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The State Library of Victoria is set to undergo further transformation as part of the library's $88.1 million 2020 Vision. The Ian Potter Queen’s Hall and a number of gallery spaces are set to be reopened to the public as multi-functional spaces after many years behind closed doors.

Great halls, intersections between old and recent building additions and defunct lobbies and entrances will be transformed into welcoming spaces for learning, playing, socialising, and listening.

The designs for the project by Architectus in association with Denmark's Schmidt Hammer Lassen will reintroduce 40 percent more space to the public, including the significant historic refurbishment and reconfiguration of the Queen’s Hall and the Russell Street entrance. 

The upgrade will also see the introduction of a Children’s Quarter, with the theme of learning weaved throughout the design of the Library.

<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/kids_quarter_loft_v04_tweaked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The State Library's new Children's Quarter. Image supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kids_quarter_loft_v04_tweaked.jpg?itok=e1EDl-SP" title="The State Library's new Children's Quarter. Image supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The State Library's new Children's Quarter. Image supplied</figcaption></figure>The Victorian Government is providing $60.4 million worth of funding towards the project with the remaining $27.7 million to be raised through philanthropic support. Already the library has raised $21 million with $3 million from Maria and Allan Myers QC, $8 million from the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation and $10 million from the Ian Potter Foundation.

Yesterday's announcement also coincided with the launch of a public fundraising campaign to raise the remaining $5.9 million required.

<blockquote>
The revitalisation of the State Library of Victoria will see 40 percent more space released to the public with the opening of the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, The Victoria Gallery, the Russell Street entry, the Banquet Hall, as well as welcoming new rooms like the Children’s Quarter.
If Melbourne is a city of rooms, then the 160-year old Ian Potter Queen’s Hall is the jewel in the crown. Ensconced in history, the Hall will be reopened to the public after more than a decade. We’re stripping the space back to reveal its original beauty, literally stripping the walls to expose the original paint work, while drawing a modern design line through the Hall and the rest of the Library to link all the rooms together.
The Ian Potter Queen’s Hall will by day be a reading room, but by night will be transformed into a space for a variety of events – dinners, debates, lectures, cocktail parties, fashion parades, book launches – the opportunities are endless. 
The Russell Street entrance will offer another activation point to the Library, while encouraging movement through the buildings and bringing to life a side of the Library that has long been quiet. The new entrance will also relieve some of the foot traffic from the Swanston Street main entrance by providing a social space for people to visit as they wait for the Library to open, or to pass through for a coffee. Housing a Readings bookshop, a coffee cart and co-working space, the Russell Street entrance will open new ways for visitors to experience the Library.
We’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with an architecture firm that is world renowned for its work on libraries. Schmidt Hammer Lassen has brought invaluable knowledge and creativity to the table, challenging us to approach the State Library with international ingenuity.
Schmidt Hammer Lassen have designed many of the world’s leading 21st Century libraries, and they are at the forefront of exploring everything a library can mean for today’s cities. Architectus has the ability to bring this rich experience to our home town, and this means that the Library gets the best international thinking with a team that lives and breathes the local context, and can deliver the project to the highest quality
<cite>Ruth Wilson, Director, Architectus</cite>
</blockquote>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rj9UeGsczGs" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>Key design features</h2>

<ul>
<li>
Queen’s Hall: positioned on the upper floor of the Swanston Street entrance, the Queen’s Hall was part of the original 1856 build, but has been closed for 15 years. One of Melbourne’s very special rooms, it is set to be reopened as a reading room for the public during the day and transformed into an events space at night to host anything from lavish weddings to political debates. The designs will see the walls stripped back to the original 1856 paint work to connecting the past to now, as well as repairing the original timber herringbone floor.</li>
	<li>
Russell Street entrance: taking the strain off foot traffic through the Swanston street entrance, the Russell Street entrance will be reopened as a welcome space with a café, Readings bookshop and information kiosk, as well as a co-working space for budding businesses and entrepreneurs.</li>
	<li>
Children’s Quarter: Housed in the intersection between four building additions from different periods, the Children’s Quarter will open the doors for the future generations of library-goers, with a wide variety of spatial experiences that were imagined through extensive workshops and consultation with young people – from quiet nooks to self-guided learning, to bright and colourful play spaces that encourage children to be anything they want to be.</li>
</ul>
The delivery of Vision 2020 is being managed by Major Projects Victoria with construction due to commence in July 2017.

