<html><body>
Pace Development Group has been busy in recent weeks with the appointment of Georgia Willis as its new Development Manager, while also launching its Pace of Abbotsford apartment development. 

The 133-apartment building designed by SJB Architects at 247 Johnston Street will be anchored by the retained art deco façade of Saint Crispin House, drawing on the architecture of the heritage fabric with light coloured materials employed as a backdrop for operable metal screens that will create a dynamic façade that responds to solar access.

The 11-storey development will comprise a mix of one, two and three bedroom single level apartments and a series of multi-level townhouses with construction of the project scheduled to commence by the end of the year and completion anticipated during mid-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/ext_abbotsford_elevated_shot_final_lowres.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pace of Abbotsford with the retained facade of St Crispin House. Image: Pace Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ext_abbotsford_elevated_shot_final_lowres.jpg?itok=VSwqT5dV" title="Pace of Abbotsford with the retained facade of St Crispin House. Image: Pace Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace of Abbotsford with the retained facade of St Crispin House. Image: Pace Development Group</figcaption></figure>Georgia Willis, Pace's newly appointed development manager, brings 20 years of industry experience working for Government and private developers such as Caydon, Mirvac, Places Victoria and VicTrack. Georgia was awarded the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Women in Leadership award for 2016 recognising her professional contribution to the development industry.

<blockquote>
I am fortunate that through my work on Caydon’s Malt District, I have almost met with every consultant in town! This was of huge benefit to my position in the industry and I’m excited to introduce Pace to those relationships and build valuable connections where Pace has not had a strong presence in the past.

- Georgia Willis, Development Manager
</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/ext_abbotsford_pool_final_lowres.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The 20m infinity pool as part of Pace of Abbotsford. Image: Pace Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ext_abbotsford_pool_final_lowres.jpg?itok=F9QCXBFL" title="The 20m infinity pool as part of Pace of Abbotsford. Image: Pace Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 20m infinity pool as part of Pace of Abbotsford. Image: Pace Development Group</figcaption></figure>What attracted you to your new position of Development Manager at Pace?

I have always maintained a keen interest in watching other developers and how they each uniquely innovate the marketplace. Pace is a business I have admired and respected for some time, so when I was contacted by Shane about the Development Manager role, I was immediately interested.

Pace’s strategy has always been very clear to me. Their passion for the Melbourne market is a huge credit to them, and their commitment to delivering iconic buildings that will leave a legacy in this city demonstrates enormous integrity. I strongly ascribe to this vision and feel that it aligns perfectly with my own personal brand and career aspirations.

Can you provide an overview of your position at Pace?

Given that Pace has come from a construction background, their level of technical expertise is unrivaled in the industry. My role has been introduced to bring further sophistication to their front-end development function – in particular leveraging my experience across government projects and the associated relationships I have built.

Forging these relationships between Pace and critical government stakeholders at a state and local level will evolve Pace’s pre-development activities, and ultimately the timely approval and delivery of our projects.

What do you hope to achieve in your new role as Development Manager at Pace? 

I’m very excited to pioneer strong female leadership at Pace. There is already great diversity and a powerful level of thinking in the organisation, so I look forward to being a mentor for other great female talent coming through the ranks.

I’m looking forward to driving a more coherent stakeholder management strategy that leverages the value that already exists in the Pace brand, to really put us in the driver's seat on government tenders and commercial partnerships to deliver outcomes we can be truly proud of, that make a broader economic and social contribution.

Where do you see the property market heading?

I think the residential market is as strong as we have seen it. While the property bubble is a constant discussion point, this relates to only concentrated areas of the market.

The reality is that Pace aren’t dealing with a micro market - we are dealing with a macro market, and there’s always going to be a strong demand for quality designed and constructed, affordable housing in areas that people want to live in.

With Pace’s diversification into other development types such as townhouse estates, what will you bring to this new strategy and how will draw on your past experience?

Pace has built a formidable reputation in the boutique area of the market through their existing developments. However, with the move into large-scale precincts, there needs to be a greater emphasis on placemaking and on branding, not just at a developer level, but at a suburb and community level.

This work needs to commence in advance of when a project is scheduled to launch, to build desirability and demand around areas before we even have a product to offer the market.
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Q+A with Pace's new development manager Georgia Willis

<html><body>
Sage Hotel Ringwood, located at Eastland Shopping Centre opened its doors on Tuesday 10 October becoming the first hotel in Victoria to be developed atop a shopping centre.

The new 120-room, full-service hotel spans five floors above the shopping centre and includes a restaurant, bar, conference and co-working facilities comprising of a boardroom, function room and a co-working space with a capacity of 80 people.

The hotel was delivered under a design and construct contract for QIC, following Probuild’s completion of the $500M+ Eastland Shopping Centre Redevelopment in 2016.

