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During the City of Melbourne's monthly meeting held on the 29th August, council voted in favour of the proposed design for the below ground operational area at the western end of Sheds A to D (also referred to as Q2). This area forms part of the enabling works for the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal Project.

The project can now pursue the lodgement of relevant planning and heritage permit applications, to be considered by Heritage Victoria which under the proposed plans also includes the location of a vehicular access point at the Peel Street end of Shed D.

<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/qvm_sheds_a-d_gf.png" rel="gallery-all" title="QVM Sheds A-D (Q2) Plans and section. Image: Grimshaw via CoM Council report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qvm_sheds_a-d_gf.png?itok=MiuuDH1t" title="QVM Sheds A-D (Q2) Plans and section. Image: Grimshaw via CoM Council report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>QVM Sheds A-D (Q2) Plans and section. Image: Grimshaw via CoM Council report</figcaption></figure>The revised draft plans for Q2 prepared by Grimshaw reduce the size of the footprint in exchange for a deeper excavation for the below-ground facilities at the western end of Sheds A, B, C &amp; D. This means the eastern portions of the sheds, adjacent to Queens Street, don't need to be removed reducing the impact of the works on the heritage sheds.

The below-ground facilities are designed to include two levels and a mezzanine for new delivery and loading areas, storage, cool rooms and food preparation areas, waste management facilities, showers, toilets and break out spaces. Additionally one level of approx. 220 customer car parking with the balance of customer parking to be located as part of the Munro site redevelopment which is expected to deliver a further 500 car parks.

In terms of vehicular access to the proposed below ground operational area, a peer review of previous reports has been undertaken with a heritage architect, structural and logistic engineers and traffic management experts. with five options investigated and interrogated. The results of this analysis determined that the most suitable location for access was the preferred vehicle entry/exit point was on Peel Street at Shed D.

<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/1502346821348.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alternate scheme for the QVM renewal by Friends of Queen Victoria Market. Image: John McNabb via The Age"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="161" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1502346821348.jpg?itok=xMEXf2gc" title="Alternate scheme for the QVM renewal by Friends of Queen Victoria Market. Image: John McNabb via The Age" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Alternate scheme for the QVM renewal by Friends of Queen Victoria Market. Image: John McNabb via The Age</figcaption></figure>As a result of the reduced operational facilities footprint fewer fruit and veg traders will be disrupted so the planned Market Pavilion along Queens Street has been reduced to 120m long, down from the 250m that was initially proposed. The $5.6 million structure will be built on the northern end of Queen St, providing space for displaced traders once the redevelopment gets underway in earnest.

Construction on the Market Pavilion will begin in October Meanwhile at a council meeting held a week earlier on the 22 August an alternative plan prepared by lobby group Friends of Queen Victoria Market was dismissed by Lord Mayor Robert Doyle. The proposal by architect John McNabb included an elevated green space built on top of the existing parking area and sought to leave the heritage sheds untouched.
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Laurence Dragomir

The Queen Victoria Market Renewal pushes ahead

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The former site of John Batman's home, Batman's Hill is entering the final stages of its redevelopment.

Collins Square's final tower has begun its skyward ascent, as has Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter Commercial and Residential precinct already. Melbourne Quarter's first stage is at construction and involves a new 12-storey home for consultancy firm Arup along with a skypark.

A further two commercial towers, three residential buildings and additional significant open space forms have yet to be acted upon at Melbourne Quarter.

<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/20170721_143249.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter and Collins Square."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_143249.jpg?itok=LEdFMTFE" title="Melbourne Quarter and Collins Square." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter and Collins Square.</figcaption></figure>The podium areas within Collins Square are all but complete with the food hall's expansion including a new venue called Hightail, with capacity for 1,000 people.

ETFE canopies allow light into the interior spaces while also providing weather protection which is becoming more and more common at Docklands. The former Harbour Town (soon to be known as The District Docklands) also received ETFE canopies to aid with weather protection, without necessarily feeling like a fully enclosed space.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/20170721_143848.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Square's food hall and retail podium."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="430" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_143848.jpg?itok=R-iavaG1" title="Collins Square's food hall and retail podium." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Square's food hall and retail podium.</figcaption></figure>Diagonally opposite Collins Sqaure, new soft and hardscaping works are being undertaken by Development Victoria to improve the quality of the open space on the triangular park bound by Waterview Walk.

Collins Street and Harbour Esplanade will receive seating plus formal and informal areas for various recreational uses to supplement the multipurpose sports court.

<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/20170721_125640.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Public open space improvements are underway"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="374" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_125640.jpg?itok=kj7PSGy0" title="Public open space improvements are underway" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Public open space improvements are underway</figcaption></figure>Development VIctoria has also completed a transformation of Village Street from a two lane road to a one-way shared space. The project allows the street to be used for festivals, live performances and other community events, maximising its location opposite Etihad Stadium.

<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/village_street.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Village Street upgrade. Image: Development Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="505" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/village_street.png?itok=fXBykqmI" title="Village Street upgrade. Image: Development Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Village Street upgrade. Image: Development Victoria</figcaption></figure>Looking to Etihad Stadium, its entire concourse is a barren, shaded transient area when the stadium isn't in event mode.

With the AFL's purchase of Etihad Stadium earlier this year, they have begun lobbying the Government to contribute funding towards the $300+m revitalisation of the almost 20 year old venue.

The AFL engaged COX Architects to develop a scheme which would see better use of the concourse area, and the improvement of the stadium's interface to Harbour Esplanade which may include an 11-storey hotel on the site of the current AFL Headquarters. 

<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/20170721_142200.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The stadium concourse."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="190" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_142200.jpg?itok=2xkBFJHn" title="The stadium concourse." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The stadium concourse.</figcaption></figure>The stadium and Collins Square/Melbourne Quarter zones are both linked via a semi public but privately owned thoroughfare which winds through both 699 Bourke &amp; 664 Collins Street, providing a north-south connection which also offers great close up views of Southern Cross Station's undulating roof forms.

<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/20170721_142825.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southern Cross Station up close."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_142825.jpg?itok=Yf9yI9X4" title="Southern Cross Station up close." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southern Cross Station up close.</figcaption></figure>This piece concludes the four-part Docklands visual series. See below further photos of the Batman's Hill and Stadium precincts, demonstrating how the once desolate area has been transformed into an extension of Melbourne's CBD over the course of 15 years.
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Docklands Places and Spaces, part four: Batmans Hill and Stadium

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The City of Melbourne's Future (Planning) Committee this week resolved to issue conditional approval for a 10-storey building at 1071-1081 Hoddle Street in East Melbourne. The building would rise to a height of 31.54m and accommodate 26 apartments on a triangular shaped site with a total area of 311 sqm.

The railway cutting for the Hurstbridge and South Morang lines abuts the rear of the site and a council lane stretches along the southern boundary of the site. The existing property on site is known as ‘Ascot Private Lodge’ and was previously used as a boarding house.

The development will retain the façade of the 'Ascot' which is an ungraded building, with a café slated for the ground floor, but no car parking will be provided due to the location and site constraints.

Additionally the development will breach the 24m height limit outlined in DDO21 which applies to the site by 7m but this is supported by Council as ".... the proposal meets the design objectives by not having a direct impact upon Wellington Parade, Fitzroy Gardens and Yarra Park and respecting the scale and significance of heritage buildings in the vicinity of the site."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hoddle_gf.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground Floor Plan. Image: Carr Design Group Planning Report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="352" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hoddle_gf.png?itok=sizBiawG" title="Ground Floor Plan. Image: Carr Design Group Planning Report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground Floor Plan. Image: Carr Design Group Planning Report</figcaption></figure>One of the few sticking points for the City of Melbourne and one they are seeking to address via a condition on the permit is further resolution to the new development's facade.

<blockquote>
Despite the minor projection in height above the preferred 24m datum and bold massing profile of the proposal, the sophisticated architectural response warrants urban design support. The demonstrated level of design quality within the application package are befitting both of the retained heritage base and highly exposed site to the residential hinterland to the north and Hoddle Street to the east. Further, we are confident specifically in the demonstrated ability of the project architects from our knowledge of previous work.

The design of the addition is considered appropriate, subject to conditions to further refine the façade design to integrate the development into the retained portion of the building. Other detailed matters can be addressed via recommended permit conditions.

