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In the last of our <a href="/news/aila-victorian-chapter-awards-2018-winners-announced">2018 Victorian Landscape Architecture Awards</a> series, Apartments.com.au spoke to 2018 Jury Chair,Bronwen Hamilton, who says she had the rewarding yet difficult task of assessing the great landscapes across the state.

Aside from this role with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA), Bronwen also works at the Office of Victorian Government Architect and is the manager at the Victorian Design Review Panel. Her impressive CV includes work on both federal and state government projects where she has helped shape policy and infrastructure.

<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/12-chain_of_ponds-siteoffice.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Chain of Ponds. Image: Site | Office"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/12-chain_of_ponds-siteoffice.jpg?itok=h7j0gAnk" title="Chain of Ponds. Image: Site | Office" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Chain of Ponds. Image: Site | Office</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au: What drew you to landscape architecture?

Bronwen Hamilton: My keen desire to join creativity with the natural environment drew me to landscape architecture.

U: What theme dominated in the projects you reviewed for this year’s Victorian Landscape Architecture awards?

BH: A key theme was excellent design led strategic planning. While this was led by landscape architects, there were lots of good examples of landscape architects working as part of multidisciplinary teams.  Examples such as the Point Nepean Masterplan, Chain of Ponds Strategy for <a href="/new-apartments/moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Moonee Ponds</a> Creek and the Puffing Billy Masterplan. 

There were also a lot of institutional and civic landscape designs that were excellent. This talked to the increased need for Melbourne’s public buildings and institutions to offer high quality landscape and urban design. This was demonstrated in hospital, university and civic landscape architecture.

<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/03_point_nepean_masterplan_site_context_john_gollings.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Point Nepean site context. Image: John Gollings"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03_point_nepean_masterplan_site_context_john_gollings.jpg?itok=8ZDVTNS0" title="Point Nepean site context. Image: John Gollings" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Point Nepean site context. Image: John Gollings</figcaption></figure>U: Working alongside the government, what do you consider to be most important for state-based projects?

BH: Leadership on high quality design. <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne and Victoria</a> generally have a reputation for high quality design. We see this in places like the central city laneways and support for key tourism sites such as the Great Ocean Road, and the Penguin Parade. Processes and principles that support high quality design are also important.

U: Are we seeing an increasing trend toward community consultation in landscape architecture projects?

BH: Community consultation is always a really important part of understanding a place and its unique needs. The trend we did see in the awards was a move towards greater cultural history and indigenous awareness. This was demonstrated on all project types and is an encouraging development for the profession.

U: Which Australian or local landscapes inspire you? 

BH: This is hard to choose, but I recently visited the Shipwreck Coast and Great Ocean Road for the VDRP’s 300th design review. The dramatic cliffs and windswept coastal landscapes in this area are iconic and beautiful. The trees are sometimes bent at a 45 degree angle from the southerly wind and the landscape is a colourful carpet stunted coastal plants.
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Laurence Dragomir

Victorian Landscape Architecture Awards 2018: Jury Chair Bronwen Hamilton

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Developer SMA Projects has partnered with Hayball architects to develop a seven-storey apartment building on one of the last development sites on Fitzroy’s Gore Street.

Situated at 250 Gore Street, the development which will be known as Fitzroy Ltd draws on the raw and refined materiality of Fitzroy's industrial past.

Fitzroy Ltd represents SMA Projects third foray on Gore Street and follows on from The Lyric - also designed by Hayball - and the completed Veludo development.

<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/hodgson_street_elevation.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fitzroy Ltd's Hodgson Street elevation. Image: SMA Projects "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hodgson_street_elevation.jpg?itok=eL-5OnzH" title="Fitzroy Ltd's Hodgson Street elevation. Image: SMA Projects " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fitzroy Ltd's Hodgson Street elevation. Image: SMA Projects</figcaption></figure>The development will feature a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, in addition to a full-floor penthouse.

Fitzroy Ltd has been designed to sit comfortably within the streetscape and is located in close proximity to both Fitzroy and Carlton Gardens.

The building's exterior will feature materials such as bluestone and metal, while the textured brickwork will add to the fine grain character, complementing the neighbouring Victorian terraces.

A private rooftop offering residents respite and city views within a garden setting will crown the building and comes complete with outdoor dining, a BBQ and firepit.