<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/eastland_hotel.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Sage Hotel bar at Eastland. Image: Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/eastland_hotel.jpg?itok=hnl3XLFz" title="The Sage Hotel bar at Eastland. Image: Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Sage Hotel bar at Eastland. Image: Probuild</figcaption></figure>Probuild’s September handover allowed Next Story Group four weeks of preparation to ensure a smooth opening day and first-class experience for guests. 

<blockquote>
We’re incredibly proud to have delivered Victoria’s first retail destination hotel. We’re building a number of large-scale luxury hotels around the country, including The Ritz Carlton in Melbourne and Perth and The Star Gold Coast. It’s been fantastic to combine this and our mixed-use experience with a project such as Sage Hotel Ringwood.

- Probuild Victorian Managing Director, Luke Stambolis.
</blockquote>

QIC GRE and Next Story Group will be teaming up once again on the $800 million 80 Collins Street project which will feature a 300-room NEXT hotel and is currently under construction. This presents Next Story's second foray into the Melbourne hotel scene following on from Sage.

Meanwhile, Probuild will be keeping busy having recently been awarded the contract for the first stage of Far East Consortium's West Side Place project at 250 Spencer Street, the site of the former Age building.

The first stage of the $1bn project will deliver 1376 apartments across two towers, as well as the tallest hotel in the southern hemisphere - the 263 room Ritz-Carlton hotel which will rise to a height of 270m.

<blockquote>
This Victorian project is one of unprecedented scale and ambition, not just for Probuild but for Melbourne. West Side Place will be an exemplary project for generations to come.

-  Luke Stamboulis
</blockquote>

Probuild will commence preparatory works on West Side Place immediately, with construction anticipated to commence in November this year. West Side Place is scheduled for completion in 2022. 
</body></html>

Eastland's Sage Hotel officially opens, contract awarded for Ritz Carlton

<html><body>
During its monthly meeting on Tuesday night, the City of Melbourne's Future Melbourne (Planning Committee) has resolved to provide its support for a 48-storey tower at 56-62 Clarendon Street. The current Europcar car hire and workshop on site will be replaced by a 161m tower accommodating 208 apartments and 128 serviced apartments atop a six storey podium.

The site has previously had approval for a silver Elenberg Fraser designed tower from 2013 with an extension of time to commence construction lapsing in May of this year.

Car parking will be via a stacker system on levels 1 to 6, with access provided from the laneway adjacent to the site’s northern boundary. The parking levels will be wrapped in a sleeve of studio apartments along Clarendon Street and the adjacent laneway with a ground floor cafe. 

The tower, which has a plot ratio of 22.6:1 is characterised by its slim glazed form with a recessed golden ribbon element dissecting the form into a series of irregularly shaped stacked forms, as it rises up its full height, culminating in a blade roof feature punctured by a series of large openings. 

<blockquote>
We acknowledge some effort has been made to exaggerate the applied linework to the façade to provide some depth and segmentation. Further, subtle elevation changes exaggerate this sense of a series of stacked forms. We appreciate the increased setbacks to the rear interface with 46 Haig Street to address previous advice; however we recommend a green roof / planter component to this component of the podium to address the outlook of residents.

- City of Melbourne's Urban Design team
</blockquote>

<ul></ul>
One of the major changes to the design has been the relocation of the lift and services core from the more prominent northern elevation to the southern wall which will be opposite another development site.

Additionally the podium has had further visual elements incorporated into its design such as V shaped support structure and a textured treatment of off form ribbed concrete upstands to balconies bookended by glazed balustrades. 

Greater permeability has been provided with additional portholes along the north eastern corner and activation to the ground floor.

<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/image19_14_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before and after. A number of changes have been adopted to the design. Images: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="503" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_14_0.jpg?itok=P2_hngCs" title="Before and after. A number of changes have been adopted to the design. Images: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Before and after. A number of changes have been adopted to the design. Images: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>Further suggested changes and resolution to the design of the podium to "achieve a coherent, strong streetscape interface" include:

<ul>
<li>Ensure that elements of the podium treatment wrap to the side elevation to provide a more coherent treatment. For example, the use of the applied metal ring could relate to the materiality of balustrades for providing some continuity. [There is a strong preference for] a high-quality materiality response over a coarse gesture.</li>
	<li>[There is] still concerned with the unresolved nature of the V elements. Whilst there have seen similar elements used to great success in a landscape setting (garden beds etc such as across the road in Metropol) they have a poor relationship to the human scale and terrace element. They currently obscure views from the terrace, but also fail to provide intimacy and enclosure to the raised space. This space should be resolved in more detail at 1:20.</li>
	<li>Ensure that the ramp is designed effectively as a transition zone that connects the internal programming with the public realm but also provides a high-quality space for outdoor seating. The renders and drawings are not sufficient to describe this building interface as anything other than an arrival space.</li>
	<li>Include a subtle human-scaled micro canopy element (max 200mm) over the laneway that is integrated with the architectural language of the building. This should reinforce the ground level datum through a shadow line from the first floor, and mark a shift in materiality to a higher quality, more pedestrian-oriented finish (such as tiles, brick, timber, etc).</li>
	<li>Exclude all paint finished precast concrete from the lower levels of the podium fronting onto the laneway and ensure that all materials and detailing is to a high standard in response to a pedestrian scale. Resolve service doors / cabinets within this element as ‘key moments’ consistent with the evolving language of the shop fronts to Clarendon Street.</li>
</ul>
These suggested changes might be included as part of the planning permit conditions.