- City of Melbourne Future (Planning) Committee Report, 15 August 2015
</blockquote>

To that end, Carr proposes the use of a combination of materials and finishes for the new build including metal cladding (charcoal), precast concrete, steel framed windows, balustrades and fins (charcoal) and clear glazing. A number of variations of how this palette might be applied to the same building form with subtle distinction is indicated below.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/carr_hoddle.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Facade articulation options. Image: Carr Design Group Planning Report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/carr_hoddle.png?itok=zSjOgeAm" title="Facade articulation options. Image: Carr Design Group Planning Report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Facade articulation options. Image: Carr Design Group Planning Report</figcaption></figure>The design response seeks to distinguish the new built form from the existing Ascot lodge acting as a contrasting element to the cream brick facade rather than trying to mimic. The concrete horizontal spandrel bands of the balconies wrap the building and are a cue to the Art Deco elements of the existing building's facade.

The building's height and mass will provide a strong anchor to the corner site and a focal point on the skyline. While the final composition and facade articulation is still to be resolved, it's expected it will largely be in a similar vein to the endorsed scheme.

<h2>1071-1081 Hoddle Street in Brief</h2>

<ul>
<li>Applicant: Carson Ascot Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: Carr Design Group</li>
	<li>Planning: Contour</li>
	<li>Partial demolition of existing building with the retention of part of the façade to Hoddle Street</li>
	<li>Construction of a 10 storey mixed use development including a food and drink premises (café), 26 apartments (12 one-bedroom and 14 two- bedroom) and a communal rooftop terrace</li>
	<li>Building height of approximately 31.5 metres (RL59.9) as measured from the Hoddle Street frontage to the top of the plant room and pergola on the rooftop but excluding the lift overrun </li>
	<li>No setbacks to boundaries</li>
	<li>Ground floor comprises a food and drink premises (café) with trading hours between 7am to 11pm (96 square metres), residential entrance via Hoddle Street;</li>
	<li>26 bicycle spaces, 26 storage cages, building services and waste storage accessed via Council Lane CL1379</li>
	<li>No car parking spaces or loading bays</li>
	<li>Level 1 to 2 comprises 4 dwellings (three one-bedroom and one two-bedroom)</li>
	<li>Level 3 to 5 comprises 4 dwellings (two one-bedroom and two two-bedroom)</li>
	<li>Level 6 to 8 comprises 2 dwellings (two two-bedroom)</li>
	<li>Rooftop level comprises a terrace with pergola accessed via a lift and plant room</li>
</ul>
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Carr's Hoddle Street Development finds favour with Council

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CBRE in recent weeks has begun marketing a development site at 118 City Road in Southbank which has been branded as 'Flagship'.

The 6,191sqm site is currently home to a BMW dealership and showroom, and has significant potential to add to what is set to become on of the densest city blocks in Melbourne, boasting towers of 200m through to over 300m.

The site is located close ro both the 297m Eureka Tower and the under construction 319m Australia 108, and is on the same block as One Queensbridge which holds approval at 323m .

<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/flagship_01_edit-01.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The Southbank and site in question at 118 City Road."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="514" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flagship_01_edit-01.png?itok=auonJ9Br" title="The Southbank and site in question at 118 City Road." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Southbank and site in question at 118 City Road.</figcaption></figure>For the purposes of marketing the site's potential, CBRE have engaged Fender Katsalidis to produce an indicative concept for dual towers of varied heights. The concept looks to be loosely based on Fender Katsalidis' other twin tower design for 308 Exhibition Street.

This is illustrated in the night montage below which shows the towers linked by a skybridge.

Applying the planning scheme's plot ratio of 18:1 yields a GFA of 111,438sqm, with the conceptual scheme seeking a GFA of 148,127 sqm or a plot ratio of 24:1.

<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/image3_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One possible scenario as marketed by CBRE. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3_6.jpg?itok=0aq_OaDb" title="One possible scenario as marketed by CBRE. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One possible scenario as marketed by CBRE. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>Any prospective purchaser is not obligated to proceed with the scheme as indicated above. As such I've decided to produce a couple of quick test scenarios in 3D for your viewing pleasure beginning with the Fender Katsalidis option (or one that is very similar).

<div class="sketchfab-embed-wrapper"><iframe allowfullscreen="" allowvr="" frameborder="0" height="480" mozallowfullscreen="true" onmousewheel="" src="https://sketchfab.com/models/0325ca7c349a4506a06cb796da599e3d/embed" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="640"></iframe></div>

The alternate scenario shown below sees 118 City Road and 158 City Road consolidated into a mega site similar to what Crown and Schiavello achieved with One Queensbridge. This roughly 7,062sqm site would be able to accommodate a 127,116sqm GFA development at an 18:1 ratio. 

This scenario is a bit more complicated because it deals with Floor Area Uplift, but essentially uses the provision of public open space and commercial space both classified as public benefits under the planning scheme to achieve another 300m tower.

With the block being as dense as it is and projected to become even denser, I believe a better outcome for both 118 City Road and 158 City Road is to consolidate 3 towers into one larger tower, with a second mid-rise office building in tow. This layout addresses the issues of privacy and adjacency between existing and proposed towers, whilst also providing better access to natural light and ventilation simply by having a taller tower located more centrally on the site.

<div class="sketchfab-embed-wrapper">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" allowvr="" frameborder="0" height="480" mozallowfullscreen="true" onmousewheel="" src="https://sketchfab.com/models/22ca95ba02a5471d8fe9b2ca0d1be0f9/embed" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="640"></iframe>

All up the scheme would deliver 136,000 sqm GFA at a plot ratio of 19.25:1, plus a new pocket park which would connect to the City of Melbourne's Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street Renewal project. A new retail laneway bisecting the site with opportunity to eventually connect through to Freshwater Place would also be considered beneficial to Southbank.

Applying a plot ratio of 24:1 as per the Fender Katsalidis scheme would result in Melbourne's tallest building.

Interesting times ahead for the site that has been billed as 'Flagship'.
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Southbank's densest block to become even denser?

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Part three follows on from the part one: Yarra's Edge and part two: Victoria Harbour. The focus of today's piece will be NewQuay and Harbour Town, the northern most precincts within Docklands.

<h2>NewQuay</h2>

NewQuay was the first precinct to open way back in 2003 and has probably evolved the most. Initially comprising of two parts (east and west) bisected by the former Waterfront City precinct, NewQuay now stretches the length of the northern edge of Victoria Harbour with the construction of NewQuay Central featuring five buildings designed by three different architects.

<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/20170721_133637.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Marina Tower, Banksia and Promenade form the link between east and west."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="412" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_133637.jpg?itok=L-jO3q0x" title="Marina Tower, Banksia and Promenade form the link between east and west." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Marina Tower, Banksia and Promenade form the link between east and west.</figcaption></figure>This is a departure from the early days when Fender Katsalidis and SJB formed a partnership to design the first five residential buildings in the precinct which led to the formation of Plus Architecture who designed the sixth building Harbour One. 

The earlier buildings all shared a similar aesthetic with variants on the same building form and materiality and were named in honour of artists and architects. Each tower sits atop an expansive podium with rooftop resident gardens and retail to ground floor.

The restaurant and bars feature both indoor and outdoor seating fronting the promenade although the plastic weatherproofed coverings are beginning to show their age and I wonder if it might be worth building something a bit more permanent like a pergola structure with a better relationship and stronger connection with the promenade.

Southgate and Riverside Quay provide some good examples of how this can be achieved. I'd also consider going a step further and replacing the palms with trees that provide better wind protection. 

<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/20170721_134219.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A glimpse from the promenade down a side street."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="516" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_134219.jpg?itok=fYvCwpuW" title="A glimpse from the promenade down a side street." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A glimpse from the promenade down a side street.</figcaption></figure>McBride Charles Ryan's The Quay's was the first development to break the mould of earlier developments save for maybe The Conder and saw a variation in architecture and built form.

The introduction of pinks and purples provide a contrast to the more robust concrete grey of the earlier developments with a kaleidoscope of colours and materials at ground street level creating one of the more unique streetscapes in the area.

The towers themselves are unique to not only Docklands but also Melbourne with glazing combining with crumpled balcony spandrels  providing visual interest to the facades.

<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/20170721_133709_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Quays have added to the diversity of architecture and built form"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="269" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_133709_0.jpg?itok=zqbjr5RO" title="The Quays have added to the diversity of architecture and built form" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Quays have added to the diversity of architecture and built form</figcaption></figure>The more recent buildings which form part of NewQuay Central have followed the trend away from the archetypal model of the earlier buildings particularly with materiality and roof forms. This can probably be largely attributed to the fact three different architecture firms designed the buildings with DKO's Marina Tower and Woods Bagot's Aqui and Promenade favouring a series of crystalline or shard buildings with sloping roof forms and different tones of glazing. 

