Melbourne’s skyline has gained a striking new addition as the installation of the Seafarers façade is now complete, marking a significant milestone in precincts development journey.
Travellers along Wurundjeri Way and those strolling down the Yarra River promenade will now see Seafarers standing proud, transforming the once forgotten heritage-listed Goods Shed No.5 into a $600million mixed-use precinct that will soon house Australia’s first 1 Hotel & Homes.
Located free from neighbouring buildings on Melbourne’s North Wharf, Seafarers’ intricate façade offers a stunning 360-degree spectacle. This unobstructed visibility showcases Riverlee’s innovative design approach, distinguishing Seafarers from the conventional structures along the river and the CBD towers that frame it.
The façade sits atop of the carefully preserved and reimagined Goods Shed No.5, inviting residents and visitors alike to appreciate the city’s architectural heritage alongside a new era of riverside luxury living.
The façade itself is a testament to Riverlee’s commitment to design excellence, comprising of 4,856 intricate panels assembled like a giant jigsaw-like puzzle that creates a dynamic visual experience. The lower section, inspired by the angular side panels of the heritage-listed Goods Shed No.5, houses hotel guest rooms and amenities. The upper section, drawing inspiration from the Yarra River’s fluidity, contains the 1 Hotel & Homes branded residences.
Designed in collaboration with Nonda Katsalidis and the team at Fender Katsalidis, the façade embodies the interaction between wind and water, subtly echoing the rippling surface of the river. This architectural gesture reflects the river’s perpetual motion and reinforces the building’s identity, seamlessly weaving the natural environment into its urban context.
Riverlee’s commitment to thoughtful urban renewal enabled the careful preservation and repurposing of the heritage-listed Goods Shed No.5 which incorporates over 2,000 salvaged items from the original structure. This space will form the development’s hospitality heart, connecting to the new 3,500sqm Seafarers Rest Park.
With the façade now complete, the next phase of construction is underway with interior fit-out works in progress. This milestone brings us one step closer to realising our vision of a thriving, sustainable urban community that respects its past while embracing the future.
Learn more about Seafarers: https://seafarers-residences.com.au/
SPROUTING 2025
