Luxury hotel chain Shangri-La has just won approval for a new high-rise at 308 Exhibition Street overlooking Carlton Gardens – two towers, one holding a 64-storey hotel and the other a residential complex. Dubbed Sapphire by the Gardens, the total site area spans 4140 square metres and will join Shangri-La’s portfolio of hotels in Brisbane, Cairns and Sydney.

The two towers are set to feature a walkway linking the 50th floors. The residential tower will house 300 apartments, as well as office, retail and hospitality space on the lower levels of the development.

The Shangri-La Melbourne section of the development will feature an estimated 500 guest rooms and include a gym, health and recreation centre, and a lavish 1000-guest grand ballroom overlooking the Carlton Gardens. The Sky Lounge and Horizon Club will also make an appearance, as they do in every Shangri-La hotel worldwide.