MCR's Banksia building is reminiscent of Chicago's Marina Towers with its GFRP facade drawing on the waterside location providing a series of detailed 3d waves wrapping the building and providing a central point of interest, contrasting well with the other NewQuay Central buildings and proving that variety is key.

<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/20170721_134606.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="NewQuay Central introduces further variety to the built form and architecture with different architects designing the buildings."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="236" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_134606.jpg?itok=xU0uqSaK" title="NewQuay Central introduces further variety to the built form and architecture with different architects designing the buildings." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>NewQuay Central introduces further variety to the built form and architecture with different architects designing the buildings.</figcaption></figure>Up until recently NewQuay didn't have as much open space aside from the promenade but with Monument Park, Ron Barassi Snr Ovel and the soon to be completed NewQuay Park that has changed. Located to the rear of the soon-to-be completed Banksia development, New Quay Park will provide a sloping north facing green space for NewQuay's growing population and visitors while concealing the underground parking for Banksia. The park replaces a previously paved surface which for a few years hosted a temporary tent structure and was at one stage going to host a Vegemite museum. I think it's fair to say the park is the better outcome.

<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/20170721_135007.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Construction continues at NewQuay Park while Ron Barassi Snr Oval has added significant open space and community infrastructure"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_135007.jpg?itok=0zzY48hH" title="Construction continues at NewQuay Park while Ron Barassi Snr Oval has added significant open space and community infrastructure" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Construction continues at NewQuay Park while Ron Barassi Snr Oval has added significant open space and community infrastructure</figcaption></figure><h2>Harbour Town</h2>

Ashe Morgan's purchase of the former Harbour Town retail and shopping precinct from ING has resulted in an ongoing transformation crating a quasi-shopping centre of sorts.

<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/20170721_140454.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Harbour Town's revitalisation continues. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="538" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_140454.jpg?itok=MBdYyGSt" title="Harbour Town's revitalisation continues. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Harbour Town's revitalisation continues.</figcaption></figure>The early stages have included an overhaul of shopfront facades and introduction of paving in lieu of exposed concrete aggregate finish with replacement of timber decking resulting in a much more consistent finish. Future works will include a Hoyts Cinema designed by NH Architecture, with future works involving the creation of a fresh food market and fish market with additions to the facades to Docklands Drive.

The fourth and final piece will cover Batman's Hill and surrounds. In the meantime further images of NewQuay and Harbour Town can be viewed in the slideshow below.
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Docklands Places and Spaces, part three: NewQuay and Harbour Town

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First covered on Apartments.com.au over <a href="/news/dahua-group-and-rothelowman-look-to-impress-as-hawthorn-marches-on">a year ago</a>, <a href="/developers/dahua-group">Dahua Group's</a> $300million Hawthorn Park development will be the largest development within the City of Boroondara LGA upon completion comprising four buildings on a 1.2ha site within walking distance of shopping, cafes and entertainment in Camberwell, Auburn Station and Swinburne University.

Architects <a href="/architects/rothelowman">RotheLowman</a> collaborated with landscape architect Jack Merlo to create the central park and a series of garden spaces which soften and compliment the built form which has multiple facades to three streets – Camberwell Road, Burwood Road and Gillman Street.

The design of the internal facades and the lush park-style landscaping was inspired by the stepped rice paddy landforms and stone terraces of Machu Pichu. Textured, horizontal concrete bands will evoke the idea of stone terraces on a hillside, creating strata-like levels that blend with green walls and natural bluestone, steel and timber.

<blockquote>
Hawthorn Park brings a new architectural form and a new level of amenity to one of Melbourne’s most established blue chip neighbourhoods. It’s designed to balance bold, modern forms with a respect for local character.

Behind those facades lays a range of contemporary residences, all of which enjoy garden vistas and access to a private park of abundant space and lush greenery.

- Kim Lowman, Principal, RotheLowman
</blockquote>

Hawthorn Park has been designed with well-being at the forefront, encouraging and facilitating social connection, activity and well-being. Wellness amenities include a gym, group training room, massage and treatment room, a meditation garden, garden lounges, a hammock lounge and a garden walk. There will also be retail outlets and a café on street level.

The development's centrepiece, however, will be a 25m long residents pool suspended between two buildings which according to Dahua Group will be Melbourne’s first suspended sky–pool.

Further to this the sky retreat will include expansive rooftop terraces on two buildings, a sky walk with impressive views, splash pool, residents’ lounge, barbecues, a communal kitchen, private indoor dining to outdoor dining, function space and residents’ garden plots and garden shed.

Hawthorn Park’s four low-rise buildings (Elm, Jasmine, Ivy, and Maple) offer a wide range of residences from one and two-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom, three-bathroom plus study penthouses and a collection of double-storey townhouses with individual street and garden access.

All 368 residences are oriented to optimise abundant natural light and garden vistas.

<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/heroshot.hawthornpark.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawthorn Park designed by Rothelowman is Dahua Group's second Melbourne foray. Image: Dahua Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/heroshot.hawthornpark.jpg?itok=4xhc-Usp" title="Hawthorn Park designed by Rothelowman is Dahua Group's second Melbourne foray. Image: Dahua Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hawthorn Park designed by Rothelowman is Dahua Group's second Melbourne foray. Image: Dahua Group</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au spoke to Dahua Group's Green Lu about their soon to be launched project.

UM: What was the appeal for Dahua of this site in <a href="/new-apartments/hawthorn-east-vic-3123">Hawthorn East</a>?

GL: We were attracted to the size of the site. It is not very often that site of such significant size, close to 10,000 sqm in a premium suburb like Hawthorn East is available for development. 

Our strength has always been our ability to deliver comprehensive lifestyle driven projects that enhances its residents and surrounding community.

Thus, Hawthorn Park was the perfect opportunity to create a remarkable lifestyle project in an exceptional location.

UM: How did you settle on RotheLowman as the architects for the development?

GL: RotheLowman was selected as the preferred architect over as their proposed design is the closest to meeting our vision for the project.

In addition, RotheLowman established a reputation, track records, intimate knowledge of the City of Boroodara planning requirements and their easy going yet disciplined work ethic is a good fit with our team.

UM: What was your brief to the architects?

GL: Our brief to RotheLowman was to design a ‘better living’ apartment concept that will cater to the resident's varied lifestyle. The residents must fully experience their living space and hence, space functionality and efficiency, natural lighting and storage spaces are priorities to address.

Externally, we wanted a more natural surrounding for the residents to enjoy with dedicated passive and active areas to mingle and build bonds.

We are indeed happy with the outcome that the team has achieved for the project. We believe that the considerable thought given to the internal space planning, architectural aesthetics, and residence amenities will see the project being well received.

UM: What was the inspiration and rationale behind the suspended pool?

GL: As mentioned, we wanted the project to have passive and active amenities for the residents. During the design process, we identified the active amenities to be positioned on the rooftops. However, rather than having individual active areas over separate buildings or focusing all amenities on one, we explored the ways to integrate the amenities.

From here, the idea of a suspended pool to bridge and connect two active amenities areas for the residents was realized. This ‘sky pool’ is the very first in Melbourne and it would be a unique amenity that the residents will appreciate.

UM: What your intended target market for Hawthorn Park?

GL: We have designed the apartments to suit a wide demographic that would like to buy into it: from first home buyers, families, downsizers, and side-sizers, we envisage all of these demographics buying into the property.

UM: What are Dahua's ambitions for further apartment developments in Melbourne?

GL: We have several other investment and projects currently ongoing that at this stage will keep us busy up to 2030 in Melbourne! We are always on the lookout for projects that fit into our vision and objectives be it residential estates or apartment projects. Hence, if viable apartment opportunities arise and fits our objectives, we will take them on.
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Dahua Group's Green Lu discusses Hawthorn Park

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Following on from <a href="/news/docklands-places-and-spaces-part-one-yarras-edge">part one's photo tour of Yarra's Edge</a> earlier in the week, comes part two which focuses on the so-called 'centrepiece' of Docklands: Victoria Harbour.

Where Yarra's Edge is predominantly a residential precinct littered with parks, restaurants and the odd community facility, Victoria Harbour provides a mix of commercial and residential with a healthy dose of community and public infrastructure in between.