According to SMA Projects, Fitzroy Ltd is expected to appeal buyers seeking Fitzroy's socially and culturally diverse lifestyle.

SMA Projects has engaged interior designer Kate Roach for the Fitzroy Ltd interiors, with buyers offered the opportunity to collaborate one-on-one with Roach to suit their individual style and needs.

Demolition is due to begin in December with construction proper commencing early 2019 and an anticipated completion date of December 2020.

<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/montage_fitzroyltd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vignette's of the entry experience, streetscape and ground floor apartment. Images: SMA Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="255" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/montage_fitzroyltd.jpg?itok=JNqnHOt7" title="Vignette's of the entry experience, streetscape and ground floor apartment. Images: SMA Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Vignette's of the entry experience, streetscape and ground floor apartment. Images: SMA Projects</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Fitzroy Ltd will appeal to buyers who are looking for a home which is bespoke, functional and different from the norm.

The location is just 50m from Smith Street offering residents premium shopping and dining amenities, with the Melbourne CBD a short walk, cycle or tram ride away.

SMA Projects has now successfully secured approvals for six residential developments in Fitzroy and the surrounding suburbs. Fitzroy Ltd is a further testament to our ability to create homes that are sympathetic to the heritage and unique character of this area and the people who live within it.

Certain features at Fitzroy Ltd can be attributed to purchaser feedback from our previous developments such as the kitchen design, bathroom functionality and apartment storage. It’s the little things that count at Fitzroy Ltd. 

- Robert Murphy, SMA Projects development manager
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
When considering the interiors for Fitzroy Ltd, I was inspired by the sense of place and the people who wanted to live there. I wanted to take a more classic direction to ensure we celebrated Fitzroy’s unpretentious ‘cool.

The suite of materials we’ve chosen for Fitzroy Ltd have created a more discerning finish that is less overt and celebrates the natural and untreated aesthetic of the Fitzroy neighbourhood.

-  Kate Roach, Interior Designer
</blockquote>
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SMA Projects and Hayball team up on Gore Street

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Continuing with the theme of the 2018 Victorian Landscape Architecture Awards, Urban.com.au caught up with Steve Schutt, Director of Landscape Architecture at Hansen Partnership, who works on a variety of landscape projects both in Australia and overseas. 

Hansen Partnership received the Urban Design Award of Excellence for Victoria Square in Kerang and the Parks and Open Space Landscape Architecture Award for Williams Reserve in Richmond.

<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/02_-_victoria_square_kerang_-_andrew_lloyd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Square in Kerang took home the Urban Design Award of Excellence. Image: Andrew lloyd"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/02_-_victoria_square_kerang_-_andrew_lloyd.jpg?itok=wXI252ll" title="Victoria Square in Kerang took home the Urban Design Award of Excellence. Image: Andrew lloyd" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria Square in Kerang took home the Urban Design Award of Excellence. Image: Andrew lloyd</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: Tell us about Hansen Partnership and its design philosophy.

Steve Schutt: Hansen Partnership is a multidisciplinary planning and design practice based in Melbourne and working on projects throughout Victoria, Tasmania and internationally through our office in Vietnam. Our landscape architecture team aims to deliver creative, functional and attractive places for people. We take a site-responsive approach, with a strong focus on achieving environmentally sustainable outcomes, combining creativity and precision to ensure a smooth delivery into built reality.

We work collaboratively with clients to design places and spaces that incorporate the use, occupation and enjoyment of external environments. We design solutions that create, improve or rejuvenate external spaces, with a focus on considering the needs of the individuals, groups or communities who will occupy and enjoy those spaces.

U: Hansen Partnership works on metropolitan projects such as Williams Reserve and Windsor Village as well as projects in regional Victoria. How do these differences affect the landscape design? 
SS: Every project requires a tailored approach to design, as every site is unique. Our work is strongly influenced by context, and that cuts across physical context, environmental context and social context. We approach every new project with an open mind and we consciously avoid pre-prescribed outcomes for projects.

