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The greening of Southbank is a step closer to reality following the endorsement of the draft concept plan for Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street by the Future Melbourne Committee on Tuesday, 18 July, 2017.

The $34 million plan to reclaim bitumen for parks within Southbank is borne from a need to provide necessary public open space within Southbank, which is Melbourne’s most densely populated suburb with a population of 20,000 residents.  This is forecast to rise by 175 per cent over the next 15 years.

With over 96 per cent of Southbank’s population living in apartments with little access to outdoor space - Southbank has the least amount of public open space per person in Melbourne at just 2.5 sqm per person - it has become even more critical that projects such as Southbank Boulevard are undertaken to achieve Melbourne’s open space target of 21 sqm per person.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/southbank_prop_talls_02_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A future Soutbank of 35,0000 residents? "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_prop_talls_02_0.jpg?itok=8ywgmF1m" title="A future Soutbank of 35,0000 residents? " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A future Southbank of 35,0000 residents? Original Image: FloodSlicer</figcaption></figure>The creation of new public open space in Southbank by using Southbank Boulevard is a joint State Government and City of Melbourne initiative as outlined in the Southbank Structure Plan (2010), the Melbourne Arts Precinct Blueprint (2011) and Council’s Open Space Strategy (2012).

Southbank Boulevard is suitable for a green makeover due to a decrease in traffic numbers - falling from 40,000 – 50,000 vehicles a day to 13,000 vehicles a day following Queensbridge Square's opening in 2001 which removed Southbank Boulevard’s connection to the CBD.

The project will be delivered over three stages beginning from next year and upon completion will provide 2.5ha of public realm, 1.05km of dedicated bicycle lanes, and 40 percent tree canopy cover as per the Urban Forest Strategy target.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/southbank_blvd_stages.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street staging. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_blvd_stages.png?itok=LA1aCMC7" title="Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street staging. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street staging. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The Draft Concept Plan has been shaped and informed by community engagement. A three phase community engagement plan including key stakeholders and traditional owners plan was prepared in 2014. Phase one engagement took place in November 2015 followed by phase two in September 2016. Following the last phase of community engagement, it was agreed that a Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street Draft Concept Plan would be displayed in 2017.

- City of Melbourne, Future Melbourne Planning Report
</blockquote>

The City of Melbourne is also progressing with Boyd Park as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the former JH Boyd School site despite deciding not to proceed with the sale and redevelopment of part of the land to Cairo Melbourne Pty. Ltd. Council has committed $1.7 million towards the project and will be proceeding with the park design based on feedback received during the 2014 community engagement. The old school building located to the rear of the community hub building, which is temporarily being used as office space will be demolished to make way for the new park.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/jh_boyd_site.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Former JH Boyd Site. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jh_boyd_site.png?itok=WWz0v2Ni" title="Former JH Boyd Site. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Former JH Boyd Site. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>A new tender process will commence for the sale and redevelopment of the western portion of the site next to the King’s Way overpass at 132 Kavanagh to pave the way for a mixed-use development. According to council an updated design brief for the development will be released to the market later this year.

Further projects that will go some way to restoring the balance of public open space are the new terracing park as part of the Melbourne Square development and the public benefits associated with Crown's One Queensbridge Street which will see the transformation of Queensbridge Street and Queensbridge Square. $15 million dollars will also be directed towards the rejuvenation of Sandridge Bridge into a New York-style High Line.

<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/southabnk_parks.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square + Queensbridge Street. Images: OSK Property + State Government of Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="185" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southabnk_parks.jpg?itok=aSO2YhXN" title="Melbourne Square + Queensbridge Street. Images: OSK Property + State Government of Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square + Queensbridge Street. Images: OSK Property + State Government of Victoria</figcaption></figure>In the meantime the City of Melbourne have put together a video providing further background about the Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street Concept Plan.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tUjDoUV53Tk" width="560"></iframe>

Lead image: <a href="http://scenery.melbourne/3d-visualisation/">Scenery</a>
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Laurence Dragomir

Southbank's new Green Spine a step closer

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Last month the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) appointed Stuart Moseley as its new CEO just prior to the introduction of the Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017 on 1 July, which reinforces the VPA's role as the state’s key strategic and place-based planning authority.

The VPA is a Victorian Government statutory authority that reports to the Minister for Planning and whose main objective is to ensure Melbourne and Victoria’s regions "remain great places to live."

Mr Moseley is a registered planner and PIA Fellow with 30 years of experience in planning, urban management and project delivery, including as chief executive of the City of Adelaide. Before joining the VPA, Mr Moseley worked as the Deputy Director General (Planning Group) for the Queensland Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, and has previously worked in consulting and in the New South Wales and South Australia governments.

Urban.com.au asked Mr Moseley to provide a bit of insight into his new role as CEO of the VPA and to discuss some of the work the authority does and challenges they face.

<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/arden-precinct-civic-heart-1024x576_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Arden Urban Renewal Precinct is just one of many VPA projects. Image: VPA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/arden-precinct-civic-heart-1024x576_0.jpg?itok=7EWVf2vW" title="The Arden Urban Renewal Precinct is just one of many VPA projects. Image: VPA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Arden Urban Renewal Precinct is just one of many VPA projects. Image: VPA</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: Are you able to provide some insight into your role as CEO of VPA? What are some of the outcomes you're hoping to achieve?

