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The Docklands development machine continues to roll on with a significant number of projects having either commenced or are due to commence this year. Today's article will predominantly focus on the northern precincts including District Docklands (formerly Waterfront City/Harbour Town), New Quay, and Digital Harbour.

<h2>Quest / Elm &amp; Stone, NewQuay</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/p7040436.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elm &amp; Stone has topped out. Image: Urban.com.au forum member 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/p7040436.jpg?itok=aCP5QiyD" title="Elm &amp; Stone has topped out. Image: Urban.com.au forum member redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elm &amp; Stone has topped out. Image: Apartments.com.au forum member redden</figcaption></figure>The cores of the dual tower development designed by DKO have now topped out, with the last remaining floor slabs still to be poured and work now underway on the installation of the facades and internal fitout.

The development features 221 Quest serviced apartments in addition to 142 dwellings and is due for completion in 2019.

<h2>Marriott / The Docklands Residences, NewQuay</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/dda736b7b456f421460665b0fb022015.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Docklands Residences. Image: FKD Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dda736b7b456f421460665b0fb022015.jpg?itok=qp8gyFZy" title="The Docklands Residences. Image: FKD Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Docklands Residences. Image: FKD Studio</figcaption></figure>Capital Alliance and DKO Architecture's mixed-use development which will comprise 200 Marriott branded hotel suites is due to commence construction in the coming months following the appointment of a head contractor.

Read more in <a href="/news/capital-alliance-and-marriott-international-tie-the-knot-in-fishermand-bend">Monday's piece by Mark Baljak</a>.

<h2>District Docklands, Master Plan</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/the_distrcit_master_plan.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The District Docklands Master Plan. Original Image: AsheMorgan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="483" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_distrcit_master_plan.png?itok=bV6Hw6eq" title="The District Docklands Master Plan. Original Image: AsheMorgan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The District Docklands Master Plan. Original Image: AsheMorgan</figcaption></figure>Owner of The District Docklands, AsheMorgan has engaged NH Architecture to undertake Master Planning to facilitate the development of a 190,000sqm mixed-use precinct on the remaining undeveloped land within the former Waterfront City boundary offering employment, shopping and living space. 

This follows on from the first stage overhaul of the former Harbour Town centre which has now been completed and comprised the installation of new canopies, facades, paving and landscaping elements.

The next stage involves the provision of a 8,300sqm HOYTS cinema and entertainment complex, which also include Archie Brothers Electric Circus, 8Eight Street Asian hawker-style restaurant and Urban Alley Brewery along with other food and beverage offerings.

The $45m development is on track to be completed in September of this year.

Looking further ahead, future stages of the overall Master Plan which are being rolled out include a fresh food market within the re-purposed existing multi-storey car park and a Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) commercial building.

These are further outlined below;

<h2>Woodwork Building, The District Docklands</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/woodwork.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The Woodwork Building. Image: FKD Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/woodwork.png?itok=W-EPJH00" title="The Woodwork Building. Image: FKD Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Woodwork Building. Image: FKD Studio</figcaption></figure>A planning permit was recently issued for an 8,000sqm office building which will sit above the existing centre along Waterfront Way (soon-to-be Market Lane), valued at $56m.

Designed by NH Architecure, the building, to be known as Woodwork comprises a ground floor retail lobby with four large open plan office floors above, and 80% of the construction will consist of CLT, with the timber to be sourced from sustainable forests.

Woodwork will be the first CLT office building in Melbourne and is expected to be completed in 2020.

<h2>The Market, The District Docklands</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/the_market_district_docklands.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Market @ The District. Image: AsheMorgan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="370" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_market_district_docklands.jpg?itok=uxbKXTCC" title="The Market @ The District. Image: AsheMorgan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Market @ The District. Image: AsheMorgan</figcaption></figure>On Tuesday 15 May the District Docklands team "cracked the concrete" of the East Car Park to officially mark the beginning of construction on Docklands new food precinct, The Market. 

The internationally-inspired marketplace, will provide Docklands with a fresh food precinct that includes butchers, delis, bakers, coffee roasters and cafes in addition to major retail in the form of a Woolworths supermarket, Dan Murphy’s, a large-scale Asian Grocer and Priceline Pharmacy.

A Medical Centre, as well as health and beauty services, will round out the convenience offer, providing for surrounding residents and visitors with a one stop shop for their day to day needs.

The Market is officially slated to open in  July 2019.

<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_market_mapmap.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Map of The Market retailers. Image: AsheMorgan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="829" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_market_mapmap.jpg?itok=ix93mRKw" title="Map of The Market retailers. Image: AsheMorgan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Map of The Market retailers. Image: AsheMorgan</figcaption></figure><h2>218 Harbour Esplanade, Digital Harbour </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/jcb_harbour_esplanade.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="218 Harbour Esplanade. Image: Jackson Clements Burrows"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="759" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jcb_harbour_esplanade.jpg?itok=gr0XzFfP" title="218 Harbour Esplanade. Image: Jackson Clements Burrows" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>218 Harbour Esplanade. Image: Jackson Clements Burrows</figcaption></figure>The latest application to be submitted within the Docklands precinct is for 218 Harbour Esplanade. Designed by Jackson Clements Burrows the development will comprise 183 apartments across 21-storeys with 117 car spaces to be provided.

The apartment mix will include 6 x three bedroom apartments, 118 x two bedroom, and 55 one bedders in addition to SOHO style two-storey dwellings.

According to <a href="http://www.docklandsnews.com.au/editions/article/container-inspired-apartment-block_14314/">Docklands News</a>, the design was "inspired by a vision of containers stacked on a wharf. Wharf-type timbers will also be employed on the lower podium levels to complete the metaphor."

<h2>26-34 Digital Drive, Digital Harbour</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/digital_drive.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="26-34 Digital Drive. Images: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="242" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/digital_drive.jpg?itok=NUGOt8dk" title="26-34 Digital Drive. Images: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>26-34 Digital Drive. Images: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Architects Bates Smart have recently published images in their <a href="https://www.batessmart.com/journal/2018/humanising-the-office/">online Journal</a> of a new 22 level commercial office building for Cbus Property located adjacent to 1010 LaTrobe Street.