The likes of ANZ, NAB, and Aurecon have offices down by the harbour with the eventual completion of ANZ's second building at 839 Collins Street marking the end of the commercial component as developer Lendlease turns its attention to the final stage of Victoria Harbour: Collins Wharf.

<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/20170721_131517.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No.1 Collins Wharf is the first building in the final stage of Victoria Harbour's Collins Wharf sub-precinct."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="593" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_131517.jpg?itok=bpyyYvjA" title="No.1 Collins Wharf is the first building in the final stage of Victoria Harbour's Collins Wharf sub-precinct." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No.1 Collins Wharf is the first building in the final stage of Victoria Harbour's Collins Wharf sub-precinct.</figcaption></figure>During my visit which occurred around lunch time there were plenty of people out in the sun particularly in the central Victoria Green which also includes a community garden. This space is flanked on all sides by built form, some (in this writer's opinion) more successful than others.

The rear of both The Mosaic and The Montage residential buildings leave a bit to be desired and the inclusion of townhouses while providing some form of housing diversity, much like the townhouses at Yarra's Edge doesn't provide the most active frontage at ground level and similarly doesn't seem like the best outcome for the site.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/20170721_130231.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Victoria Harbour community garden and "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="229" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_130231.jpg?itok=_HLC_TrD" title="The Victoria Harbour community garden and " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Victoria Harbour community garden and Victoria Green with The Mosaic and The Montage buildings at the rear</figcaption></figure>One of my favourite podiums within Victoria Harbour is the almost completed 889 Collins Street complex with bands of brick facing tile wrapping around the facade which undulates at street level to form glazed openings for retail.

Designed by Sydney-based Koichi Takada Architects this is one of the few instances where a material and texture has been used which is appropriate to the site context and history, and the street and precinct is all the better for it.

The paved space in between both sets of podia was still fenced off as workers were adding the finishing touches.

<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/20170721_131311.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Koichi Takada Architect's 889 Collins Street features brick facing tiles."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_131311.jpg?itok=50c_BwU_" title="Koichi Takada Architect's 889 Collins Street features brick facing tiles." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Koichi Takada Architect's 889 Collins Street features brick facing tiles.</figcaption></figure>Two other areas within the precinct which I think have turned out pretty well are the promenade to the northern edge which includes the NAB building and Library at the Dock in addition to the Boating and Family Services buildings.

Buluk Park to the rear includes green space and a playground for children and due to the low-rise nature of the library has is provided with ample solar access and provides respite from the busy surrounding streets.

<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/20170721_131803.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Buluk Park, Library at the Dock and the Victoria Harbour northern promenade."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="280" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_131803.jpg?itok=yEZeVx0Y" title="Buluk Park, Library at the Dock and the Victoria Harbour northern promenade." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Buluk Park, Library at the Dock and the Victoria Harbour northern promenade.</figcaption></figure>The least successful (and I didn't photograph it) part of the area is the southern promenade which has ANZ's expansive HQ along its edge; meaning that in winter the promenade is for the most part in constant shadow the height of the under construction 839 Collins Street and 889 Collins Street despite building separation only compound the issue.

<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/20170721_122910.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The southern promenade doesn't get nearly as much sunlight as the north."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="209" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_122910.jpg?itok=ius3oaSg" title="The southern promenade doesn't get nearly as much sunlight as the north." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The southern promenade doesn't get nearly as much sunlight as the north.</figcaption></figure>Further photos can be viewed in the slideshow below.
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Docklands Places and Spaces, part two: Victoria Harbour

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The amount of construction in <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's central city</a> is reaching fever pitch with a number of large scale towers either topping out or rising out of the ground, forever changing the face of the city. But that's not what today's article is about. Instead I'd like to focus on five city changing projects which direct the eye to the street rather than the sky.

<h2>1. Melbourne Metro Rail Project</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/mt_cbdn_sl_03.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="CBD North Station Franklin Street entry. Image: MMRA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mt_cbdn_sl_03.jpg?itok=xOBu_jhP" title="CBD North Station Franklin Street entry. Image: MMRA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CBD North Station Franklin Street entry. Image: MMRA</figcaption></figure>I may be slightly biased with this one having been involved with the Reference Design throughout 2015 but no project will have as great an impact on Melbourne as the Melbourne Metro Rail Project (MMRP).

Over the course of the next eight years as tunnel boring machines carve their way through the heart of the city creating five new underground stations linked by twin nine kilometre tunnels, a number of changes will also be noticed at the surface as road space is taken over for station entries and widened footpaths to accommodate surging passenger and pedestrian numbers in key areas of the city.

The concept designs produced by <a href="/architects/hassell-studio">Hassell</a> in association with Weston Williamson as part of the winning Cross Yarra Partnership are largely in keeping with the framework developed as part of the reference design by the mighty MMRP design team.

Without going into too much detail lest I get myself in hot water for disclosing more than what I am allowed to, as the concept images suggest the station entries will be integrated into the fabric of the city adding to its rich tapestry of public spaces and network of laneways.

Eight years may seem like a long wait but the $11 billion investment will definitely be worth the inconvenience of construction in the heart of the city.

More information:

<ul>
<li>
<a href="/news/metro-tunnel-gets-its-tunnel-signaling-contractors">Metro tunnel gets its tunnel &amp; signaling contractors</a> (Apartments.com.au)</li>
	<li><a href="http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/">Metro Tunnel website</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>2. Queen Victoria Market Renewal Project</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/munro-render-8-1200_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concept image for Munro site as part of the QVMRP. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/munro-render-8-1200_0.jpg?itok=QpS0L5tK" title="Concept image for Munro site as part of the QVMRP. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concept image for Munro site as part of the QVMRP. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Yes, there is a 125 metre tower on the former Munro site, but this project is more than a tower or the transformation of the market's operations but rather the creation of key public spaces in the northern quadrant of the city, serviced by community facilities.

Occupying space previously reserved for vehicular movements and parking, the creation of key public spaces in the new 'Market Square' and 'Market Cross' will firmly reinforce the market as an environment for people, not cars and forklifts.

The City of Melbourne has long spoken about a public space at the market as a 'Fed Square of the north' but rather than thinking of it in terms of built form or architecture this is meant as a comparison of what Federation Square provides in the way of quality multi-functional open space which can host a range of events of various size throughout the year.

For a complete rundown, read <a href="/news/the-queen-victoria-market-renewal-project-a-refresher">The Queen Victoria Market renewal project: a refresher</a> (Apartments.com.au).

<h2>3. Southbank Boulevard</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/df7137ecebff824cdc3581a6ddd69bec_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank Boulevard renewal. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/df7137ecebff824cdc3581a6ddd69bec_0.jpg?itok=6Z4uX7a2" title="Southbank Boulevard renewal. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank Boulevard renewal. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Covered on Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/southbanks-new-green-spine-a-step-closer">last week</a>, the Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street concept plan sees ancillary road space in the heart of <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a> transformed into new open space to help service Southbank's growing residential population.

With Council voting to adopt the concept plan, its full steam ahead on the first of many projects which will see the replacement of bitumen with grass and trees providing 2.5 hectares of usable open space in Melbourne's most densely populated suburb. What was once a traffic sewer will by 2020 become Southbank's new green spine.

To find out more, visit <a href="https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/southbankboulevard#/features">Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street Draft Concept Plan</a> (Participate Melbourne).

<h2>4. Elizabeth Street South</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/elizabeth_south.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Elizabeth Street South concept image. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="305" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elizabeth_south.png?itok=MpaO06OF" title="Elizabeth Street South concept image. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elizabeth Street South concept image. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The southern end of Elizabeth Street will be transformed via a $1.5 million makeover, with plans to close the southbound lane between Flinders Lane and Flinders Street to make this major entrance to the station more pedestrian friendly, with new paving, street trees and improved drainage.

Despite being one of the most important entry points into the city, this section of Elizabeth Street is characterised by poor urban design, an absence of trees, soft and hard landscape and constrained footpaths which results in a compromised pedestrian experience. Additionally, the current state of the tram turnaround area and shelters detracts from the visual and historical significance of Flinders Street Station.

Construction is expected to begin later this year following the release of a detailed concept plan in coming weeks. The City of Melbourne is also considering eventually extending the pedestrianised areas up to Bourke Street in future.

To find out more about the Elizabeth Street South Project, visit <a href="https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/elizabethstreet">Elizabeth Street South</a> (Participate Melbourne).

