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Architectus recently launched its new offering, Architectus Urban Design and Planning Melbourne at an event within the Melbourne Studio.

The launch also coincided with the the recent appointment of Urban Design Principal, Dean Thornton, who brings with him over 23 years of knowledge and experience and having most recently worked with Jacobs and Development Victoria.

Dean's expertise ranges from city shaping urban design projects - from initial visioning and master planning - through to detailed resolution and implementation.

For the launch event, the Urban Design and Planning team collaborated with Melbourne street photographer Jesse Marlow for an exhibition titled UNCOVER, which included photography that "explores the paradoxes and joys of urban living in Melbourne, discovering the city through a different lens."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/architectus_009-web.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The UNCOVER exhibition which featured as part of the Architectus Urban Design and Planning Melbourne launch."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/architectus_009-web.jpg?itok=_gb9Hyjf" title="The UNCOVER exhibition which featured as part of the Architectus Urban Design and Planning Melbourne launch." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The UNCOVER exhibition which featured as part of the Architectus Urban Design and Planning Melbourne launch.</figcaption></figure>The establishment of Architectus Urban Design and Planning is in response to the exceptional growth within the Urban Design and Planning (UDP) sector.  
Dean’s appointment and the launch of UDP Melbourne follows a period of continued growth for Architectus with recent major project wins particularly in the areas of urban design and planning, education, rail infrastructure, commercial and multi-residential projects in both Sydney and Melbourne.

Most recently <a href="/news/architectus-and-ingehoven-on-sydneys-latest-super-skyscraper">Architectus have teamed up with Ingenhoven</a> for Mirvac's 79-storey 505 George Street tower in Sydney, while in Melbourne the office is keeping busy with office projects in <a href="/news/melbourne-planning-and-development-news-in-brief">Richmond</a> and <a href="/developments/abbotsford-vic-3067">Abbotsford</a>, a <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Hyatt Centric</a> for Little Projects in the Melbourne CBD,  as well as a <a href="/news/approval-granted-for-a-major-150-million-geelong-development">$150m mixed-use project in Geelong</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/505_george_architectus.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Work is expected to commence on 505 George Street in 2020, with completion expected in 2025."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/505_george_architectus.jpg?itok=vmBQv-F8" title="Work is expected to commence on 505 George Street in 2020, with completion expected in 2025." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Work is expected to commence on 505 George Street in 2020, with completion expected in 2025.</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
We are delighted to have Dean join us to lead the team in Melbourne. The role of urban design in creating great places and communities continue to grow in importance as our cities become more dense and complex.

Architectus has been providing urban design and planning services for some 30 years and it is great to now offer these services to our clients in Melbourne.

- Ray Brown, Architectus Managing Director
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
It’s very exciting to have joined such a growing team and at a time where Architectus generally and UDP specifically, are achieving such great success.

I am looking forward to leading the Melbourne team and contributing to its ongoing growth and profile.

- Dean Thornton, Urban Design Principal, Architectus
</blockquote>
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Laurence Dragomir

Architectus Melbourne launches Urban Design and Planning with appointment of new Principal 

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Today we'll be taking a look at Kennedy Nolan's contribution to Nightingale Village as part of Apartments.com.au's continuing series on the ethical development model.

The building has been designed to align with the Nightingale ethos of providing high quality, good value urban housing by simplifying both the development process and the building itself.

<blockquote>
Nightingale provides an opportunity to reach a more diverse group and without the negative constraints of conventional developer-funded housing models.

We have a wide range of experience in designing housing, from alterations to single residences to high-density innercity apartment buildings and have long looked forward to bringing this expertise to a Nightingale Housing project.

We feel strongly that there are many ways to engage positively with a neighbourhood, and that conventional responses can be limited in scope and imagination. Mature, dense urban environments must tackle privacy and maintain the dignity of those living there and so the contribution to urbanity provided by an individual building might also be aesthetic, abstract and related to the scale of the city.

- Kennedy Nolan
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/nv_kennedy_nolan_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kennedy Nolan's Nightingale Building along the Upfield corridor. Image: Kennedy Nolan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="535" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nv_kennedy_nolan_01.jpg?itok=lo-V56CZ" title="Kennedy Nolan's Nightingale Building along the Upfield corridor. Image: Kennedy Nolan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kennedy Nolan's Nightingale Building along the Upfield corridor. Image: Kennedy Nolan</figcaption></figure>Located at 9 Duckett Street, the seven-storey building joins Nightingale WOW and Nightingale CCA in abutting the Upfield cycling corridor. Similar to its two aforementioned neighbours, Kennedy Nolan's building addresses its adjacency to the railway interface and western sun via a 'buffered' approach, whereby windows are either oriented north or south or located within lightcourts. 

A sheltered pedestrian colonnade along the western edge provides raised access to the building protected from the adjacent bike path by lush planting.  Along this frontage Kennedy Nolan have selected robust and durable materials which require minimal maintenance, with the architects citing access to the facade (or lack-there-of) as a key consideration in its material selection.

The building's materiality is generally in keeping with the Nightingale Village theme of domestic materials which draw on the site's industrial context and history. 9 Duckett Street is characterised by its combination of both textured and smooth precast panelling which which features red oxide colouring, resulting in a pink quality. This is complemented by further splashes of colour through the use of red steel framing, red perforated mesh and red fabric markisolette blinds. 

The building form has been derived from a response to the various factors impacting the site and comprises for key elements:

<ul>
<li>the crafted street podium - to Duckett Street</li>
	<li>the activated arcade - along the Upfield corridor</li>
	<li>building 1 and building 2</li>
	<li>transparent circulation; and</li>
	<li>the sky garden</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/nv_kennedy_nolan_02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The building has been designed to appear as two, reducing its visual bulk. Image: Kennedy Nolan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="536" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nv_kennedy_nolan_02.jpg?itok=afr2gZTn" title="The building has been designed to appear as two, reducing its visual bulk. Image: Kennedy Nolan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The building has been designed to appear as two, reducing its visual bulk. Image: Kennedy Nolan</figcaption></figure>The massing has been split into two parts to appear as two distinct buildings which form a whole, linked via an open stair within a light shaft much like Nightingale CCA. Along Duckett Street, the streetwall has been conceived as a carefully crafted brick massing punctured by arched openings at ground and recessed balconies above.