<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/03-williamsreserve-andrewlloyd_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Richmond's Williams Reserve won the Parks and Open Space Landscape Architecture Award. Image: Andrew Lloyd "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03-williamsreserve-andrewlloyd_0.jpg?itok=kj8bKQj_" title="Richmond's Williams Reserve won the Parks and Open Space Landscape Architecture Award. Image: Andrew Lloyd " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Richmond's Williams Reserve won the Parks and Open Space Landscape Architecture Award. Image: Andrew Lloyd</figcaption></figure>U: Is there a feature or theme that you keep consistent or try to include across all of your projects? 

SS: As per the previous question, we try to avoid any sort of predetermined design themes or features which might be interpreted as being “the Hansen style”. Rather, given that many of projects involve existing urban environments, we employ a site-responsive approach and tend to utilise the physical characteristics of a place and the ideas and aspirations of the communities who use that space as our primary sources of design inspiration.

U: Can you give us an insight into any projects you are currently working on?

SS: We have a number of really exciting project within the office at present, including a street in Abbotsford which is in the process of being transformed into a local park, a new town Square in Croydon, a streetscape improvement project in Port Campbell and a number of major infrastructure projects across Melbourne, for which we are applying our expertise in landscape architecture, urban design and visual impact assessment.

U: Are there any landscape trends you have noticed rising in popularity at the moment, in Victoria or more broadly?

SS: As a lot of our projects involve existing urban environments, and in particular activity centres and transport hubs, we are seeing a move towards the design of ‘streets for people’, whereby pedestrians are being considered as the highest priority users of a street, with private motor vehicles being given a much lower priority. As the population density of our major cities continues to increase, we expect to see this realignment of priorities to continue to be a major influence in the way we design urban environments, and we are firmly of the view that such an approach will improve the quality, amenity, functionality and attractiveness of our towns and cities.
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AILA Victorian Landscape Architecture Awards 2018: Q&A with Hansen Partnership's Steve Schutt

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Developer Aust Global Investment (AGI) is set to deliver a new hotel within Bennetts Lane, with the boutique project designed via a collaborative partnership between Breathe Architecture and Plus Architecture.

The 14-storey hotel will feature 44 compact but cleverly-designed rooms, inspired by the Art Deco glamour of the former Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, which closed this year to make way for an apartment development. 

Plus Architecture's design for the hotel's exterior will activate Bennetts Lane with a reception and café area on the ground floor spilling out onto the laneway.

Its brick façade will rise five levels with a nine-level glazed structure rising above. A break between the two blocks provides the design with a legible podium and tower identity in addition to areas of greenery.

Two larger penthouse suites on the upper levels which provide guests with long stay accommodation options, have been set back to minimise the hotel’s perceived height while providing additional outdoor spaces.

In line with Breathe’s philosophy to use locally-sourced furnishings, Bennetts Lane will prioritise the use of local fittings and finishes.

<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/bennetts_lane_hotel.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The design draws on the qualities of the former Jazz Club. Image: Aust Global Investments "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1160" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bennetts_lane_hotel.jpg?itok=ZlfzPqP_" title="The design draws on the qualities of the former Jazz Club. Image: Aust Global Investments " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The design draws on the qualities of the former Jazz Club. Image: Aust Global Investments</figcaption></figure>AGI is currently seeking a Melbourne hospitality guru to operate the Bennetts Lane hotel which will also feature a basement speakeasy via an expressions of interest campaign which closes in mid-September.

Breathe and Plus will work closely with the successful operator to ensure their collective vision for the hotel is realised. Early design work suggests a reimagined hotel experience, in contrast to the five-star chains popping up around the city.

According to AGI, its vision to bring a truly unique Melbourne experience to guests was the key driver behind the appointment of local design firms, as well as its pursuit of a local hotel operator.

Construction on the Bennetts Lane hotel is expected to commence in early 2019, and open in mid-2020.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Boutique hotel operation is the natural next step for a lot of hospitality providers wanting to take their service and ethos to the next level – and the Bennetts Lane property offers an exceptional opportunity for a local operator to create a true Melbourne experience. 
Its initial design draws references from the jazz era, using moody and hard-wearing materials designed to age gracefully and curved forms that reference instruments. A stay at the hotel will feel like going backstage to experience a hidden part of Melbourne. - Jeremy McLeod, Director Breathe Architecture 
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The Bennetts Lane hotel will give guests a feel for the real Melbourne, not a generic hotel stay between over-starched bedsheets.