The application was considered under the former interim planning controls of Amendment C262 which requires:

<ul>
<li>A podium height up to 40.0 metres;</li>
	<li>Street setbacks of 5.0 metres above the podium;</li>
	<li>Tower setbacks to all boundaries, excluding streets, equal to 5% of the overall building height for buildings in excess of 100 metres in height; and</li>
	<li>A site plot ratio of 24:1.</li>
</ul>
The proposed development, should it receive Ministerial approval would join a number of other towers either under construction or mooted for this stretch of Clarendon Street such as BPM's Shadow Play and Pepper's Southbank, designed by Elenberg Fraser and Bruce Henderson Architects respectively.

<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/shadowplay.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="BPM's under construction ShadowPlay and Peppers Southbank. Images: redden and BHA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="333" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shadowplay.jpg?itok=aW7-Lazn" title="BPM's under construction ShadowPlay and Peppers Southbank. Images: redden and BHA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>BPM's under construction ShadowPlay and Peppers Southbank. Images: redden and BHA</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

City of Melbourne provides conditional support for Southbank high-rise

<html><body>
Pace Development Group, has recently outbid a number of other developers in acquiring two development sites in Melbourne’s North West, including a five-hectare former quarry site in Sunshine North for $34 million, which is set to become Pace’s first premium townhouse project. 

Director Shane Wilkinson says the Sunshine project will deliver townhouses on the Maribyrnong River's edge and presents an exciting opportunity to develop activated, community-focused housing that would add a large amount of amenity to the suburb. However, this does not necessarily signal a change in Pace's development strategy but rather represents the developer returning to its roots while maintaining its ongoing success in the apartment market as the core of the business. 

<blockquote>
Historically, the business was established developing townhouse units around Melbourne’s South East and graduated to medium density projects throughout inner-city Melbourne as our construction capability and experience grew. We’ve identified an enormous opportunity to apply our learnings from the luxury apartment market into estate developments, where there is unprecedented demand for quality, architecturally designed townhouses in inner-city areas.

This does not mean an abandoning of apartment projects for Pace - which I envisage remaining as our core business – but rather, an exciting opportunity to bring what we do so well in the apartment space to a booming area of the property market.

- Shane Wilkinson, Managing Director, Pace Development Group
</blockquote>

Pace has a number of apartment projects on the go in Melbourne's inner and middle suburbs with the group also gaining approval for a 12-level apartment building above Abbotsford's St Crispin House in August.

The new development at 247-259 Johnston Street will preserve the redbrick, heritage façade of St Crispin House - a remnant of Abbotsford's manufacturing past. - while also providing 136 apartments in addition to a 20-metre rooftop infinity pool, indoor and outdoor dining, lounge areas, a gymnasium and ground level retail which will add to the surrounding cafés, bars and eateries.

<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/image45_6_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pace of Abbotsford. Image: Pace Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="673" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_6_0.jpg?itok=9JoGzCNR" title="Pace of Abbotsford. Image: Pace Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace of Abbotsford. Image: Pace Development Group</figcaption></figure>In a recent interview, Shane Wilkinson discusses what drives the continued success of the business he founded over 20 years ago and what his expectations are for the next 18 months to 5 years.

How have recent policy changes which have resulted in a noticeable drop in investor purchases affected the Pace business?

We have certainly seen a decrease in the number of investors buying into our developments since 1 July, however our developments have always been weighted to the owner-occupier so this change has not significantly affected our business.

I commend our banks and policymakers on precipitating the current correction in our market. No developer wants to see the market overheat – we are all supportive of the industry remaining viable for many years to come and as such, this flat-line in the property 
cycle, which I believe will be sustained for 18 months, is an important and healthy readjustment that we needed to undergo for the long-term sustainability of our industry

What characteristics do you look for when acquiring development sites?

We have a robust acquisitions process that places significant importance on brand attributes rather than just commercial viability. Of the 200 commercially attractive sites that I have been presented to buy over the last six months, only two met our stringent criteria.

The site must have convenient transport links with accessibility to the city; It must have the ability to integrate with and enhance the local community, and it must lend itself to the creation of a community neighbourhood that can sustain every amenity and luxury that 
residents have come to expect from Pace.

We don’t waiver on these commitments to amenity and lifestyle depending on the site’s location – we deliver to the same standard in every location we develop in.

Pace of Carnegie is a perfect example of this, in an area where many competitive developers have 
opted to scale down their offering to a suburban location.

By contrast, we saw an opportunity to elevate the standard of development in this area and have experienced incredible success with this strategy, selling out two thirds of this project within our first 
month of launching.

