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As mentioned during Episode 2 of the Apartments.com.au <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-2-development-by-tram-rmit-nas-and-leonard-teplin">podcast</a>, new images have emerged on the forum for The Walk Arcade redevelopment, located in the heart of the city in Bourke Street Mall and extending through to Little Collins Street.

This has coincided with <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://lodgement.planning-permits.delwp.vic.gov.au/public/detail/838">an application being submitted </a>to DELWP on the 9th February for "Alterations, additions (including partial demolition) to existing buildings for the purposes of retail premises, residential hotel and gym." 

<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_walk_arcade_street_view_bourke_street_mall.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The current condition of both Bourke Street Mall and Liittle Collins Street frontages. Images : GoogleMaps"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="264" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_walk_arcade_street_view_bourke_street_mall.jpg?itok=qt5mbHLD" title="The current condition of both Bourke Street Mall and Liittle Collins Street frontages. Images : GoogleMaps" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The current condition of both Bourke Street Mall and Liittle Collins Street frontages. Images: GoogleMaps</figcaption></figure>According to the <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/the-walk-arcade-owner-hua-sin-tay-plans-hotel-20171031-gzbmkb">AFR late last year</a>, the Singaporean owner has plans for a major overhaul of the well-known shopping mall that looks set to include a new hotel, replacing the existing red-brick warehouse which extends to Little Collins Street.

Without access to detailed plans, the extent of demolition of other heritage structures is not yet fully clear aside from the ground and first floors.

In preparation for the redevelopment, owner Hua Sin Tay - who paid $18 million for the Walk Arcade in 1993 - has signed up a series of pop-up stores to take over vacancies from departing tenants for 12 months through to Christmas of this year.

The 20 or so remaining tenants have leases with development clauses says the AFR article. It goes on to say that should development plans be approved, it is expected the arcade would be shut down completely to make way for the redevelopment.

<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/thewalkhotel.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Walk Hotel as seen from Little Collins Street. Image : "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="520" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/thewalkhotel.jpg?itok=wcYx8YWZ" title="The Walk Hotel as seen from Little Collins Street. Image : " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Walk Hotel as seen from Little Collins Street. </figcaption></figure>The design as indicated in the renders would replace an earlier scheme by Artisan Architects, with a focus on activating Union Lane with glazed shopfronts. Currently a narrow thoroughfare, Union Lane is characterized by its blank walls and roller doors covered in street art and tags. 

The only element of the Artisan Architects design is the entry canopies to Bourke Street which were installed as part of the first stage of works, almost five years ago. 

<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/artisan_architects_walk_arcade_canopies.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Entry canopies were installed along Bourke Street Mall as part of Stage 01 works. Image : Artisan Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/artisan_architects_walk_arcade_canopies.jpg?itok=8OvaWAP_" title="Entry canopies were installed along Bourke Street Mall as part of Stage 01 works. Image : Artisan Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Entry canopies were installed along Bourke Street Mall as part of Stage 01 works. Image: Artisan Architects</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Situated in the heart of the Melbourne CBD on the Bourke Street Mall, this project involves the refurbishment of seven existing buildings above the Walk Arcade and the construction of a new 10 storey building on Bourke Street. Once completed, the development will provide 466 new apartments and 1500 m2 of extra retail space in the mall.

The project presents a well-considered response to the difficulty of placing a residential complex in the heart of a commercial precinct. The new 10-storey building uses a vertical screen to provide visual privacy to the apartments as well as sun protection.

At the lower level, the screen is used as a backdrop to a full size photographic image of the building that occupied the space in the 1920's. At night time, the new building will become a lantern on Bourke Street Mall with the screen revealing the activities behind.

- Artisan Architects
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/artisan_architects_walk_arcade.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artisan Architects' unbuilt scheme for The Walk Arcade as seen from Bourke Street Mall. Image : Artisan Artchitects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/artisan_architects_walk_arcade.jpg?itok=NNaHbh_e" title="Artisan Architects' unbuilt scheme for The Walk Arcade as seen from Bourke Street Mall. Image : Artisan Artchitects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artisan Architects' unbuilt scheme for The Walk Arcade as seen from Bourke Street Mall. Image: Artisan Architects</figcaption></figure> 
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Laurence Dragomir

Updated designs for The Walk Arcade & Hotel revealed?

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Real Estate Agency Beller recently appointed Jeremy Gruzewski as a Director, bringing with him 11 years of experience and knowledge as National Director Metro Market Auction and Investment Services at the highly respected Colliers International.

Now part of the Beller Commercial team, Gruzewski sees market opportunity for developers who are now looking at commercial office developments due to the cooling of the inner-city residential market. Strengthening rents are supporting these developments, says Gruzewski, underpinning the large number of applications and approved permits for office spaces currently in the market.

Urban.com.au asked Jeremy about his thoughts on the state of the commercial market and what's in store for the year ahead.

<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/image17_12_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Development's like SEEK's new HQ are becoming more common in the inner ring. Image : HASSELL"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_12_0.jpg?itok=iLxK5EYj" title="Development's like SEEK's new HQ are becoming more common in the inner ring. Image : HASSELL" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Development's like SEEK's new HQ are becoming more common in the inner ring. Image : HASSELL</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: There is a significant pipeline of commercial developments either under construction or on the horizon in the CBD, Docklands etc. Beyond the core where do you expect to see a shift towards more commercial development?

<div>
Jeremy Gruzewski: There has been unprecedented supply of residential apartments in Melbourne’s core and suburbs over the last 10 years to the point that the commercial market has been left alone with minimal to no supply of office developments other than in the Docklands, which is a new market.

All other areas have seen the opposite with perfectly good office buildings replaced by residential towers.