A southern Mews has been created through setbacks to the southern title boundary, which provides a new east-west connection, in addition to walk up access to apartments. Lightweight structural framing to the southern Mews frontage and above both north and south streetwalls provides the building with a light and transparent quality, while allowing for more unobscured views from within apartments.

The building is capped by two separate outdoor spaces - the 'Sky Garden' and the 'Working Yard'. To the south, the Working Yard offers functional facilities, outdoor dining areas and sheltered communal laundry clustered together to allow for the Sky Garden located to the north, which enjoys good northern solar exposure. The Sky Garden has been conceived as a densely planted park on the roof, providing passive spaces for retreat and relaxation, while also being visible from a distance.

Overall 9 Duckett Street will comprise 27 apartments featuring a mix of studio, 1, 2 &amp; 3 bedroom apartments in addition to 68 residents bike parks, 6 visitor bike parks and a ground floor tenancy.

Next up in the Nightingale Village will be Breathe Architecture's Skye House. Look out for it next week.
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Nightingale Village - Episode IV - Kennedy Nolan

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Apartments.com.au was in attendance yesterday as ISPT Property's $150 million mixed-use tower at 271 Spring Street achieved a key milestone, with a topping out ceremony held on the roof to celebrate the occasion.

<a href="/news/probuild-and-ispt-break-ground-on-australian-unitys-new-spring-street-hq">Probuild broke ground</a> on the 16-storey tower in mid-2017, with the topping out of the core occurring in an impressive 14 months, and completion slated for mid-2019.

The development has been designed by John Wardle Architects in collaboration with heritage architect Bruce Trethowan to ensure the careful integration of two historical buildings as part of the 15,600 sqm A-Grade office development for Australian Unity.

According to ISPT CEO Daryl Browning, the addition of 271 Spring Street will complete ISPT’s long-term vision for the Lonsdale precinct. 

271 Spring Street adjoins ISPT's other office towers - Casselden Place and The Urban Workshop -  which are located in one of Melbourne’s most historical precincts.

An onsite four month archaeological dig prior to construction unearthed 40,000 artefacts. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/271_topping_out_ceremony_sep18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Photos taken by Urban.com.au during the topping out ceremony at 271 Spring Street. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/271_topping_out_ceremony_sep18.jpg?itok=ZPKg2cIR" title="Photos taken by Urban.com.au during the topping out ceremony at 271 Spring Street. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Photos taken by Apartments.com.au during the topping out ceremony at 271 Spring Street.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
It’s been a fantastic construction period at 271 Spring Street to date. We’ve managed 10 weeks of archaeology works, built between two Citipower HV easements – we’ve also built over two live underground rail tunnels that form part of Melbourne’s city loop.

There’s not many buildings in Melbourne on top of an underground rail system. This location meant we needed to deliver a highly complex light-weight steel structure, consisting of raked feature elements and significant transfer structures to achieve the architectural vision for the project. It’s a very robust structure but light enough to not disturb the city loop below.

Probuild will now be focusing on completing an intricate façade that features 7m x 3.7m fins, and the internal fitout works for anchor tenant Australian Unity.

- Luke Stambolis, Probuild’s Victorian Managing Director
</blockquote>

The topping out of 271 Spring Street follows hot on the heels of Probuild's handover of 456 apartments within the Avant development for World Class Global, a milestone achieved three months ahead of schedule.

Probuild's delivery team for Avant was led by a young female project manager, Lorien Dalmau, who has amassed more than a decade’s experience in construction under her belt.  

Probuild’s Victorian Managing Director, Luke Stambolis expressed how proud he was of Lorien's efforts in her first stint as a project manager, and noted that she was "the only woman in Melbourne managing a 50+ storey apartment tower in the CBD right now and to top it off she’s only in her mid-30s."

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the 167m high tower features 18,500 sqm of distinctive façade comprising custom coloured glazing and feature fins, directly procured by Probuild from premium suppliers in China.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/avant_at_handover.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Probuild has also recently handed over Avant to World Class Global. Image: Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/avant_at_handover.jpg?itok=_Fb_2jAC" title="Probuild has also recently handed over Avant to World Class Global. Image: Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Probuild has also recently handed over Avant to World Class Global. Image: Probuild</figcaption></figure>Probuild's other big build in the northern reaches of the Melbourne CBD is the 270m high Aurora Melbourne Central. The 90-storey tower's floor plate and safety screening has recently been reconfigured from a 'butterfly' geometry to a 'heart' shape for its final ascent. 

Meanwhile, the core has reached the nominal height of 260m above street level, with a further three rises before it tops out in the next month.

Looking west and Probuild's two key Spencer Street builds - West Side Place and 311 Spencer Street progress - are also making rapid progress as highlighted in the supplied aerial below. Further, Probuild notes the achievement of a key milestone for Tower 1's core, while Tower 2 edges ahead.

<blockquote>
We recently achieved a key milestone at Melbourne's West Side Place, with the successful assembly of both parts of the split core system for Tower 1. The upper portion of the core is now making its way above the boundary hoarding line, currently sitting at ground level. The floor slabs have also progressed at a rapid rate with ground level currently being being constructed. 

The jump form on Tower 2 is currently sitting at Level 6 and floor slabs are complete up to Level 1 with the first set of perimeter protection screens now installed. The structure team is now focused on design and planning for the upcoming challenges involving the multi-strand post tension transfer slabs on Level 4 and 5, and the core changeover works on Level 8.

