Developer Beulah International is touring the globe to meet with world-class architects, hoping to bring a firm to Australia to help design the newly-acquired BMW site in Southbank.

The company is looking to appoint a contemporary and innovative firm known for its ground-breaking architectural designs, who will work alongside an Australian firm on the BMW site. The chosen firm will work with an Australian firm who has local knowledge and understands the Melbourne culture and skyline, to ensure the best design outcome is achieved.

“Some of the firms we’re meeting with are ones often referred to throughout academia, who are responsible for setting new benchmarks and informing discussions around architecture and design philosophy,” says Beulah executive director Adelene Teh.

The developer's vision for the site is to create a ground-breaking integrated mixed-use concept that will potentially comprise of retail, hotel, residential, commercial, cultural and public spaces.

“We have the intention to create a mixed-used lifestyle precinct to service residential, lifestyle, leisure and commercial needs that will offer immense benefit to the wider community, integrating the building with the river and transformation of Southbank Boulevard,” Teh tells Architecture & Design.

“The project will be a new activity hub offering unparalleled amenity and innovation to Southbank including luxury residences, gourmet food-hall, five-star hotel, experiential concept stores, commercial offices, public green spaces and cultural integration.”

Beulah wants to develop a site that is centred around innovation in architecture and design, public amenity and technology.

“We have the vision to redefine the site, creating a new lifestyle precinct of international significance that will contribute to architectural discourse both locally and internationally, with an emphasis on innovation, technology and design,” says Teh.

“Upon completion, the development will integrate into its urban context and behave as a visual beacon that is formally recognisable in the Melbourne skyline, acting as a landmark destination for visitors.”

Beulah will begin a shortlist process in the coming months, with shortlisted firms to take part in a design competition.