<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/image50_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pace of Carnegie. Image: Pace Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="381" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image50_9.jpg?itok=5hsdfLJy" title="Pace of Carnegie. Image: Pace Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace of Carnegie. Image: Pace Development Group</figcaption></figure>What are your expectations for the Pace brand over the next 5 years?

Underpinning our reputation for architecturally considered, quality developments, has always been our brand – which is synonymous for client care, accountability on our promises and a long-term investment into the developments we deliver. Every person in our 
business is fluent in our brand values and how they are each individually responsible for delivering on them.

Over the next five years, I see this position in the marketplace strengthening as we invest further into initiatives like digital connectivity that improves how our residents engage with each other, how we respond to their needs, and how we can continue to maintain and 
improve their properties.

I see property purchasers becoming increasingly more educated – they demand superior service, visibility into construction processes, and an ongoing dialogue with the developer. We make it our priority to exceed these expectations and evolve with the needs of the market.
</body></html>

Keeping Up the Pace with Shane Wilkinson

<html><body>
Urban.com.au <a href="/news/three-collins-street-projects-begin-their-skyward-ascent">recently highlighted three key projects</a> which are shaping the western end of Collins Street. Today the attention turns to Collins Street's east end (I staunchly refuse to refer to it as the Paris End) whereafter what seems like an eternity and about 20 different design schemes, owners GICGRE appear to have finally settled on a design, as builder Multiplex pushes ahead with construction of the <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">80 Collins Street transformation</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/80c_progress.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The progression of 80 Collins Street. Images: Various including Woods Bagot, Squint Opera, Floodslicer, OurVision."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="81" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/80c_progress.jpg?itok=v2jQR6mI" title="The progression of 80 Collins Street. Images: Various including Woods Bagot, Squint Opera, Floodslicer, OurVision." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The progression of 80 Collins Street. Images: Various including Woods Bagot, Squint Opera, Floodslicer, OurVision.</figcaption></figure>The earliest designs for the site were first mooted way back in 2008 and featured a green glazed tower wrapped in a diagrid structure, not too dissimilar to the under construction <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">Avant</a> on A'beckett Street.  The design evolved to become two rectilinear volumes - one expressed as a cantilevering crystalline form attached to a ladder frame freestanding mass.

Over time a number of concepts were developed some including columns to support the cantilever others without any structural supports but the tower language, for the most part, remained the same. In other instances, the heights of the two volumes were interchanged with an enclosed rooftop garden crowning the building.

<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/elevations_comparison.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elevation comparison from the first submitted design to a a couple of other iterations. Planning images: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="320" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elevations_comparison.jpg?itok=xjfhz3jz" title="Elevation comparison from the first submitted design to a a couple of other iterations. Planning images: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elevation comparison from the first submitted design to a a couple of other iterations. Planning images: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>The darker tones of the ladder frame structure and retail portal frames were eventually replaced with a visually brighter frame and streetscape treatment of stone and clear glazing.

The latest iteration for the $800 million development is the result of a collaboration between global locals <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, London’s Seventh Wave, <a href="/architects/unstudio">UNStudio</a> and Paris-based Jouin Manku. The design of the retail streetscape draws on the existing built fabric retained on site with an emphasis on proportions and human scale against the backdrop of a 190m tower.

<blockquote>
In our pursuit to create a globally relevant footprint, we have partnered with four of the world’s leading design firms to bring our vision to life. Woods Bagot, Seventh Wave, UN Studio and Jouin Manku, have each been engaged to create an enduring, mixed-use development, which harmonises the precinct with its environment and the people who will inhabit it.

 - QICGRE
</blockquote>

Included as part of the plans are Singapore-based hotelier, SilverNeedle's 300-room <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">NEXT hotel</a>, its second Melbourne hotel following the recent completion of its Sage hotel in Ringwood as part of the Eastland Shopping Centre expansion. The hotel is due to open in 2019. 

SIlverNeedle's commitment to operate the Little Collins Street hotel, in conjunction with QICGRE securing Macquarie Group as an anchor tenant for approximately 6000 sqm of commercial office space in the new $550 million tower, allowed the project to finally commence after 9 years. Macquarie Group will relocate from their current premises at 101 Collins Street. 
The existing tower once known as Nauru house will also undergo a significant refurbishment as part of the project.