The latest progress at West Side Place demonstrates our capabilities managing sophisticated designs and complex major projects. 

- Probuild
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/probuild_spencer.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Two sites, three towers, eight cranes. Image: Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="719" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/probuild_spencer.png?itok=qnTMfCpu" title="Two sites, three towers, eight cranes. Image: Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Two sites, three towers, eight cranes. Image: Probuild</figcaption></figure>
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Probuild tops out at 271 Spring Street

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ICON Developments has partnered with builder Icon Co to commence construction on 600 Church Street, an eight-storey commercial office development in Cremorne designed by Wood Marsh.

The development was approved by VCAT in late April 2018 and shortly thereafter it was announced that Bayley Stuart Capital purchased the building off-the-plan for $50 million with vacant possession. ICON Developments expects 600 Church Street to further bolster the area which has become Melbourne’s hottest city fringe office market.

Companies 7-Eleven, Seek, MYOB and Reece Group have in recent times announced their intentions to relocate to Cremorne, reinforcing the area's reputation as a Silicon Valley of sorts.

600 Church Street will feature 5,264 square metres of office space across eight levels, topped off with a landscaped rooftop terrace. The development will also include 535 square metres of retail space, 71 car spaces, 100 bicycle parks and extensive end-of-trip facilities located within three levels of basement car parking.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/church_street_rooftop.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="600 Church Street will be topped off by a rooftop landscaped terrace. Image: ICON Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/church_street_rooftop.jpg?itok=X2hJH7Q1" title="600 Church Street will be topped off by a rooftop landscaped terrace. Image: ICON Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>600 Church Street will be topped off by a rooftop landscaped terrace. Image: ICON Developments</figcaption></figure>According to ICON Developments the project, designed by architects Wood Marsh, will showcase the quality of commercial development that can be found outside of the CBD.

<blockquote>
Cremorne continues to be a leading city fringe office market, making it an attractive location for tenants looking for new space outside the CBD. New developments like 600 Church Street will continue to open the area up to new occupiers looking for modern space.

Companies are continuing to be attracted to Cremorne given existing retail amenity, public transport infrastructure and some of Melbourne’s best cafes and restaurants.

We’re excited to start seeing the building take shape and lead the way for quality and design in city-fringe commercial development.

Brinn Tavener, ICON Developments senior development manager
</blockquote>

Demolition commenced on site earlier this year with Icon Co providing a turnkey solution to construct the building before handover to Bayley Stuart Capital in late 2019.

600 Church Street will join a growing number of developments within Cremorne which will add to the character and mix of the area, these are highlighted in the map below. You can check these out in greater detail <a href="/developments/cremorne-vic-3121">here</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/cremorne_map.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Development activity within Cremorne."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="297" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cremorne_map.png?itok=wTUYHHUi" title="Development activity within Cremorne." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Development activity within Cremorne.</figcaption></figure>
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Icon Co commences construction on 600 Church Street

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<a href="/news/urban-land-institute-invites-ideas-for-north-west-corner-of-melbourne-cbd">As covered on Urban.com.au last week</a>, the Urban Land Institute is now accepting entries in the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition which is seeking innovative ideas to reinvigorate the north-west corner of the Melbourne CBD.

The ULI's Executive Director David McCracken spoke to Apartments.com.au, providing insight into the competition and the benefits of young people getting involved in planning.

Apartments.com.au: What do you look for when selecting sites for ULI Urban Innovation Ideas competitions?

David McCracken: The Competition sites we select are less about the specific place but more to act as a catalyst or a canvas for expansive thinking and innovative thought, in the context of a real or perceived urban challenge.

The sites selected previously – George St in Sydney – a linear space in the CBD becoming car free and public, but perhaps without the character elements to stimulate it, and in 2016 – Centennial Place – a poorly used green knuckle between the CBD and vibrant Valley district in Brisbane – offer challenges for intervention that change the way these spaces may connect with their city context.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/uli_image_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uli_image_1.jpg?itok=65K-ywNB" title="The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI</figcaption></figure>In Melbourne this year, the site has been recognised as part of the CBD that perhaps does not live up to the image of Melbourne - vibrant, active, attractive and communal. We are seeking ideas that may not directly solve that challenge, but that, if implemented will add identity engagement and momentum to this part of the city fabric, and as an outcome, add value to those who live, work and visit the area.

U: What is different about the younger generation compared to older generations when it comes to urban planning and enhancing cities?

DM: What I have witnessed is perhaps a greater social conscience in the urban outcomes that shape our cities. There is a sense that what has gone before has not always delivered and that wider and more diverse voices need to be listened to as we plan our cities. ‘Green’, ‘active’, and ‘programmed’ are buzzwords perhaps more to the older generations and now taken as ‘business as usual’ for those with a younger perspective.

However, with the advent of social media, Pinterest and the like, we see the colour of our cities in more graphic detail and perhaps we don't experience and understand the grain and pulse of cities as much anymore. Our experiences are often quick and superficial rather than longer, deeper and more considered as they may have been in the past. The urban planning and development of our cities shapes the long-term impact and image of that city and we must understand that decisions made are there forever – timeliness over timeframe, authenticity over fashion.

U: What is the benefit of generating ideas from people outside of the sector?

DM: Our cities are shared by a great diversity of people and by giving a voice to all those who experience, contribute to and shape our cities, you reach a far better understanding of how to synthesise what is relevant and impactful.

For me, the skill in great design is not just the innovation or the idea – it’s how it responds to a need, desire or challenge in its own urban context or community.

Through the competition, the challenge is not only to solve the particular design issue or place issue at hand, but to promote new alternate ways of thinking. Along with traditional civic and municipal planning, these may improve the character and experience of the site area and ultimately its social, economic and environmental value.