<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/baldwin_spencer_v05_tweaked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The State Library's new spaces set to open to the public. Image supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/baldwin_spencer_v05_tweaked.jpg?itok=6Zk7Z5pw" title="The State Library's new spaces set to open to the public. Image supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The State Library's new spaces set to open to the public. Image supplied</figcaption></figure>
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Laurence Dragomir

The State Library of Victoria's 2020 vision

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Planning Minister Richard Wynne has approved another commercial tower at Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter development in the Docklands.

The building known as Melbourne Quarter Tower will be located at 693 Collins Street, injecting almost 55,000sqm of office space into the precinct across its 28 floors, in addition to approximately 2,500sqm of retail 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/view_43_aerial_hero_resi.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial photo of the Melbourne Quarter development from Collins Street. Image: Lendlease "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/view_43_aerial_hero_resi.jpg?itok=NDH84V4z" title="Aerial photo of the Melbourne Quarter development from Collins Street. Image: Lendlease " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial photo of the Melbourne Quarter development from Collins Street. Image: Lendlease</figcaption></figure>Melbourne Quarter Tower will be the second of a total of three "next-generation commercial towers" to be built at Melbourne Quarter, joining the already under construction One Melbourne Quarter at 695 Collins Street and will likewise be targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating and a 5 star NABERS energy rating.

The new home of Arup in Melbourne, One Melbourne Quarter is progressing at a rapid pace with piling and site works almost completed, with the core and jump form beginning its ascent.

<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/ryan_1mq.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One Melbourne Quarter's construction progress. Photo: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ryan_1mq.jpg?itok=1feavRO0" title="One Melbourne Quarter's construction progress. Photo: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One Melbourne Quarter's construction progress. Photo: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Surrounded by a high concentration of leading national and global enterprises, we have seen a commercial shift towards this part of Collins Street at the heart of the Southern Cross precinct. Melbourne Quarter aims to set leading standards in environmentally sensitive and sustainable development, and aspires to be Melbourne’s greenest city precinct.

The hero of the new precinct, the skypark, will complement Melbourne Quarter’s leading workplace design, offering workers the ability to re-charge or work outside the office, enhancing their health and wellbeing. This is a key trend in global workplace design. In addition to the skypark, a new public square on Collins Street will be at the heart of the precinct.

Surrounded by cafes, bars and restaurants, this will blur the lines between workplaces and retail to create vibrant green spaces that maximise business efficiency. The precinct boasts a strong environmental focus, with more than half of the site dedicated to public open space and a 99 per cent walkability rating to facilitate greener, healthier workplaces.
<cite>Lendlease Managing Director for Urban Regeneration, Mark Menhinnitt</cite>
</blockquote>

All up Melbourne Quarter will feature seven commercial and residential buildings, delivering approximately 130,000sqm of office space for more than 12,000 employees and 3,000 residents in over 1,500 apartments.

The development aims to quite literally bridge the gap between the traditional Hoddle Grid and Docklands, and will also introduce a new network of connections, including a laneway connecting Collins and Flinders Streets. Approximately 40 new specialty retailers including urban street cafes and bars, restaurants and fashion/lifestyle offerings will flow off Collins Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/view01_ext_market_place_lane.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Market Place Lane, a new retail laneway within Melbourne Quarter. Image: Lendlease "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/view01_ext_market_place_lane.jpg?itok=fZCWK6Ty" title="Market Place Lane, a new retail laneway within Melbourne Quarter. Image: Lendlease " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Market Place Lane, a new retail laneway within Melbourne Quarter. Image: Lendlease</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne Quarter Tower receives ministerial approval

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The first apartments within the West End precinct have been launched within the 15-storey Adderley, designed by interiors group Carr Design Group. Covered by Apartments.com.au<a href="/news/go-west-trenerry-to-deliver-west-end"> last month</a>, West End represents the biggest development project in the inner city, transforming a 9200sqm former industrial site into a thriving, self-sustaining neighbourhood.