These displaced tenants have had to find new homes and now that the CBD and city fringe are at record low vacancy rates (circa 2% for the fringe), rents are starting to rise considerably, making office developments viable.

Employers are setting the trend and demand for the location of office developments on the fringe of Melbourne with Cremorne and Richmond being two hot spots. These employers are chasing the same talent pool and this talent pool wants to work and live in the same area and not travel to Melbourne’s East (Clayton, Mulgrave) to get to work.

We have seen the most permit approvals and permit applications for office development in Melbourne’s prime City Fringe. This is in direct correlation with tenants demand and briefs for office space.

UM: We're seeing companies like SEEK looking to develop a head office just on the doorstep in Cremorne and further developments proposed along Church Street, Richmond. Similarly Hickory is pushing ahead with an office development on Clarke Street South Melbourne. Do you expect to see more of these types of commercial developments?

JG: Hickory’s development in Clarke Street is phenomenal and will set a new standard for office accommodation. It goes beyond carpet tiles and ceiling grids and becomes a place where you want to live! I believe many new developments will replicate this new look and approach.

There are approximately 25 city fringe sites that have been earmarked for office development, 90,500m2 has been approved and over 400,000 are proposed and awaiting approval. Melbourne City Fringe currently has just over 900,000m2 of office supply so if everything gets approved it is a significant amount of potential new supply.

<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/hickory_market_lane.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hickory Group's Market Lane will set a new standard for office accommodation says Jeremy Gruzewski. Image : Hickory Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hickory_market_lane.jpg?itok=H79cdaG3" title="Hickory Group's Market Lane will set a new standard for office accommodation says Jeremy Gruzewski. Image : Hickory Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hickory Group's Market Lane will set a new standard for office accommodation says Jeremy Gruzewski. Image : Hickory Group</figcaption></figure>UM: What do you think would make a commercial development more attractive in the current market than say a residential? What factors do developers need to consider?

JG: Without a doubt the major factor has been the growth in face rents; this coupled with a slowing of residential apartment sales has seen the desire increase for commercial sites.

Well-situated sites close to public transport, food and beverage outlets and entertainment venues providing a work and life balance will be the key. No surprises that Cremorne, Richmond and South Melbourne are hot spots.

UM: What impact do you think start-ups and co-working spaces are having on the Commercial market?

JG: Co-working spaces have certainly had an impact, but in a positive way. They have set a new benchmark in the quality of space and added “extra” offerings that an office needs to have. They have shown that tenants will pay extra for good quality designer spaces.
</div>

Generally start-ups are smaller lease deals in relation to tenancy size but the sum of all the little deals makes their presence significant. This allows these startups to grow, and as they grow they venture into the traditional office markets.

UM: Do you think there are areas with a lot of untapped potential for both new commercial developments but also adaptive re-use?

JG:The market continues to grow and develop and with Melbourne’s continued population growth and urban sprawl we will see new areas develop. Generally activity hubs will be the most desirable.

We believe we will see supply of new office development with smaller floor plates of circa 500 m2. This more compact size is in hot demand with the highest number of enquires.

Tenants want their own brand identity and have a whole floor rather than share, and is generally the size required from the start-ups coming out of the co-working spaces. As the world changes, so do its working habits.

Commercial real estate has a ‘push and pull’ force influencing demand with more people working from home and mobile work forces, therefore, office space is shrinking.

Tenants just want better quality that creates a high-end home environment.

UM: And lastly do you think 2018 will be the year for commercial to drive forward?

JG: Yes, 2018 will definitely see an increase in commercial developments and a decrease in residential developments as proven by applications and permit approvals.

2018 will see continued investment in commercial property; we have strong enquiry from multiple buying groups and across all price ranges. Volatility in the stock market and low bank interest rates make commercial property a feasible and proven investment option.
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Beller Group's New Commercial Director Jeremy Gruzewski on 2018's commercial prospects

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One of the world’s more unique International design competitions - The Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI) 2018 - has come to Melbourne.

Sponsored by the State Government of Victoria, the competition opened in early January but was officially launched on Saturday, Feb 10th as part of  the Sustainable Living Festival, Melbourne. LAGI 2018 invites teams of artists, architects, designers, scientists, engineers, and others to submit proposals for a large-scale and site-specific public art installation that generates clean energy.

Submissions are due by May 6, 2018.

The competition takes place every two years in a different site around the world, in 2018 the design site is the St Kilda Triangle, which has a colourful history. Previous LAGI cities include Santa Monica, Copenhagen, New York City and Dubai / Abu Dhabi. 

Key project partners include the City of Port Phillip, Federation Square, Carbon Arts and Climarte.

<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/solar_cloud_lagi_2016.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Solar Cloud (LAGI 2016) by Gabriel Muñoz Moreno (Social Cooperation Architects). Image : LAGI"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/solar_cloud_lagi_2016.jpg?itok=qEayhpOH" title="Solar Cloud (LAGI 2016) by Gabriel Muñoz Moreno (Social Cooperation Architects). Image : LAGI" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Solar Cloud (LAGI 2016) by Gabriel Muñoz Moreno (Social Cooperation Architects). Image : LAGI</figcaption></figure>Land Art Generator installations are works of public art that:

<ul>
<li>Capture energy from nature and cleanly convert it into electricity</li>
	<li>Pay back their environmental footprint and construction cost by producing kilowatt-hours of energy that offset existing uses</li>
	<li>Create a unique experience for the public and stimulate an increase in visitors to the site (power plants as tourist attractions!)</li>
	<li>Create places for leisure and learning</li>
	<li>Do not negatively impact the environment</li>
	<li>Increase livability of communities</li>
</ul>
Innovators design public artworks that integrate renewable energy technology with the potential to power hundreds of homes, engaging the public in a shared vision of the beauty of our post-carbon future.