U: What are the biggest issues facing Australian cities that you hope young people and their ideas can address in current and future competitions?

DM: The ULI Urban Innovation Competition is a forum for ideas – conceptual thinking around ideas that may stimulate new urban interventions and promote alternate ways of thinking in our cities.

The competition provides a forum for young professionals from multiple disciplines to come together and share ideas and approaches to key urban challenges in our cities.

The issue or challenge we are addressing is to engage young people in the urban debate, to share a variety of ideas with today’s decision makers, opportunities and alternatives to ensure that what has been done before is not what has to be done tomorrow. Through the competition, and the debates we engage around it, we try to teach or mentor competitors and their peer groups while helping them become better decision makers for tomorrow.

Entries in the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition close Monday 10 September.
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ULI's David McCracken on the 2018 Urban Innovation Ideas Competition

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<a href="/news/melbournes-collins-street-continues-to-soar-as-construction-heats-up">Urban.com.au recently highlighted</a> the development activity along Melbourne's Collins Street, in which it was noted that The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) building at 60 Collins Street represented a significant redevelopment opportunity.

Located on the north-east corner of Exhibition Street and Collins Street opposite QICGRE's 80 Collins development, the property has been listed for sale by the RBA - which is vacating the 16-storey building -  with a number of developers believed to have been circling.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/60_collins_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="60 Collins Street. Images: Real Commercial | Jaganol"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="420" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/60_collins_street.jpg?itok=_T6Yjc6t" title="60 Collins Street. Images: Real Commercial | Jaganol" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>60 Collins Street. Images: Real Commercial | Jaganol</figcaption></figure>To provide further context to the site, it is also covered by Heritage Overlay HO504 (Collins East Precinct) as it adjoins the heritage-listed Melville House (HO566) at 52-54 Collins Street. However, inclusion in the Heritage Overlay does not mean that a site cannot be redeveloped. When a permit for redevelopment is considered, heritage becomes a further consideration as part of the process.

Due to the site's location within this historically sensitive context, the design of any new structure(s) on the site becomes critical.

City of Melbourne's Amendment C258: Heritage Precincts Statements of Significance 2017 notes:

<blockquote>
Collins Street has often been identified as Melbourne’s leading street. This is due, in part, to the pleasant amenity and distinctive character of its eastern end. Its relative elevation and proximity to the Government Reserve and points of access to the City provided for its development as an elite locale.

Initially a prestige residential area, the Melbourne Club re-established itself here in 1857 and by the 1860s the medical profession had begun to congregate. By the turn of the century it was firmly established as a professional and artistic centre of Melbourne, with part of its fame due to its tree plantations in the French boulevard manner (hence the ‘Paris end’), which date from 1875.

A number of significant buildings come together in this precinct to form a series of prominent streetscapes. These include, at the western end, the Town Hall, Athenaeum, and Assembly Hall through to the Scots and Independent Churches, with the Regent Theatre through to the redeveloped T&amp;G building opposite.

The eastern end includes the early 19th century residential and artists’ studio buildings at the foot of No. One Collins, with the predominantly 20th century intact run to the north featuring Alcaston, Anzac Portland and Chanonry Houses, and Victor Horsley Chambers plus the nearby Melbourne Club.

At all times until the post 1939-45 war period, redevelopment took place in a quiet and restrained manner with an emphasis on dignity, harmony and compatibility with the intimate scale and pedestrian qualities of the street. These qualities are still embodied in significant remnant buildings and other artifacts, despite the intrusion of large developments.

The qualities of the street are also embodied in the social functions of the buildings which include elite smaller scale residential, religious, social, quality retailing and professional activities.

- Collins East Precinct, Statement of Significance (INCORPORATED DOCUMENT – CLAUSE 81 SCHEDULE Page 8)
</blockquote>

It goes on to list the following as key attributes of the Precinct:

<ul>
<li>The buildings remaining from before the Second World War.</li>
	<li>The boulevard quality of this end of Collins Street with street tree plantations and street furniture.</li>
	<li>A consistent height, scale, character and appearance of the remaining 19th and early 20th century buildings.</li>
	<li>The historic garden of the Melbourne Club</li>
</ul>
For the purposes of this study I have also included 100 Exhibition Street, which is currently occupied by a Mantra branded hotel. This was done to provide larger commercial floor plates, in addition to enhancing links through the site.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/60_collins_diagrams-site_context.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="431" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/60_collins_diagrams-site_context.png?itok=ZOFn7xXW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure>The 60 Collins Street site alone has a footprint of 1,300sqm, whereas a minimum floor plate of 1,500sqm would be preferred. To achieve this with the application of setbacks based on the planning controls for the Capital City Zone, <a href="/news/bates-smarts-julian-anderson-discusses-commercial-development-feasibility-in-melbournes-central-city">a site of 3,000 sqm would be ideal</a>, however, the 60 Collins Street site benefits from a corner location so can rise 80m without setbacks.

Combining both 60 Collins Street and 100 Exhibition Street would create a development site of approx. 2,100 sqm.

The Victorian Liberal Party is also offloading the 6-storey Art Deco Centenary Hall at 104 Exhibition Street, completed in 1935 which is expected to fetch around $30m.

The site is covered by Heritage Overlay HO1028 and carries with it a 'Significant' grading due to its interiors, however it is not listed on the Victoria Heritage Register. It has not been included as part of the development study.