The brick-clad building draws on the texture and character of nearby heritage buildings, and includes an outdoor terrace 40m above ground marking a streetwall datum, while three-storey voids internally allow for more expansive views outwards from the office levels.

<h2>160 Harbour Esplanade, Stadium Precinct</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/1529913824079.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Development Victoria has purchased the Seven Digital Broadcast Centre. Image: Australian Financial Review"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1529913824079.jpg?itok=kV7iXOm_" title="Development Victoria has purchased the Seven Digital Broadcast Centre. Image: Australian Financial Review" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Development Victoria has purchased the Seven Digital Broadcast Centre. Image: Australian Financial Review</figcaption></figure>The home of the Seven Network's digital broadcasting studio was recently purchased from owner the NRMA for $100m 

How this strategic acquisition ties into the redevelopment of the soon-to-be renamed Marvel Stadium and Harbour Esplanade remains to be seen, but the price tag suggests it forms a crucial piece of the puzzle.

It could potentially provide the AFL with accommodation allowing its current headquarters to be redeveloped into a 7 star waterfront hotel, inline with concept plans released earlier this year.

According to the <a href="https://www.afr.com/real-estate/victorian-government-homes-in-on-sevens-docklands-hq-20180625-h11tqr">AFR</a>, a Development Victoria spokesperson has stated that the purchase would allow it to "develop long-term strategies to revitalise the Docklands Stadium and waterfront."
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Laurence Dragomir

Docklands Development Update July 2018

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<a href="/news/fifteen85-is-fishermans-bends-first-major-launch-of-2018">First mentioned on Urban.com.au last month</a>, the first stage of <a href="/developers/cel-australia">CEL Australia's</a> <a href="/new-apartments/15-85-gladstone-street-south-melbourne">FIFTEEN85</a> <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a> development, within the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area, is being launched this weekend. 

Located at 15 - 85 Gladstone Street, FIFTEEN85 is located just a few doors down from <a href="/buildings/gravity-tower-89-montague-street-south-melbourne">Gravity Tower</a>, the first residential tower to be built within the Montague precinct of Fishermans Bend, and will comprise three towers of up to 30-storeys.

<figure><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="631" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gabrielsaunders_cel_gladstonest_external-podium.jpg?itok=2LIffat1" title="FIFTEEN 85's three multi-coloured towers in-situ. Image: Gabriel Saunders" width="580">

<figcaption>FIFTEEN 85's three multi-coloured towers in-situ. Image: Gabriel Saunders</figcaption></figure>To kick off the official launch of FIFTEEN85, CEL Australia is throwing a dog and owner festival, called the "FIFTEEN85 South Melbourne Graze &amp; Growl" on Saturday June 23rd. 

The festival includes a “Park Your Pooch Zone”, which includes Grooming by Pettiquette and the “Hair of the Dog Bar” curated by the Caine Wellness Kitchen. On the menu are complimentary treat bags, Dog friendly beer, pinot, cider and specialised dog street food. Additionally, BOco dog collars will be offering discounted leather collars and giveaways. For the humans, free food will be given out by:

<ul>
<li>Loaded Hotdogs</li>
	<li>Wheelys Coffee Cart</li>
	<li>Crepes for Change</li>
	<li>Benny Burgers</li>
</ul>
CEL Australia will also be offering the first 70 purchasers the share in over $2 million worth of developer incentive packages. The incentives will be aimed at First Home Buyers, Local Owner Occupiers, Local Investors, FIRB Investors and FIRB Owner Occupiers. Local purchases will be offered furniture and AV packages worth upwards of $25,000, as well as 12 months contributions to the Owners Corporation.

According to CEL Australia, FIFTEEN85 has been designed with comfort and style as key considerations for residents seeking a modern lifestyle, and the best of apartment and city living.

<blockquote>
The design of FIFTEEN85 is set to make it one of the most attractive residential buildings in the area. Every Aspect has been carefully considered, whether your appreciating the glassed exterior or living a great lifestyle from within,”

It’s important that there are opportunities for the residents to meet and interact to create meaningful relationships. FIFTEEN85 has been designed with this in mind. It is a vertical community which offers shared spaces as an extension of the home

- Tim Pearce, General Manager, CEL Australia
</blockquote>

The development is located opposite the under construction <a href="/news/montague-community-park-on-track-for-spring-completion">Montague Community Park, due to open in September</a>, and less than a minute's walk from the recently completed South Melbourne Primary School.  Additionally, FIFTEEN85 aims to take advantage of its proximity to South Melbourne with the market and Clarendon Street only a short walk away.

Designed by <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a> and inspired by the works of renowned glass artist Josiah McElheny, the development is characterised by curved, tapering forms clad in multi coloured towers of emerald, cobalt and violet glazing. 

FIFTEEN85 South Melbourne comprises 702 apartments across the three towers - two towers of 30-storeys and one of 27-storeys. All three towers will include a variety of 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom plus study, 2 bedrooms plus 1 bathroom, 2 bedrooms plus 2 bathrooms and 3 bedrooms plus 2 bathroom apartments.

Shared facilities will be located on level 6 of Tower 1 and level 5 of towers 2 &amp; 3, and will include, a pool, gymnasium, sauna, spa, outdoor entertainment areas, resident’s lounges and resident’s dining rooms.

Look out for Apartments.com.au's Q&amp;A with CEL Australia's General Manager TIm Pearce in the coming weeks.

