The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples
Victoria
Seafarers is a landmark urban renewal project transforming a previously underutilised industrial riverfront site into a vibrant mixed-use precinct of metropolitan significance. Located along the Birrarung (Yarra River), the project reclaims a once-overlooked maritime edge and repositions it as an active civic destination grounded in public access, hospitality and living. Adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Goods Shed No.5 anchors the precinct’s identity, while a freestanding sculptural building establishes a new waterfront marker. The project integrates Seafarer’s Rest – a new 3500m² public park for Melbourne, along with hotel, residential, dining, wellness and conference programs within layered public and private realms, generating continuous activity across the site. Extensive retention and reuse of heritage fabric, including salvaged timbers and reconditioned steel trusses, embeds cultural memory within everyday occupation. Together, Seafarers reconnects Melbourne to its river through architecture, public realm and long-term place-making.
1 Hotel & Homes Melbourne demonstrates how thoughtful design can renew a significant heritage asset while creating a destination that supports the way people live, work and gather.
FK and One Design Office translated Riverlee’s vision for meaningful urban renewal into a place that balances sustainable luxury with authenticity and community connection.
The adaptive reuse of Goods Shed No.5, combined with biophilic design, reclaimed materials and generous public spaces, creates an environment that enhances wellbeing, fosters connection and celebrates place.
The project strengthens Melbourne’s waterfront and exemplifies Riverlee’s commitment to sustainability, heritage and creating destinations that endure.
Nonda Katsalidis, Design Architect
Nicky Drobis, Head of Design
Falk Peuser, Project Principal
Jack Swann, Project Architect
Fiona Then, Architect
Chris Johnson, Project Architect
Pip Bowling, Architect
ODO, Interior Designer (Hotel and amenities)
Carr, Interior Designer (Residences)
FK, Interior Designer (Resi Public Areas, Penthouses)
Oculus, Landscape Consultant
WSP, Structural Engineer
WSP, Services Consultant
WSP, ESD Consultant
Gallagher Jeffs, Project Manager
Marshall Day, Acoustic Consultant
CHW Consulting, AV Consultant
Checkpoint, Building Surveyor
WSP, Civil Consultant
NMGC, Equal Access Consultant
BG&E, Façade Consultant
Red, Fire Engineer
Lovell Chen, Heritage Consultant
1 Hotel, Hotel Group
Fytogreen, Landscape Consultant
Urbis, Planning
Creo, Pool Consultant
Altitude, Façade Access Consultant
Glowing Structures, Lighting Consultant
Cardno, Traffic Engineer
MEL Consultant, Wind Engineer
Rider Levett Bucknall, Quantity Surveyor
Aurecon, Structural Engineer
Maddocks, Legal
ABL, Legal