Appointing local designers and finding a local operator who not only understands Melbourne’s laneway culture but can also help curate the hotel’s jazz-inspired theme, are critical elements in delivering the hotel vision.

- Lionel Shi, Founder Aust Global Investment
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We really wanted to maintain the integrity of Melbourne’s laneway culture, so have ensured the hotel has a boutique sense of scale while activating Bennetts Lane on the ground planethrough the architectural design.

Bennetts Lane Jazz Club was a key reference and its influence is expressed in the brass, hand-folded features on the ground level façade, which are later referenced within the hotel.

- Ian Briggs, Director Plus Architecture
</blockquote>
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Aust Global Investment seeks to breathe new life into Bennetts Lane

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Melbourne's Southbank represents nearly 30 years of development which has transformed industrial land on the banks of the Yarra River into a thriving suburb and this shows no signs of abating anytime soon.

The next five years will see an even more dramatic transformation as Southbank not only reaches for the sky but sets its focus to the street and improving the quality of the pedestrian environment.

Significant developments such as some of Australia's tallest buildings in Australia 108 (319m) One Queensbridge Street and (323m) Southbank by Beulah (360m) will join Eureka Tower (297m) in producing a dramatic cluster of buildings.

<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/southbank_dev_overview_talls_aug18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank's tallest towers. L-R: Australia108, One Queensbridge, Southbank by Beulah"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_dev_overview_talls_aug18.jpg?itok=BzZL6A5h" title="Southbank's tallest towers. L-R: Australia108, One Queensbridge, Southbank by Beulah" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank's tallest towers. L-R: Australia108, One Queensbridge, Southbank by Beulah</figcaption></figure>Tower's aside Southbank is also seeing increased investment in the public realm both from the private sector, and local and state governments.

As part of stage 1 of its Melbourne Square development, OSK Property will deliver a new 3,700 sqm sloping public park which will occupy more than 20 per cent of overall site. Upon completion Melbourne Square will comprise six towers including an office and hotel, Southbank's first full line supermarket, and childcare and health services.

<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/osk_property_melbourne_square_aerial_park_2_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square's sloping park. Image: OSK Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/osk_property_melbourne_square_aerial_park_2_0.jpg?itok=icEgt-Oh" title="Melbourne Square's sloping park. Image: OSK Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square's sloping park. Image: OSK Property</figcaption></figure>The State Government's continued investment in the Southbank Arts Precinct will see $208 million committed towards the planning of stage 1 of a project that would see the development of NGV Contemporary on the former Carlton &amp; United Breweries headquarters site which the government purchased earlier this year.

A currently vacant site which hosts the Testing Ground pop-up at 1 City Road, will also become the home of a new hub for the precinct. 

The hub will house the Australia Performing Arts Gallery, an expanded Australian Music Vault, administrative, education and research facilities, and a new centre for small-to-medium and independent arts organisations.

18,000 square metres of new and expanded open space will be added to Southbank via an elevated park at the Southbank Boulevard end linking Princes Bridge down through the precinct to a new linear park on Southbank Boulevard.

<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/arm_shot_01_v11sm_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank Arts Precinct transformation. Image: Urban Circus via ARM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/arm_shot_01_v11sm_0.jpg?itok=EXPS1zlM" title="Southbank Arts Precinct transformation. Image: Urban Circus via ARM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank Arts Precinct transformation. Image: Urban Circus via ARM</figcaption></figure>Other projects such as the City of Melbourne's Southbank Boulevard and Dodd Street transformation, coupled with the City Road Master Plan will add to the suburb's open space network which is currently lacking.

The Southbank Boulevard transformation project which will be undertaken in stages will create 2.5 hectares of new public open space on Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street, with the first stage expected to take 18-months to complete.

Upon completion the project will provide Southbank, which is Melbourne’s most densely populated suburb with much needed public open space.

<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/southbank_boulevard_and_dodds_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street will add much needed open space. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_boulevard_and_dodds_street.jpg?itok=pp1gXPgv" title="Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street will add much needed open space. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street will add much needed open space. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>A number of developments within the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area are expanding the Southbank skyline westwards however, these projects will ultimately form the Montague Precinct in the future.