<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/gabrielsaunders_cel_reissue-gladstonestreet_pool_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The view towards Yarra's Edge from the podium rooftop pool. Image: Gabriel Saunders"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="400" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gabrielsaunders_cel_reissue-gladstonestreet_pool_0.jpg?itok=O26yQun1" title="The view towards Yarra's Edge from the podium rooftop pool. Image: Gabriel Saunders" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The view towards Yarra's Edge from the resident's pool. Image: Gabriel Saunders</figcaption></figure><h2>FIFTEEN85 Launch Details</h2>

What: FIFTEEN85 South Melbourne Graze &amp; Growl

Who: CEL Australia 

When: Saturday June 23rd 11:00am to 3:00pm 

Where: 15 - 85 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne Victoria
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CEL Australia to launch latest Fishermans Bend development this weekend

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Beller's Head of Business Development and Leasing, Luke Spence recently provided Apartments.com.au with an insight into Melbourne's rental market, which shows no signs of cooling down, despite the winter months.

He discusses the impact of population growth on low residential vacancy rates in Melbourne, in addition to which suburbs are the most popular for particular buyers. 

Spence is an experienced young real estate agent who has recently been shortlisted as a finalist for the REIV Awards for Excellence ‘Outstanding Young Agent of the Year 2017’ and ‘Business Development Manager of the Year (Property Management)’ in the nationally recognised 2017 Real Estate Business Awards. 

Frequently publicised as the tightest rental market within Australia, Spence has observed that Melbourne’s metro market has experienced another drop in vacancy rate statistics.

According to Spence, the first quarter of 2018 demonstrated a drop of 0.3% from December 2017, and the second quarter appears to be following suit.

Additionally, the statistics show that January and February 2018 saw vacancy rates steady at 1.9%, while March displayed 1.8%, and April dropped another 0.1% to 1.7%.

Spence says areas with very low vacancy rates (typically sub-2%) are often referred to as ‘tight’ rental markets where rents are more likely to be increased, providing landlords with their pick of tenants, in what is otherwise known as a landlords market.

<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/44en6z.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Suburbs like South Yarra average between 1,400 and 1,500 views per listing. Image: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/44en6z.jpg?itok=Hhi3ZVsH" title="Suburbs like South Yarra average between 1,400 and 1,500 views per listing. Image: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Suburbs like South Yarra average between 1,400 and 1,500 views per listing. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>With 110,000 people relocating to Melbourne each year, this has driven down the city's vacancy rates, making it the population growth leader of Australia. 

Spence names Fitzroy, Carlton &amp; St Kilda with at least 1,800 listing views per property, as among the best performing suburbs in Melbourne. St Kilda East is next with at least 1,700 views per listing and suburbs like Elwood, South Yarra and North Melbourne average between 1,400 and 1,500 views per listing.

For units and apartments specifically, Clifton Hill is leading the charge with 1,800 views per property listing. Albert Park and Fitzroy North are also popular with 1,700 views and 1,400 views respectively, while Hampton East and Caulfield also average 1,200 – 1,300 views per listing.

Spence believes that despite it being a landlord’s market, that doesn’t necessarily mean that little effort is required on their part to attract tenants, with prospective tenants citing cleanliness and presentation as the top priorities.

<blockquote>
So, it’s a landlord’s market, right? Well, this may be good news for investors, but it doesn’t mean you are immune to the scrutiny of tenants.

The rental statistics in Melbourne are favourable for landlords, but it doesn’t mean you can take your foot off the accelerator when it comes to ensuring your investment performs the best it can. Tenants call the shots when it comes to dictating the success of your investment.

After each tenancy, it is vital that your property is clean and presentable to maximise tenant interest (even if it means putting in some elbow grease yourself). I've been leasing homes for over 11 years, and the top things every tenant looks for when choosing their next home is cleanliness and presentation – no matter how low the vacancy rates are!

- Luke Spence, Head of Business Development and Leasing, Beller
</blockquote>
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Beller's Luke Spence provides an update on the Melbourne rental market

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839 Collins Street, the last major commercial building within Lendlease's Victoria Harbour development at Docklands, has topped out.

The 21-storey building designed by architects Denton Corker Marshall, takes advantage of its location and orientation overlooking the Yarra River, to create a unique clear glass ‘river window’ façade.

At ground level, the glazed foyer opens up river views for pedestrians along Collins Street, with its primary façade comprising fine grain retail shop 'boxes'.

Boutique office units of 1,170 sqm occupy the first two floors of the Collins Street podium, with an accessible, landscaped roof terrace sitting above.

The 56,200 sqm GFA development accommodates 19 floors of office space in large, column-free floor plates of 2,000 sqm NLA - providing an open and flexible office plan.  

Upon completion in early 2019, ANZ will take occupation of 12 levels within 839 Collins Street as the building's anchor tenant directly opposite its existing world headquarters at 833 Collins Street.

With principles of sustainable design embodied throughout, 839 Collins Street is targeting a 5-Star Green Star, and a 4.5-Star NABERS energy rating, building on Victoria Harbour's green credentials.

The precinct boasts one of the highest concentration of Green Star-rated buildings in Australia. 

Additionally, Victoria Harbour has been recognised as an exemplar in master planning via its 6-Star Green Star Communities rating by the Green Building Council of Australia.

<blockquote>
The topping out of 839 Collins Street represents a significant milestone for Lendlease as it completes a total of 270,000 sqm of commercial space delivered in Victoria Harbour to date.

- Bill Alexandrakis, Lendlease General Manager for Building (Victoria)
</blockquote>

839 Collins Street follows the recent topping out of No.1 Collins Wharf, designed by Bates Smart, as development within Victoria Harbour begins to spread down the peninsula.

<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/no1_collins_wharf.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No.1 Collins Wharf has also topped out. 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/no1_collins_wharf.jpg?itok=lvcALrGs" title="No.1 Collins Wharf has also topped out. Image: Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No.1 Collins Wharf has also topped out. Image: Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure>Earlier this month, Lendlease submitted plans for the next stage of Collins Wharf - a dual-tower development of up to 30-storeys at 938 Collins Street, to be known as Collins Wharf 2 &amp; Collins Wharf 3.

According to <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/lendlease-pushes-plans-for-barangaroo-timber-complex-docklands-units-project/news-story/90bffb2052582699f1f34e4b974757b5">The Australian</a>, the $292m project will comprise 639 apartments and 40 townhouse-style units, 592 car parking spaces and 331 bicycle spaces, and will target a five-star Green Star sustainability rating.