Stuart Moseley: At the VPA our job is to unlock growth of state-significant areas, precincts and sites on Melbourne’s expanding urban fringe, in Melbourne’s existing suburbs and in our regional cities and towns.

As CEO it is my role to lead a talented team of planners, engineers, mapping specialists and demographers to ensure we plan for the growth of Victoria over the next 30 years.

As planners we must be adept at casting our minds well into the future to anticipate the infrastructure, housing, employment and other needs of our population. We often create plans that will guide particular areas’ growth and investment for many years to come – having an indelible print on Victoria’s fabric – so it is important we consult widely and get the planning right.

We take a broad, birds-eye view of our state and plan strategically. Local councils also play an essential role in planning for change in their municipality, but as a state authority we take a Victoria-wide approach to planning. I am hoping to strengthen the VPA’s relationships with various stakeholders, to achieve effective planning outcomes for Victorians.

UM: The VPA works closely with a number of stakeholders from developers to local community groups in addition to other government bodies such as Development Victoria. Can you discuss the difference in roles and responsibilities between the VPA and Development Victoria as I think a lot of people have a difficult time keeping up with the various government bodies which focus on planning and development particularly with the numerous restructures over the last 5 years.

SM: I understand there are a lot of government authorities to keep track of! The primary difference between us and Development Victoria is that we are a planner, while Development Victoria is a developer.

We undertake planning and rezoning, for precincts comprising either public or private land, while Development Victoria develops publicly owned land and delivers projects on that land.

The VPA is primarily focused on land use planning for areas undergoing significant change. It is our job to ensure these areas have appropriate infrastructure, planning zones and regulations to succeed. For example, in our growth areas we are often responsible for rezoning land from farming to urban uses, which leads to the creation of new integrated communities. Our priority is to make sure these new areas will be great places to live.

Therefore, our precinct structure plans include land use overlays that reserve land for particular uses – whether that be a new school, a future train station or a park. We collaborate closely with an extensive range of stakeholders – such as education providers, facility providers and VicRoads – to guarantee positive outcomes for the future community.

UM: And further to the above what is the relationship between the VPA and the Minister for Planning's office?

SM: The VPA reports to the Minister for Planning, undertaking planning projects according to the Minister’s priorities.

The Minister has a Department that advises him on high-level strategies (like Plan Melbourne and the regional growth plans), on planning legislation, on the operation of the planning system and the setting of state planning policies. Our job is to give effect to all of these requirements by delivering plans for particular areas and sites.

UM: How does the VPA approach these large scale urban infill projects to achieve the best outcomes for the sites while balancing the needs and desires of the community and other local stakeholders with government policy?

SM: One of our most publicised planning projects is for major urban renewal at Arden. Arden is a future jobs hub in North Melbourne based around a new Metro station that will become an extension of the central city, being a base for 34,000 jobs and 15,000 residents.

Last year the Minister for Planning launched our draft framework plan for Arden, and invited members of the community/stakeholders to have input into this plan. We also held several engagement forums with community members and business owners – standard practice across all of our plans. We are now in the process of finalising the framework plan and will incorporate some of the suggestions raised by community members.

Balancing the needs of various stakeholders and community members is no easy feat, but we pride ourselves on our open door policy and the fact we engage very widely when creating plans. Planners must be strong negotiators, have an ability to adapt plans where necessary and be willing to sit down with a wide range of groups. We pride ourselves on doing just that to ensure we create places that people want to live and enjoy.

UM: And lastly, what do you see as some the greatest challenges facing Greater Melbourne at the moment and how do you see the VPA's role in addressing these?

SM: One of Greater Melbourne’s biggest challenges involves planning for the unprecedented scale and pace of population growth. The VPA plays a key role by ensuring our new neighbourhoods (be they on the urban fringe, in renewal areas or in our regional cities and towns) provide for new jobs, housing and open spaces and coordinating the infrastructure and services needed to support them.
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VPA's new CEO Stuart Moseley discusses his new role

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Developed through a partnership with Icon Developments and Cranecorp Otter St will - upon completion - deliver a boutique residential development of 19 luxury residences in the heart of Collingwood’s eclectic and progressive Smith Street precinct at 1-3 Otter Street Collingwood. 

Every apartment benefits from dual aspect, access to significant natural light and cross ventilation all within walking distance of public transport, open space, cafes, restaurants, bars and galleries.

According to architects HASSELL, the development has been designed to be "unmistakably Collingwood with a distinctive twist" by taking the contextual material of bricks and rethinking them with the lower façade employs a shimmering glazed brick to create a strikingly beautiful impact on the streetscape.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1711_02-09-2016_5221.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Otter St draws on its neighbourhood context. Image: HASSELL"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="379" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1711_02-09-2016_5221.jpg?itok=qIN2-MkO" title="Otter St draws on its neighbourhood context. Image: HASSELL" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Otter St draws on its neighbourhood context. Image: HASSELL</figcaption></figure>Being a boutique development, Icon Developments’ Managing Director Ashley Murdoch said the project was about exclusivity and spaciousness – something not often associated with apartment living. Otter St’s design has been inspired by its inner-urban location – another major draw-card to the development. 

