Lendlease has been named development partner by the City of Melbourne for a A$1.7bn (€1bn) project to transform a historic inner Melbourne site as part of the council’s Renewal Programme.

Lendlease will develop the 3.2-hectare southern site of the Queen Victoria Market precinct on the fringe of Melbourne’s central business district for mixed uses, including around 560 build-to-rent and affordable housing apartments.

Lendlease is also set to act as developer and a construction partner for Scape Australia to build a 1,100-bed student accommodation building on the site.

The proposed scheme includes three new buildings to transform the site south of Queen Victoria Market’s car park, to be known as Gurrowa Place.

Subject to approvals, Gurrowa Place will feature an office building rising 28 levels to add approximately 43,000sqm of new workplace.

Tom Mackellar, managing director of development, Lendlease, said: “Delivering this project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be part of one of Melbourne’s most iconic and beloved landmarks that has been serving the people of Melbourne for the past 140 years.”

Sally Capp, City of Melbourne Lord Mayor, said the landmark project was a strong sign of confidence in Melbourne as a destination for investment, workers, residents, and visitors.

“This $1.7bn project will deliver connected office space, student housing, affordable housing and more parking for market customers,” Capp said.

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