Construction has officially begun on the $2 million Paragon luxury development in the Melbourne CBD.

Located at 318 Queen Street, the project has been awarded Best Residential High-Rise Development for Australia at the 2018-19 Asian Pacific Property Awards, and will be home to Australia’s first indoor urban forest, according to developer Beulah International.

Designed by world-renowned landscaper Paul Bangay, the forest is planned to be spread across three storeys and will act as a “green escape from the urban hustle”, with a carefully curated selection of mature trees, leafy canopies, climbing gardens and grassy spaces.

The development itself has been designed by Fender Katsalidis and will consist of 227 apartments across 48 levels.

“We always look to push the boundaries, and working with both Paul Bangay and Fender Katsalidis has allowed us to do this, with both the indoor forest, and limited density per floor giving almost all residents a prized corner vista,” says Adelene Teh, Beulah International executive director.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2020.