The buildings - designed by architects Warren and Mahoney - will include materials such as stone cladding, textured concrete, bronze metallic cladding and expansive double glazing.

Lead Image: Apartments.com.au forum member redden
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839 Collins Street tops out at Victoria Harbour

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One of Australia's oldest architecture firms, Bates Smart is set to celebrate two key milestones in 2018 - the office's own 165th anniversary, and the 60th anniversary of the Bates Smart-designed former ICI House on Nicholson Street.

Coinciding with these milestones will be two key events unveiled by Open House Melbourne President and Bates Smart Studio Director, Tim Leslie. These include a guided tour of Orica House as part of the Open House 2018 and an exhibition entitled program and the ‘165 Years of Enduring Architecture’ exhibition within the building's ground floor gallery.

Tim Leslie founded Open House Melbourne in 2008, a not for profit event promoting architecture and buildings of significance to the public.

Tim joined Bates Smart in 2006 working across a broad range of sectors, after gaining experience as an architect in Australia and abroad over 20 years. In 2013 he became the Melbourne office's first Studio Director.

Notably, Tim was the director in charge for the competition-winning Australian Embassy in Washington DC which is currently in documentation. He has also been instrumental in many key projects, including 171 Collins Street and the neighbouring 161 Collins Street, residential towers at 13 and 35 Spring Street, and both Bendigo and Cabrini Hospitals.

Further details of both events are outlined below:

<h2>165 Years of Enduring Architecture Exhibition</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/_hero_image_bates_smart_model.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bates Smart's 3D printed model. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/_hero_image_bates_smart_model.jpg?itok=QMSLhNt4" title="Bates Smart's 3D printed model. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bates Smart's 3D printed model. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Dates: Wednesday 25 July 2018 Time: 6:00pm to 7:30pm Address: Bates Smart Gallery, Ground Floor, 1 Nicholson Street, Melbourne (entry via Albert Street)

Since its inception in 1853, Bates Smart has delivered projects that have transformed the city’s fabric, shaping the way people use and inhabit urban spaces and built environments.

Bates Smart Studio Director and Open House Melbourne President Tim Leslie is offering his insights into the history of the practice responsible for some of Melbourne’s most iconic cultural buildings that have contributed to the heritage and progression of Melbourne.

The catalogue of high calibre designs on display includes the State Library of Victoria, Melbourne Town Hall, Wilson Hall at the University of Melbourne, ICI House, Collins Place, Crown Metropol, Royal Children’s Hospital, 171 Collins Street, Victoria Racing Club’s Club Stand and the upcoming Australian Embassy in Washington.

The exhibition will detail the history of Bates Smart and its evolution across a century led by its pioneering practice leaders – Joseph Reed, Francis and Charles Smart, Edward Bates and Osborn McCutcheon – that defined an era through their prolific designs and how its current Directors will continue this legacy well into the future.

<h2>Orica House Guided Tour:</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/165a_n10_medium.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Orica House celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="396" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/165a_n10_medium.jpg?itok=dQjvYH_8" title="Orica House celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Orica House celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Dates: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July 2018 (during Open House Melbourne’s long weekend) Time: 10am to 4pm Address: 1 Nicholson Street, Melbourne (entry via Albert Street)

The Bates Smart-designed Orica House (formerly ICI House) became upon completion,  Australia's first skyscraper. The glazed curtain wall tower set the precedent for modern vertical workplace design. Nearly 60 years later, this precedent still stands—ICI is a highly sought-after workplace due to its slim, flexible floor plates and classic design, outlasting many of its modernist counterparts and paving the way for the contemporary vertical campus.

The 19-storey tower, not formally part of the CBD’s Hoddle Grid, was allowed to break Melbourne’s 40m height restrictions. Instead of building a shorter tower over the entire area, the design team proposed a slimmer footprint that vertically stacked the additional allowable area, creating a taller tower and a ground level garden setting. The provision of the garden enabled the height rule to be broken while simultaneously creating a verdant public space at street level.

Internally, the Bates Smart team continued to revolutionise the tower workplace typology by pulling the services core to the side of the building, making the slender 18m floorplate effectively core-less and highly flexible. An open stair, located between the core and floorplate, created vertical connectivity. The continuous ribbon glazing of the curtain wall maximised views to the outside and enabled daylight to flood the interior.
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Bates Smart to celebrate two key milestones in July

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The City of Melbourne (CoM) is progressing with plans to expand and upgrade Lincoln Square over the next five years, with the release of the draft functional layout detailing the extent of the improvement works.

This follows the endorsement of the final Lincoln Square Concept Plan by the Future Melbourne Committee in April, based on feedback and support received during community consultation in 2017.

CoM is now completing detailed design and anticipates to go out to public tender in late 2018 with construction expected to commence in early 2019.

<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/lincoln_square_draft_functional_layout.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lincoln Square Draft functional layout. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="505" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lincoln_square_draft_functional_layout.jpg?itok=Thg48aQn" title="Lincoln Square Draft functional layout. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lincoln Square Draft functional layout. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>According to CoM, Lincoln Square represents a significant local open space in Carlton, characterised by its mature trees, sunny lawns and gathering spaces. It also lays claim to the hosting Victoria's first public playground, built in 1907.

Following works in 2016 to upgrade the plaza on Swanston Street and install an underground stormwater collection and flood mitigation system, CoM has developed a concept plan for the entire park, to ensure that Lincoln Square addresses and responds to the future needs of the local community it serves.