<h2>Planning Assessment</h2>

An overview of projects currently under planning assessment within Southbank:

<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/southbank_dev_overview_planning.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_dev_overview_planning.png?itok=OUfoQ0Yb" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure><h2>Approved </h2>

An overview of approved developments within Southbank:

<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/southbank_dev_overview_approved.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_dev_overview_approved.png?itok=q7uQpII4" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure><h2>Sales &amp; Registration</h2>

An overview of Southbank developments currently at Sales &amp; Registration:

<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/southbank_dev_overview_sales_and_registration.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_dev_overview_sales_and_registration.png?itok=AnFGi4-h" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure><h2>Under Construction</h2>

An overview of developments currently under construction within Southbank:

<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/southbank_dev_overview_construction.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_dev_overview_construction.png?itok=Qf0vHS5Q" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure>
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Southbank Development Overview August 2018

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Southbank's continued evolution as Melbourne's most dense suburb continues with 11 projects dispersed throughout the suburb, currently at construction.

Upon completion these projects will collectively deliver 5,208 apartments in addition to 727 hotel rooms. 

<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/southbank_construction_overview_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="An overview of construction activity within Southbank. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="296" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_construction_overview_0.png?itok=DhUx-lm2" title="An overview of construction activity within Southbank. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An overview of construction activity within Southbank.</figcaption></figure>The largest of these is Australia 108, which is making heady progress as it begins to surpass the heights of surrounding towers, on its way to an eventual height of 319m.

It is located within a pocket of Southbank which has three other buildings of significant height and density under construction. These are Stage One of Melbourne Square which comprises two buildings of 72 and 56-storeys respectively and Southbank Place on opposite corners of Kavanagh Street. 

Melbourne Square has just begun climbing out of the ground, while Southbank Place is much further advanced and is well beyond the halfway point.

Additionally, the Adina Hotel on the corner of Southbank Boulevard and City Road is seeing the first of its first 10 floors being added above the existing office structure.

The outliers as indicated in the map above are 202-214 Normanby Road within the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area which has just commenced construction, and The Evermore and Botanic developments located within the Domain precinct.

<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/aus108_aug18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australia 108. Image: Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aus108_aug18.jpg?itok=75TdDFLV" title="Australia 108. Image: Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Australia 108. Image: Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure>Australia 108's core has reached level 67, surpassing Freshwater Place, with the floor slabs tracking behind at approximately level 61.

<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_square_aug18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square Stage One. Image: urban.com.au user redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_square_aug18.jpg?itok=MuAEYADo" title="Melbourne Square Stage One. Image: urban.com.au user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square Stage One. Image: Apartments.com.au user redden</figcaption></figure>The cores for both towers are out of the ground and the first floor slabs have started being formed. 

<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/southbank_place_aug2018.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank Place. Image: urban.com.au user redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_place_aug2018.jpg?itok=DEmEX6Rz" title="Southbank Place. Image: urban.com.au user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank Place. Image: Apartments.com.au user redden</figcaption></figure>Southbank Place is progressing rapidly on the corner of Power and Kavanagh Streets with the core likely to top out by the end of the year and the floors not far behind. Facade installation is also keeping up with the pace of construction.

<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/imperium_hotel.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Imperium Hotel. Image: urban.com.au user redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/imperium_hotel.jpg?itok=1vVoyHGT" title="Imperium Hotel. Image: urban.com.au user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Imperium Hotel. Image: Apartments.com.au user redden</figcaption></figure>Tucked away on Moray Street, Imperium Hotel's narrow footprint is rising quickly with the core clearing podium height.

<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/adina_aug18_worzil.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Adina Hotel. Image: SSC user redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/adina_aug18_worzil.jpg?itok=J72-I5Py" title="Adina Hotel. Image: SSC user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Adina Hotel. Image: SSC user redden</figcaption></figure>The first of the steel members of the transfer level have been installed, with the subsequent floors above this to be CLT construction.

<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/167_city_road_aug18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="167 City Road. Image: urban.com.au user redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/167_city_road_aug18.jpg?itok=RbvGwGVe" title="167 City Road. Image: urban.com.au user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>167 City Road. Image: Apartments.com.au user redden</figcaption></figure>The wedge shaped hotel has topped out with facade installation and interior fit-out works continuing.

<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_conservatorium_of_music.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Image: urban.com.au user redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_conservatorium_of_music.jpg?itok=P8VjfkOc" title="Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Image: urban.com.au user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Image: Apartments.com.au user redden</figcaption></figure>The John Wardle-designed building for University of Melbourne while not large by Southbank standard is making an impact on the Sturt Street streetscape.

