen a surge in post-pandemic sales, prompting the advancement of its construction timeline. Once completed, the tallest of the two Sth Bnk towers will soar to 365m, surpassing the Gold Coast’s Q1 supertower (322.5m) as the nation’s tallest building, while the second 63-storey tower will rise to 275 meters. The $2.7 billion development promises to be an architectural marvel, reshaping Melbourne’s skyline and adding to the city’s allure as a thriving metropolis.