<blockquote>
We’ve brought together the best minds in the business to create spacious, A-grade residences. Every element across the board, from the understated exterior to the quality craftsmanship in the finishes and appliances have been considered.

Our buyers want the best of the best, so we engaged HASSELL for their architectural expertise, and combined this with fixtures and appliances at the pinnacle of their industries, such as Valcucine, Lema and Fantini, through a partnership with Rogerseller.

Collingwood has a great, longstanding industrial and creative history, but is now establishing itself as a home to the finer things in life with cafes, galleries and restaurants.The design is unmistakably Collingwood with a distinctive twist, with the lower façade using a shimmering glazed brick to create a strikingly beautiful impact on the streetscape.

- Ashley Murdoch, Icon Developments Managing Director
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/160817_-_vw9_living_city.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The living spaces offer expansive views. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/160817_-_vw9_living_city.jpg?itok=_SO0Msas" title="The living spaces offer expansive views. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The living spaces offer expansive views. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au spoke to  Icon Developments’ Managing Director Ashley Murdoch about their collaboration on Otter St with Cranecorp and the companies future aspirations.

Urban.com.au: Can you give us a bit of background about Icon Developments? What is your ethos when it comes to development? What sort of projects are Icon interested in delivering?

Ashley Murdoch: We formed Icon Developments about 20 years ago, specialising in residential warehouse conversions, with our first major development site in Richmond. At that time warehouse conversions weren’t as commonplace as they are now, so they had some architectural interest to them because they were different to everything else on the market.

This need to find something different informed our business ethos and we continue to be driven by a desire to do interesting projects that are more challenging from an architectural and planning point of view. Right now we’re focussing on apartments that are better for living, with well thought-out plans, smart spending and considered architecture, which is how we became involved with Otter St.

UM: How did the partnership for Otter St between Icon developments and Cranecorp come about? How was the relationship working together?

AM: We had been orbiting around each other for a number of years and working on similar projects, but never together. For Otter St, they were looking for a like-minded and experienced company to partner with who shared their design instincts. It was a great block of land, with lots of natural light and ventilation. We were struck by how they wanted to elevate the building materials and incorporate architectural elements with a nod to the area’s history to make it blend in with the existing buildings and still stand out from a design perspective.

Since we had similar ideas about what would work for the site and saw great potential in their architecture and design plans, we knew this was a project we wanted to be involved in. Otter St was an opportunity for us to act as a guiding hand on a unique and luxurious project in an evolving area, and it really ticked all the boxes for us in terms of finding interesting projects to work on.

For any partnership to be successful you need to bring complimentary skills to the table. Cranecorp are younger, proactive and design-oriented, while we bring the practical side of design to ensure we can deliver all the features we want in an efficient manner. This made our partnership very natural and effective, which definitely helped the project to grow in a really positive way.

UM: What factors or qualities appeal to Icon when scouring for development sites?

AM: There are so many factors that need to be taken into consideration when looking for a development site – orientation, street frontage and block dimensions are all hugely important. In recent years we’ve found that people want proximity to the action, but not to necessarily have it right on their doorstep. That’s why conveniently located developments in side streets are becoming so popular. You’re a quick walk from desirable amenities – such as public transport, supermarkets and restaurants – but with enough distance to keep you away from the noise and traffic. Otter St is a prime example of this.

However, we find that the most important aspect of any development is being able to envision the end product and to identify who the buyers are for that particular project. You need to take the location, demographics and style of your potential buyers into account, whether you’re developing small boutique apartments in a ‘hipster’ area or a larger-scale commercial development. You need to know who your buyers will be and source your site according to their needs.

UM: Icon have also partnered on 122 Roseneath Street with Wulff Projects and Assemble. Are strategic partnerships such as this preferred or is Icon happy to go it alone where applicable?

AM: At Icon, we can really go either way. Personally, I like partnering with other companies because I enjoy working with different people, seeing how different groups come up with ideas and how they get stuff done. Put simply, it allows us the opportunity to work on more interesting projects that we otherwise might not have been involved with. For me, it’s really important to develop a reputation of being a good partner who people want to approach with new ideas. With that said, when we find a project ourselves we won’t necessarily go hunting for partners to bring on unless we feel it will add value to the end product.

UM: What are Icon's plans moving forward, in terms of future site acquisitions, partnerships and projects? 

AM: Our main area of focus is creating better quality projects that allows us to deliver something truly well-considered, whether that is a project for downsizers or the owner-occupier market. A long-term rental model is something we’d be interested in looking at in the future, especially because most people can’t afford to buy a home right now and are resigned to having to move every couple of years.

We’re definitely interested in the affordable housing area - it is such a difficult and multifaceted problem to solve - but as a builder-developer, with a strong balance sheet and an interest in design we sit in a unique position to try to solve these issues in the future.
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Icon Developments' Ashley Murdoch discusses Otter Street

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Construction of Riverlee's $290 million urban precinct in Richmond known as Jaques has recently been completed, with the Fender Katsalidis-designed development also breaking the previous apartment price record of $3 million for the area. A Glen Iris couple paid $4.8 million for the top floor penthouse.