<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/view05_day_final_v02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="80 Collins Street will transform the Exhibition Street streetscape. Image: QICGRE "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/view05_day_final_v02.jpg?itok=601fgJyW" title="80 Collins Street will transform the Exhibition Street streetscape. Image: QICGRE " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>80 Collins Street will transform the Exhibition Street streetscape. Image: QICGRE</figcaption></figure><h2>80 Collins Street at a Glance</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: QICGRE</li>
	<li>Design Team: Woods Bagot, UNStudio, Seventh Wave, Jouin Manku</li>
	<li>Builder: <a href="/builders/multiplex">Multiplex</a>
</li>
	<li>Tenants: Macquarie</li>
	<li>35 levels of PCA Premium Grade offices over 43,000 sqm in South Tower</li>
	<li>Floor plates of 1,250 - 1,350 sqm</li>
	<li>Targeting 5 Star NABERS</li>
	<li>6 Star Green Star Design</li>
	<li>Lifestyle Centre with change rooms and approx. 340 lockers, 32 showers and 290 secure bike racks</li>
	<li>80 Collins Lounge: A semi-private and informal collaborative space outside the office supported by the 80 Collins restaurants and hotel</li>
	<li>9,000 sqm of retail including luxury and lifestyle brands </li>
	<li>300-room NEXT hotel by SilverNeedle to Little Collins Street</li>
	<li>Anticipated completion date 2020</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/gw_80c.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Construction is progressing on site with two cranes now in operation. Image: Glenn Wilson, SkyscraperCity"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gw_80c.jpg?itok=-_qzC27j" title="Construction is progressing on site with two cranes now in operation. Image: Glenn Wilson, SkyscraperCity" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Construction is progressing on site with two cranes now in operation. Image: Glenn Wilson, SkyscraperCity</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

The evolution of 80 Collins Street

<html><body>
The development of a 13-storey apartment building as part of a larger site development at Ormond Station to be called Ormond Place can proceed following approval from Planning Minister Richard Wynne. The approval comes following a public hearing held at Planning Panels Victoria and based on advice from a Standing Advisory Committee in and which drew strong community backlash against what has been dubbed the 'Sky Tower.'

Ormond Place will be delivered by VicTrack and developer DealCorp who has engaged architects Clarke Hopkins Clarke to develop a concept for a mixed-use scheme above Ormond Station. The station's rebuild was completed last year as part of the Level Crossing Removal project.

The development peaks at 13 storeys along North Road and drops to 6 storeys further away from the major thoroughfare. A supermarket and shops are expected adjacent to the station entry, whilst townhouses will be developed along Newham Grove, concealing the car parking beyond.

<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/project_north_road_ormond.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The 13-storey over site development (OSD) to be developed above Ormond Station. Image: VicTrack"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="249" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/project_north_road_ormond.jpg?itok=3gAABtcs" title="The 13-storey over site development (OSD) to be developed above Ormond Station. Image: VicTrack" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 13-storey over site development (OSD) to be developed above Ormond Station. Image: VicTrack</figcaption></figure>A material palette has been employed which draws on the local context and character of the area, featuring timber, red brick and a more contemporary light brick, with an integrated landscape strategy to soften the buildings visually.

Ormond Place aims to build on VicTrack's mandate of developing surplus rail land into higher density outcomes with traditional developers brought in as development partners. IKON Glen Waverley is complete, while Jewell Station and Hampton Station precinct are also in the works.

<h2>Jewell Station </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/jewell_01.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Jewell Station's new Urban Village. Images: BKK Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jewell_01.png?itok=-Wm6kyAU" title="Jewell Station's new Urban Village. Images: BKK Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jewell Station's new Urban Village. Images: BKK Architects</figcaption></figure>A partnership between VicTrack and Neometro, the redevelopment of the Jewell Station precinct in Brunswick seeks to create a "New Urban Village." following approval of plans of the station precinct development in 2016.

As part of the development, existing derelict buildings on VicTrack-owned land will be replaced by two 8-storey mixed-use buildings, containing ground floor retail and 122 one, two and three bedroom apartments.

The development will help fund improvements to the station forecourt and public realm with the historic Jewell Station building forming the centrepiece of this key civic space. The station forecourt will also feature a community garden area and artistic and cultural spaces for the local community.

Access to the station will also be improved as part of the development with a new ramp and stairs, increased bike parking, and the upgrade of the Upfield bike path.

<h2>Hampton Station 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/36_30-03-2017_1082.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A working image for Hampton Station precinct. Image: epc.Pacifric"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/36_30-03-2017_1082.jpg?itok=2fCRcJeK" title="A working image for Hampton Station precinct. Image: epc.Pacifric" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A working image for Hampton Station precinct. Image: epc.Pacific</figcaption></figure>Developer epc.Pacific is working with VicTrack and the Department of Health and Human Services to deliver a new $120 million predominantly residential precinct alongside Hampton Station.

Intended to become an exemplary residential project, Village @ Hampton as it has been dubbed sits on a 7,056sqm tract of land. Apartments along with a new retail/entertainment and new public plaza are envisaged.

According to epc.Pacific's website "the design of the project is being undertaken by internationally recognised and highly awarded Australian Design companies, Ashton Raggatt McDougall (ARM) Architects, Jam Architects and Rush Wright. Fronting Koolkuna Lane, the overhaul is slated to begin shortly.
</body></html>

On the right track: Ormond Place gets the green light

<html><body>
The appeal of being located in close proximity to the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens continues to be a major selling point for developers, with a handful seeking to take advantage of the views afforded by the northern location.