<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/botanic_aug18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Botanic. Image: urban.com.au user redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/botanic_aug18.jpg?itok=XGlM44L4" title="Botanic. Image: urban.com.au user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Botanic. Image: Apartments.com.au user redden</figcaption></figure>Excavation is progressing on site at Botanic, to allow for construction of the basement parking levels.

<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/evermore_aug18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Evermore. Image: urban.com.au user redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/evermore_aug18.jpg?itok=L1gHtEWD" title="The Evermore. Image: urban.com.au user redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Evermore. Image: Apartments.com.au user redden</figcaption></figure>The Evermore site has almost been completely cleared with piling due to commence thereafter.
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Southbank Construction Overview - August 2018

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On today's podcast I sit down with GoGet's Justin Passaportis and Joshua Brydges to discuss the role car sharing can play in the design of not only apartment developments but also our cities, as well as the potential benefits of autonomous car sharing vehicles to support a strong transport network.

Justin and Joshua cite developments such as The Commons and Nightingale projects in Brunswick and Central Park in Sydney, which have not only embraced car sharing as an alternative to private vehicle ownership but also assisted with The Commons and Nightingale in particular waiving the car parking rate required by the planning scheme and in doing so removed the need for costly basements.

Of particular note is the stat that 1 car share vehicle removes the equivalent of 10 private vehicles off our roads. While cities still need to be serviced by a comprehensive, reliable and efficient transport network, car sharing can support and complement this.

GoGet are offering Apartments.com.au readers and listeners with free access to their <a href="https://www.goget.com.au/pricing/">GoOccasional</a> plan for a year, which normally costs $169. The only cost will be for actual usage of the vehicles.

Simply follow the link above and enter the promo code URBAN18. 

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/488444856&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=true&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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Weekly Podcast: Episode 28 - GoGet's Justin Passaportis and Joshua Brydges

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Following last Friday night's announcement of the <a href="/news/aila-victorian-chapter-awards-2018-winners-announced">2018 Victorian Landscape Architecture Award winners</a>, Urban.com.au chats to Adrian Gray, State President for the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). Adrian is an urban planner with experience in both the public and private sectors.

Urban.com.au: How is the landscape architecture industry changing for the better?

Adrian Gray: There are now more landscape architects than ever working in both public and private sectors with over 3,500 members of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.

Landscape architects are influential in delivering quality public and private spaces and policy development within Local, State and Federal governments that ensure the liveability and well-being of people.

Landscape Architects are committed to designing and creating a better Australia by creating resilient social infrastructure that shapes the world around us. They conceive, reimagine and transform the outside world from streetscapes to parks and playgrounds, transport solutions, new suburbs and cities and are leading the importance of integrated green infrastructure that will sustain 21st century liveability, health and well-being.

<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/contact_sheet_aila_winners.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of the winning projects from the 2018 Vic Landscape Architecture Awards."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/contact_sheet_aila_winners.jpg?itok=8oGGRuTt" title="A selection of the winning projects from the 2018 Vic Landscape Architecture Awards." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of the winning projects from the 2018 Vic Landscape Architecture Awards.</figcaption></figure>U: What do you consider to be the biggest issue affecting landscape architects and the industry at the moment?

AG: The following quote from a World Health Organisation document tilted ‘Urban Green Spaces: a brief for action’, sums up what is required in the coming decades of this century;

<blockquote>
“Green spaces and other nature-based solutions offer innovative approaches to increase the quality of urban settings, enhance local resilience and promote sustainable lifestyles, improving both the health and the well-being of urban residents. Parks, playgrounds or vegetation in public and private places are a central component of these approaches….”
</blockquote>

AILA has been very active in recent years in creating position papers used for advocacy that supports the above such as Green Infrastructure, Living Cities Alliance and the Liveable Cities Series that address Cooler Cities, Active Transport and Healthy Communities.

Landscape Architects are the key to ensuing that public and private spaces are designed to create a resilient city for the 21st century through nature based solutions.

U: The Victorian Chapter of AILA has the largest member base - what do you enjoy most about your role working with so many landscape architects?