Bordered by Coppin, Highett, Griffiths and Palmer Streets, the Jaques precinct consists of 377 apartments and townhouses across five buildings set on the former Jaques Foundry, which occupied the space between 1885-1997 and from which the development takes its name.

Founded in 1885 by Edward Jaques who along with his family fled Revolutionary France, the company produced rock crushers for quarries, a specialty in which Jaques would become world leaders with their Palmer Street Plant in Richmond. Jaques machines are still an integral part of the mining and quarry industries with Melbourne’s City Loop employing Jaques burrowing machines to dig its tunnels.

The Richmond plant was eventually sold in 1997 when the company relocated to Clayton South, and it's the site's rich industrial heritage that served as the context for the design of Jaques development.

The factory’s original red brick tower graces the south-western entrance to the site and original drawings and blueprints for the manufacturing of the rock crushing machinery are showcased throughout three of the buildings which date back to as early as 1915, sharing the story of the past with the residents and community.

<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/jaques_courtyard.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The now completed Jaques courtyard. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jaques_courtyard.jpg?itok=hxfFNBg8" title="The now completed Jaques courtyard. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The now completed Jaques courtyard. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The development has proved to be a hit with the downsizer market seeking large apartments, resulting in over 20 buyers combining apartments to create more spacious residences.

Residents at Jaques value the connected location and high quality design with premium finishes and materials used throughout. Jaques has set a benchmark for urban design that respects heritage and contributes to the suburb’s sense of community with its boutique retail offering featuring Richmond’s newest eatery hotspots.
<cite>Kristine Lee, spokesperson, Riverlee Group</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/palmer_st_-_dyer_st_elevated.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The recently Palmer Street rounds out the Jaques development. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="427" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/palmer_st_-_dyer_st_elevated.jpg?itok=J_6J4l6c" title="The recently Palmer Street rounds out the Jaques development. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The recently Palmer Street rounds out the Jaques development. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>In March, legendary Richmond footballer Jack Dyer was honored with a street named in his memory within the project’s island site, bounded by Palmer, Coppin, Highett and Griffiths Streets.

Dyer Street will soon be home to Jamu, the newest venture from the people behind A Thousand Blessings. Jamu, meaning “to feast” in Malay, will focus on good quality food inspired by the diverse flavours of Asia and using local ingredients and produce in an industrial setting.

A Japanese diner serving unique traditional lunch and dinner dishes with a modern touch will also open within the retail precinct. Itadakimasu will be a family-style restaurant with yakitori bar seating, standard seating, and traditional seating with floor cushions.

In June the Dyer Street retail laneway welcomed boutique hair salon, Frankie Salon, which will soon be joined by The Richmond Dentist, a dentistry and cosmetic clinic which is set to open later this month.

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Riverlee Group</li>
	<li>Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Hecker Guthrie</li>
	<li>Samantha Eades</li>
	<li>Macquarie Real Estate Equity Funds</li>
	<li>Hacer Group</li>
	<li>Merkon Constructions</li>
	<li>Tract Landscape Architects</li>
	<li>Aurecon</li>
	<li>WSP Group</li>
</ul>
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Jaques Richmond now complete

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The Victorian Government has given the green light for the first stage of the new Footscray Learning Precinct (FLP), which will include the redevelopment of Gilmore College for Girls and Footscray City Primary School following a commitment of $10.6 million in May's State Budget.

Hayball has been engaged to complete the master planning and advance designs for all sites in the precinct, including a new junior secondary campus. They are also the architects for the vertical learning schools currently under construction in Richmond and South Melbourne.

In what is being hailed as a first for Victoria by the Government, the FLP aims to better connect early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary education together in three local ‘hubs’.

The vision for the precinct is one where state-of-the-art facilities, such as a STEM learning centre, sports buildings and a performing arts venue, can be shared between schools, Victoria University and the wider community.

<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/flp_lead.png" rel="gallery-all" title="A glimpse at the Footscray Learning Precinct. Image: State Government of Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flp_lead.png?itok=th_R2q6E" title="A glimpse at the Footscray Learning Precinct. Image: State Government of Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A glimpse at part of the plan for the Footscray Learning Precinct. Image: State Government of Victoria</figcaption></figure>Construction of the first stage is due to begin in 2018, and completed in time for the 2020 school year. This stage includes:

<ul>
<li>Upgrading facilities and expanding capacity at Footscray City Primary School. Additions include a three-court indoor sports and recreation building.</li>
	<li>Refurbishing and modernising Gilmore College for Girls.</li>
</ul>
Key proposals for future stages include:

<ul>
<li>Reconfiguring Gilmore College for Girls as a co-educational school. It would become one of two junior (Years 7-9) secondary campuses in the precinct, with the other being a new vertical school to be built in Seddon at Pilgrim Street</li>
	<li>Transforming Footscray City College into a senior secondary campus (Years 10-12), with a nearby STEM Centre delivered in partnership with Victoria University.</li>
	<li>Building a performing arts centre at either the primary school or Gilmore College for Girls</li>
	<li>Establishing an integrated early learning centre at the primary school in partnership with Maribrynong City Council.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/south_melbourne_primary_01_1341x1000.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="South Melbourne Primary School and Richmond High School. Images: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="190" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/south_melbourne_primary_01_1341x1000.jpg?itok=xnPTRj4f" title="South Melbourne Primary School and Richmond High School. Images: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>South Melbourne Primary School and Richmond High School. Images: Hayball</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au discussed Hayball's appointment to master plan the FLP and how they will draw on their experience in the sector with Hayball Director Richard Leonard. This follows from a <a href="/news/a-discussion-on-vertical-modes-of-learning-with-hayballs-richard-leonard">previous discussion</a> from two years ago on the advent of vertical modes of learning.

Urban.com.au: Hayball has considerable experience in the education sector and has built up an impressive body of work. How has/will this experience inform(ed) the design of the FLP?

Richard Leonard: The Footscray Learning Precinct is truly ground-breaking – it’s never been done before in Australia.

The project integrates education opportunities and facilities from cradle to grave, taking into consideration requirements from the community and future citizens. In a region that’s growing at a tremendous rate like the inner west, education is clearly an agent for transformational change in an urban context.

We have yet to put down pen to paper in terms of design– but what I can tell you is that it will bring together all of the experience, research and creative minds at the practice into a single project challenge.

UM: Hayball has also been at the forefront designing the first vertical schools here in Victoria, with more on the way. What model(s) can we expect for FLP?

RL: The entire model for the FLP is completely new. The interesting aspect is that there’s a broad spectrum of education facilities integrating together, from an early childhood centre, primary schools, secondary schools and a university. There’s are spread across three distinct precincts of learning within the suburb. This new model of linking places of learning with the community is the next frontier for education in Australia.

There’s actually a vertical junior secondary school envisaged for the precinct, which will be home to students in years seven to ten. The site is relatively small, but the value of integrating with the entire learning community means that we’re able to make the most of the smaller pockets of land in the inner city, because schools can share facilities with other schools nearby or with community facilities such as libraries, sports grounds etc.

UM: Is FLP an opportunity to test new ideas around teaching and learning?

RL: Yes it will be, but in a very different way, in the sense that it’s for all students at all stages in life. The concept of integrated cradle to grave education is a game changer, as is the way this entire precinct will link to the community and other service providers.

The inter-connected model allows schools to work together in terms of developing a consistent curriculum, sharing facilities, systems and resources, and ensuring pedagogies are streamlined so students can move from primary to secondary to tertiary education seamlessly. Overall, it’s improving the holistic approach to teaching and learning, providing students with better opportunities, staff with better resources, and creating better transitions for students.

From a design perspective, as this model has never been done before, we’ll certainly be gaining insights as to how we can support the inter-connected model through urban planning, interior design and architecture.

UM: How do you approach designing an education precinct rather than say a campus? What are some of the challenges and opportunities?

RL: Like any major project, the challenge is how we bring a number of stakeholders (schools), community groups and the council together in the visioning and decision-making process.

The other challenge – and opportunity I suppose – is that because there’s no design models to base this project on, we’ll be setting a new benchmark in terms of integrated learning precincts.

UM: How does the Footscray context inform the design of these schools both at a macro and micro level?

RL: The interesting thing is that the FLP is divided into three precincts – while they are all geographically close, they all have different cultural context and the communities are very different. So we have to take this into consideration.

The Department of Education quotes some astounding figures in terms of growth in Footscray – by 2040, there will be an 80% increase in the overall population, and not just children. As such, there’s a real need to address the future needs of the entire society, not just students.

One of the other things to touch on is that Footscray has always been home to a number of important education institutions. Victoria University and many of the schools have been there for decades so we’ll be taking that into our design consideration. The difference with this project is that while we’re creating a handful of new learning facilities, our primary goal is to assist with the integration and alignment of very significant institutions, community and service providers in the precinct.

In this way, education is at the centre of this model, and it’s being used as a method for transformational change in the urban environment, which is particularly important for the inner west of Melbourne. That’s the really exciting bit!
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Hayball's Richard Leonard discusses the new Footscray Learning Precinct

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FlipMatrix is an innovative data-driven architectural software start-up which focuses on streamlining building design via an online tool that will be available in Victoria on mobile and desktop platforms.

FlipMatrix was initially conceived as a tool for architects as a viable alternative to inaccurate and unpaid feasibility studies which architects endlessly undertake in a bid to win work. It has since evolved into an automated tool which can be applied to all development typologies in an effort to cultivate speed, efficiency and accuracy for a variety of industry professionals and during different phases of the building design process.

As an example it could be utilised by architects, real estate agents and/or developers as a 'property calculator', aiding with the due diligence process.

<blockquote>
Disrupting architectural designs through automation.
<cite>Lindy Hayter, founder, FlipMatrix</cite>
</blockquote>

FlipMatrix comprises two main products:

<ul>
<li>Datascape: Automatic context models</li>
	<li>Area: Property Development Area Calculator</li>
</ul>
Datascape is a product which automatically generates a downloadable 3D context model which includes property boundaries by supplying a valid address in Victoria.