I believe another candidate for a similar transformation into a more welcoming pedestrian environment would be Spencer Street directly opposite Southern Cross Station between Collins and Bourke Streets. These corners are already swelling during peak hours and during event mode, with pedestrians waiting at the respective intersections to cross to or from the station - a potentially hazardous scenario.

This would then allow the tram super stop to be reconfigured for direct interchange between the station and the trams removing the pedestrian conflict with vehicles and allowing for a more permeable interface between the now 10-year-old station and an improved 'front door' allowing retail to spill out onto Spencer Street.

Fewer bollards would also be required (sorry boll-artists) and these could then form part of an overall urban design and landscaping strategy for the area.

With a bit more interrogation this may eventually become the subject of its own article on Apartments.com.au.

<h2>5. Harbour Esplanade Redevelopment</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/harbour_esplanade.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Concept sketch for Harbour Esplanade. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="306" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/harbour_esplanade.png?itok=I365TGLJ" title="Concept sketch for Harbour Esplanade. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concept sketch for Harbour Esplanade. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>While construction progresses all over the Docklands Precinct one key project has consistently lagged behind the rest - the Harbour Esplanade Redevelopment.

Long mooted for the past decade, only the first stage of what was a <a href="/architects/bkk-architects">BKK Architects</a> produced scheme was realised. This involved the reconfiguration of the road reserve and relocation of the tram tracks to a more central location releasing land along the water's edge for a grand public space.

Additionally, the Canary Island palms planted as part of <a href="/architects/arm-architecture">ARM's</a> initial take on Harbour Esplanade were replaced with Norfolk Pines which are more suited to a waterside environment.

Since then a subsequent master plan was produced by Hassell following further rounds of community engagement. While not proposing anything concrete, the master plan rather takes a space proofing approach identifying areas suitable for particular activities or built form.

To allow this master plan to progress (albeit very slowly) a number of wharves were demolished by Places Victoria in order to create a seamless transition from the existing footpath to the reinstated but lowered wharves. A this stage no definitive date has been nominated for completion of these works or the further progression of the Harbour Esplanade Master Plan.

I consider Harbour Esplanade to be <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>' most important project and as such should be adequately funded with Development Victoria and the City of Melbourne working together to deliver the best outcome for Melbourne.

Talk of reinstating sheds seems counter intuitive considering they were initially demolished to open Harbour Esplanade to the water although built form wind breaks of some form may be required or the sheds' exposed structures reinstated as a 'memory' of what once was while still allowing for a degree of visual and physical permeability to the water.

One of Harbour Esplanade's most critical roles is not only linking a number of disparate precincts together while also providing quality, usable open space which celebrates Docklands waterfront location. I would suggest that whatever the final outcome the master plan needs to also consider Harbour Esplanade's relationship to Central Pier creating a unified vision for the waterfront.

<blockquote>
Places Victoria’s ambition for Harbour Esplanade is for it to be a place of increased national significance and one of the great post-industrial waterfronts anywhere in the world.

Harbour Esplanade should be the primary public space in Docklands – a fine boulevard for promenading, providing an opportunity to experience elements of Melbourne’s rich industrial ports heritage and a place to welcome and guide the public through the sub-precincts of Melbourne’s Docklands and central city.
<cite>Places Victoria</cite>
</blockquote>

For further information, read: <a href="/news/places-victoria-submits-harbour-esplanade-masterplan">Places Victoria submits Harbour Esplanade Masterplan</a> (Apartments.com.au).

Do you agree with the list? What do you believe the top five projects for Melbourne are? Leave your comments below.
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My top 5 city changing projects

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A couple of weeks ago, on a sunny winter's day I decided to go for a walk and take a few snaps around Docklands, not a bad excuse to get out of the office. My walk started at South Wharf and after visiting Yarra's Edge, Victoria Harbour, NewQuay and Harbour Town finished up at Collins Square.

<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/20170721_120524.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Looking towards South Wharf and Yarra's Edge."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_120524.jpg?itok=Sub3s9G8" title="Looking towards South Wharf and Yarra's Edge." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Looking towards South Wharf and Yarra's Edge.</figcaption></figure>Today's piece is Part 1 of a visual essay on Docklands as it stands today with a bit of commentary on the various places, spaces and towers. All photos were taken by me on my Samsung Galaxy S8.

<h2>Yarra's Edge</h2>

During my walk I noticed many people walking around the area with several crossing the Webb Bridge from Victoria Harbour. Some continued along the promenade through Yarra's Edge while others moved along towards South Wharf.

The promenade, being north facing is generally bathed in sunlight and well maintained with a number of food and beverage offerings and retail outlets fronting onto it.

I also really like that they didn't just plant palm trees like at NewQuay. Despite the waterfront location, palms don't seem the most appropriate choice and don't really provide much of a wind buffer.

<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/20170721_121644.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yarra's Edge has until recently had a proliferation of white towers which seem removed from their context."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_121644.jpg?itok=ODzrFt5c" title="Yarra's Edge has until recently had a proliferation of white towers which seem removed from their context." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Yarra's Edge has until recently had a proliferation of white towers which seem removed from their context.</figcaption></figure>One of my biggest criticisms of Yarra's Edge is that for me it has always felt too new and a bit sterile. While it may be a difficult and subjective exercise to attempt to identify or to quantify a 'Melbourne aesthetic', the apartment buildings within Yarra's Edge (save for Wood Marsh's T5) seem not only removed from Melbourne but from the site's geographical and historical context; more appropriate in a beachside locale than within a former working port on the edge of a city.

Further, the design of Array while attempting to mimic design aspects of T5 lacks the design rigour and finesse of its partner with the occasional flourish to draw the eye.

The podium by comparison also leaves a lot to desired having previously adopted T5's visual aesthetic when Wood Marsh were involved following their competition win over a decade ago.

T5 and Array are supposed to be a pair - a King and Queen - yet I think Array overall just falls short of achieving this.

<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/20170721_122014.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Array falls just a little short despite the best intentions of its designers."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="685" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_122014.jpg?itok=ap1AQT5p" title="Array falls just a little short despite the best intentions of its designers." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Array falls just a little short despite the best intentions of its designers.</figcaption></figure>The provision of townhouses within Yarra's Edge, it could be argued, creates housing diversity in the area but I would argue that it creates a millionaires row that is a bit of a waste of prime waterfront land.

A better outcome would have been 4-5 storey apartment blocks where piling through Coode Island Silt was too costly and problematic. This would have allowed for increased residential density and active, permeable street frontages rather than someone's front yard and possibly even opportunity for affordable housing. The Merchant and The Mariner at Victoria Harbour and NewQuay respectively are good examples of this.

<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/20170721_122850.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Yarra's Edge townhouses front the promenade with the recently completed Forge rising in the background."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170721_122850.jpg?itok=Rl2rQey_" title="The Yarra's Edge townhouses front the promenade with the recently completed Forge rising in the background." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Yarra's Edge townhouses front the promenade with the recently completed Forge rising in the background.</figcaption></figure>I think one of Yarra's Edge's biggest assets apart from excellent solar aspect is the provision of green open space such as Point Park and the tower's are all generously separated from one another with variance in height and with a bit more visual diversity.

Overall I'm sure the residents of Yarra's Edge enjoy the precinct but I struggle to think of what exactly it offers for the rest of Melbourne. If you don't own an apartment or townhouse at Yarra's Edge what is the appeal to visit and dwell? What are the attractions?

For more photos of Yarra's Edge, please refer to the slideshow below. Look out for <a href="/news/docklands-places-and-spaces-part-two-victoria-harbour">part two (Victoria Harbour)</a> later in the week.
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Docklands Places and Spaces, part one: Yarra's Edge

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Last week's joint announcement by Planning Minister Richard Wynne, Premier Daniel Andrews and Lord Mayor Robert Doyle that the Amendment C245 planning controls have been adopted, paves the way for work to commence on the $250 million dollar redevelopment of the Queen Victoria Market.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/munro-render-5-1200_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concept for Munro site (subject to change). Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/munro-render-5-1200_0.jpg?itok=wLwymq2r" title="Concept for Munro site (subject to change). Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concept for Munro site (subject to change). Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>In the first instance, the project will deliver new cold storage facilities, power, and modern toilets, as well as improved car parking and pedestrian access. The majority of market infrastructure will be relocated below ground, removing pedestrian and vehicle conflict at street level and improving the pedestrian environment.