Developer SP Setia has recently experienced this appeal first hand, with their Sapphire by the Gardens development passing the 80 per cent sold mark. The remaining 20 per cent of apartments will be marketed during two exclusive events in Sydney and Melbourne in coming weeks.

<div>
<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/sbtg_interior_render_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sapphire By The Gardens apartment interior. Image: SP Setia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sbtg_interior_render_3.jpg?itok=4RN28wU4" title="Sapphire By The Gardens apartment interior. Image: SP Setia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sapphire By The Gardens apartment interior. Image: SP Setia</figcaption></figure>
</div>

<ul></ul>
<blockquote>
A small number of the remaining apartments overlook the iconic, UNESCO world heritage listed, Royal Exhibition Building and its surrounding Carlton Gardens. These apartments will boast some of the most impressive views in Melbourne, as will the limited remaining apartments overlooking Melbourne’s CBD.

Sapphire By The Gardens has been carefully designed to the highest architectural standards and we are excited to watch this development evolve and settle into this iconic location.

- Mr Choong Ka Wai, CEO of SP Setia Melbourne
</blockquote>

<div>
The first tower, Sapphire By The Gardens will accommodate 345 residential apartments and residents will be able to access a range of amenities, including spa and sauna facilities, gymnasium and yoga area, infinity-edged pool and residents dining lounge just to name a few.

A second tower connected to the first by a sky-bridge will deliver 500 suites as part of Melbourne’s first Shangri-La branded hotel that s is scheduled for completion - along with the rest of the development - during 2021. 
</div>

Not too far away a number of other developments are at various stages of their respective development lifecycles, with UEM Sunrise's Conservatory the most advanced in terms of progress. Under the lead of head contractor Hickory, construction of the COX Architecture-designed 37-storey apartment tower is racing skyward at a feverish pace.

Conservatory will at completion add 473 dwellings, designed around views towards the Carlton Gardens. The main entry lobby is flanked by a new north-south retail laneway with tenancies located within a series of pods designed to activate the streetscape.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/conservatory_hickory.png" rel="gallery-all" title="UEM Sunrise's Conservatory apartments are rising opposite the Carlton Gardens."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="579" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/conservatory_hickory.png?itok=cmM4W7pG" title="UEM Sunrise's Conservatory apartments are rising opposite the Carlton Gardens." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>UEM Sunrise's Conservatory apartments are rising opposite the Carlton Gardens.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The sculptural tower form has been configured to maximise the number of units that have the best views to Carlton Gardens, unencumbered views to the north, as well as view corridors through existing and approved developments to the south.

The curved form of the building maximising the facade area to allow the greatest amount of glazed frontage, allowing optimal natural light penetration to more unit areas while the environmental fins modulate solar penetration. The top of the tower incorporates an environmental crown housing PV cells and water harvesting measures, creating a dynamic highlight to the form to transition from the mass and bulk of the adjacent tower down to the smaller scale of the tower to the east and the gardens below. 

- COX Architecture
</blockquote>

Conservatory is expected to be completed late next year, while another project directly opposite was recently submitted for planning consideration. Should it be granted approval 23-29 Victoria Street will accommodate 90 apartments within a 25-storey building located on a 894sqm wedge-shaped site with two street frontages, currently occupied by a service station.

Similar to Sapphire by the Gardens and Conservatory, the Woods Bagot designed scheme for Perri Projects has drawn on its location opposite Carlton Gardens, with apartments oriented to best maximise a northerly aspect.

<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/image10_14_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_14_0.jpg?itok=WkAiXx32" title="23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>23-29 Victoria Street as rendered from Drummond Street. Planning image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Lastly the long dormant former Cancer Council headquarters building at 1 Rathdowne Street on the corner with Victoria Street continues to languish with little movement on the key corner site.

The 3,100sqm sold for in excess of $16 million during 2013 to Kingisland Timber Pty Ltd. The owner has yet to progress any plans for the site, despite having received approval in 2015 for the conversion of the existing building, which has been described by Lord Mayor Robert Doyle as one of Melbourne's worst eyesores, into a Indoor (trampoline) Recreation Centre. 

<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/1-23_rathdowne_street.png" rel="gallery-all" title="1 Rathdowne Street has approval in place for a Indoor Trampoline Centre. No joke. Image: Latitude Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1-23_rathdowne_street.png?itok=cYj79Afo" title="1 Rathdowne Street has approval in place for a Indoor Trampoline Centre. No joke. Image: Latitude Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Rathdowne Street has approval for a Indoor Trampoline Centre. Image: Latitude Developments</figcaption></figure>One suspects it won't be long before the owners either on sell the site or draft up plans for a residential scheme for what is one of the most prominent sites in the northern CBD.
</body></html>

The X factor - 308 Exhibition set to join the Carlton Gardens line up

<html><body>
Melbourne Quarter last week took a major step forward with the completion of a new deck overlooking Wurundjeri Way. Once completed, the deck will connect the precinct’s three commercial towers and form the ground level of the precinct’s public square on Collins Street, which will be one of the most significant public spaces in the central city. 
Melbourne Quarter's footprint will see more than 50 per cent dedicated toward public space, including the elevated Skypark garden perched above Collins Street. From the public's perspective Skypark will combine a green city square with retailers, bars and restaurants; all flanked by Lendlease's three commercial towers.

