Seafarers: A Collaborative Vision for Urban Renewal
Nestled beside the Yarra River, a collaborative effort is underway to reimagine a long-dormant space. The Seafarers precinct, soon to be home to Australia’s first 1 Hotel & Homes, represents Riverlee’s approach to thoughtful urban renewal – a commitment that starts with choosing the right partners.
In our decade-long journey to breathe new life into a site dormant for half a century, we sought collaborators who shared our vision for sustainable, community-focused development. This search led us to an unexpected but perfect match with 1 Hotels, a brand that aligns seamlessly with our values and aspirations for Seafarers.
Integrating a world-class hotel, luxury residences, and a welcoming 3,500sqm waterfront park, Seafarers embodies the power of aligned partnerships in urban renewal. This collaboration with SH Hotels & Resorts not only brings a globally renowned eco-luxury brand to Melbourne but also elevates our shared vision for sustainable, community-centric development to new heights.
A Partnership Born from Shared Vision
At Riverlee, we knew the Seafarers precinct deserved something extraordinary, so we set out to find the perfect hotel partner. Our journey began conventionally with a standard EOI process, reaching out to select operators that aligned with our values. However, an unexpected possibility reshaped our approach.
Our hotel consultant, Axsia, introduced us to an emerging brand, 1 Hotels – the world’s most sustainable luxury lifestyle brand, leading us to visit their Brooklyn Bridge property in New York. The parallels with our vision for Seafarers were clear – a prominent riverside location on a disused wharf, rich with history and potential. This discovery led to our partnership with SH Hotels & Resorts, the parent company of 1 Hotels, bringing Australia’s first 1 Hotel to Seafarers.
Energised by our shared values and recognising Melbourne’s appetite for the next evolution in luxury living, we expanded our collaboration with 1 Hotels to include the city’s first hotel-branded residences, further enhancing the Seafarer’s proposition. This innovative addition elevates Seafarers from extraordinary to truly unique.
The Vision Behind 1 Hotels
Founded by Barry Sternlicht, the visionary hotelier behind W Hotels and St. Regis, 1 Hotels was born from a powerful idea: the world around us is beautiful, and we want to keep it that way. This mission-driven luxury hotel brand raises awareness, sparks conversations, and inspires change that benefits our planet.
At its core, 1 Hotels is more than just a brand – it’s a cause. Every aspect of design, construction, and operation is rooted in environmental principles. From the use of reclaimed materials and native greenery to energy-efficient systems and sustainable food practices, 1 Hotels proves that luxury and sustainability can coexist beautifully.
1 Hotel Melbourne: Where Nature Leads
Set to make its Australian debut at Seafarers, 1 Hotel Melbourne will bring its eco-luxury ethos to life in extraordinary form. The hotel is centred around the adaptive re-use of the heritage-listed Goods Shed No.5, Melbourne’s sole surviving riverbank cargo shed from the pre-containerisation era.
This historic structure forms the hospitality heart of 1 Hotel & Homes, incorporating over 2,000 salvaged materials. The unique space will feature a signature restaurant, bars, cafe, events space, meeting rooms, and a lounge that seamlessly connects to Seafarers Rest Park, a new 3,500sqm green oasis. Throughout the building, more than 4,500sqm of recycled and reclaimed timber has been thoughtfully integrated.
A Lifestyle Beyond Compare
Above the hotel sit the hotel-branded residences, introducing Melbourne to a new era of luxury living. This innovative model offers residents a transformative lifestyle that combines the comforts of home with the luxuries of a world-class hotel.
For those who call Seafarers home, the benefits extend far beyond a beautiful, grand-scale residence. With over 200 hotel staff catering to their every need, residents will enjoy a suite of five-star amenities, and curated eco-luxury services.
Creating Thriving Communities
At Riverlee, fostering connected communities is at the heart of everything we do. Seafarers exemplifies this philosophy, offering more than just a place to live or stay – it’s a community committed to better living. Each day, residents and guests will experience a sanctuary designed to nurture wellbeing and connect with nature, all while being in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant cityscape.
This approach extends beyond Seafarers, as seen in our other developments like New Epping, 179 Queen Street, 369 Royal Parade, and The Hanging Garden Precinct in Hobart. Through regular events and activations, we nurture relationships, encourage networking, and create a sense of belonging across our portfolio.
A Sustainable Legacy
Seafarers isn’t just changing Melbourne’s skyline; it’s reshaping how we think about urban renewal, sustainability, and true luxury. By repurposing reclaimed timber and preserving the site’s rich history, we’re creating a precinct that tells a story – one of respect for the past and commitment to a sustainable future.
As we near completion, we’re proud to unveil a precinct that will set a new standard for thoughtful urban renewal. Seafarers represents Riverlee’s vision for the future of urban development – sustainable, community-focused, and deeply connected to its environment.
The Seafarers precinct stands as a testament to what’s possible when we approach urban renewal with creativity, respect for heritage, and a commitment to sustainability. It’s not just about transforming a space; it’s about reimagining the very fabric of our city for generations to come.