AG: I feel very honoured to advocate and represent all Victorian AILA members in promoting the role that landscape architecture has with the myriad issues facing Melbourne and regional Victoria. I am very active in partnerships that ensure that landscape architecture is part of the discussion in shaping public realm outcomes in Victoria. I enjoy:

<ul>
<li>Engaging with AILA’s sponsors;</li>
	<li>Working with academic think tanks such as the Clean Air and Urban Landscape from UoM/RMIT;</li>
	<li>Collaborating with AIA/PIA on built form advocacy in the lead up to the State election;</li>
	<li>Representing landscape architecture within important projects such as Greening The West and the development of the Melbourne Metropolitan Urban Forest Strategy by the Melbourne’s Chief Resilient Officer.</li>
	<li>Presenting where ever I can on how landscape architects make our cities great places to live. </li>
</ul>
U: How can landscape architecture form a greater part of the built environment?

AG: AILA has recently adopted a national Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan that will enable members to begin to form a deeper understand that Traditional Custodians have with the Australian landscape. Through a greater understanding of the intrinsic values and spirituality that connects Traditional Custodians to the landscape,  we hope that landscape architects can improve their understanding and care for the Australian landscape in both urban and in rural settings.

U: You work in urban design yourself, what do you think makes an enduring design when it comes to landscape architecture?

AG: Design needs to create connections between people, nature and place. I have seen from practicing in the public sector in Brimbank for the last ten years where there has been a significant commitment to designing quality, accessible places in streets and parks that when people feel great about where they live, they become more active physically and are connected to the urban landscape. People being connected to where they live means a happier and healthier community.
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AILA Victorian Landscape Architecture Awards 2018:  Q&A with Adrian Gray

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As previously reported in June, the State Government has committed $208 million towards the first stage of the transformation of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct.

It includes the continued development of the Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne’s Master Plan, plus maintenance works for the Theatres Building which aims to minimise redundant works in the future.

In order to deliver the Arts Centre Melbourne’s vision for the future of the Theatres Building, NH Architecture and Norway’s Snøhetta have been appointed to commence design work on the project.

<blockquote>
Melbourne is the design capital of Australia. A reimagined Arts Centre will be at the focus of this ongoing architectural conversation and continue the great legacy of the original designers Sir Roy Grounds and John Truscott.

- NH’s Director of Architecture &amp; Design, Hamish Lyon
</blockquote>

NH Architecture has previously worked on both stages of the Melbourne Convention Centre, Margaret Court Arena and the Stage 2 and 3 Masterplans for Melbourne &amp; Olympic Parks.

Snøhetta is a design studio based in Oslo and New York City with an office in Australia and is responsible for the design of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, the 9/11 Memorial Pavilion and Times Square redevelopment projects in New York.

The Arts Precinct transformation includes the development of a building for the NGV Contemporary and major upgrades to theatres and public spaces at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building. Additionally a new creative hub at 1 City Road will provide new rehearsal and workshop spaces. 

An expanded Australian Music Vault and a new Australian Performing Arts Gallery are also on the design agenda. The NGV Contemporary will involve the construction of a new gallery on the site of the current CUB administration building on Kavanagh Street, which the State Government purchased for $95m earlier this year.

The project will also include more than 18,000 sqm of new and upgraded public realm, knitting together the Melbourne Arts Precinct with City of Melbourne's Southbank Boulevard transformation.

Conceived by ARM, the outdoor space will connect St Kilda Road between Hamer Hall and the Theatres Building, running along the western side of the Theatres Building and National Gallery of Victoria through to Southbank Boulevard.

<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/arm_shot_01_v11sm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank Arts Precinct transformation. Image: Urban Circus via ARM "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/arm_shot_01_v11sm.jpg?itok=b7uQ0z-Y" title="Southbank Arts Precinct transformation. Image: Urban Circus via ARM " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank Arts Precinct transformation. Image: Urban Circus via ARM</figcaption></figure><h2>Meanwhile...</h2>

It was recently announced that Cumulus Studio are the winners of an architectural design competition hosted by Arts Centre Melbourne (ACM) for a new design for Café Cento. Located adjacent to the National Gallery of Victoria, the ACM challenged a shortlist of architects to design a new “unique and memorable” home for what has become an ageing eyesore.