<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/one_melbourne_quarter_commercial_building.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One Melbourne Quarter and its Sky Garden will rise above Collins Street West. Image: Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/one_melbourne_quarter_commercial_building.jpg?itok=qxhOE_Lr" title="One Melbourne Quarter and its Sky Garden will rise above Collins Street West. Image: Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One Melbourne Quarter and its Sky Garden will rise above Collins Street West. Image: Lendlease</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Melbourne Quarter will bridge the gap between Docklands and the CBD, as the commercial centre of the city moves westward. As Melbourne Quarter becomes more visible on the city’s skyline, it signals Lendlease’s confidence in Melbourne’s commercial growth in the Southern Cross Precinct and the continued appetite for smarter, more energy-efficient offices.

Our first commercial building is testament to the desire for contemporary, well-designed offices in the city’s best connected location and the continued tenant interest in the project.

Arup and Lendlease will relocate their Victorian workforces to One Melbourne Quarter next year, taking up three and four levels of office space respectively. In the coming months, we expect to make further announcements on more leading businesses that will become part of our new and exciting city neighbourhood.

Mark Menhinnitt: Managing Director for Urban Regeneration and Infrastructure Development
</blockquote>

The precinct’s next office tower, Two Melbourne Quarter, was lodged for planning in late July, whilst construction on One Melbourne Quarter commenced during October last year. A total of seven commercial and residential buildings will be delivered in the precinct.

Once completed, Melbourne Quarter will offer approximately 130,000sqm of flexible office space for more than 12,000 employees, and will be home to approximately 3,000 residents.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" class="source-view" frameborder="0" height="400" mozallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="https://embed.widencdn.net/video/lendlease/h2zkrpekpw?u=chxvls" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe>

As Lendlease advances the Melbourne Quarter's footprint, the above-mentioned projects will expand the development further south toward Flinders Street.

Lendlease has applied to relocate Bunjil (below right) further south along the Wurundjeri Way road reservation. This would likely occur prior to the commencement of Melbourne Quarter's two more substantial commercial towers, with the taller reaching 27 levels.

From a public interest perspective, Lendlease have also secured approval from Heritage Victoria to restore 220 metres of historic 1890's red brick retaining wall facing Flinders Street. Sometimes referred to as the 'Wailing Wall', the polychrome brick structure will eventually be punctured in order to create a Flinders Street entrance for the forthcoming residential towers that doubles as a new public link connecting Melbourne Quarter to Spencer 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/image5_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter's September progress. Image: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_13.jpg?itok=urERr0l0" title="Melbourne Quarter's September progress. Image: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter's September progress. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Melbourne Quarter bridges the gap between the CBD and Docklands

<html><body>
First mooted early last year, the long awaited facelift to Rebecca Walk looks set to proceed following a call out for "40 energetic street food traders" back in January of this year and planning approvals.

New plans were conceived for the largely empty row of pods which occupy the under croft of the Flinders St Viaduct adjacent to Batman Park on the CBD's Northbank. Rebecca Walk takes its name from the schooner ‘Rebecca’ which John Batman sailed into the Yarra and celebrates the historical connection between 'Batman' and 'Rebecca'.

<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/rebecca-walk2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The existing condition of Rebecca Walk. Image: https://cityplanningbrisbane.files.wordpress.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rebecca-walk2.jpg?itok=VqpR24_2" title="The existing condition of Rebecca Walk. Image: https://cityplanningbrisbane.files.wordpress.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The existing condition of Rebecca Walk. Image: https://cityplanningbrisbane.files.wordpress.com</figcaption></figure>Developed in parallel with Far East Consortium's Northbank Place development on the site of the former Fish Markets, Rebecca Walk was envisioned as a catalyst and drawcard for Northbank which activated an otherwise underutilised space.

Businessman Arthur Zurcas announced plans last year to rejuvenate the area into the city’s “newest explosive food and entertainment hot spot”.

The proposed plan would replace the existing pods with purpose built micro-kitchens, and semi-permanent shipping containers, transforming the area into a street food hub.  Other features would include outdoor entertainment, and activities, street art, an outdoor cinema and an elevated deck overlooking Batman Park.

<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/img-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="233" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img-1.jpg?itok=7KWYp3B5" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground Plan of Rebecca Walk showing occupation of car parking. Image: rebeccawalk.com.au</figcaption></figure>The plans indicate the food hub will extend beyond the current boundary occupying a greater footprint and replacing a number of car parking spaces while also creating a shared pedestrian/vehicle space in place of a service driveway.