Area allows you to enter the site address of your potential development and quantify the areas in real-time using a dynamic system while generating unlimited design iterations on any property in Victoria, factoring in zoning and your chosen design parameters, meaning you have the ability to override apects such as setbacks and you will have the option to enter your own inputs.

FlipMatrix also builds and stores downloadable 3D models and offers a comprehensive property report, development area analysis, as well as locating easements and surrounding amenities such as public transport &amp; parks.

FlipMatrix was founded by Lindy Hayter who has 7 years experience in the industry.

<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/flipmatrix.png" rel="gallery-all" title="FlipMatrix example output. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flipmatrix.png?itok=nVEg42h6" title="FlipMatrix example output. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>FlipMatrix example output. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
It’s also been very important that we keep the infrastructure of our system flexible and dynamic with the agility to adapt along with technology.
<cite>Lindy Hayter, founder, FlipMatrix</cite>
</blockquote>

FlipMatrix is now seeking industry beta testers and as development progresses, FlipMatrix will move into the software-as-a-service (SAAS) space which conducts near instantaneous architectural and development feasibility studies.

Area will allow clients to enter a property address into the site and have a comprehensive property report, architectural feasibility study (how many apartments you can put on the property), CAD architectural smart-plans, and 3D model returned back to them. Essentially, it would design the building for you at feasibility level in a very short timeframe.

Further to this, users will be able to change certain parameters of the design, allowing them to run a number of different design iterations, such as apartment sizes, the number of levels, and apartment mix and yield.

This will streamline the process for architects, property developers, public sector authorities and real estate agents to make quicker and more accurate decisions as to whether to proceed with a property purchase or property development.

Update: Thank you for the response thus far, registrations are now closed.  For more information about FlipMatrix, <a href="http://flipmatrix.com.au/">see the website</a>.
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FlipMatrix online tool seeks beta testers

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First <a href="/news/victoria-one-452-elizabeth-street">covered</a> on Apartments.com.au just a tick over 3 years ago, Golden Age Group's Victoria One has achieved a significant milestone with head contractor Probuild topping out the core at a height of 271m AHD and in the process claiming the title of the tallest structure in the Melbourne CBD. 

According to Probuild the the core’s last concrete pour occurred at the tower on Saturday 17 June, well ahead of schedule

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_4009.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The view from the top. Image: Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="179" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4009.jpg?itok=ToM9ZWc7" title="The view from the top. Image: Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The view from the top. Image: Probuild</figcaption></figure>One of the many challenges posed by the development has been the staged settlement for apartments within the tower. Probuild has strategically constructed Victoria One to allow the settlement of 232 apartments, up to Level 39 can occur unencumbered, whilst it completes the remainder of the building by June 2018.

This will allow Golden Age to be the first developer of the currently under construction Elizabeth Street talls to commence settlement, despite the likes of Light House and Empire reaching structural completion in advance.  As a comparison the first residents will begin moving into Empire from the end of next month.

The sleek rectilinear design of Victoria One is in stark contrast to Elenberg Fraser's other Elizabeth Street tower, the neighbouring Light House, which has adopted a much more complex form to capture and reflect light. Victoria One's architecture has been inspired by its namesake's vast array of park's gardens and rainforests which is reflected in it's green facade that also evokes images of timber grain and fluidity.

<blockquote>
The form and façade of this mixed-use tower recalls Victoria’s famous landscapes – the gardens, waterfalls, rainforests, waterways and beaches that make up this southern state. The fluid façade appears soft and yielding like the local parks, oceans and rivers. Green glazing with gold highlights gives a botanic feel. The fins – which appropriately also assist with wind and sun protection – are shimmering silver, shifting like the currents of a stream or leaves being shaken with rain.

- Elenberg Fraser
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cam042_20170614_16_16_43.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria One already dominating the Elizabeth Street skyline. Image: Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="872" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cam042_20170614_16_16_43.jpg?itok=zw22Uj5_" title="Victoria One already dominating the Elizabeth Street skyline. Image: Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria One already dominating the Elizabeth Street skyline. Image: Probuild</figcaption></figure>While a significant achievement it will be short lived with another Elenberg Fraser designed tower also being delivered by Probuild set to usurp Victoria One in the next 18 months. The 88-storey Aurora Melbourne Central will eventually rise to a height of 269m above street level or 287m AHD claiming the title of Melbourne CBD's tallest structure.