The process for developing the envelope for the combined 60 Collins And 100 Exihibtion Streets is outlined in the diagrams in the slideshow below, however some key figures and features include;

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/60_collins_diagrams_-_breakdown.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/60_collins_diagrams_-_breakdown.png?itok=IjvvUfSB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>44-storeys/160m (to roof)</li>
	<li>Floor plates of 1,790sqm for lower 19-storey office levels = 32,220sqm GFA or approx. 25,800 sqm NLA</li>
	<li>Residential and hotel floor plates of 900 sqm across 25-storeys (or 20-storeys of office)</li>
	<li>This upper volume is limited to 50m in length to reduce massing and allow for the creation of a;</li>
	<li>North facing publically accessible landscaped rooftop terrace and bar, atop the streetwall </li>
	<li>Extension of McGraths Lane through to Collins Street</li>
	<li>Total Gross Floor Area: 54,720 sqm </li>
	<li>Plot ratio: 26:1 - this is achieved via new laneway, publically accessible rooftop and office and hotel use</li>
</ul>
Keep an eye out in coming weeks for a similar study on the 383 Latrobe Street site, which Mirvac recently purchased from Sterling Global, who had a permit for a Jean Nouvel designed tower.
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Development Scenario: 60 Collins + 100 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

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On this week's episode I chat to Sam Hibbins, the Greens Member for Prahran (my neighbourhood) and transport spokesperson for the Party, about the Green's commitment to delivering Melbourne Metro 2 and platforms for Melbourne Metro 1 at South Yarra.

We also discuss the first stage of works to improve access, egress and overall circulation at South Yarra Station after much lobbying from Sam and the Greens. He says it's a good start, but argues more can and should be done to upgrade the station to cope with increased patronage due to a surging population and further development activity in the area.

This follows last week's <a href="/guides">podcast with City of Stonnington Mayor Cr Steve Stefanopoulos</a>, in which we also covered the topic of Chapel Street and transitioning from a car-centric to a more pedestrian and cycling focused street that is well served by a reliable tram service.

Be sure to subscribe to our Weekly Podcast on iTunes. 

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Weekly Podcast: Episode 32 - The Greens' Sam Hibbins talks all things transport

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Century Group Aus has secured Australia's first St. Regis hotel at its $800m Flinders Bank development on the Yarra River.

The five star hotel brand's commitment to Flinders Bank will ensure residents benefit from exclusive access to the St. Regis' prestige club facilities.

With frontages to Spencer and Flinders Streets, the 33-storey tower will be the tallest of Flinders Bank's three buildings.

St. Regis Melbourne's 168 luxury guest rooms and suites will occupy levels 2 to 11, providing guests with panoramic views of the Yarra River or Melbourne skyline.

World-leading interior design studio, Chada has designed the interiors working closely with Fender Katsalidis Architects, who are responsible for the architectural design of Flinders Bank.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/century_group_aus_st_regis_bedroom_image_2._2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The hotel interiors have been designed by Chada. Image: Century Group "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/century_group_aus_st_regis_bedroom_image_2._2.jpg?itok=Do-jmYpI" title="The hotel interiors have been designed by Chada. Image: Century Group " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The hotel interiors have been designed by Chada. Image: Century Group Aus/ Floodslicer</figcaption></figure>St. Regis Melbourne will join, Flinders Banks' two other residential towers currently at sales and registration. The whole development is set to deliver 650 residences and 2,100 sqm of retail, on the gateway site opposite Batman Park previously occupied by the former Convention Centre.

Century Group Aus anticipates St. Regis Melbourne will become an instant and stylish icon on the skyline, and an integral part of a vibrant pedestrian precinct and plaza along Siddeley Street, upon completion in 2022. 

Construction on the whole Flinders Bank project is set to commence next year and will comprise the following:

<ul>
<li>Tower One: 26 levels with a ground + three-level podium. 190 apartments - located on the eastern side of the site bounded by Spencer Street.</li>
	<li>Tower Two / St. Regis Melbourne: 33 levels with a ground + four-level podium. 168 luxury hotel rooms and 237 premium apartments - located on the western side of the site bounded by Flinders Street.</li>
	<li>Tower Three: 26 levels with a ground + three-level podium - located on the western side of the site. Apartments mix and number of apartments to be determined.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/the-st-melb.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="St. Regis Melbourne will occupy the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets. Image: Century Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="493" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the-st-melb.jpg?itok=YYYss2lw" title="St. Regis Melbourne will occupy the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets. Image: Century Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>St. Regis Melbourne will occupy the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets. Image: Century Group Aus / Floodslicer</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
This signing is an indication of the investment community’s confidence in the Australian market, where we are seeing a growing demand for premium lodgings.

The St. Regis Melbourne will be an outstanding addition to our strong and growing footprint in the region, where we are on track to boast the largest portfolio of upper upscale and luxury hotels and resorts, with two-thirds of the new supply pipeline.

- Richard Crawford, Senior Director of Hotel Development in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
We are honoured that Flinders Bank will be the address for one of the most exceptional hotel and hospitality experiences in Australia, through The St. Regis Melbourne.

Flinders Bank will offer the pinnacle of luxury experiences for guests as well as residents. With its breathtaking views of the Yarra River, resort style amenity and landmark architecture, Flinders Bank will be a fitting gateway into the world’s most liveable city.

The way we live is changing, and today we want all of life’s luxuries and necessities on our doorstep. To cater for these new urban lifestyles, we wanted to offer our residents some of the most generous, thoughtful and well-designed amenity in Melbourne. We want Flinders Bank to be a haven and a home for all that our residents enjoy.

- Connie Wu, Executive Director Century Group Aus 
</blockquote>

 

 
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Century Group lands Australia's first St. Regis at Flinders Bank

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Having already covered Spencer Street and Chapel Street, Apartments.com.au today focuses on the construction occurring along what is arguably Melbourne CBD's premier street - Collins Street - and its future development pipeline.

Stretching approximately 3km from Spring Street to Docklands, Collins Street currently has nine projects either approved or under construction, with the greatest concentration located towards the western end of the CBD at the threshold between the Hoddle Grid and Docklands.