<blockquote>
Designers and creatives have a critical role to play in the global response to climate change. By bringing art and culture into the development of new energy installations, we can help to bridge the gap between the existing technological solutions and the massive popular movement that is required to invest in their implementation.

-  Elizabeth Monoian and Robert Ferry, LAGI Directors
</blockquote>

By thinking creatively about the design of new energy landscapes, and celebrating the beauty of the solar, wind, and other clean power installations that are such an important part of the solution, LAGI is inspiring people everywhere to get behind the great energy transition.

<blockquote>
When it comes to renewables, it would be good to have some more input from artists, from creative thinking people, who can show attractive visions. Who can show that to take climate change seriously it not about gloom and doom—it can be a positive vision. It can create beauty. It can create something that all of us would like to be a part of.

- Connie Hedegaard, former European Commissioner for Climate Action, 2014 LAGI design competition in Copenhagen.
</blockquote>

The Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning (DELWP), Victoria is setting an example for the world with a goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050. Melbourne, already one of the most sustainable cities in the world, is targeting net-zero by 2020.

The Victoria State Renewable Energy Action Plan outlines the steps that the government is taking to ensure a smooth and equitable transition to a thriving post-carbon economy. LAGI  2018 forms part of that vision within the context of Action 13 - Supporting important artistic and cultural sustainability events.

Following the close dates, multiple public exhibitions, publications, and events will bring the ideas to the public in Melbourne, surrounding cities, and the world.

<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/lagi_2016.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cetacea (LAGI 2016) by Keegan Oneal, Sean Link, Caitlin Vanhauer, Colin Poranski Image : LAGI"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="175" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lagi_2016.jpg?itok=jNgubzDh" title="Cetacea (LAGI 2016) by Keegan Oneal, Sean Link, Caitlin Vanhauer, Colin Poranski Image : LAGI" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cetacea (LAGI 2016) by Keegan Oneal, Sean Link, Caitlin Vanhauer, Colin Poranski Image : LAGI</figcaption></figure><h2>LAGI 2018 Timeline</h2>

<ul>
<li>January 5, 2018 - LAGI 2018 competition opens and design guidelines are available</li>
	<li>April 15 - End of question &amp; answer period. Answers will be posted to the LAGI website.</li>
	<li>May 6 - Competition closes at 23:59 (11:59 pm) GMT</li>
	<li>June - Selection &amp; jury process</li>
	<li>July - Winners &amp; shortlisted participants contacted</li>
	<li>October - Award ceremony, exhibition, and book launch held at Fed Square in Melbourne, Australia. Satellite exhibitions and workshops will be programmed throughout St Kilda, the City of Port Phillip, and the State of Victoria.</li>
</ul>
<h2>LAGI 2018 Jury Panel</h2>

<ul>
<li>Guy Abrahams - CEO &amp; Co-Founder  CLIMARTE</li>
	<li>Charles Anderson -  Senior Lecturer, Landscape Architecture, RMIT University | Director, CAStudios / SAALA</li>
	<li>David Brand - City of Port Phillip Councillor | Architect</li>
	<li>Elizabeth Corr - NRDC Manager, Art Partnerships &amp; Events, Natural Resources Defense Council</li>
	<li>Simon Corbell - Victorian Renewable Energy Advocate</li>
	<li>William L. Fox - Director, Center for Art + Environment, Nevada Museum of Art</li>
	<li>Jill Garner - Victorian Government Architect</li>
	<li>Dr Beatriz Cristina Maturana - Founder of Architects for Peace | Academic Director at the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, University of Chile</li>
	<li>Kim Herforth Nielsen - Founder and Creative Director, 3XN Architects</li>
	<li>Sharon Pollard - General Manager Operations, Federation Square</li>
	<li>Martijn Wilder AM - Partner, Baker &amp; McKenzie</li>
</ul>
<h2>Prizes</h2>

<ul>
<li>
FIRST PLACE - submission  will be awarded $16,000 USD</li>
	<li>
SECOND PLACE submission will be awarded $5,000 USD</li>
</ul>
One representative of the first and second place winning teams will be flown to Melbourne, Australia for the award ceremony and exhibition opening.

Links: <a href="http://landartgenerator.org/competition2018">http://landartgenerator.org/competition2018.html</a>

Lead Image: 'Beyond the Wave'  by Heerim Architects &amp; Planners
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St Kilda Triangle chosen as the site of the Land Art Generator Initiative 2018

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Located at 54 A'beckett Street, the 55-storey Avant has topped out months ahead of schedule, with builder Probuild citing its use of its innovative construction methodology – The Probuild Construction System (PCS) -  as a key factor in achieving this significant milestone.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser for Singaporean developer World Class Global, Avant will upon completion feature 456 residential apartments comprising a mix of one, two and three bedrooms.

The 167m high tower boasts 18,500m2 of distinctive façade with custom coloured glazing and feature diagrid fins that envelop the entire building. Currently installed to level 51, this façade was directly procured by Probuild from premium suppliers in China.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cam066_20180207_19_01_49.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Webcam photo of the now topped-out Avant. Image : Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cam066_20180207_19_01_49.jpg?itok=WmsvvLAa" title="Webcam photo of the now topped-out Avant. Image : Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Webcam photo of the now topped-out Avant. Image : Probuild</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We’re delivering a lot of the future Melbourne skyline right now. With so many high-rise projects on the go, you develop expertise and get very efficient at what you do.

The PCS is our efficiency methodology borrowed from the automotive industry. They’ve been doing this for years. We’re currently in development linking our supply chain system, with IOT monitoring and digital payment system both integrated. It’s a very exciting time in construction.

