Crown Melboure is making some big changes to its property, and the company is making plans with local developers to potential accommodation. A 400-room hotel in a ‘mega tower’ is one option, but local residents are not thrilled about the idea. This week, it was announced that Crown is in talks with Schiavello Group to build a new hotel that will be connected to the casino via a glass bridge.
According to the Herald Sun, the hotel would be built inside of the 84-level Queensbridge Tower. It would house 626 apartments and oer 1100 parking spaces. The building would be the second-tallest tower in Melbourne, as it will be 8 metres taller than the Eureka Tower. The casino operator states that it will be an asset to the tourism market in Victoria, but residents are not pleased.
While the tourism market may be boosted by the new casino, it presents some residential concerns. Melbourne City Council does not approve of more bridges being built above streets. Councillors argue that these types of bridges block views and they can be somewhat of an eye sore. The tower itself may also block the view from other residential and office buildings in the area.
This could compromise property values across the city. “Melbourne’s amenity is impacted if you start blocking views,” says councillor Stephen Mayne. Residents are worried that this will set a risky precedent for future developments in the city. Should the tower and hotel be approved, it would give other developers reason to launch similar projects.
Still, there are some residents that are not bothered by the idea of the glass bridge and the new hotel for Crown Melbourne. As such, the issue is likely to spark a heated debate among Melbourne residents and businesses.
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