Triple win for Seafarers

Seafarers – located on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country along the banks of Melbourne's beautiful Birrarung (Yarra River) – collected three awards at the 2025 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Victoria Awards.

As well as the distinguished Project of the Year Award, Seafarers was recognised with the High-rise Apartment Award and the Urban Renewal Award.

“Among an exceptional field of finalists, Seafarers stands out as the project that redefines the benchmark for development in Victoria. The judges recognised its visionary approach to Melbourne’s historic riverfront, its seamless integration of adaptive reuse, luxury, sustainability and community benefit, and its exemplary design quality.”

The precinct includes Seafarers Rest Park designed by OCULUS, in close collaboration with Riverlee, FK, ODO, and the City of Melbourne. The new park includes spacious green lawns, a riverside promenade, children’s play area, and multi-use open spaces. The design draws on the area’s maritime legacy – embracing the city’s industrial roots while also acknowledging Melbourne’s significant Indigenous cultural heritage.

"This transformative project revitalises Melbourne’s last undeveloped CBD riverfront, blending heritage preservation with world class urban design. Through adaptive reuse of the historic Goods Shed No.5 and integration of 220 metres of river frontage, Seafarers demonstrates innovation in large scale urban renewal, architectural excellence, and mixed-use planning."

Announced late last year, on Wurundjeri Country in Melbourne, 2025 UDIA Victoria Award winners progress to the 2026 UDIA National Awards.