“The level of efficiency we’re seeing at Avant is equally impressive. PCS has again enabled us to top out months ahead of schedule, and it’s looking like we’ll be handing over to our client World Class Global well in advance as well. 

 - Probuild Victorian Managing Director, Luke Stambolis
</blockquote>

Avant joins a growing suite of other towers delivered or under construction by Probuild in the northern CBD including MY80, its sister building Empire, Victoria One and Aurora Melbourne Central, which will become the tallest tower in the Melbourne CBD.

Architects Elenberg Fraser describe the tower's lace-like facade as reminiscent of fishnets, with the colour of the glazing inspired by their client's family jewellery business. The tower's corners are also chamfered within each facade segment, emphasising the lattice's pattern while also addressing wind concerns. With the neighbouring MY80 building in close proximity, directional fins have been applied to provide privacy while still maintaining views out.

<blockquote>
We weren’t afraid to bring logic to the foreground of Avant – our new slender, 55 storey residential tower on A’Beckett Street. The structural elements that govern the building’s massing are articulated through a geometric pattern spread across the building’s surface.

This distinctive façade clearly shows the structural density is compressed into the base of the building, stretching out to the top. But Avant has a softer side as well: the lace-like exo skeleton and chamfered corners create a delicate fishnet effect – our formula? Super structure + super graphic = super surface.

There is even a story behind the vivid violet glazing – a nod to the heritage of the developer World Class Land and their parent company Aspial, whose family jewellery business patented the precious alloys to create purple gold.

- Elenberg Fraser
</blockquote>

Probuild is scheduled to hand over 203 apartments, up to level 29 this month before handing over the remaining 253 apartments – along with three levels of residential communal amenities - to Wold Class Global in mid-2018.

PROJECT TEAM

<ul>
<li>Client :World Class Global</li>
	<li>Architect : Elenberg Fraser </li>
	<li>Builder : Probuild</li>
	<li>Project Manager : Sinclair Brook</li>
	<li>Town Planner : Urbis</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor : PLP</li>
	<li>Civil Engineer: WSP</li>
	<li>Fire Engineer: Omni Energy</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor : Reeds </li>
	<li>Quantity Surveyor : WT Partnership </li>
	<li>Services Engineer : Murchie Consulting</li>
	<li>Acoustic Engineer : Murchie Consulting</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect : Tract</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant : Leigh Design</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant : Murchie Consulting</li>
	<li>Wind Engineer : Mel Consultants</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: TTM Consulting</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer : WSP Structures</li>
	<li>Mechanical Engineer : Murchie Consulting </li>
	<li>Hydraulic Engineer : Murchie Consulting</li>
</ul>
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Probuild tops out World Class Global's Avant ahead of schedule

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UK-based student accommodation provider Scape’s plans for a student accommodation tower fronting Swanston Street on the former Carlton United Brewery site failed to receive the support of City of Melbourne (CoM) at last month's Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee meeting.

This follows the latest design iteration which had an almost identical design expression to Swanston Street, but differed in other aspects including girth. During the redesign the tower has also been reduced by 8 storeys.

<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/scape_cub_comparison.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before and after of the two schemes. Images : DCM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="364" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/scape_cub_comparison.jpg?itok=nAXlh5Wt" title="Before and after of the two schemes. Images : DCM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Before and after of the two schemes. Images: DCM</figcaption></figure>Chief amongst CoM’s concerns for the Denton Corker Marshall-designed 22-storey tower was lack of a suitable transition between the high-rise built form of the Melbourne CBD and the lower built form of Carlton, in addition to a perceived lack of consideration for the adjacent heritage buildings.

CoM has also expressed concern that Scape’s proposal would negatively impact the public realm and will lead to an unsuitable built form and urban design outcome on Swanston Street, due from its sheer breadth to the street.

The revised design adopts a similar modular, monolithic and monotone aesthetic to Scape’s first Melbourne project on Swanston Street opposite RMIT, whereas the CUB proposal is more of a slab form. CoM’s urban design team recommends a more vertical, granular approach to the arrangement of the massing, in lieu of the current slab configuration, citing Urban Nest’s 599 Swanston Street as an exemplar.

<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/599-605_swanston.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Urban Nest's 599-605 Swanston Street was cited as a good example by CoM planners. Image : Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="520" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/599-605_swanston.png?itok=dsPqV2jz" title="Urban Nest's 599-605 Swanston Street was cited as a good example by CoM planners. Image : Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>599-605 Swanston Street was cited as a design exemplar. Image: Hayball</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The massing of the overall form remains challenging in the Swanston Street context, with the appearance of a monolithic, employing coloured finishes and applied sunshading hoods over a broad elevation of some 70m in length (equivalent to 10-11 traditional shop fronts within the retail core).

Whilst the sky garden is a positive inclusion to provide some relief, we require further depth and massing articulation of this surface in lieu of reliance on surface effects. We have a similar critique of the upper component of the form, which appears intentionally flat with flush windows reinforcing the sense of a monolithic block.

Whilst this technique has been deployed in more slender built form by DCM, its application in this broad slab-like form is highly problematic, and lacks any relationship to built form within its surrounding Swanston Street context.

The recently approved and under construction 599 Swanston Street offers a helpful counterpoint, where Hayball and Urban Nest worked closely with CoM to develop a clustered vertical form in order to offset a similar proportioned slab envelope, in conjunction with a tactile, brick base element which responded to the scale of the retained corner heritage form.

We would strongly recommend a more vertical, granular approach to the arrangement of this considerable mass, in lieu of the current slab arrangement.

- City of Melbourne's Urban Design Team via Future (Planning) Committee Report
</blockquote>

Scape has big plans for Melbourne with a further tower – set to be the tallest student accommodation building in the world - on Franklin Street, also currently at planning.