The community engagement process indicated that there was a strong level of support for the draft concept plan and the four key actions,  but also identified some changes which have since been incorporated into the final concept plan:

<ul>
<li>Two new radial paths connecting Swanston Street to the plaza to respond to current desire-lines.</li>
	<li>Change in the design of the eastbound bicycle lane on Lincoln Square South to a two-metre wide physically-separated lane adjacent to the park, including appropriate on-street markings to guide cyclists seeking to turn right into Swanston Street.</li>
	<li>Redesign of Lincoln Square south to maximise park expansion by removing car parking on the park-side of the road and redistributing the parking bays on surrounding streets (resulting in no further parking loss).</li>
	<li>Incorporating a new solar tree and technology to connect park users to the park’s rich biodiversity, stormwater harvesting and flood mitigation data.</li>
</ul>
The four key actions of the design, based on community consultation comprise:

<h2>Expanded Park Area</h2>

CoM has observed an increasing demand for open space within Carlton with just under 20% per cent of apartment residents having access to private outdoor space. This is expected to be exacerbated as the local population is expected to surge over the next decade, forecast to grow by as much as 60%.

The expansion of public open space at Lincoln Square is critical, says CoM, in responding to the changing needs of the growing local population and building resilience across the municipality. 

Lincoln Square is used by a significant number of people to get to key destinations such as Melbourne University, with over 900 pedestrians in the morning peak and 700 pedestrians in the evening peak alone. There is currently no pathway along the Lincoln Square North park edge, despite this being a strong desire line for many pedestrians traversing the space.

<h2>New Play Space</h2>

With the growing resident population forecasts and further development of apartment buildings, CoM believes there will be an increase in the number of children in Carlton growing up without access to private open space.

The Lincoln Square playground is the home of Melbourne’s first playground and is the only playground in the immediate catchment. According to CoM, the current playground has come to the end of its useful life and needs to be upgraded to address the future needs of a growing population.

The playground’s current location within the park is surrounded by 150-year-old Moreton Bay Fig trees and positioned on a grassed hill. The new playground will be designed to celebrate these natural features and to be an inclusive space that connects children, parents and carers through play, and accommodating the needs of children of all abilities and ages.

<h2>Planning for Trees</h2>

As one of Melbourne's oldest parks, Lincoln Square is home to 150-year-old Moreton Bay Figs and a range of deciduous and native trees. While the majority of trees at Lincoln Square are in good health, CoM notes that there are opportunities for new planting.

<h2>Improved Park Amenity</h2>

Lincoln Square caters to a diverse group of people with varying needs and interests including students, families, local residents and workers. It provides a place for respite, lunch gatherings and other activities, however, the park currently has inconsistent furniture, poor lighting and seating that doesn’t always support park use.

The new design will address these issues through improved and new seating, in addition to better lighting.
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Lincoln Square expansion and upgrade a step closer

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Perth’s Elizabeth Quay development has been awarded Australia’s best urban renewal project by the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), Australia’s peak body for the urban development industry.

The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority's (MRA) Elizabeth Quay project has changed the face of Perth's CBD, transforming 10ha of largely under-utilised land along the Swan River into a waterfront destination, providing a new backdrop for major events, tourism promotions and news broadcasts.

Designed by Melbourne-based <a href="/architects/arm-architecture">ARM Architecture</a>, Elizabeth Quay’s Master Plan allows for others to develop the sites it establishes. It identifies the locations and types of built form desired, areas for pedestrians, pedestrian and vehicle routes, and sight lines to and from other parts of Perth.

ARM developed a design motif dubbed the “ripple-wave pattern” which informed the geometry of the built edges for paving and terraces, building and planting interfaces, furniture locations, trees, stairs and water features.

This motif was inspired by the Wagyl, or rainbow serpent, egg of the Noongar mythology. The pattern is embedded within the paving colours, responding to elements in the landscape such as trees and buildings, and providing the Elizabeth Quay precinct with a cohesive and structured theme.

<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/fairground-1200x720.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="First Contact artwork by indigenous artist Laurel Nannup. Image: MRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fairground-1200x720.jpg?itok=PFvwJ7OO" title="First Contact artwork by indigenous artist Laurel Nannup. Image: MRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>First Contact artwork by indigenous artist Laurel Nannup. Image: MRA</figcaption></figure>Since opening in 2016, Elizabeth Quay has attracted over 12 million visitors and hosted more than 150 events, including Perth’s first Diner en Blanc and the Gran Fondo World Championships in cycling.

Planning and construction of Elizabeth Quay was a major undertaking and a logistical challenge for the city but one that continues to return great results for the people of Perth, claims MRA. 

<blockquote>
Elizabeth Quay has restored a valuable physical and cultural connection between Perth’s city centre and the Swan River; a connection that had previously been cut by roads and decades of development.

The $440million invested by the State Government in this development was massively ambitious. City roads were realigned, valuable heritage items were relocated and iconic new attractions have been created to transform Perth’s riverfront.

The MRA literally shifted Perth city’s riverline to be closer to the CBD and encourage people to engage with the Swan River. In just under four years, a man-made inlet and 7,000sqm island were built, along with a stunning pedestrian bridge, playground, waterpark, public art, ferry terminal, boat moorings and new places to eat and drink.

While still in its infancy, Elizabeth Quay has proven itself to be a popular meeting place for the community, a must-see tourist attraction and a place that the people of Perth can celebrate with pride.

With more than $2billion in private development still to come – for new hotels, apartments, tourist, student and office accommodation – Elizabeth Quay will continue to be an exciting place to live, work and visit and will generate essential economic activity for many years to come.

- Sean Henriques, MRA Chief Executive Officer
</blockquote>

According to MRA, Elizabeth Quay is drawing local, interstate and international visitors resulting in significant economic benefits for Western Australia, with local businesses experiencing record trading days.

The relocation of the city’s public ferry terminal into the inlet has also resulted in doubled ferry patronage.