Adderley is located on the south-western corner of the West End site at the juncture of Adderley and Dudley Streets. It is the tallest building in the precinct and has been designed to anchor the site and provide a high-end cornerstone to the West End precinct.

The building adopts a tower-podium typology with the tower element wrapped in bronze vertical fins, rising above a four-level charcoal concrete podium, grounding the building into the streetscape, with green plantings activating the lower facade. The tower's curved form, draws on the area's industrial past with a strong formal language which references silos.

Entry to Adderley is via a five-star hotel-style lobby featuring an integrated art gallery, which provides residents and visitors with a sense of arrival in addition to a concierge space and marble floor finish.

<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/trenerry_property_west_end_in05_adderley_tower_living.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The expansive views from within Adderley's apartments. Image: Trennery Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/trenerry_property_west_end_in05_adderley_tower_living.jpg?itok=jD-PGyzL" title="The expansive views from within Adderley's apartments. Image: Trennery Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The expansive views from within Adderley's apartments. Image: Trennery Property</figcaption></figure>Internally, apartments have been designed for open plan living and to maximise Adderley’s panoramic views across the city and Docklands.

Apartments.com.au asked Sue Carr, Principal at Carr Design Group to provide a bit of background on the project and the experience of working on a significant project amongst a diverse group of talented peers.

Apartments.com.au: Is it fair to say that apartment buyers have become more discerning and to really stand out in a saturated marketplace you have to provide almost luxury hotel-like facilities, spaces and interiors?

SC: Apartment buyers have definitely become more discerning and yes, it is now crucial to provide the types of services, amenities and design consistent with the highest rated hotel.

When staying in a hotel, you expect to work out in a high-end gym and relax in a beautiful lounge, but why should this only happen when you’re traveling?

Hotel lobbies have always been inviting and well-designed, so logically residential building lobbies are now expected to have this look, too. The high attention to detail that’s expected in hotels - right down to curated art exhibitions, restaurants and intimate bars - is now crucial to residential building design as well.

West End will deliver a host of amenities for residents and the community, including a 500sqm park to be owned by the City of Melbourne, car share facilities, a day spa, retail arcade, restaurants, cafes, bars, a supermarket, gym, medical centre and dog wash and walking services.

Exclusive residents’ facilities include a 50-seat cinema, wine storage, gardens, barbecues, outdoor dining, a 25m lap pool, a separate lounge pool, spa, deck, outdoor event spaces and an app for controlling apartment lighting and electrics as well as booking concierge services.

It’s about creating communities, neighbourhoods, a sense of security, convenience and liveability that provides the anecdote to an often fast paced world.

UM: What was the major design inspiration? The industrial landscape of West Melbourne? How did this manifest in the design of the building?

SC: Situated on the south-western corner of the precinct, Adderley’s solid, grounded form anchors the site to its eclectic heritage. Referencing the curved, undulating structures of West Melbourne’s iconic industrial silos, refined, linear spaces define the aesthetic, with a grey tinted glass façade providing moodiness and subtle references to edgy origins. Complemented by its strong charcoal base, brass vertical fins wrap the building and provide interest from afar.

The design celebrates a sense of authenticity and an originality characteristic of the industrial landscape of the area, yet a timelessness and strength true to the origins of this much loved heartland prevails.

Carr drew inspiration from classic Italian style and pursued a bold and elegant interior solution, with a refined yet industrial character that takes cues from West Melbourne’s heritage as a resilient, hard-working, genuine suburb.

Energetic, dynamic yet elegant and sophisticated, Carr focused on handsome, strong, monochromatic materials - hard and soft, lustrous and tactile, with rich grain timber veneers, terrazzo and metal detailing.