The student accommodation provider also has air rights above the new State Library Station entry on the corner of La Trobe and Swanston Streets, when it is completed in 8 years, after negotiating an outcome with the MMRA to develop an Over Site 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/scapes_future_project_pipeline.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Scape's original scheme for 212-222 LaTrobe Street is on the backburner while it's proposal for 97 Franklin Street is awaiting a Ministerial decision. Images : DCM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/scapes_future_project_pipeline.jpg?itok=pREV2pm-" title="Scape's original scheme for 212-222 LaTrobe Street is on the backburner while it's proposal for 97 Franklin Street is awaiting a Ministerial decision. Images : DCM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Scape's failed 212-222 La Trobe Street plus 97 Franklin Street. Images: DCM</figcaption></figure>The Franklin Street proposal also wasn't received favourably by the City of Melbourne, who cited similar concerns over facade articulation and monotony as concerns for the 60-storey tower which was also designed by DCM.

Scape's CUB proposal is set for a VCAT hearing following the Minister's failure to make a decision in the prescribed period.
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No Great (E)Scape for CUB Proposal

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For almost ten years, Melbourne-based Orchard Piper has been developing boutique projects targeted at a very niche owner-occupier market. Working exclusively with Jolson Architecture, their projects are generally comprised of around 10 residences, all with a gross realisation of around $40 million in tightly held inner-ring suburbs.

With the now sustained trend in the property market toward the owner occupier and drop off of international investors, Orchard Piper Director Luke McKie notes that, “if you are not willing to adapt to the demands of the owner occupier, you won’t be able to service this swing in the market."

Orchard Piper's most recent project - Huntingtower Road - is a boutique two-level project of just 10 apartment surrounded by gardens on a 2,000 square metre site on Huntingtower Road, tailored specifically for people considering a move from large homes in Melbourne’s inner eastern suburbs.

Located between High Street and Malvern Road, 35 Huntingtower Road sees Orchard Piper once again engage Melbourne Architect Stephen Jolson, alongside acclaimed horticulturist Myles Baldwin, to the design team to maximise and enhance the project's garden setting.

<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/1729_orchard_piper_ext-hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Orchard Piper's Huntingtower Road Project sits within a garden designed by Myles Baldwin. Image : Gabriel Saunders"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1729_orchard_piper_ext-hero.jpg?itok=mgmsKI3m" title="Orchard Piper's Huntingtower Road Project sits within a garden designed by Myles Baldwin. Image : Gabriel Saunders" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Orchard Piper's Huntingtower Road Project sits within a garden designed by Myles Baldwin. Image : Gabriel Saunders</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We entrusted this incredibly rare 2000-square metre site to our highly experienced and talented design team to deliver a project with integrity and substance. They created Huntingtower Road – a property far beyond anything Armadale has seen before in this section of the market.

- Luke McKie, Director, Orchard Piper
</blockquote>

Urban.com.au asked McKie for his thoughts on the shift in the market and how Orchard Piper might be best positioned to respond greater demand for service and customisation

Urban.com.au : Orchard Piper have always had a predisposition towards the higher end of the owner-occupier market and a development model which generally results in a speedy town planning process. What was the key driver behind these decisions?

Luke McKie : The two points you’ve raised are critically linked. When Owner Occupiers are your primary buyer, there’s little compassion for a drawn out planning process causing delays to a project.

Our clients typically want to sell their family home, plan their move and get on with their lives. One of our strengths is our ability to identify and acquire premium addresses that can be developed within the Council's objectives resulting in a much quicker planning outcome.

UM : Are you surprised that there are few other developers taking this approach? Or is it still a very niche market, particularly when considering the locations of previous Orchard Piper developments?

LM : It’s a very time consuming and inefficient process, but highly rewarding for us. The ability to engage with our clients, neighbours and Council regularly allows us to continually evolve and improve our product.

We have a very good understanding of our market and community expectations.

There is an ever growing number of developers in our market space, particularly following the slow down of the overseas / investor buyer. I’ll be curious to see how developers new to the owner-occupier space adjust to the demands of this sector, it’s certainly not straight-forward.

UM : What is an ideal development size for Orchard Piper in terms of number of dwellings and also scale?

LM : Historically between 5 and15 properties per project, but we really have no ideal. So long as our buildings and properties within have a strong sense of identity and clients can maintain the balance of privacy and ownership over the building, we are happy to proceed.

UM : Any observations re: the last 6 months and impact of new stamp duty regulations?

LM : Not directly on us, but in speaking with peers, the effect seems to be dramatic. Most developers I speak with, who were in the “stamp duty sensitive space” say that sales have slowed to a trickle or have stopped completely.

I’m sure there’s a lot of pain out there, but it can take time to filter through in an otherwise strong economy. It will start from financiers looking for loan paybacks, when projects get to that point.

UM : What are your expectations for the year ahead?

LM : A continued focus toward the underlying demand of the local buyer and the ongoing exposure of those with poor fundamentals. If your outlook and business model remain macro and disciplined these bumps will create opportunities in the year ahead.

UM : What are some of the fundamentals of Orchard Piper projects and responding to the demands of owner-occupiers? What does Orchard Piper do differently?

LM : The never ending loop of offering a product to market, listening to feedback and integrating that into your next project; this ensures we’re always in touch with our market. We always work as if we’re developing the property for someone in our own family.

Our design intuition, attention to detail, uncompromising standards and ability to source un-repeatable sites sets us apart. We also maintain a deep respect for our clients and our creative team.

We have a wonderful sense of pride and ownership in our project team which we feel is embodied in our projects and ultimately passed through to our clients in their new home. We are also open to change, which in the property development world, immediately sets us apart.