These projects are illustrated in the diagram below, with each covered in more detail below.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/collins_street_progress.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Highlighting development along Melbourne's Collins Street. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="252" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_street_progress.png?itok=HN-NORoe" title="Highlighting development along Melbourne's Collins Street. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Highlighting development along Melbourne's Collins Street.</figcaption></figure><h2><a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">839 Collins Street</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/839-3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="839 Collins Street. Render: Lendlease "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/839-3.jpg?itok=lgxebI_v" title="839 Collins Street. Render: Lendlease " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>839 Collins Street. Render: Lendlease</figcaption></figure>The new 21-storey building for ANZ has topped out for some time with facade installation progressing externally and interior fit-out works having commenced. 

Designed by Denton Corker Marshall, 839 Collins Street represents the final commercial building to be constructed within Lendlease's Victoria Harbour development. 

The developer's focus now shifts to the Collins Wharf sub-precinct, extending along the length of the peninsula towards the Bolte Bridge.

<h2><a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">Two Melbourne Quarter - 697 Collins Street</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/2mq_sep18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Two Melbourne Quarter. Render: Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2mq_sep18.jpg?itok=5RV0pKzc" title="Two Melbourne Quarter. Render: Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Two Melbourne Quarter. Render: Lendlease</figcaption></figure>With the finishing touches being applied to One Melbourne Quarter, Lendlease has now turned its focus towards Two Melbourne Quarter. Construction has commenced on the next 25-storey office tower designed by Woods Bagot.

Energy Australia will occupy 12-storeys within the tower, accounting for 22,000 sqm of the 50,000 sqm NLA office space. Completion is expected during 2020.

<h2>Melbourne Quarter Tower - 681 Collins Street</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/melbourne_quarter_tower_question_mark.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter Tower is due for a redesign. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_quarter_tower_question_mark.jpg?itok=C2oI2Lh-" title="Melbourne Quarter Tower is due for a redesign. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter Tower is due for a redesign.</figcaption></figure>Following planning approval, speculation is rife that Melbourne Quarter Tower is currently undergoing redesign, with a new architect inheriting design responsibilities for Melbourne Quarter's tallest office building.

The current permit allows for the construction of a 28-storey office tower of 55,000 sqm NLA.

<h2><a href="/buildings/582-606-collins-street-melbourne">The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Melbourne - 600 Collins Street</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/zha_mandarin_oriental.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Landream's 54-storey tower will include a 194-key hotel, operated by Mandarin Oriental. Images: Zaha Hadid Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="252" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/zha_mandarin_oriental.jpg?itok=zMEOKUkW" title="Landream's 54-storey tower will include a 194-key hotel, operated by Mandarin Oriental. Images: Zaha Hadid Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Landream's 54-storey tower will include a 194-key hotel, operated by Mandarin Oriental. Images: Zaha Hadid Architects</figcaption></figure>Owners Landream last year announced that they had signed on Mandarin Oriental to operate the hotel component of their $852 mullion development designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in partnership with Plus Architecture.

Mandarin Oriental will occupy levels 6 to 24 which exuates to 196 guest suites. Though no firm start date has been confirmed although a tentative completion date of 2023 has been previously floated.

Landream secured the site for $60m in 2015 from the Henkell Brothers.

<h2><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">555 Collins Street</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/555-collins-street_article.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fragrance Group's 555 Collins Street is set for a start with demolition not far off. Images: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/555-collins-street_article.jpg?itok=8d3z4gLi" title="Fragrance Group's 555 Collins Street is set for a start with demolition not far off. Images: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fragrance Group's 555 Collins Street is set for a start with demolition not far off. Images: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>The current Enterprise House on site has a date with the wrecking ball, with demolition expected to get underway this month to allow for the construction of Fragrance Group's 47-storey tower.

Designed by Bates Smart, the pleated building rises from a truncated base which allows for the provision of a pedestrian plaza and improved pedestrian circulation through the site and around to King Street. 

<h2><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Olderfleet - 477 Collins Street</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/olderfleet_sep18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="477 Collins Street aka Olderfleet. Render: Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="413" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/olderfleet_sep18.jpg?itok=Vo4NjraU" title="477 Collins Street aka Olderfleet. Render: Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>477 Collins Street aka Olderfleet. Render: Mirvac</figcaption></figure>Mirvac recently announced that it had signed global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, who will join anchor tenant Deloitte in the Grimshaw-designed tower currently under construction. 

Norton Rose Fulbright will occupy the top floors, committing to 5,100 sqm on levels 35 to 38.

Upon completion Olderfleet will be provide 38 storeys of Premium Grade office space. The project will also include the restoration of the historic Olderfleet Buildings which will link to the new tower via an expansive 30 metre high atrium.

<h2><a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House - 466 Collins Street</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/collins_house_aug18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins House appearing perpetually complete. Images: Golden Age | Urban.com.au member redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="276" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_house_aug18.jpg?itok=IBEJYzdR" title="Collins House appearing perpetually complete. Images: Golden Age | Urban.com.au member redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins House appearing perpetually complete. Images: Golden Age | Apartments.com.au member redden</figcaption></figure>Golden Age and Asia Pacific Group's Collins House is quickly rising however you could be forgiven for thinking it was completed, such is the manner of construction. Set to become the slimmest tower in Australia with 271 apartments across 60 storeys, the Bates Smart-designed building cantilevers 4.5m over the neighbouring building.

In dealing with such a constrained site, builder Hickory employed conventional formwork up to level 14, with the remainder of the tower being constructed with prefabricated modules. By utilising its HBS construction method, Hickory are able to service the project via a single tower crane, with major elements fabricated off-site and then assembled on-site.

This has resulted in a 30% reduction in the overall construction programme expected to last 29 months, with completion in September 2019.