The redevelopment will also provide a new 1.5-hectare public open space on the site of the current car park to be known as Market Square.

As part of the new planning controls, the Victorian Government has also applied a new mandatory height control of 125 metres on the Munro site, which is a reduction from the original 196 metre height sought by City of Melbourne.

With such a multi-faceted project of various components and staging it can be easy to get lost or confused about exactly what is happening so we've decided to provide a run down of each aspect of the project based on publicly available information.

<h2>Amendment C245 (approved 11 July 2017)</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/amendment-c245-controls-map_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amendment C245 planning controls. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="829" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/amendment-c245-controls-map_0.jpg?itok=aHudQWxa" title="Amendment C245 planning controls. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amendment C245 planning controls. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Amendment C245 seeks to balance the heritage of the market precinct with the right type of new development in the precinct. On Tuesday 11 July 2017, the Victorian Government announced the approval of these new planning controls allowing for a major transformation of the Queen Victoria Market.

Amendment C245 will:

<ul>
<li>Apply a public use zone to the Queen Victoria Market to reflect its ongoing importance as a community place. As a registered heritage place, development of the site will continue to be subject to permits from Heritage Victoria.</li>
	<li>Protect the existing heritage sheds and the new open space from overshadowing.</li>
	<li>Ensure adequate sunlight.</li>
	<li>Provide environmental wind control – promoting comfortable pedestrian conditions at street level.</li>
</ul>
This will be achieved by:

<ul>
<li>Rezoning the majority of the Queen Victoria Market land and Queen Street extension that is currently zoned Capital City Zone (CCZ1) to be Public Use Zone (PUZ7).</li>
	<li>Rezoning the Queen Victoria Market car park, currently zoned Capital City Zone (CCZ1), to Public Park and Recreation Zone (PPRZ).</li>
	<li>Applying a new Schedule to the Development Plan Overlay (DPO11), which incorporates a vision and design requirements for development of land, including Council owned land, adjacent to the Queen Victoria Market.</li>
	<li>Deleting existing Schedule 14 to the Design and Development Overlay (DDO14) from the Queen Victoria Market and land to which DPO11 applies.</li>
	<li>Introducing revised built form controls for new development over the remainder of the area covered by the existing DDO14.</li>
	<li>Amending the Built Environment and Heritage within the Hoddle Grid Policy (Clause 21.12) to delete an existing policy statement relating to the existing DDO14.</li>
	<li>Amending the existing clause 22.02 Sunlight to Public Spaces to include a provision that development should not overshadow Flagstaff Gardens between 11am and 2pm on 21 June.</li>
	<li>A mandatory height of 125 metres for 151 Therry Street (the Munro Site).</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Master Plan</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/qvm_map.png" rel="gallery-all" title="A diagram of the various components of the QVMRP. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="480" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qvm_map.png?itok=0RDq9ox2" title="A diagram of the various components of the QVMRP. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A diagram of the various components of the QVMRP. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The Master Plan breaks the Queen Victoria Market Precinct into four 'quarters' linked by a pedestrian spine known as the Market Cross. Each quarter is identified as follows;

<ul>
<li>
Q1: Fresh meat, fish and dairy will be showcased in the market’s produce halls.</li>
	<li>
Q2: A below-ground operational area will be built for traders while the historic open air sheds, A-D, will be restored.</li>
	<li>
Q3: A new 1.5 ha public space known as Market Square will be created on the existing above ground car park.</li>
	<li>
Q4: New mixed-use development, on the former Munro site, will accommodate new customer car parking for the market and community facilities.</li>
	<li>
Market Cross: With the market's infrastructure relocated below-ground, the market’s main public areas will be pedestrianised.</li>
</ul>
The market will continue to trade throughout the renewal, with all current traders guaranteed a spot within the market. Further detail on each aspect of the market's renewal program are outlined below.

<h2>Market Garden | Breathe Architecture</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/tile-3-qvm-new-market-pavilion668_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Breathe Architecture's Market Garden Pavilion is due to be up and running in October. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tile-3-qvm-new-market-pavilion668_0.jpg?itok=iKDPVc2r" title="Breathe Architecture's Market Garden Pavilion is due to be up and running in October. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Breathe Architecture's Market Garden Pavilion is due to be up and running in October. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The new two-storey, greenhouse inspired design, will include an open air trading hall on the ground level with a market garden on the upper level.

Designed by Breathe Architecture, the pavilion will extend from Victoria Street to Franklin Street and is expected to be around 250 metres-long and 19 metre in width.

In addition to giving market traders access to better facilities such as refrigeration, water, power and storage, the pavilion will include facilities to recycle organic and non-organic waste to produce compost to be used for the market garden and rain water collection and reuse.

On 40-degree days, the inside of the pavilion will only reach about 28 degrees due to the evaporative-cooling effects of the greenhouse. Adding to the sustainable qualities of the pavilion, it has been prefabricated and can be reused and relocated after the renewal program’s completion.

The greenhouse itself is an off the shelf structure and consists of glass and metal. A strong focus on visual merchandising, in partnership with traders, will ensure the fresh produce on display, plus the addition of the greenhouse will add the colour to the market site.

<h2>Q1: Fresh Produce Hall</h2>

The halls and the lower market will be supported by a new below-ground operational area, with delivery, storage, food preparation and waste management facilities created under sheds H and I.

Sheds H and I will offer fresh fruit, vegetable and organics traders will still be there but some new food offers and places to sit and enjoy the local produce will also be added.

The exterior of the Meat and Fish Hall will be revitalised, with the façade restored, while the inside of the Dairy Produce Hall will also be refurbished. It is anticipated that these works will be undertaken outside of trading hours where practical.

The heritage-listed Elizabeth and Victoria Street terraces will receive a facelift, while the Food Court will be enhanced to better connect customers with the Meat and Fish Hall.

This area will create a link to the provedore offering within the Dairy Produce Hall and offer visitors a traditional market experience in addition to some new experiences.

Deli Lane, currently doubling as a delivery zone and eating area, will become a community meeting place and eating area. With new seating and greenery, it is expected that Deli Lane will become another meeting place.

<h2>Q2: Heritage Sheds A-D</h2>

Traders in sheds A, B, C and D will be relocated by September 2017 to enable the restoration of the market’s heritage sheds and construction of below-ground facilities. Fruit and vegetable traders in sheds A and B will move into the new market pavilion, with general merchandise traders in sheds C and D to be relocated within the existing upper market sheds.

The sheds will be carefully dismantled and restored before they are reinstated transforming this historic area of the market into a revitalised fresh food market.

Beneath the fully restored sheds A-D will sit a major new below ground operational area, separating the market’s busy service zones from customers. Traders will receive enhanced amenities in the form of new back-of-house facilities, such as showers, toilets, break-out space, loading areas and storage.

Specialty goods traders will have easy access to the new operational area and will no longer need to set up and pack down each day, greatly improving the efficiency of their business and security of stock stored on site.

The City of Melbourne is committed to ensuring that the development of the below-ground market operational area and any related construction will not take place within three metres of the Aboriginal section of the former Old Melbourne Cemetery.

Sheds E and F will be restored with enhanced weather protection, lighting and other amenity improvements that will also incorporate design elements for the acknowledgement and interpretation of the Aboriginal section of the Old Melbourne Cemetery.

Enhancement works to Victoria Lane, between the Victoria Street terraces and Shed A, will provide open air seating and greenery with a view towards improving the visitor experience.

<h2>Q3: Market Square</h2>

The relocation of key market infrastructure and parking below ground will enable the creation of 1.5 hectares of new open space on the existing car park, to be known as Market Square.

With a design developed from engagement with the broader community, Market Square is envisaged as an important new meeting place in the city’s north, playing host to festivals, street markets and community events.

Incorporating interpretive elements such as artworks and landscape features, the new public space will acknowledge the site’s significant history.

The new Queen’s Corner building will provide a central information point for visitors and tourists to engage with our market, and showcase Victoria’s regional produce and cultural heritage within a proposed visitor centre. The building will be located at the edge of Market Square, providing a contemporary addition to this historic part of the city and a connection between Queen Street and the new public open space.

Sheds J, K, L and M will be upgraded with new infrastructure and facilities, supporting day trading while creating a new destination for a range of events, including the popular night markets.

According to Lord Mayor Robert Doyle “This area will serve as a thriving hub for festivals, events or simply relaxing and enjoying produce from the stalls.”