<h2>Meanwhile...</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/elizabeth_quay_prop.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Future development at Elizabeth Quay and construction progress at The Towers. Photo: SkyscraperCity member Szik"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="191" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elizabeth_quay_prop.jpg?itok=_9U3eqyp" title="Future development at Elizabeth Quay and construction progress at The Towers. Photo: SkyscraperCity member Szik" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Future development at Elizabeth Quay and construction progress at The Towers. Photo: SkyscraperCity member Szik</figcaption></figure>Construction of <a href="/buildings/the-towers-at-elizabeth-quay-11-barrack-square-perth">The Towers</a> at Elizabeth Quay continues with <a href="/builders/probuild">Probuild</a> at the helm of the twin-tower development. Designed by <a href="/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a> for <a href="/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>, the development includes a Ritz Carlton hotel tower in addition to a separate residential tower that shares a common podium and basement car parking.

Development rights for the remaining development parcels have also all been awarded as per the following:

<ul>
<li>Lots 7 and 8 - Chevron Australia purchased the lots for $64 million for their Australian headquarters back in 2015 with a planning application deadline of December 2018 in place.</li>
	<li>Lots 5 and 6 - Brookfield Multiplex has approval for dual towers of 54-storeys and 19-storeys respectively designed by New York based REX. The mixed-use development known as Perth+ will include office space, apartments and hotel rooms.</li>
	<li>Lots 2 and 3 - CA &amp; Associates' two towers, with a hotel, 313 apartments, 171 serviced apartments, dining and retail. With approval in hand, the Kerry Hill-designed development is expected to commence construction this year.</li>
	<li>Lot 4 - The final of the development parcels to be awarded, CA &amp; Associates are seeking to develop a mixed-use project comprising commercial, retail and residential uses in addition to a post-graduate education facility and student accommodation. </li>
</ul>
Lead image: Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority

 
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Perth's Elizabeth Quay named UDIA's best for urban renewal

With Apartments.com.au&#39;s Project Database now being expanded to encompass all of Australia, and more national content appearing on the site, it seemed like a good opportunity to highlight the country&#39;s future top 10 tallest skyscrapers on the horizon, not including those already completed.

<h2>#1. Southbank by Beulah (Residential Tower) I Melbourne&nbsp;I 356.2M</h2>

Green Spine, know known as Soutbank by Beulah having been taken over by the Melbourne developer Beulah, will be&nbsp;designed by&nbsp;<a href="/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>&nbsp;and is&nbsp;planned to be the tallest skyscraper in the Southern Hemisphere. The tower was the winner of <a href="/developers/beulah">Beulah International</a>&rsquo;s international competition for a $2 billion development in Melbourne&rsquo;s <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8804]

&nbsp;

<h2>#2. Magic Tower&nbsp;I Melbourne&nbsp;I 60- storeys&nbsp;I 330M</h2>

The Magic Tower is a slender skyscraper designed by <a href="/architects/decibel-architecture">Decibel Architecture</a> in partnership with Royal Society of Victoria. The residential tower will be located in the north eastern corner of Hoddle Grid.

<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/magic_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="If to be built Magic Tower will be the tallest tower for it's width in Melbourne. Image: Decibel Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="714" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/magic_11.jpg?itok=__Rf7Zwf" title="If to be built Magic Tower will be the tallest tower for it's width in Melbourne. Image: Decibel Architecture" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>If to be built Magic Tower will be the tallest tower for it&#39;s width in Melbourne. Image: Decibel Architecture</figcaption>
</figure>

&nbsp;

<h2>#3. Orion Towers (South Tower) |&nbsp;Gold Coast | 103-storeys | 328m</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/orion_towers.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Orion Towers' South Tower would become the tallest in Australia. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/orion_towers.jpg?itok=rtzkSomr" style="width: 580px; height: 327px;" title="Orion Towers' South Tower would become the tallest in Australia. Image: Woods Bagot" /></a>

<figcaption>Orion Towers&#39; South Tower would become the tallest in Australia. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption>
</figure>

The $1.2b twin-tower development in Surfers Paradise known as <a href="/new-apartments/south-beach-surfers-paradise-3006-surfers-paradise-boulevard-surfers-paradise">Orion Towers</a> will soar 103 storeys high for a total height of 328m, inching out Melbourne&#39;s One Queensbridge by 5m. The development will also feature Australia&rsquo;s highest observation restaurant on level 101 offering 360-degree views.

The tower is anticipated to be completed by 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8887]

&nbsp;

<h2>#4. One Queensbridge |&nbsp;Melbourne | 90-storeys | 323m</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/qbt.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One Queensbridge should it proceed, would eclipse Australia 108. Image: Schiavello"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qbt.jpg?itok=DqCq-D0j" style="width: 580px; height: 396px;" title="One Queensbridge should it proceed, would eclipse Australia 108. Image: Schiavello" /></a>

<figcaption>One Queensbridge should it proceed, would eclipse Australia 108. Image: Schiavello</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank">One Queensbridge</a> should it proceed, would eclipse Australia 108. It will be a JV between Crown Resorts and <a href="/developers/schiavello">Schiavello</a>. <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/packer-s-plans-uncertain-on-australia-s-tallest-building-20180525-p4zhhz">The Age reported</a>&nbsp;in May of last year that as part of the approval, a deadline for February 2019 had been set to commence construction of the project.

The Wilkinson Eyre designed goliath is yet to commence, as it is currently undergoing construction delays due to being unable to obtain government approval for alterations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=245]

&nbsp;

<h2>#5. Australia 108 | Melbourne | 100-storeys | 317m</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/aus108_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australia 108 races along to its title of Melbourne's tallest. Images (L-R): FK | Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="265" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aus108_1.jpg?itok=diMxAs9s" title="Australia 108 races along to its title of Melbourne's tallest. Images (L-R): FK | Mark Baljak" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Australia 108 races along to its title of Melbourne&#39;s tallest. Images (L-R): FK | Mark Baljak</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a> is to rise opposite it&rsquo;s sister tower, Eureka.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=582]

This time last year, Australia 108&#39;s core reached level 60 with the floorplates well over the halfway mark. This also coincided with the first residents beginning to move in on levels 14 and 30 as part of the completion of stage 1.

The tower is still presently undergoing construction, with more residents being able to move in from 2020.