<h2><a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">Collins Arch - 447 Collins Street</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/collins_arch_rcp_aus.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Progress at Collins Arch is picking up. Images: Cbus Property | RCP Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="370" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_arch_rcp_aus.jpg?itok=LIDPj54O" title="Progress at Collins Arch is picking up. Images: Cbus Property | RCP Australia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Progress at Collins Arch is picking up. Images: Cbus Property | RCP Australia</figcaption></figure>As reported on <a href="/news/all-good-and-well-for-447-collins-street">Urban.com.au last week</a>, the commercial component of Collins Arch recently received a platinum level WELL Precertification. 

The twin-tower development which is linked via a tapered skybridge will ultimately deliver 50,000 sqm of premium grade office space, a W Hotel-branded 5-star hotel with 294 rooms, 1,000 sqm of high end retail and 185 apartments.

2,000 sqm of public open space will also be delivered as a part of the development via partial closure of Market Street, upon completion in 2020.

<h2><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">80 Collins Street</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/80_collins_rcp_aus.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The first of 80 Collins Street's glazing has been installed. Images: Scharp | RCP Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/80_collins_rcp_aus.jpg?itok=X4r-DR-J" title="The first of 80 Collins Street's glazing has been installed. Images: Scharp | RCP Australia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The first of 80 Collins Street's glazing has been installed. Images: Scharp | RCP Australia</figcaption></figure>QIC Golbal Real Estate's office development at 80 Collins Street is flying up, with Multiplex at the helm of the steel framed structure. With the 12 metre cantilever now complete the first signs of glazing have begun to emerge on the third Woods Bagot design on the list.

The project includes extensive retail to Collins and Exhibition Streets, with a NEXT branded hotel designed by UN Studio located on Little Collins Street due for completion late next year.

80 Collins Street will also include an Australian-first with double-decker lifts servicing the 39 storey office tower.

<h2>60 Collins Street</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/60_collins.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Watch this space... 60 Collins Street. Image: realcommercial"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="591" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/60_collins.jpg?itok=Kw5LhziQ" title="Watch this space... 60 Collins Street. Image: realcommercial" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Watch this space... 60 Collins Street. Image: realcommercial</figcaption></figure>Not a construction project as such but one to keep an eye out for according to sources within the industry. The Reserve Bank of Australia are looking to sell the 15 storey building on the corner of Collins and Exhibition Streets after vacating it.

60 Collins Street will form the basis of its own article in a similar vein to this study on <a href="/news/development-scenario-140-150-queen-street-redux">140-150 Queen Street</a>.
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Melbourne's Collins Street continues to soar as construction heats up

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New Agency: Owning Your Future is a live research project and exhibition at RMIT Design Hub designed by Sibling Architecture, which is aimed at forecasting our future housing design and dynamics by exploring the links between ageing and design in the future. 

Posing the questions ‘Who do you wish to grow old with? Will your house outlive you? What kind of ancestor do you want to be? What will your future housing look like?’, the exhibition invites visitors to be actively involved in Sibling’s research, as they investigate and discuss how we might live in the future; with friends in shared housing, as grey nomads or possibly multi-generations house sharing.

<blockquote>
Over four weeks, New Agency transforms Design Hub into a live research platform; gathering data, public conversations, design speculation and feedback about what constitutes home ownership during the later stages of life.

As the retirement of Australians relies upon the asset of the family home (with superannuation), and as home ownership is becoming an impossibility for a huge swathe of younger Australians, how does this influence future models of living for the elderly, including financing aged care, retirement and intergenerational wealth?

What can we learn from upwardly mobile grey nomads, multi-generational living or enclaves of like-minded people? A dataset of trends, interviews and a troika of interactive activity chambers – for reading, listening and talking – provoke thinking around these topical questions.
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/ninjabld_s001_s001_t005.mov_.00_25_06_12.still001.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ninjabld_s001_s001_t005.mov_.00_25_06_12.still001.jpg?itok=PakwEDuj" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure><a href="/">Apartments.com.au</a> asked Sibling Architecture co-founder Jane Caught to provide some background behind the exhibition and research project, including their interest in the subject and what they hope to attain from the project.

Apartments.com.au: What prompted the office's interest in exploring the dynamics between ageing and design in the future? 

Jane Caught: At the core of SIBLING's design approach is designing in a way to encourage and nurture social interaction in an increasingly individualistic world. We wish to engage with all people, as diverse as that may be, and designing FOR universal access rather than thinking of it as an add on has always been at the forefront.

We were uncomfortable with the idea that older people in society are thought of as a burden, or an problem to be solved, and shocked at the levels of ageism we observed. We will all get older, and many of us will become elderly, if we are lucky.

As a practice we want to investigate how our built environment can best accommodate our elongated lives in a meaningful way, that still allows older people control over the way they live their lives. We realised it may be necessary to start planning quite early for the type of living arrangement you would like in the future, especially as home ownership in general is increasingly becoming harder to obtain for many Australians.

U: What are some of the key challenges of designing for an ageing population and ensuring quality design caters for people of various degrees of mobility? 

JC: One key challenge is ensuring that designers understand the importance of whole-of-life design; that there is integrated longevity to residential and public space design. Mobility can be seen as a type of physical agency, and allowing people to be independent for as long as possible is vitally important in them retaining control of their lives. 

U: How important is adaptability and flexibility in ensuring housing is able to meet the changing needs of its occupants and ageing with them? 

JC: We believe this is vitally important, particularly as it is our assertion that housing should support not just the individual but the immediate family unit too; which will often be in flux and require changing spatial arrangements, especially where children are involved.

What role can technology play in designing for the future of housing? We think that over the next few decades there will be a range of technologies that become mainstream in society that will disrupt the way we live. For example driver-less cars may mean commuting is less onerous which in turn opens up new real estate options further from the city centre.

It also may see a shift towards virtual meetings and workplace interactions (in the metaverse!), in turn further disrupting traditional real estate patterns. We also see automation and ai systems potentially adding further disruption to the spatial relations of cities, as certain labour markets dry up in industrial areas for example and new ones open elsewhere.

