• Melbourne Walk, the centrepiece of the Bourke Street Mall revitalisation, officially topped out on September 16
• Global design studio Buchan’s design celebrates the site’s quirky heritage and Melbourne’s renowned laneway culture
• Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said Melbourne Walk will enhance Melbourne’s status as a thriving retail precinct and a must-visit destination for locals and visitors.

Melbourne Walk, the first built project in Bourke Street Mall for more than 50 years, is one step closer to completion following a topping out ceremony on 16 September attended by Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece.

Global design studio Buchan is delivering the architecture and interior design on the entire project for client Steadfast Capital. The 3,600sqm site will become the centrepiece of the Bourke Street Mall revitalisation, and includes 6,000sqm of retail alongside InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) ‘s first Australian dual-branded hotel. The Holiday Inn and Hotel Indigo will provide a combined 452 rooms.

Project Architect at Buchan, Hayden Djakic, said the redevelopment knits together a collection of buildings and pays homage to the site’s rich heritage.

“The historic facades of four iconic buildings – Diamond House, Public Benefit Bootery, Allan’s and the York Building – have been restored. Internally, a network of pedestrian arcades will link through from Bourke Street to Little Collins, building on the tradition of Melbourne’s celebrated arcades and laneways.”

A new 9-metre-high arcade takes inspiration from the neighbouring Royal and Block arcades, in a modern take on the rhythm, volume and light-filled interiors of its much-loved nineteenth-century forebears.

Djakic said the design of the Hotel Indigo reflects the brand’s focus on creating bespoke, local experiences with a strong sense of place. “The act of discovery is what the Indigo experience is built on and our design takes cues from the site’s quirky, historic retailers such as E.W Cole, Sidney Myer and James Hosie. Their stories are littered through the project.

“For example, we have used fabrics reminiscent of Myer’s original haberdashery business, and designed elements that nod to E.W Cole’s ’emporium of everything’ and menageries. Furnishings and fittings reflect Hosie’s taste for eastern opulence.”

The historical references permeate down to the arcade, which merges the retail glamour and laneway culture contemporary Melbourne is renowned for.

City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said the development and its surroundings would enhance Melbourne’s status as a thriving retail precinct and a must-visit destination for locals and visitors.

“Melbourne Walk will play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of the CBD’s retail story. Alongside the changing character of Little Collins Street, this precinct will emanate a uniquely cool character that cannot be replicated in suburban shopping centres.”

Construction is being led by Hickory and is due for completion in 2025.