<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_orchardpiper_apt1-living-courtyard.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Apartments within Huntingtower all take advantage of a verdant garden aspect. Image : Gabriel Saunders"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gabrielsaunders_orchardpiper_apt1-living-courtyard.jpg?itok=XqrVlbKR" title="Apartments within Huntingtower all take advantage of a verdant garden aspect. Image : Gabriel Saunders" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Apartments within Huntingtower all take advantage of a verdant garden aspect. Image : Gabriel Saunders</figcaption></figure>
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Orchard Piper's Luke McKie discusses the shift to the owner-occupier market

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Located just one kilometere from Brighton’s Bay Street retail strip, MAST is the latest apartment development to take advantage of Brighton's bayside location and cosmopolitan lifestyle, which includes a vibrant and diverse mix of restaurants, cafes, bars, nightlife and shopping.

Developed by Graceland and LOI Projects, and designed by The Buchan Group, MAST will comprise 15 boutique residences set across three levels within Martin Village, at 123 Martin Street.

The residences are available in one, two and three-bedroom configurations, with large terraces overlooking the village and providing views to the bay and city skyline. A number of retail spaces are located on the ground floor.

MAST has been designed to take advantage of Brighton’s bayside location and surroundings which include a large range of high-quality services and amenities and with the bay just a short stroll down the road.

<blockquote>
Having a sensitively to the scale and heritage of the village architecture, retaining an existing shop front and the streetscape’s grain and materiality. The building form steps back from the street to mediate scale, and in doing so, creates a sequence of deep terraces and balconies.

A robust design aesthetic is adopted for the apartment building using brick, patterned concrete and zinc cladding, providing a contemporary expression with local authenticity.

The apartment interiors are inspired by the theme of stillness and sanctuary. Soft blue-­‐green undertones, textural elements and natural light evoke a calm, tranquil luxury, delivering a timeless design that acts as a canvas upon which residents can make the apartments their own.

- David Forbes, The Buchan Group Project Principal
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/martin_street_-_bedroom.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The apartment interiors are inspired by the theme of stillness and sanctuary says David Forbes of The Buchan Group. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="157" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/martin_street_-_bedroom.jpg?itok=71MJwYtU" title="The apartment interiors are inspired by the theme of stillness and sanctuary says David Forbes of The Buchan Group. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The apartment interiors are inspired by the theme of stillness and sanctuary says David Forbes of The Buchan Group. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>Beller Director of Project Marketing, Heath Thompson cites MAST's spacious open plans, generous storage and luxurious finishes as major selling points, describing the dwellings as "homes more than apartments.” Thompson further outlined the appeal for apartment living in Brighton in a Q&amp;A with Apartments.com.au below:

Apartments.com.au: Do you expect to see further developments like MAST in Brighton?

Heath Thompson: With council planning regulations, land values and developer funding restrictions, these sorts of developments are becoming harder to come by.

In saying that, the marketplace certainly has a strong appetite for apartments with generous living spaces in quality locations, so we hope that more are able to be produced.

UM: Do you think Brighton is an untapped apartment market?

HT: In Brighton, we tend to see very high-end penthouse style residences which can carry some exorbitant price tags. MAST is designed to provide spacious living zones, high-quality fixtures, ample storage solutions, excellent public transport and a Bayside lifestyle without being overly expensive.

UM: Obviously Brighton's bayside location is a major selling point but what are some of the other key aspects of Brighton that make it attractive for developers and prospective purchasers?

HT: The Martin Street village has really developed a cult following. It¹s a quiet strip with fantastic cafes and shops as well as the convenience of the train station. This area hasn¹t reached its peak yet.

UM: What type of buyer demographic will apartment developments such as MAST attract? The down-sizer market or young families? 

HT: MAST is perfectly suited for the down-sizer, professional couple or aspiring first home buyer. The key to this project is the large kitchens and living spaces.

<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/martin_street_living_3.011.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The key to MAST is the large kitchens and living spaces says Beller's Heath Thompson. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/martin_street_living_3.011.jpg?itok=gqh4aJaU" title="The key to MAST is the large kitchens and living spaces says Beller's Heath Thompson. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The key to MAST is the large kitchens and living spaces says Beller's Heath Thompson. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>UM: Beyond the apartments, there will be retail to the ground floor - what sort of retail tenants is the development hoping to attract?

HT: We expect the retail tenancies to be occupied by speciality shops and potentially a café.

UM: How do you see Martin Street evolving over time?

HT: It's well located adjacent to Gardenvale station with the foreshore and bay trail basically down the street. Martin Street has largely been a forgotten gem until the last four or five years.

Now the village has a great feel and has become a destination strip for those seeking an experience away from the hustle and bustle of Bay and Church St. There isn't a great deal of opportunity for future development on Martin Street so there is a good chance that the village will retain its charm over the coming years.
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Brighton's latest development embraces bayside living

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A key Northbank site with a long history looks to be reaching a resolution, following the City of Melbourne announcing its support for developer Riverlee's scheme for a $450 million revitalisation of Goods Shed No.5.

The mixed-use development at 731-739 Flinders Street, replaces a 2013 permit for a 14-storey office building with commercial and retail spaces. Designed by COX Architecture the development allowed for:

<ul>
<li>14 level office tower with 21,000m² net leasable area of office space</li>
	<li>129 car parking spaces provided within the podium levels 1-4</li>
	<li>Shed 5 transformed to provide for food and retail tenancies</li>
	<li>The existing helipad located on the riverfront retained</li>
	<li>A public plaza to the east of Shed 5, south of Seafarers Mission, addressing the Yarra</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/nw06_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2013 permitted office scheme designed by COX. Image : COX Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nw06_0.jpg?itok=DtFfDCFF" title="2013 permitted office scheme designed by COX. Image : COX Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2013 permitted office scheme designed by COX. Image : COX Architecture</figcaption></figure>The revised scheme - designed by Fender Katsalidis - comprises a 17-storey residential and hotel tower, rising behind the retained and refurbished Goods Shed No.. Built in 1855, the existing shed structure which spans 220m, will be refurbished to provide for a function hall facility with frontage along the wharf's edge and access to a new 3,500 sqm public park designed by OCULUS. 