<h2>Project Facts</h2>

Victoria One will comprise:

<ul>
<li>78 levels, 643 apartments, 163 car spaces, with provision for bicycle storage.</li>
	<li>4 retail spaces located spread over Ground floor and Level 1 Amenities will include a swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room and gym with an indoor/outdoor area featuring native trees on level 9.</li>
	<li>Split handover. SP1 – 232 Apartments up to Level 39; SP2 June 2018.</li>
	<li>Communal spaces are located on Levels 40 and 66</li>
	<li>253,097m² total floor area</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Core Topping Out facts:</h2>

<ul>
<li>Last pour completed Saturday 17 June 2017</li>
	<li>Total number of pours: 85</li>
	<li>Permanent lifts now serving Ground to Level 42</li>
	<li>Cubic metres of concrete: 6,500 m3 – equivalent to 1300 truck loads</li>
	<li>Tonnes of reinforcement: 1,100 tonne – equivalent to 733 family sedans</li>
	<li>Number of crane climbs: 17</li>
</ul>
 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/office-hero-render-full.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora Melbourne Central on the horizon. Image: UEM Sunrise"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1010" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/office-hero-render-full.jpg?itok=25xb9GSa" title="Aurora Melbourne Central on the horizon. Image: UEM Sunrise" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora Melbourne Central on the horizon. Image: UEM Sunrise</figcaption></figure>
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Victoria One's core tops out - becomes CBD's tallest structure

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Late last week head contractor Probuild officially broke ground on ISPT's 271 Spring Street, a $150 million mixed-use tower in Melbourne’s CBD. The 16-storey building has been designed by John Wardle Architects (JWA) and will become the new headquarters for national health, wealth and living company Australian Unity, which has agreed to a 15-year term over the entire 15,600 sqm.

The development at 271 Spring Street completes ISPT and JWA's original vision for the Urban Workshop at 50 Lonsdale Street, which included a major new commercial office building and retail precinct "set around the historic buildings and street patterns of the area once known as the Little Lon district."

<blockquote>
The new office building incorporates a brick podium that is partly original and partly reimagined around historic elements including the Elms Hotel and the Mission Building. Overall, a streetscape of two storey brickwork makes for a scale and material appearance consistent with its neighbours along Little Lonsdale Street.

It is not overtly grand, but rather scaled for people and aims to create an engaging relationship with the passerby.

Separate from the brick podium is the office tower proper, its curtain walls incorporating sun shading to improve thermal performance. Expanding this texture further, the patterns of historic roofs hidden from view are writ large upon the inclined glass face of the tower above.

A new geometry for sun blades is drawn from the old roof patterns.
<cite>John Wardle Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/271sp_jwa.png" rel="gallery-all" title="271 Spring Street, view of streetscape. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="269" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/271sp_jwa.png?itok=H_9KL6Ut" title="271 Spring Street, view of streetscape. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>271 Spring Street, view of streetscape. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure>The breaking ground ceremony was preceded by a 'Welcome to Country' ceremony performed by Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jr. In attendance were representatives from ISPT, RCP, Probuild, JWA and Australian Unity, including ISPT CEO Daryl Browning, RCP Director Greg Naylor, Probuild's Victorian Managing Director Luke Stambolis and JWA Principal Bill Krotiris.

271 Spring Street is due for completion in mid 2019.

<blockquote>
We are excited to be breaking ground at 271 Spring Street, alongside ISPT and Australian Unity. The level of collaboration seen on this project from all parties has been impressive.

We’re working to retain complicated heritage facades and fabrics, a complex task Probuild teams are well-equipped to manage. We’ll be facing challenges undertaking construction directly above the Melbourne Underground Rail Loop Tunnels, but we’re used to operating and delivering in live environments.
<cite>Luke Stambolis, Victorian Managing Director, Probuild</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/271sp-ai01-707x1000.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="271 Spring Street Hero Perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="820" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/271sp-ai01-707x1000.jpg?itok=P4OG_H4J" title="271 Spring Street Hero Perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>271 Spring Street Hero Perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure>
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Probuild and ISPT Break Ground on Australian Unity's new Spring Street HQ

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S P Setia has announced that it has entered into a partnership with Shangri-La Hotels &amp; Resorts for its twin tower development at 308 Exhibition Street.

In attendance were representatives from both companies including S P Setia Chairman Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid and Shangri-La Asia CEO Mr. LIM Beng Chee in addition to dignitaries from Malaysia and members of the media, including Apartments.com.au.

<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/308_exhibition_st.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="308 Exibition Street set to rise opposite the Carlton Gardens. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="394" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/308_exhibition_st.jpg?itok=_YIOqGnM" title="308 Exibition Street set to rise opposite the Carlton Gardens. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>308 Exibition Street set to rise opposite the Carlton Gardens. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Located opposite Melbourne’s World Heritage-listed Carlton Gardens, the Cox and Fender Katsalidis-designed dual-tower development will accommodate the luxury five-star Shangri-La Hotel Melbourne featuring an estimated 500 guest rooms with three levels of amenities for guests in one tower and a second tower comprising 300 luxury residential apartments as well as office space.

A sky bridge will connect the two towers, while retail space will occupy the lower levels of the development.

During the function it was also announced that the development had received planning approval only half an hour earlier, paving the way for Melbourne's first Shangri-La hotel with display images suggesting the development will be branded as 'Sapphire by the Gardens.'

Sapphire by the Gardens will officially be launched later this year. The luxury residences will be aimed at owner occupiers, young families, young couples, downsizers and offshore residents that frequent Melbourne.

S P Setia anticipates construction to commence on the whole development by the end of the year following a competitive tender process during August, with an estimated completion date of 2022.