The refinement of renewable energy sources may see living off-grid from traditional services infrastructure a more realistic option, and allow for people to not only be technologically connected in remote environments but also largely self sufficient in food and consumables production.

U: What do you expect to take away from the research/exhibition and how will this ultimately inform your own work? 

JC: We have some high-level home ownership typologies that we are testing through the exhibition, so we are looking to use the research to assess how successful these may actually be in reality; and how prepared people may be to re-assess the typical Australian Dream of the single family on the quarter acre.

We are very excited to forge relationships with experts and professionals in a range of complimentary fields, gain their insights, and work these into the typologies also.

Over the month long show we are also looking to work with family groups (perhaps related to each other; perhaps 'logical families') to obtain fantasy briefs that will help inform these typologies further; as well as furnish us with the appropriate skills for moderating, expanding upon and delivering the needs and desires of diverse households.

As a relatively large designer group, we can see the benefits in this kind of living and come to the project with an innate understanding of the workings of a group.

OPENING HOURS

<ul>
<li>Tuesday to Friday: 10am - 5pm</li>
	<li>Saturday:12 - 5pm</li>
	<li>Closed Sunday and Monday</li>
	<li>Closed Public Holidays</li>
	<li>Admission is free</li>
	<li>The program can be found <a href="http://designhub.rmit.edu.au/exhibitions-programs/new-agency-owning-your-future">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
LOCATION

RMIT Design Hub Project Rooms 1 + 2  Level 2, Building 100, RMIT University 
Corner Victoria and Swanston Streets Carlton, 3053
</body></html>

Sibling Architecture's Jane Caught discusses their New Agency project and exhibition at RMIT's Design Hub

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Joel Robinson

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

The City of Sydney has approved plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia Group</a> and Metrics Credit Partners’ $3.5 billion Castlereagh Place project in the heart of the Sydney CBD

The towers will be among the tallest in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>'s CBD, with more floors than any other residential tower in the city.&nbsp;

The 6,000 sqm site was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2024. It is the largest amalgamated land parcel in the Sydney CBD and comprises eight individual sites fronting Castlereagh, Pitt and Liverpool Streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castlereagh-place-sydney-324-348-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Castlereagh Place</a> will transform an underutilised city block into a landmark mixed-use destination, anchored by two 82-storey towers comprising 607 luxury residences above an 8-level podium housing a 209-room luxury hotel. A 1,000 square metre civic park on ground level features a curated mix of food, beverage and retail.

The plans have been refined over the past year to rebalance the residential and hotel offering, and reconfigure the retail footprint to create a stronger, more dynamic dining experience.

A three-level flagship building on the prominent corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets will be the gateway to the Castlereagh Place lifestyle precinct. Set to become a Sydney icon, the building is capable of housing multiple hospitality venues.

“Castlereagh Place is designed to be the City's next great urban oasis - an energetic mixed-use precinct that pulses with life, day and night,"&nbsp;said Joseph Kinsella, Group Director of Billbergia.

"It will bring the vibrancy of places like Barangaroo and Darling Quarter into a more accessible, central destination at the very heart of Sydney."

Kinsella said the project will build on&nbsp;Sydney’s growing laneway culture with the City’s largest network of new activated lanes - an expanded, next-generation take on precincts like Angel Place, Palings Lane and Ash Street in Wynyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374401]

Castlereagh Place has been designed by architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjcstudio</a> in collaboration with Trias Studio, Aileen Sage and Polly Harbison Design, joint winners of an international design competition in 2018.&nbsp;

Signature design elements from the original scheme remain unchanged, while the public domain has been significantly enhanced, delivering 60 per cent more open-to-sky space.

Pedestrian access will also be enhanced through new laneways linking Pitt, Liverpool and Castlereagh Streets, drawing people into a new civic park with outdoor seating, landscaping and integrated public art.

With activated laneways supported by strong hospitality offerings, Castlereagh Place is tipped to become a vibrant new dining destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

It marks the largest undertaking to date for the Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners partnership. Together they are developing other underutilised Sydney sites into mixed-use precincts, including the $2.2 billion Concord Central and the $1.3 billion Chatswood Grand Residences.

Metrics Managing Partner and Group CEO Andrew Lockhart said Castlereagh Place is a landmark project that will redefine Sydney’s skyline.

"As the tallest residential high-rise development, the revitalised site will offer panoramic views across the CBD and surrounds. We are excited to partner with Billbergia to reinvigorate an underutilised site and create a sophisticated and contemporary mixed-use offering situated in the heart of Sydney.”

Total apartments within the towers have increased to 607 dwellings, with a focus on larger floorplans. Aligned to growing market demand, Castlereagh Place now comprises 299 three-plus-bedroom apartments, 198 two-bedroom units and 110 one-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374402]

Resident amenities will include an exclusive residents club containing a gym, rooftop pool, dining rooms, co-working spaces, library, golf simulator, games room, cinema room, and access to an exclusive concierge service. There will be around 500 basement car spaces below the towers.

The development will also include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, set to feature a bathhouse with magnesium pools, hot/cold plunge pools and premium amenities.

&nbsp;

According to fjcstudio, the towers will feature distinctive yet elegant architectural design reflecting Sydney’s geometry and urban character, with a network of through-site links and intimate public spaces activating the streetscape.

"Castlereagh Place is a city-making project of significant scale and ambition," said Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director at fjcstudio.

"It will create a rich urban complex of public open spaces, landscaped gardens, and vibrant laneways. Defining these new public spaces and the important streetscape of Castlereagh Street is a sequence of fine-grained, diverse retail and hotel architecture designed in collaboration with Aileen Sage, Polly Harbison Design and Trias.

“Rising above the tree-lined, human-scale streetscape are two slender residential towers that will transform the city skyline and look towards the Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden.”

Demolition and early construction works have commenced onsite at Castlereagh Place.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134477]

Laurence Dragomir

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