40 Hall Street
Client | Leighton Contractors + Qualitas
TYPE | Master Planning, Architecture
SECTOR | Cities + Places, Mixed Use, Residential, Retail
STATUS | Concept Design (2014)
HEIGHT | 55.5 m, 18 Storeys
SCALE | GFA: 15,378 sqm, Site 1.339 ha, 154 apartments
Location | MOONEE PONDS, VIC
COST | CONFIDENTIAL
Renders | Sharp
A Bold New Chapter for Moonee Ponds
Nestled in the heart of Moonee Ponds, 40 Hall Street occupies a 1.339-hectare site steeped in local history. Once home to the bustling market, this land is set to transform into a dynamic master plan across seven buildings, blending residential living and retail spaces into a vibrant mixed-use development. Designed with the future in mind, the vision was to create something that connects to the place and its people.
Our design embraces the site’s past while looking firmly toward the future. We wanted to make a statement—something that’s clear, calming, and grounded, yet sophisticated. As Ian Briggs, Director at Plus, puts it: “Our ambition was to create a singular, confident expression—something that feels timeless yet adaptable, something that makes sense now and into the future.”
Materials were chosen to complement the space—recycled brick and concrete pavers set the foundation, blending strength with warmth. Expansive glazing invites the energy of the street inside, while a thoughtful mix of light and dark finishes ensures a presence that lasts.
The community is at the heart of what we’ve envisioned. A new north-south pedestrian link will seamlessly connect 40 Hall Street with its surroundings, offering future connections to extend even further. We’ve designed generous communal spaces—like a 482sqm garden at mezzanine level, a level five terrace shaded by mature trees, and a 147sqm rooftop retreat. By day, the rooftop is a social space; by night, it transforms into a gathering spot, with city lights and maybe even an open-air cinema, all with Melbourne’s skyline as the backdrop.
The design also ensures accessibility and flow with clear pedestrian links between Hall and Homer Streets, and a variety of building heights, with the tower set back from the podium to respect the surrounding environment. Privacy was a priority, with apartments carefully oriented to protect residents from overlooking. We’ve incorporated room for street trees, further enhancing the public realm, and ensured Central Park receives ample sunshine to remain a vibrant, inviting space. At the podium level, mixed-use functions bring life to the street, with passive surveillance strategies fostering safety and vibrancy. Retail spaces along the perimeter activate the area, creating an active and engaging streetscape, while private open spaces off the lane offer peaceful outdoor areas for residents. Carpark entries are discreetly placed, providing easy access to both the site and the nearby Central Park.