The hotel component has been designed to target the 5 star hotel market and comprises 231 rooms, with a further 182 apartments to be located on levels 8-17 

<ul></ul>
The proposal has since undergone a number of design iterations which involved meetings with DELWP and the City of Melbourne to refine the ultimate design that was submitted for planning consideration. As part of the revised scheme, the existing gantry crane will be relocated to the eastern end of the site.

<blockquote>
This is a very significant project for us, as it marks the completion of our extensive redevelopment of the Northbank precinct, which started back in 2005 when we first purchased the World Trade Centre.

We have truly enjoyed the collaborative design process with all of our partners and important government stakeholders, including the City of Melbourne, DELWP, Department of Treasury and Finance, Heritage Victoria and many others.

The amended design is bold and striking, and is the result of a truly collaborative design process.

- David Lee, Riverlee Development Director
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/goods_shed_timeline.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The evolution of the design from the 2013 approved scheme. Image : FKA Planning Report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/goods_shed_timeline.png?itok=gi9x0rhO" title="The evolution of the design from the 2013 approved scheme. Image : FKA Planning Report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The evolution of the design from the 2013 approved scheme. Image : FK Planning Report</figcaption></figure>In addition to a reduced building mass, the facade has also undergone a significant change with the stacked curvilinear forms' and expressed vertical fenestration being replaced by a series of staggered serrated forms of various scales.

The lower levels have a much finer grain articulation with recessed glazing creating a sense of movement along the facade while the upper levels are a far more extreme expression - with a stacked, interlocking modular appearance.

Overall the revised scheme extends 9.8m higher than the permitted scheme. The lower levels of the amended tower element project to a greater extent over both the south eastern section and the western section of the Goods Shed than the approved scheme.

The relationship of the new built form with the Goods Shed and Seafarers Mission has been improved via a revised tower footprint that employs a greater setback to the Dome of the Seafarers Mission and Seafarers Rest Park, reducing the visual impact the building will have on the adjacent heritage buildings and public realm. Additionally, the ground level activation and pedestrian north-south link have been enhanced.

<blockquote>
City of Melbourne’s Urban Design is generally supportive of the height, scaling and massing of the proposed amended development. Urban Design has supported the increased separation from the Seafarers Mission Dome which provides a better visual link for pedestrians through the site and to the Seafarers Rest Park.

Changes to the tower to move the upper portion further away from river and to refine the way the upper apartment fenestration intersected with the lower hotel parts. Overall the tower is a building of its time and now sits comfortably within a glass box context along the river with the backdrop of Collins Square and Melbourne Quarter.

- City of Melbourne, Future Committee Delegation Report
</blockquote>

With support from the City of Melbourne in hand, a final decision from the Minister for Planning, who is the responsible authority, appears to be a mere formality. 

<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/goods_shed_render_03.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The revised scheme has an improved relationship with the public realm and heritage buildings on site. Image : FKA via Planning Report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/goods_shed_render_03.jpg?itok=mBUcDS9i" title="The revised scheme has an improved relationship with the public realm and heritage buildings on site. Image : FKA via Planning Report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The revised scheme has an improved relationship with the public realm and heritage buildings on site. Image : FK via Planning Report</figcaption></figure><h2>IN BRIEF</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Riverlee</li>
	<li>Architect: Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect: OCULUS</li>
	<li>Planner: Urbis</li>
	<li>182 residential apartments (levels 8-17) ranging in size from 60sqm to 200sqm</li>
	<li>One bedroom units: 25</li>
	<li>Two bedroom units: 137</li>
	<li>Three bedroom units: 18</li>
	<li>Four bedroom units: 2</li>
	<li>231 Hotel rooms (levels 3-7) ranging in size from 55sqm to 200sqm</li>
	<li>Ground level function venue for 700 patrons within refurbished 1855 Goods Shed No.5</li>
	<li>Building height: 69.4 metres (including plant)</li>
	<li>Gross Floor Area : 53,615 sqm</li>
	<li>New 3,500sqm park designed by OCULUS</li>
</ul>
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Third time lucky for Riverlee's 731-739 Flinders Street development

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Following on from <a href="/news/on-site-with-wulff-projects-part-01-newry-street-richmond">Part 01</a> of Apartments.com.au's site tour with Adam Wulff of Wulff Projects, comes Part 02 - 122 Roseneath Street. Developed in partnership with Icon Development and Assemble Projects, the small footprint development is progressing on site at a rapid pace, and like Wulff's Newry Street project is targeting an early Q3 2018 completion date.

<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/160809_assemble-projects_project-slider_011-1050x460.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="122 Roseneath Street upon completion. Image : Assemble Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="254" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/160809_assemble-projects_project-slider_011-1050x460.jpg?itok=o5Sh9gpg" title="122 Roseneath Street upon completion. Image : Assemble Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>122 Roseneath Street upon completion. Image : Assemble Projects</figcaption></figure>Roseneath Street follows a suite of other developments by Wulff Projects in Clifton Hill, successfully acquiring the site off-market in 2014. A town planning permit was obtained outside of VCAT in April 2016 for 49 apartments, 18 townhouses, and one retail tenancy.

Designed by Fieldwork, the design possesses a strong sustainability and community design focus, and comprises three main forms aligned north-south along the site, with two raised landscaped terraces which provide separation, access, and outlook.