Cumulus Studio's design, dubbed ‘The Protagonist’, investigates what exists beyond the monolithic walls of the Arts Centre and extends the experience to the street.

<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/cumulus_arts_centre.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cumulus Studio's winning design for Cafe Cento. Image: Cumulus Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="282" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cumulus_arts_centre.jpg?itok=x74ryTRR" title="Cumulus Studio's winning design for Cafe Cento. Image: Cumulus Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cumulus Studio's winning design for Cafe Cento. Image: Cumulus Studio</figcaption></figure>Characterised by an adjustable external screen which draws inspiration from the Theatre's curtains, The Protagonist seeks to create a significant civic presence that directly reflects the ACM brand.

In the morning, the curtains will be raised as the cafe opens, then at night, the curtains will be lowered to signify the end of service. Once lowered, the curtain can be used for art projection, marketing of upcoming ACM events, and lighting to activate the precinct at night.

As the primary design feature, Cumulus Studio settled on Kaynemaile for the curtain material.

The material is a fire and UV resistant polycarbonate chainmail mesh, originally developed as chainmail for the Lord of the Rings movie costumes.

Lead Image: Mark Gambino via nharchitecture.net

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/273635508" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://vimeo.com/273635508">Southbank Arts Precinct Transformation</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/armarchitecture">ARM Architecture</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.
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NH Architecture and Snøhetta appointed for Arts Centre project

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Following <a href="/news/third-time-lucky-for-riverlees-731-739-flinders-street-development">support from the City of Melbourne earlier in the year</a>, developer Riverlee is free to commence work on its $450 million redevelopment on the Northbank of the Yarra, following Ministerial approval.

Set to be called Seafarers Place, the project includes an extensive revitalisation of the former industrial waterfront site into a new mixed-use precinct, based around a high quality public realm in the form of a new 3,500sqm public park, including restoration of the historic wharf and heritage-listed crane.

<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/riverlee_northbank_pontoon.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverlee's Seafarer's Place is due to commence construction in 2019. Image: Riverlee"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/riverlee_northbank_pontoon.jpg?itok=wfBZLzOL" title="Riverlee's Seafarer's Place is due to commence construction in 2019. Image: Riverlee" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverlee's Seafarer's Place is due to commence construction in 2019. Image: Riverlee</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
At Riverlee, we pride ourselves on urban renewal. We are committed to rebuilding connections between people and places by delivering a masterplanned precinct that is rich in history, adding to Melbourne’s vibrant culture

 This regeneration project is significant in many ways and has been collaboratively designed with all of our partners and important government stakeholders, including the City of Melbourne, Department of Planning, Department of Treasury and Finance, Heritage Victoria, and many others.

We are excited to deliver the revitalisation of this historic wharf precinct. With never-to-be-built-out views of the Yarra River and Docklands Park, this underutilised site will transform into a world-class waterfront precinct bridging Melbourne CBD and Docklands.

The open spaces and public park are designed to give the waterfront back to the community and celebrate the unique character and history of the site.”

The overall design is bold and striking - the result of what has been a truly collaborative process. This project will be a new iconic waterfront destination for Melburnians and visitors to enjoy.\

-  David Lee Riverlee Development Director
</blockquote>

Seafarers Place comprises 150 luxurious residences, a 5-star hotel with 280 rooms and a 1000-seat function centre, along with a host of retail amenity transforming the site while remaining sympathetic to the Shed’s industrial past.

The site’s historic Goods Shed known as ‘Shed 5’ will be restored and repurposed into a premium waterfront event space, designed to celebrate and highlight its original roof trusses. Riverlee will also retain and restore the site’s iconic, heritage-listed crane to its former glory.

Designed by Fender Katsalidis and  OCULUS, the Northbank Goods Shed project represents one of the final undeveloped waterfront sites in Melbourne’s CBD.

According to Riverlee, it is committed to unlocking the potential of what is a currently underutilised precinct to contribute significantly to Melbourne’s expanding urban composition.

One of the other key ambitions of the project is to provide the “missing link” between the CBD, Docklands and the Yarra Promenade.

Wharf restoration works began in February and are expected to be completed in the coming months. Crane restoration works have commenced with construction slated for mid-2019. 
 
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Riverlee's Seafarers Place gains Ministerial Approval - construction to commence in 2019

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Laurence Dragomir

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