&nbsp;

<h2>#6. Spirit | Gold Coast | 89-storeys | 298m</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/spirit_gc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spirit on the Gold Coast will launch to the market next month. Image: Forise Holdings"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/spirit_gc.jpg?itok=BpZZiGBR" title="Spirit on the Gold Coast will launch to the market next month. Image: Forise Holdings" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Spirit on the Gold Coast will launch to the market next month. Image: Forise Holdings</figcaption>
</figure>

Designed by <a href="/architects/dbi">DBI Design</a> who have previously designed other notable towers on the Gold Coast such as Oracle, <a href="/buildings/jewel-residences-surfers-paradise-36-old-burleigh-road-surfers-paradise">Jewel</a>, SOUL Tower and The Wave, Spirit was to have been the tallest building to roof in Surfers Paradise prior to Orion Towers&#39; entry onto the list.

The design features a dramatic wave across its facade similar to The Wave, but on a grander scale. The current proposal replaces an earlier scheme for Iluka Tower, following Forise Holdings purchase of the site in 2015.

This tower is in the early stages of construction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8128]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93998]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8843]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8887]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6207]

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>#7. Cienna Square Tower II | Gold Coast | 88-storeys | 280m</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/cienna_square.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cienna Square will be developed on the site of the former Regent Cinema. Image: DBI Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cienna_square.jpg?itok=VhFJsHIh" title="Cienna Square will be developed on the site of the former Regent Cinema. Image: DBI Design" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Cienna Square will be developed on the site of the former Regent Cinema. Image: DBI Design</figcaption>
</figure>

Cienna Square will be developed on the site of the former Regent Cinema. DBI Design&#39;s second entry on the list is for a dual tower on the Southport site of the former Regent Cinema, which has remained empty since it was cleared to pave way for a now unbuilt scheme back in 1989.

Cienna Square received preliminary approval back in April 2016.

&nbsp;

<h2>#8. Crown Sydney Hotel &amp; Resort | Sydney | 75-storeys | 271m</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/crown_sydney.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Crown Sydney Hotel and Resort will be built within Barangaroo. Image: Wilkinson Eyre"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/crown_sydney.jpg?itok=rF1VRZYX" title="Crown Sydney Hotel and Resort will be built within Barangaroo. Image: Wilkinson Eyre" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Crown Sydney Hotel and Resort will be built within Barangaroo. Image: Wilkinson Eyre</figcaption>
</figure>

Crown Sydney Hotel and Resort will be built within Barangaroo.

Crown Resorts&#39; second tower on the list sees it once again collaborating with architects Wilkinson Eyre on what is set to become Sydney&#39;s tallest building, capping off the Barangaroo development.

The tower is expected to be completed in the first half of 2021.

&nbsp;

<h2>#9. Brisbane Skytower | Brisbane | 90-storeys | 270m</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/brisbane_skytower.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brisbane's under construction Skytower. Image (L-R): Billbergia | Ozscrapers member fyturis "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/brisbane_skytower.jpg?itok=dsSud53R" title="Brisbane's under construction Skytower. Image (L-R): Billbergia | Ozscrapers member fyturis " width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Brisbane&#39;s under construction Skytower. Images (L-R): Billbergia | Ozscrapers member fyturis</figcaption>
</figure>

Brisbane&#39;s recently completed <a href="/buildings/brisbane-skytower-222-margaret-street-brisbane">Skytower</a>. <a href="/developers/billbergia">Billbergia</a> and <a href="/developers/amp-capital">AMP Capital&#39;s</a> joint venture project, Skytower is Brisbane&#39;s tallest tower and bookend the southern edge of the CBD, it is located directly opposite the Botanic Gardens.

New levels have just been completed on this tower and are now selling.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6199]

&nbsp;

<h2>#10. 240 Margaret Street |&nbsp;Brisbane | 87-storeys | 270m&nbsp;</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/240_margefrom-kp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="240 Margaret with the neighouring U/C Skytower. Image: World Class Land"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="557" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/240_margefrom-kp.jpg?itok=bls0H2ab" title="240 Margaret with the neighouring U/C Skytower. Image: World Class Land" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>240 Margaret with the neighouring U/C Skytower. Image: World Class Land</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="/new-apartments/240-margaret-street-brisbane">240 Margaret</a> with the neighbouring U/C Skytower. World Class Land&#39;s second entry on the list following its Australia 108 project will reach the same height as the neighbouring Skytower development. This is the maximum height allowed in Brisbane as a result of Brisbane Airport radar shadowing issues.

The tower has been granted development approval.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6227]

Top 10 (Future) Tallest Buildings in Australia

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Here at Apartments.com.au we aim to shine the spotlight on a variety of projects of distinct scale and programme, regardless of location. One such project that has piqued interest is Richmond's 45 Wangaratta Street; another joint collaboration between developer Beams Projects and MA Architects.

The 7-storey office development follows on from the duo's previous joint effort on the the now under construction Farmer Cutter &amp; Swan, also in Richmond, and the submission of an application for a high-end townhouse development on South Melbourne's Thistlethwaite Street.

According to Beams Projects, the development which will simply be known as 'Wangaratta Street' will become its new headquarters, taking advantage of the site's proximity to Richmond Station and Swan Street.

The design employs a restrained and minimalist quality that is balanced by its rich texture of off form concrete which is interrupted by staggered glazed apertures of varying proportions. The configuration is designed to create a sense of rhythm and movement across the facade, whilst also responding to its industrial 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/screenshot_20180608-090206_instagram.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wangaratta Street will form Beams Projects new HQ. Image: Gabriel Saunders"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="706" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screenshot_20180608-090206_instagram.jpg?itok=SSHFuqBy" title="Wangaratta Street will form Beams Projects new HQ. Image: Gabriel Saunders" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wangaratta Street will form Beams Projects new HQ. Image: Gabriel Saunders</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
This bold and contemporary concrete form reflects our architectural philosophy, our identity and captures our aspirations.

Designed in collaboration with MA Architects as a nod to Richmond's rich industrial backdrop, the building offers a distinctly architectural experience to inspire inhabitants and visitors.

