Heritage Victoria greenlights Robur Tea House development

The site surrounding Southbank’s iconic 135-year-old Robur Tea House is finally set to be redeveloped by a Melbourne-based developer after Heritage Victoria approved amended plans last month.

The original scheme proposed by design-led real estate developer, MONNO, was rejected by Heritage Victoria in late 2023.

But since then, MONNO has worked with Heritage Victoria, The Office of the Victorian Government Architect and The Department of Transport and Planning to facilitate a positive outcome for the heritage-listed building located at 28 Clarendon St.

“The proposed works to the Robur Tea Building will add to the protection and conservation of the place, which is of historical, architectural and scientific significance to the State of Victoria,” a Heritage Victoria spokesperson said.

The redevelopment will see the historical warehouse that was built in the 1880s transformed into a “world-class lifestyle precinct” that is anchored by a 221-room upscale hotel, according to MONNO managing director Geno Hubay.

Mr Hubay said the company had scouted the globe to find the world’s best designers and hotel operators to deliver a reimagined Tea House that honoured the heritage of the building and created an icon for the future.

The Tea House has been designed by acclaimed Norwegian architecture practice, Snohetta, which has adopted a highly considered and respectful design.

The plans just approved see a highly resolved scheme, which was amended to include an increased setback on the tower component of the corner of Clarendon St and Normanby Rd, with this offset by an additional three levels in height.

The day-to-night precinct will be further enhanced by a combination of world-class commercial, hospitality and dining spaces.

It will be made up of 5000sqm of premium-grade offices and serviced by a curated range of global and local food and beverage, and retail offerings, including a signature restaurant on the ground floor and an exceptional rooftop experience.

A new north-facing landscaped public forecourt will also be built to connect the Tea House, MCEC and the Yarra River promenade.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece supports Heritage Victoria’s changes to the application on the grounds that Tea House’s legacy will be protected.

“Built in the 1880s, this historic warehouse embraced revolutionary new methods of construction and is one of the longest-standing buildings of its kind anywhere in Australia,” Cr Reece said.

It’s an excellent outcome for everyone involved – and goes to show that Melbourne can continue to grow while respecting our history.

Mr Hubay said that the efforts poured into the permit were worthwhile given what the group was now able to deliver.

“Since acquiring this site, I would say it’s become an obsession to deliver something exceptional. This will be a legacy project for MONNO and for Melbourne,” Mr Hubay told Southbank News.

MONNO has conducted an international expression of interest campaign, which received submissions from 15 of the world’s best hotel groups, prior to appointing the preferred operator.

The developer is now in advanced talks with a group yet to enter the Australian market, and one which will allow this pocket of Melbourne to play on a global stage.

MONNO’s vision for the Tea House is for it to become a new landmark and urban marker for Melbourne on the last undeveloped gateway site into the Melbourne CBD.

Southbank Residents’ Association president Tony Penna said that despite some residents thinking that it shouldn’t be developed, he had faith in Heritage Victoria and the City of Melbourne’s decisions.

“We’ve dealt with Heritage Victoria a lot, and we know if something’s not okay, they’ll be very worried about that,” Mr Penna said. “If you don’t tick all the boxes according to the planning scheme, well, it just doesn’t get up.” •