Shangri-La Melbourne and Sapphire By The Gardens — Photo by Shangri-La

Representatives of S P Setia, Multiplex, Shangri-La, and the City of Melbourne gathered to break ground on what will become one of Melbourne's most iconic developments, Sapphire By The Gardens located at 308 Exhibition Street, Melbourne yesterday.

Developed by S P Setia, the mixed-use project's western tower measures 62 storeys and will host Melbourne's newest five-star hotel, the Shangri-La. The eastern tower is 60 storeys and will house over 300 luxury residential apartments.

The two towers will be joined by a striking Sky Lounge on level 46 overlooking the UNESCO world heritage listed, Royal Exhibition Building and its surrounding Carlton Gardens.

Speaking at the event the CEO of S P Setia's Australian operations, Mr Choong Kai Wai, said that he was excited to see work commence on site.

The $565 million build contract to deliver Shangri-La Melbourne and Sapphire By The Gardens was recently awarded to premier global construction company, Multiplex.

Regional Managing Director of Multiplex Victoria, Graham Cottam, said that he anticipated this build would become one of the organisation's, and Victoria's, most significant construction projects over the next three years.

With construction anticipated to take three years, the project is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs during the construction and initial hotel operational period; representing a significant economic impact for Victoria.

Located in the north east corner of Melbourne's CBD, near the culture and theatre precinct and overlooking the Carlton Gardens and Royal Exhibition Centre, the project's 500-room luxury hotel is perfectly positioned to cater for tourists visiting Melbourne.

Shangri-La Asia Limited CEO, Mr LIM Beng Chee said that high demand for five-star accommodation in this thriving commercial and tourist precinct, coupled with strong hotel occupancy rates, made this location the perfect-fit to launch Shangri-La's first Victorian offering.

Hotel website