An application was lodged last year for 2-92 Rebecca Walk for the "Erection and display of artwork on a hoarding" (City of Melbourne reference TP-2016-1045) followed by a further application (TP-2016-1118) on the 29th December which was for:

<blockquote>
Partial demolition and development of the land for the purpose of a food and drink premises (excluding hotel and tavern) and for the construction and display of internally illuminated business identification
</blockquote>

A permit was issued on the 4th August which paves the way for Rebecca Walk's transformation to proceed. It appears to be a case of when not if the rebranded Rebecca Walk will proceed but one hazard's a guess it should be up and running in time for summer.

<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/img-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="233" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img-2.jpg?itok=agQ8Q723" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rebecca Walk is set to become a street food and outdoor entertainment hub. Image: rebeccawalk.com.au</figcaption></figure>For further information check out: http://www.rebeccawalk.com.au/

 
</body></html>

Rebecca Walk's long awaited transformation set to finally get underway?

<html><body>
Urban.com.au has <a href="/news/collins-street-west-set-for-significant-change">previously highlighted</a> the significant transformation that is currently underway along the western reaches of Collin Street with three projects currently under construction and a number of others due to begin in the next few years.

The three projects in question - Collins Arch, Collins House and <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Olderfleet </a>- have all recently had cranes erected following months of demolition and early site works, allowing these three skyline changing projects to begin rising out of the ground.

Together these three projects will also deliver 3,500 sqm of public realm, almost 100,000 sqm of office space, 294 hotel suites and 469 apartments between them over the next 3 years.

Below is a snapshot of the current state of play on each of these projects.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/half1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Olderfleet (Mirvac), Collins House (Golden Age), Collins Arch (Cbus Property)"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="230" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/half1.jpg?itok=ESC3ZIid" title="Olderfleet (Mirvac), Collins House (Golden Age), Collins Arch (Cbus Property)" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Olderfleet (Mirvac), Collins House (Golden Age), Collins Arch (Cbus Property)</figcaption></figure><h2>Collins Arch</h2>

The dual tower development affectionately referred to as 'the pantscraper' has the beginnings of its cores visible with the jump form no too far off.

The development has some way to go before it reaches Collins Street but with Multiplex at the helm its core should begin poking out above the street in the next few months, with the basement levels to follow. Its unique form will most likely appear on the skyline from mid next year.

Upon completion, the 41-storey Collins Arch will feature 294 hotel rooms, 43,000sqm of office space, 202 apartments and a 1,500 sqm park which will add much needed green space into the heart of the city. The Woods Bagot &amp; SHoP designed project will rise to a height of 143m.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/collins_arch_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Arch construction progress. Images: (L-R) redden, Zekebe"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="274" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_arch_1.jpg?itok=-OJco8gv" title="Collins Arch construction progress. Images: (L-R) redden, Zekebe" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Arch construction progress. Images: (L-R) redden, Zekebe</figcaption></figure><h2>Collins House</h2>

Golden Age's 204m <a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House project</a> will be Australia's thinnest tower and as the below photos illustrate this is not without its challenges as the site's narrow footprint, constraints of neighbouring buildings and a single point of access created issues with the amount of room available to manoeuvre the various pieces of plant required for the ground works.

Despite this construction of the Bates Smart-designed residential tower is expected to pick up with builder Hickory employing its HBS construction method, with the site serviced by a single tower crane and major elements including façade and precast fabricated off-site and rapidly assembled on arrival to Collins Street.

Prefabricated Hickory structural units will be used from level 14 onwards, following the completion of conventional formwork construction. As a result of these construction techniques, the construction programme will be reduced by up to 30%.

<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/p8290453.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins House construction progress. Images: redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="215" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p8290453.jpg?itok=GepRXhcM" title="Collins House construction progress. Images: redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins House construction progress. Images: redden</figcaption></figure><h2>Olderfleet</h2>

Construction of Mirvac's Olderfleet project is in full swing with a targeted completion date of July 2020, when anchor tenant Deloitte will relocate into their Grimshaw-designed digs. In addition to the erection of the first crane behind the Olderlfleet buildings a gantry has also been installed to Collins Street.

The remnants of the 80's office building's western core is visible as the structure provides temporary structural support to the Olderfleet buildings. It will eventually be removed once the new structural elements are built. 

The now exposed rear of the Olderfleet buildings will once again disappear from view as the floor plates rise and obscure the view from the street. The southern facade will be cleaned and restored providing a unique backdrop to the projects lobby and 30m high atrium.

<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/p8270421.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Olderfleet construction progress. Images: redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="213" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p8270421.jpg?itok=oMRx87g-" title="Olderfleet construction progress. Images: redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Olderfleet construction progress. Images: redden</figcaption></figure>Lead Image: redden
</body></html>

Three Collins Street projects begin their skyward ascent

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

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

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

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

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

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

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

Laurence Dragomir

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Laurence Dragomir

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News