Southbank's iconic 'red stairs' could be set for a makeover - with a proposal to invite designers from across the country to transform the prominent promenade site.
City of Melbourne councillors will next week consider hosting a new Design Competition - deciding if Queensbridge Square's 'red stairs', and the Queens Corner Building at the Queen Victoria Market, should be the first sites reimagined.
The 'red stairs' have been proposed following strong community feedback to transform the aging landmark, which sits prominently at the intersection of Southbank Promenade, Southbank Boulevard and Sandridge Bridge.
The yet to be built Queens Corner Building is set to become a significant civic facility as part of the Queen Victoria Market precinct redevelopment - located directly across from the new Market Square.
The competition would be the first run under the City of Melbourne's new Design Competition Guidelines, which were adopted in 2023.
If approved by Council, the competitions will be open to Australian and international designers - with 60 per cent of shortlisted teams to be local, emerging or small design practices.
The winning designs will either proceed to commission or receive a dollar prize - with a potential $25,000 prize for the 'red stairs', and $35,000 for the more complex Queens Corner Building, subject to the competition scope.
The competition would run for four to eight weeks in 2025, and include an open expression of interest, select requests for proposal and a final shortlisted interview.
Construction of the winning designs would be subject to a draft concept endorsement from Council and community engagement.