The Adderley brings the high end bespoke design we are known for in residential areas to an apartment setting, creating a truly unique and unexpected home.

The local market is craving something interesting, detailed, classic and timeless but also adventurous and edgy. We looked to the Italian masters and were inspired by bold geometric forms when designing the Adderley

<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/masterplan02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="West End Master Plan with Adderley in-situ. Image: Trennery Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/masterplan02.jpg?itok=UlYhpQ4w" title="West End Master Plan with Adderley in-situ. Image: Trennery Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>West End Master Plan with Adderley in-situ. Image: Trennery Property</figcaption></figure>UM: What was it like working in unison with so many other talented designers and architects?

SC: It was a fantastic experience to work with the likes of Mim Design, Hecker Guthrie and Six Degrees. Despite a similar brief, each of us had a distinct and individual design interpretation of this unique and incredibly exciting new urban precinct. The collaborative efforts of the design firms involved has produced a result as diverse as Melbourne itself with a crafted, considered mix of styles to turn a former industrial site into an eclectic, vibrant precinct and community.

UM: How does Adderley fit within the overall vision and master plan for West End?

SC: The Adderley building represents West End’s most exclusive address where luxurious fittings and refined, timeless materials are central to the buyer demand. Featuring 100 one, two and three bedroom apartments across 14 levels, we have changed the concept of apartment design creating luxurious, crafted home-like spaces that are as sophisticated as they are practical for those that respect and appreciate beautiful design.

UM: Do you think West End will be seen as a benchmark or model for other developments in the area and a catalyst for further investment?

SC: Absolutely, West End is the start of something new, something fresh – a precinct that builds on the authenticity and deeply ingrained fondness for an established suburb but building on these foundations to bolster its liveability and liveliness as somewhere to call home. It is the re-awakening of a suburb previously only renowned for its industrial origins and gritty history, bringing together a whole new community of people and personalities from young families to empty nesters.

The provision of 5 star hotel amenities and an eclectic mix of interesting and dynamic architectural and design outcomes across the five buildings comprising West End, will see the creation of a world-class mixed-use retail, residential and leisure precinct of which Melbourne can be proud.

The Adderley is an accompaniment to a curated life, a life well traveled, and offers a unique home for those with a discerning eye for timeless design.
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Sue Carr provides insight on Adderley, West End

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The Landence Group has formally launched The Evermore, its flagship Melbourne development designed by local architects Hayball. Located at 58-66 Dorcas Street, at the verge between Southbank and South Melbourne, The Evermore represents Landence's first foray into the Australian market and has been conceived as dual metallic towers with a strong vertical emphasis rising above a shared podium.

This duality in visual expression reflects this threshold condition between the two neighbouring suburbs - allowing the towers to read as individual elements of a larger composition.

The bronze and gold towers have been designed to maximise views and minimise the number of south facing apartments, while employing passive design principles. Balconies and vertical shading addressing the harsh western sun while also allowing the curation of key views.

The project team has sought to provide residents with resort style amenity throughout, with a sweeping port cochère and grand stone clad lobby greeting residents and visitors on arrival. Further to this, residents and their guests will also have access to an entire floor of additional leisure rooms, a gym, a cinema, a 14.5m open-air pool with sun lounges and a series of tropical gardens interspersed throughout to soften the exterior.

The first stage comprising 199 apartments is currently at sales with a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments ranging from ranging from 45sqm to 110sqm respectively. Two penthouses have already been sold with another reserved.

<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/1611_savi_dorcas_street_pool1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The 14.5m outdoor pool set amongst a green oasis. Image: The Landence Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1611_savi_dorcas_street_pool1.jpg?itok=fYflRLHP" title="The 14.5m outdoor pool set amongst a green oasis. Image: The Landence Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 14.5m outdoor pool set amongst a green oasis. Image: The Landence Group</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au asked Helen Li, Managing Director of The Landence Group, to provide background on some of the drivers behind the developer's first foray into Australia.