Located next to Richmond Station and a short walk from Swan Street, the building will house 6 levels of contemporary office space above a neighbourhood coffee place.

- Beams Projects
</blockquote>

MA Architects have designed Wangarrata Street to respond to two different frontage conditions, while addressing the two different Design Development Overlays (DDO) which apply to the site. The subsequent design response involves the architects adopting two visually distinct massing strategies.

Along Wangaratta Street the higher built form oriented to the west is divided into three segments. Initially a 3-storey street wall which reinforces the predominant scale of the street walls within the streetscape, with a central 3-storey section setback above; the building capped off with a visually recessive upper storey.

Turning to the Botherambo Street frontage, the upper levels are consecutively setback at similar distances to reduce potential amenity impacts and building bulk to the adjoining residential neighbourhood.

A small café is being provided to the ground floor on the Wangaratta Street frontage with visual connection to the Tennyson Street pocket park which is slated for future expansion within the Richmond Station Precinct Structure Plan.

Additionally, the project features a basement level accommodating 12 car parks with car stackers as well as 27 bike spaces.

Beams Projects is accepting EOI's for tenants within the development via their <a href="http://beamsprojects.com.au/contact/">contact page</a>.
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Beams Project's latest Richmond gem seeking Expressions of Interest

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In a departure from architecture’s traditional hierarchies, the benefits of adopting a more collaborative approach to design within practices is becoming increasingly apparent.

A key part of this is mentoring which is critical to ensuring this new culture becomes a reality within architectural practice, according to Technē Architecture and Interior Design director Steve McKeag.

McKeag highlights the culture at Technē, where team leaders will often ask younger staff to identify goals and key tasks early on, as providing staff with the confidence to undertake projects of any size and budget.

The creative side of architecture can be very time exorbitant, so communicating with staff in a way that gets them to lift their heads up and identify the critical task at hand is very important.

McKeag is keen to share a number of initiatives the practice has implemented; initiatives he believes can improve culture across the sector.

Additionally, the studio follows a deliberate policy of project exposure and knowledge building. Wherever possible, junior staff are brought in on meetings with clients and contractors.

<a href="/news/technes-steve-mckeag-discusses-his-appointment-as-director-and-his-favourite-pubs">Speaking previously</a> with Apartments.com.au McKeag discussed how fellow directors Nick Travers and Justin Northrop provide a lot of autonomy which in turn fosters a supportive and nurturing workplace environment in which team members share skills, knowledge and experience.

The leadership team encourages an open dialogue between employees at all levels, creating a space where resources and knowledge can be easily shared. According to McKeag, contributing to open forum type discussions assisted his own development and progression to director. 
 

<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/techne_directors-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Technē's directors (L-R) Justin Northrop, Steve McKeag, Nick Travers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/techne_directors-2.jpg?itok=bmi0fdZi" title="Technē's directors (L-R) Justin Northrop, Steve McKeag, Nick Travers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Technē's directors (L-R) Justin Northrop, Steve McKeag, Nick Travers</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Across the industry we’re beginning to see inspiring outcomes that are the result of intelligent collaboration, of multiple architects and designers pooling their talents, rather than as the expression of a single architect’s ‘genius’. Such collaboration begins early with mentorship

We take a collaborative approach on our projects that is almost the reverse of the old-fashioned model. When they establish a new project, Technē founding directors Nick [Travers] and Justin [Northrop] might outline the core challenges along with the client’s needs, but from there we open it up so that whoever comes up with the best concept is given the opportunity to develop that in collaboration with the project leaders. It’s design led and not top-down. 
We give everyone as much exposure as possible to the different facets of the decision making process. It’s part of learning on the job.

Opening up a project to studio-wide feedback has the advantage of inviting a fresh perspective. Brainstorming outside the project’s known constraints can generate new ideas, which the team can then tailor within the boundaries of the brief or the client's expectations.

And if you’re retaining staff that’s a competitive advantage, because of the flow-on effects of greater corporate knowledge, which in turn leads to innovation.

These are skills so important to project communication and which senior practitioners can cultivate simply by helping their mentees.

It’s really bringing back some of those tactile processes and focusing on the concepts – then sharing that through conversation and mentoring – rather than concentrating on photo-realistic renders from the outset.

- Steve McKeag, Director Technē Architecture &amp; Interior Design
</blockquote>

Mentoring benefits both parties, McKeag stresses, and the benefits for both the mentor and the wider practice have been shown to result in a better workplace culture, improved staff morale and reduced turnover. 
For the mentee, working collaboratively has shown to improve career advancement, job satisfaction, promotion and pay increases. Additionally, those who receive mentoring are far more likely to persist with their chosen career.

The industry’s peak body, the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), recognises the importance of mentoring, with various state chapters overseeing different schemes. Mentoring can help overcome barriers to gender diversity and, 
alongside a focus on graduates entering the industry, the AIA Victorian Chapter looks for mentors to mature-age women returning to the field after a period away, perhaps after parental leave.

Other advocacy groups such as Parlour have also long lobbied and promoted equity in the industry and fair rights for all irrespective of age or gender. Parlour is also a strong proponent and advocate of mentoring, with the topic discussed in a series of essays on their site which you can read <a href="http://archiparlour.org/topics/mentoring/">here</a>.

Other initiatives implemented at Technē which are designed to encourage collaboration and enhance project outcomes are the Friday design reviews. These present an opportunity for studio members to express their interest in joining a project team, or simply to share relevant experience or ideas.

Technē’s Carlton studio also features pin boards which run the length of the work area and exhibit projects currently in progress, encouraging staff to share their insights and experience to colleagues passing by throughout the day.

The office's workshop provides a space where physical models and prototypes can be tested and has been designed to facilitate and promote both digital design and older more traditional methods of learning, something McKeag considers to be a point of difference with many other studios.
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Technē's Steve McKeag discusses the importance of mentoring within architectural practice

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" dir="auto">
The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

Laurence Dragomir

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