The Archive named a finalist in 2026 City of Port Phillip Design and Development Awards

The Archive has been named a finalist in the 2026 City of Port Phillip Design and Development Awards, recognised in the Residential category for projects comprising three or more dwellings.

Designed by Hayball, the 36-level build-to-rent development is the first completed building within a broader masterplanned precinct along Normanby Road in Southbank, forming part of Melbourne’s Fishermans Bend urban renewal area.

The project delivers 237 apartments alongside ground-level commercial tenancies, contributing to an active street interface and supporting the continued evolution of a mixed-use precinct.

Internally, The Archive has been designed to support a contemporary rental lifestyle, with a strong focus on shared amenity and day-to-day convenience. A central communal hub at Level 5 connects indoor and outdoor spaces, while a sky lounge at Level 35 offers shared areas with views across the city and Port Phillip Bay.

A range of additional facilities, including co-working spaces, wellness areas and recreational rooms, supports a flexible approach to living, working and social connection within the building.

The project also reflects a considered urban response, with dual frontages addressing Normanby Road and Woodgate Street and contributing to a more engaged and permeable streetscape.

Sustainability has been embedded throughout, with The Archive delivered as an all-electric building and achieving a 5 Star Green Star ‘As Built’ certification. Features including water recycling systems and infrastructure for sustainable transport support long-term environmental performance.

Cameron Laird, Head of Australia at CDL Australia, acknowledged the strength of the entire project team.

“Projects like The Archive are the result of a committed group of people coming together to create something that is not only visually appealing, but with all the accouterments necessary to satisfy the tenants’ needs for connection and wellness,” he said.

“The recognition highlights the strength of the project’s architectural and urban design approach. A huge congratulations goes to Hayball, whose impeccable design has been instrumental to the project’s success.”

Winners of the 2026 City of Port Phillip Design and Development Awards will be announced during Melbourne Design Week in May.