Heritage Victoria grants permit approval for proposed Robur Tea House redevelopment

The site of the 135-year-old Robur Tea House building in Melbourne's Southbank is one step closer to being redeveloped into a mixed-use precinct after Heritage Victoria granted a permit for seven interconnected buildings on the site.

The proposal, designed by Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta and Aspect Studios, features seven linked buildings ranging from three to thirty storeys surrounding the tea house at 28 Clarendon Street. The heritage permit also approves the partial demolition and adaptation of the 1887 tea house, previously occupied by the Fergus and Mitchell Robur Tea House.

The developer, Monno, submitted its first proposal for the site in 2022, which Heritage Victoria later rejected in May 2023. Following feedback, Monno revised the proposal and resubmitted to Heritage Victoria with adjustments relating to the feedback that was received upon the initial rejection.

In its approval of the revised plans, Heritage Victoria said the suite of conservation works, including the reconstruction and revealing of significant heritage details, would result in "a positive heritage outcome." At the same time, the development would contribute to greater economic use of the tea house.

"Refusal of the permit application would substantially impact the reasonable and economic use of the place. The design, materiality and detailing of the proposed development is of high architectural quality. The proposed setbacks would allow for the Robur Tea Building to sit proudly in the streetscape and retain some landmark qualities."

Under the plans, the tea house facade would be retained, and the exteriors of any new buildings would be sympathetic to the character of the original structure.

The mixed-use precinct comprises a hotel, a hotel lobby, dining and retail offerings, and office spaces. Pedestrian walkways will be established within the precinct, creating better connections to the buildings and a new garden forecourt, as well as the nearby Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre and the Yarra River promenade.