These green spines or 'linear parks' are achieved by rising above the ground level car park beneath, removing the need for underground parking and costly basement excavation.

The linear parks are accessed via two cascading stairs from Roseneath Street which are accessible 24/7 - there are no gates, but the change in levels provides a threshold of sorts between the public and private domains.

To the street, the car park is concealed behind a retail tenancy and workshop space with 3-storey townhouses located either side, with a central 6-storey apartment building, that terraces down to Roseneath 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/20180209_082132.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The central apartment building's staggered form responds to the lower scale of the streetscape."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20180209_082132.jpg?itok=-VpHv8mM" title="The central apartment building's staggered form responds to the lower scale of the streetscape." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The central apartment building's staggered form responds to the lower scale of the streetscape.</figcaption></figure>A portion of an existing Brutalist office building on the site has been retained, which provided inspiration and was a key driver in the choice of materiality for the project.  

According to Wulff, its retention was not without its challenges, particularly in how the existing floor levels and structure were integrated into the rest of the development, but says it was ultimately worth it, providing the team with an opportunity to celebrate a key element of the site's existing fabric.   

A redbrick wall along the western boundary has also been retained providing the development with another layer of existing grain and local context.

The building is a highly site-responsive design with strong sustainability, quality, and community focus with extensive Council, community and purchaser consultation which assisted the team in refining the design to sit comfortably within its context and provide a product that was appealing to the local market. .

<blockquote>
The outcome is driven by fundamental principles including an emphasis on internal amenity, privacy, light and air access, equitable view lines, and communal facilities. The project is conceived as an exemplar of contextually sensitive, high-quality design and sustainable, small footprint living.

- Fieldwork
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/20180209_094623.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Making an impact on the Clifton Hill skyline."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20180209_094623.jpg?itok=jgkC0tvO" title="Making an impact on the Clifton Hill skyline." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Making an impact on the Clifton Hill skyline.</figcaption></figure>One of the more interesting aspects of the development and one which reinforces the project team's commitment and belief in the quality of the project is the fact that several members of the project team will call Roseneath home. In the realm of residential development, there's no stronger endorsement in a project than when its team commits to it.  

This particularly was reassuring for prospective purchasers who were involved in the consultation process, providing them with the confidence that this wasn't your typical run of the mill apartment project.

While the extensive consultation process with the community and interested buyers might not always be required or practical on every project, it proved beneficial in shaping the final design and mix of dwellings for Roseneath, says Wulff. 

Look out for Part 03 in the coming months which will focus on Wulff Projects' upcoming 210 Alexandra Parade development. In the meantime please enjoy the slideshow of construction photos below;
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On site with Wulff Projects (Part 02) : 122 Roseneath Street, Clifton Hill

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Apartments.com.au was recently fortunate enough to go onsite at a number of Wulff Project developments currently under construction. One such project is a townhouse development previously covered on Apartments.com.au called Newry Street.

Located on the corner of Newry and Canterbury Streets, in Richmond, the project is progressing well with an expected completion date of around mid-year.

<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/20180209_101033.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Making its mark on Newry Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20180209_101033.jpg?itok=Ep0Y2TPl" title="Making its mark on Newry Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Making its mark on Newry Street</figcaption></figure>The boutique development comprising 12 contemporary three-bedroom townhouses has been designed by Fieldwork and employs a rich material palette of white brick sourced from Spain, timber cladding and steel wire mesh screens to support the growth of vegetation.

Newry Street's architecture is inspired by Richmond’s heritage, drawing upon its architectural character and materiality to provide a contemporary interpretation of the area’s late 19th-century terrace home. Each Newry Street townhouse features bedrooms on the ground and first floor, with living areas on the upper floors that lead to terraces with sweeping views.

The townhouses vary between three and four-storeys.

<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/20180209_102026.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The central parking area, accessed off Newry Street and providing rear entry into the townhouses"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="444" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20180209_102026.jpg?itok=DEUtajht" title="The central parking area, accessed off Newry Street and providing rear entry into the townhouses" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The central parking area, accessed off Newry Street and providing rear entry into the townhouses</figcaption></figure>The development is best described as a townhouse hybrid whereby each townhouse forms the overall composition which bears more of a resemblance to a low-rise apartment building. Parking is provided on the ground level via Newry Street, with a central driveway allowing access to each individual townhouse's garage and a rear entry to the townhouses.

The upper levels of the townhouses are built on top of this space, enclosing it. 

The traditional verandah is re-imagined as two outdoor areas, with a sheltered terrace and a rooftop space accessed via dedicated stairs, complete with built in barbecue and with most offering unobstructed views over Richmond towards the city to the west. 

<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/20180209_102507.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="City skyline views from the townhouse rooftop spaces"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20180209_102507.jpg?itok=qIABLce4" title="City skyline views from the townhouse rooftop spaces" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>City skyline views from the townhouse rooftop spaces</figcaption></figure>On the level below, the balcony offers views of the neighbourhood, providing passive surveillance to the street, with protection from the elements via what developer Adam Wulff refers to as 'baseball caps' . Large, glazed sliding doors allow residents to expand the living area outdoors, creating adaptable and flexible living spaces, and provide natural ventilation to each townhouse.

Look out for Part 02 which will focus on 122 Roseneath Street, a joint venture with Assemble Projects and Icon Developments.

<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/newry_canterbury_frontage_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Canterbury Street frontage upon completion. Image : Wulff Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="233" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/newry_canterbury_frontage_0.jpg?itok=udnS5GlX" title="The Canterbury Street frontage upon completion. Image : Wulff Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Canterbury Street frontage upon completion. Image : Wulff Projects</figcaption></figure>For more images of Newry Street click on the slideshow below.
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On site with Wulff Projects (Part 01) : Newry Street Richmond

<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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