A former 17-story commercial building on Melbourne’s Queens Road is set to be transformed into a residential development. ALTA Property who is development the project, secured planning approval for a AU$200 million adaptive reuse project that will convert the existing tower into 169 apartments.
Located at 10 Queens Road in Melbourne, the project will retain and repurpose the shell and structural framework of the existing office building. The proposal includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences alongside shared amenity spaces including wellness facilities, co-working areas, communal gardens, retail, a lounge bar, and private dining spaces.
The project reflects a broader shift toward adaptive reuse strategies as developers and cities increasingly reconsider aging office stock in response to changing workplace patterns and growing housing demand. According to the development team, retaining the building’s primary structure is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 62 percent compared to a full demolition and rebuild approach.
The design is described as one rooted in the logic of the original structure, using the existing floorplates, central core, and column grid as the basis for the redevelopment. The architectural strategy distinguishes new additions from the retained structure through a restrained material palette while maintaining the building’s original rhythm and proportions.
This project adds to a growing pipeline of office-to-residential conversions emerging as developers seek opportunities in a market where residential demand remains comparatively strong despite broader construction-sector pressures. ALTA Property founder Nigel Givoni noted that stabilizing construction costs and continued population growth are contributing to renewed confidence in the city’s residential sector.
Read more at Inside Construction.