<h2>Q4: 151 Therry Street (Munro Site) | PDG Corporation and Bates Smart and Six Degrees</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/munro-render-8-1200.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's Impression of the Munro Site at street level. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/munro-render-8-1200.jpg?itok=7KAGKDpO" title="Artist's Impression of the Munro Site at street level. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's Impression of the Munro Site at street level. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The Initial proposal for the Munro development included:

<ul>
<li>A 120 place childcare facility.</li>
	<li>Maternal, child health and family services centre.</li>
	<li>A community centre and kitchen, artist spaces and city room gallery.</li>
	<li>A hotel and residential apartments.</li>
	<li>Retail in keeping with the market precinct.</li>
	<li>Market customer car parking.</li>
	<li>New open space and laneways.</li>
</ul>
The design concept developed by Bates Smart and Six Degrees seeks to incorporate elements that honour Queen Victoria Market’s rich and diverse history, including brickwork to reflect the existing Mercat Hotel facade, which will be retained. Following the endorsement of the planning controls the design will now be refined and finalised.

A 125 metre (maximum) residential tower at the eastern end of the Munro will be constructed, with a low rise community hub on Queen Street to be delivered by developer PDG Corporation on behalf of the City of Melbourne.

In addition to being the largest community hub in Melbourne, the development aims “to set a new standard as the best socially, environmentally and financially sustainable development in Australia.”

56 affordable housing units that were originally planned as part of the development will be relocated to another development site.

<blockquote>
PDG is delighted to have been selected to partner with the City of Melbourne as the developer for the Munro site, being the first project to be delivered as part of the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal Program.

Our project team is committed to working closely with the City of Melbourne to create an exemplary mixed use residential, retail and community destination.

Being one of the largest and most significant projects for the City of Melbourne, PDG share in the City’s vision to create a world class, 5-star green star development which is sensitive of the nearby market’s heritage, will support a diverse local community and delivers a new benchmark level of accommodation.
<cite>PDG Corporation</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Market Cross</h2>

The intersection of Queen and Therry Streets will be transformed into the ‘Market Cross’, an iconic public space that will draw the quarters of the market precinct together, creating a pedestrian-friendly meeting place that can host markets, festivals and busking, as well as greener spaces for sitting, eating and relaxation.

<h2>New Franklin Street</h2>

A realigned and improved Franklin Street will better connect the east and west parts of the city during peak times. The realigned Franklin Street will help ease traffic off Victoria Street and as part of the Melbourne Metro Rail Project a single lane in either direction will be retained adjacent to the City Baths to allow for this connection. New Franklin Street will also provide an extension to the new Market Square during events and festivals. Delivery of new Franklin Street is required under the Victorian Government Agreement by 2019.

<h2>Future: Franklin Street Stores and Development Site</h2>

The historic Franklin Street stores will be revitalised and feature a new retail and hospitality offer, spilling out onto Market Square and ensuring the market precinct retains a connection to these heritage buildings. Under the City of Melbourne's agreement with the Victorian Government, they are required to reconfigure land parcels, including the retained Franklin Street stores and portions of the Franklin Street road reserve to create mixed-use development sites by 2026.

Lead image: PDG Corporation.
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The Queen Victoria Market renewal project: a refresher

UAE-based developer Arada has unveiled plans for a $2 billion twin-tower apartment development in Broadbeach, marking its first move into Queensland as it continues its rapid expansion across Australia.

Arada will develop 952 apartments across two towers on a prominent site opposite the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the project targeted for completion ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The project represents Arada's largest commitment to the Australian market since arriving in the country in 2024 and significantly expands a local pipeline that has now grown to eight projects and more than 5,000 homes.

It will also be the first major Queensland project delivered by Roberts Co since the tier-one contractor was acquired by Arada Group in 2025.

Plus Studio has designed the Broadbeach development, which will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two towers connected by a landscaped podium.

A significant resident amenity offering will include lagoon and lap pools, a gym, sauna and steam room, alongside a mist room, infrared room and salt scrub facilities. Communal terraces, private dining areas, a library, residents' lounge and work-from-home spaces are also planned. Around 1,200 sqm of retail and hospitality space will occupy the ground floor.

The site puts Arada in one of the Gold Coast's most active apartment markets, directly opposite the convention centre and within walking distance of Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and Broadbeach's dining and retail precinct.

It also has immediate access to the Gold Coast light rail network and sits just a few blocks from the beach.

Arada Group Chief Executive Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said Broadbeach represented an opportunity for the developer to expand beyond its initial NSW pipeline.

“Broadbeach is a world-class address that gives us the canvas to create a community of exceptional design and lifestyle quality that genuinely enriches the daily lives of the people who call it home,” Alkhoshaibi said.

“This is our first development outside New South Wales, and it reflects our growing ambition to grow in key urban markets around the country.”

Alkhoshaibi said bringing Roberts Co into the project would give Arada greater control over the development and construction process.

“Delivering this project through Roberts Co, our own tier-one construction business, means we can bring the quality, pace and accountability that our buyers expect.”

The move into Broadbeach comes as Arada accelerates its Australian expansion following its entry into the market two years ago. The developer has assembled a pipeline of eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes, while the acquisition of Roberts Co last year gave the group its own Australian construction capability.

Globally, Arada has a development portfolio valued at $50 billion comprising more than 55,000 homes across the UAE, United Kingdom and Australia.

The Gold Coast is emerging as the next major market for the developer, with strong population growth and infrastructure spending ahead of the 2032 Games continuing to underpin significant apartment development across the coastal strip.

Joel Robinson

Arada plots $2 billion Broadbeach towers in major Queensland move

Sydney’s downsizer market is changing, with a growing cohort of buyers prioritising the right home over simply finding a smaller one.

Coronation Property Head of Sales Cam Porter says the traditional idea of downsizing does not necessarily reflect what many buyers are now looking for, particularly those moving from established family homes across Sydney.

Instead, he says they are increasingly becoming “right-sizers”, seeking lower-maintenance homes without sacrificing the space, amenity or quality they have become accustomed to.

“We are increasingly seeing buyers who are not motivated by the idea of simply moving into a smaller property,” Porter says.

“They are right-sizers. They want a home that is easier to manage and better connected, but they still expect generosity, quality and a floorplan that supports the way they live.”

It is a subtle but important distinction in a market where apartment developers are increasingly targeting established owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377495]

For many of these buyers, moving from a house to an apartment is not driven by a desire to dramatically reduce their living space. Instead, the appeal is in removing some of the maintenance associated with a larger home while retaining generous living areas, storage and enough flexibility to accommodate family and friends.

Coronation’s sales team is seeing buyers place particular importance on natural light, practical storage and additional rooms that can be used as guest bedrooms, home offices or secondary living spaces.

Kitchens and dining areas are also playing an increasingly important role, particularly for buyers who regularly entertain or have children and grandchildren visit.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377494]

“These buyers still want their home to feel generous,” Porter says.

“They may want less maintenance, but they are not looking for less life.”

The challenge for the broader housing market is providing enough of the right stock to encourage that move.

While much of the discussion around Sydney’s housing shortage has centred on the number of homes being delivered, Porter says the diversity of those homes is equally important.

Older homeowners can remain in large family houses for longer when they cannot find an appropriate alternative in the neighbourhoods where they have built their lives.

“The decision is rarely as simple as wanting fewer bedrooms,” Porter says.

“People are weighing up their connection to a neighbourhood, the space they need for family, the quality of the home and whether it will continue to work for them over the long term.”

It also has implications beyond the downsizer market. Providing suitable apartments for smaller households can free up established houses for families who need the additional bedrooms and land, creating greater movement through the housing market.

<h2>Lillian targets the next stage of apartment buyer</h2>

It is a buyer Coronation is targeting at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, its new collection of apartments, terraces and penthouses at Erskineville Village.

Designed by Silvester Fuller, Lillian has been shaped around larger living spaces, natural light and flexible floorplans, alongside landscaped areas, wellness amenity and communal spaces for residents.

The development will form part of Coronation’s broader Erskineville Village precinct, which will combine new homes with green space, retail, hospitality and new pedestrian connections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377688]

McPherson Park will sit at the centre of the precinct, creating a significant new green space alongside the project’s retail and hospitality offering.

For Porter, the opportunity is to give buyers another housing option without forcing them to leave the part of Sydney they already know.

“People should be able to change the type of home they live in without having to change their entire life,” he says.