Existing structures on site are currently being demolished.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
S P Setia is honoured to appoint Shangri-La, an iconic global brand that represents the highest standards of quality, as the hotel operator to this development. Through the design and construction phases and for many decades to come as a luxury residence, retail and hotel precinct, the economic benefits of this project will be significant for Melbourne and will help grow the hospitality industry locally.

This will be Melbourne's newest icon and will be a welcome addition to Melbourne's cityscape as we continue to embark on our expansion and grow our business here in Australia. We are very excited to be launching very soon!
<cite>Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid, Chairman, S P Setia</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Shangri-La is privileged to be selected as the hotel operator for this world-class S P Setia development, which will be an architectural masterpiece and an iconic part of Melbourne’s skyline for decades to come and a symbol of this exciting partnership. We look forward to bringing Shangri-La’s hallmark ‘hospitality from the heart’ to Melbourne, a key global city and the world's most liveable in addition to Australia's event capital.
<cite>Mr. LIM Beng Chee, CEO, Shangri-La Asia</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We all love Melbourne and we thought it couldn't get any better but this piece of stunning architecture will enrich all of the great assets Melbourne has to offer. The Shangri-La forms the pillar of this iconic development and features what we think will be the best ballroom in the world, hosting events for 1,000 people and boasting an amazing outlook to the historic Carlton Gardens. The design of the project has evolved through a collaborative approach between ourselves, Cox Architects, Urbis and planning authorities; the design responds to authorities' requirements for the site and I'm pleased to announced that we received our planning permit half an hour ago.
<cite>Karl Fender, Founding Director, Fender Katsalidis</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Details</h2>

<ul>
<li>Designed by Fender Katsalidis and COX Architects</li>
	<li>Residential tower of 300 apartments to be known as Sapphire by the Gardens and second hotel with 500 guest rooms to be branded Shangri-La Hotel Melbourne</li>
	<li>Total site area: 4,140sqm</li>
	<li>Approved 13th June 2017</li>
	<li>Office, retail and hospitality space to occupy the lower levels of the development</li>
	<li>Gym, Health and Recreation</li>
	<li>Grand Ballroom to host 1,000 guests and featuring digital information wall</li>
	<li>Sky Lounge and restaurant at level 46</li>
	<li>Horizon Club Lounge as part of Shangri-La</li>
	<li>Level Podium Carpark</li>
	<li>Terracing garden podium facade</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/20170613_161016.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Representatives from S P Setia and Shangri-La Hotels &amp; Resorts gather for a photo."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20170613_161016.jpg?itok=GQJogotp" title="Representatives from S P Setia and Shangri-La Hotels &amp; Resorts gather for a photo." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Representatives from S P Setia and Shangri-La Hotels &amp; Resorts gather for a photo.</figcaption></figure>
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S P Setia's 308 Exhibition Street approved: Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts confirmed as operator

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Recently we've been exploring new ways to host our 3D model (or parts thereof) on the site. And today we're going live with a public beta that we'd love to hear your feedback on.

This is a significant step forward as we have previously had to rely on rendered stills to illustrate future development projections.

As an example, we have taken an in-progress portion of the Southbank model, which allows you to orbit around and freely control with clickable annotations which provide details about a few of the buildings and links back to their respective database listings. This can be seen below:

If viewing on a mobile device or tablet, use two fingers to pan around and zoom in, and one finger to orbit around the model.

Fair warning however: the models are large and if you are on a mobile device, we recommend only loading it on wifi or better yet use a laptop or desktop.

To navigate around the model:

<ul>
<li>Click and hold to orbit around the model.</li>
	<li>Hold <kbd>Shift</kbd> and click and hold to pan around the model (or hold down the mouse wheel).</li>
	<li>Hold <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> and click and hold to zoom into a particular part of the model.</li>
</ul>
<figure><div class="sketchfab-embed-wrapper"><iframe allowfullscreen="" allowvr="" frameborder="0" height="480" mozallowfullscreen="true" onmousewheel="" src="https://sketchfab.com/models/06f4dc8d9d874ef0bd560de95f7e7150/embed" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="640"></iframe></div>

<figcaption><a href="https://sketchfab.com/models/06f4dc8d9d874ef0bd560de95f7e7150?utm_medium=embed&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_campain=share-popup">STHBANK TEST</a> by <a href="https://sketchfab.com/urbmelb?utm_medium=embed&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_campain=share-popup">Urban.com.au</a> on <a href="https://sketchfab.com?utm_medium=embed&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_campain=share-popup">Sketchfab</a></figcaption></figure>It is worth noting that there are still a few issues to sort out, not least how to host the rest of the model (the CBD, Docklands etc), loading and viewing bigger models on mobile devices properly, colour coding and material testing.

Eventually we hope to make the full model readily available to everyone, but are still working through the finer details.

While it is still very much early days, there is a lot of potential. We will continue testing 3D content with a view towards including embedded 3D models as part of our planning articles, providing readers with the ability to view and control a new development within its immediate context right here on Apartments.com.au.

So for now, have fun panning around the Southbank model and keep an eye out for more 3D content in future. Please leave any feedback in the comments.
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Urban.com.au's 3D model is evolving

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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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" />

&nbsp;

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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