“For many buyers, Lillian offers the opportunity to remain connected to the Inner West and the city, while gaining access to a more convenient, walkable and considered way of living.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377687]

Coronation will explore the changing <a href="https://lillianresidences.com.au/news/lillian-x-space-x-downsizers-event-27-august/">right-sizer market at an event on August 27</a>, bringing together experts across property, design and lifestyle.

Held in partnership with SPACE, Poliform and Downsizer.com.au, the event will include a property market outlook from economist Michael Blythe alongside discussion around the considerations facing buyers planning their next move.

Attendees will also be able to learn more about the residences and amenity planned at Lillian Erskineville.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135149]

From downsizing to right-sizing: What Sydney buyers want from their next home

Family-owned builder and developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> is bringing its 27-storey The Maybelle development to market, with the 229-apartment tower rising alongside Ismay Reserve near North Strathfield.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-maybelle-21-parramatta-road-homebush-nsw-2140">The Maybelle</a> will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with its height providing elevated outlooks towards the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, while other residences will look across neighbouring Ismay Reserve.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/squillace-architects">Squillace Architects</a>, the tower combines its parkside setting with proximity to the established retail, dining and transport amenity around North Strathfield.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376196]

Residences will feature open-plan living spaces and a choice of two interior schemes, while communal amenity is spread across two elevated levels of the building.

Level 8 will be home to the Garden Pavilion, a full-floor resident space incorporating communal entertaining and breakout areas, seating and recreation spaces. Further up the tower, a landscaped Sky Terrace on Level 14 will provide another communal area with panoramic views towards the Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline.

At ground level, the development sits directly alongside Ismay Reserve, where lawns, walking paths, children's play areas, picnic spaces and recreational facilities extend the green space available immediately around the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376194]

The Maybelle is also within walking distance of North Strathfield and the Bakehouse Quarter, which provides a mix of cafés, restaurants, shops and everyday services.

Existing rail and bus services provide connections across Sydney, while the future North Strathfield Metro and access to the M4 will add to the transport options available around the precinct. Walking and cycling routes also extend via Powells Creek towards Sydney Olympic Park and its sporting, entertainment and parkland precincts.

Families are also well positioned for access to a broad selection of established schools and education options across Strathfield and the surrounding Inner West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376181]

Omaya has operated in Sydney for more than 35 years, managing projects from acquisition and design through to construction and delivery. The family-owned company is both developer and builder of The Maybelle.

Apartments start from $560,000, with the development protected by 10-year Latent Defects Insurance.

Construction is well underway, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and move-in anticipated from Q1 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134873]

The Maybelle brings 27-storey parkside tower to market near North Strathfield

Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pdg-corporation">PDG</a> has unveiled its vision for the former Water Tank Site in Ivanhoe, which would see it transformed into a thriving residential neighbourhood, complete with a 2000 sqm public park.&nbsp;

Delivered in partnership with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/development-victoria">Development Victoria</a>, the proposal would transform the prominent corner of Bell Street and Upper Heidelberg Road into a connected community comprising two residential buildings, generous public open space and shared amenities.&nbsp;

The vision includes 287 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with a minimum of 10 per cent allocated to affordable housing, alongside a 2,000-square-metre publicly accessible park featuring a children's playground, activity lawn, indigenous planting, timber climbing logs, seating areas and a rock gathering circle.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a>, the proposal draws on the site's industrial heritage, using a robust architectural language that references the former water tank through expressive structural elements and durable, self-finished materials.&nbsp;

Extensive landscaping has been woven throughout the development, creating a living landscape that strengthens connections to nature while responding sensitively to the surrounding neighbourhood. Two residential buildings ranging from three to 12 storeys are linked by a landscaped forecourt, creating a welcoming arrival experience and improving pedestrian connections through the site.&nbsp;

Residents would also enjoy more than 1,000 square metres of communal open space, including barbecue and dining facilities, vegetable gardens, landscaped seating pavilions and a dedicated coworking space.&nbsp;

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the vision reflected an opportunity to transform one of Ivanhoe's most recognisable sites into a place that balanced housing, community and landscape.&nbsp;

"This is an opportunity to reimagine an important site and create a neighbourhood that delivers lasting benefits for Ivanhoe," Giuliano said.&nbsp;

"We're creating much more than new homes. The vision brings together affordable housing, quality architecture, meaningful public open space and shared places that encourage people to connect, while respecting the site's history and its place within the local community."&nbsp;

Development Victoria’s Executive General Manager Precincts, Niall Cunningham, said the application is an important step for the government-owned site.&nbsp;

“This is about delivering more homes in a well-connected location, along with public open space that the Ivanhoe community will benefit from for years to come,” Cunningham said.&nbsp;

PDG was selected as development partner in late 2025 following a competitive tender process.&nbsp;

A planning submission for the project is currently being progressed through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program, with positive early engagement from both Banyule Council and the Department of Transport and Planning.

PDG unveils plans to transform landmark Ivanhoe Water Tank Site

Shane Wilkinson's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pace-development-group">Pace Development Group</a> has lodged plans for a major residential precinct on the former Presentation College site in Windsor, with an eight-building masterplan ultimately rising to 10 storeys.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/167-dandenong-road-windsor-vic-3181">167–187 Dandenong Road</a> spans a substantial 19,027 sqm site and is being progressed across six stages, with the first residential stages comprising 170 homes across four buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>.

Stage Two will deliver the bulk of the initial housing, with Building A comprising 81 apartments and Building B 49 apartments, both rising to six storeys.

Stage Three will deliver a further 40 homes. The heritage Nagel Building, identified as Building C, will be converted to 12 dwellings, while a new five-storey Building D will comprise 28 apartments at the Hornby Street and Dandenong Road corner.

The 170 homes across Stages Two and Three will include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including townhouse-style dwellings.<img alt="First look: Pace plans landscaped housing precinct on former Windsor school site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="83c56e3e-dfb9-4e12-b172-c3f18513ec32" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_9.png?VersionId=xRcRpSZsxX.UX_NDDGcRZktw7HVrzx7u" />

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The longer-term masterplan points to considerably greater density across the site.

Indicative plans show Building E accommodating around 80 dwellings across up to 10 storeys, while Building F is earmarked for around 120 dwellings and also up to 10 storeys. Building G is planned to range between four and 10 storeys, however its apartment yield is yet to be determined. That means the masterplan currently identifies at least 370 dwellings across Buildings A to F before any apartments within Building G are counted.

Across the 1.9-hectare site, that represents an indicative density of at least 194 dwellings per hectare, with the final figure to increase once the yield of Building G is established.

Pace is pursuing the project through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program, with Urbis lodging a combined Section 96A planning scheme amendment and planning application on behalf of the developer, which secured the site earlier this year.

The application seeks detailed approval for Stages One, Two and Three, alongside approval of the broader masterplan framework that will guide the later residential stages. Stage One will see an existing heritage building adaptively reused for a wellness and fitness-related facility, while the broader precinct will retain several significant heritage buildings and established trees as part of the redevelopment.

A minimum 10 per cent affordable housing contribution is proposed across both the initial residential stages and the later masterplan stages, delivered through a discounted rental model.

The project comes immediately after a major change to the site's planning controls.

The site was rezoned to the Housing Choice and Transport Zone through Planning Scheme Amendment GC285, gazetted on July 22, 2026, and now sits within the inner catchment of the Windsor Station precinct under the State Government's Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program.

While the new controls identify large sites within the inner catchment for buildings of up to six storeys, Pace's masterplan pushes height to 10 storeys in parts of the site, with the taller buildings concentrated toward the centre and along the Sandringham railway corridor.

Lower-scale built form is proposed toward the site's more sensitive residential and heritage edges, with Buildings A and B generally stepping from three storeys at their interfaces to six storeys at upper levels.

Cera Stribley's masterplan breaks the development into a collection of separate buildings rather than a continuous built form, with landscaped spaces, new pedestrian links and a new publicly accessible road forming part of the precinct.

The planning report says the development will create new pedestrian connections to Elm Place and along the railway corridor, as well as a new publicly accessible road linking Elm Place with Dandenong Road. The proposed buildings will occupy around 54 per cent of the site, leaving a substantial portion available for landscaping, communal areas and permeable surfaces.

Urbis said the scale of the project reflected the site's strategic location close to Windsor Station, tram services and the Chapel Street Activity Centre, with the former school campus identified as a significant opportunity to increase housing supply on an underutilised inner-Melbourne site.

&nbsp;

Laurence Dragomir

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