Urban.com.au: What was the attraction of Melbourne as the location for Landence's first and flagship development?

Helen Li: I studied in Melbourne 10 years ago, started a family here and have lived in Melbourne. As a property developer, we choose to develop in locations we are familiar with.

UM: And expanding on that, what was the appeal of The Evermore site?

HL: The project’s close proximity to the Botanic Garden, St Kilda Road and other iconic developments such as The Melbournian, were very appealing to us and the reason we chose to develop this 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/xhi9393_the_evermore_el02_tower_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The dual towers of The Evermore. Image: The Landence Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/xhi9393_the_evermore_el02_tower_1.jpg?itok=AJXHO9Cb" title="The dual towers of The Evermore. Image: The Landence Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The dual towers of The Evermore. Image: The Landence Group</figcaption></figure>UM: Buyers are becoming more and more discerning and demand more from the apartments on the market. Is this largely the reason for providing hotel like amenities and facilities in The Evermore? 

HL: We are in the middle of the lifestyle transition with downsizers and younger families changing their lifestyle from traditional houses to apartments. They still, however, want space to host a function with friends, they still want a garden for peace and relaxation, they still appreciate having access to swimming pools (like they did in their house, perhaps a home gym, library/ dedicated television room.

The Evermore provides over 600sqm of residence amenities, so that purchasers can transit into apartment living without comprising their lifestyle; in fact they are often enhancing it.

UM: Hayball had designed a previous (approved) scheme for the site. What changes were made to transform the design into The Evermore?

HL: The majority of the product mix is one-bedroom apartments, we had worked with Hayball to design more two-bedroom and some three bedroom apartments into the buildings. It is clear that the market demands comes from owner-occupiers and investors who are looking for more quality developments.

We have also increased the variety and extent of amenity to enhance the living experience. 

UM: What are your expectations for the project and will you pursue other development opportunities in Melbourne?

HL: Our intention and expectation is to deliver a signature project in Melbourne that we are proud of. Having lived in Australia since I studied here and having started a family here, I’m excited to deliver a project that I believe is exactly what the market is looking for. 

We are certainly looking to pursue other development opportunities here, and are actively looking for our next project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/xhi9393_the_evermore_el01_view_to_city.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Evermore offers city views. Image: The Landence Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="200" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/xhi9393_the_evermore_el01_view_to_city.jpg?itok=-C0U-zhS" title="The Evermore offers city views. Image: The Landence Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Evermore offers city views. Image: The Landence Group</figcaption></figure>The Landence Group expects construction on The Evemore to begin by the end of 2017, with a construction span lasting two years.
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Landence launches its flagship Melbourne project: The Evermore

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Lendlease is set to push ahead with the final stage of its Victoria Harbour development at Docklands, after receiving Ministerial approval for its Collins Wharf master plan earlier this week.

The primarily residential master plan for Collins Wharf will include an extension of Collins Street down the peninsula to the water’s edge, servicing more than 25,000sqm of public realm. A health and wellbeing centre with public swimming pool and gym, low rise waterfront SOHO's and approximately 1,500 new residences can be expected within the new waterfront neighbourhood.

Jackson Clements Burrows (JCB) in collaboration with Aspect | Oculus have developed the master plan, deliverable over five stages or 8 years. Collins Wharf's unique location along the end of the Victoria Harbour peninsula provides future built form the opportunity for dual waterfront aspects - the Yarra River to the south and Victoria Harbour to the north. 

The master has been designed to respond to the site’s history, built form and vernacular in a contemporary reinterpretation, with maritime-inspired roof forms and brick and timber textures - a reference to the site's industrial past. Additionally, sustainability remains a key driver for the precinct following Victoria Harbour’s recent achievement of a 6-star Green star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.

The already under construction No. 1 Collins Wharf, designed by Bates Smart, forms part of the existing Victoria Harbour master plan.

<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/victoriaharbour_s060_photomontage_03_final_2000.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Harbour + Collins Wharf approved Master Plan. Image: Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/victoriaharbour_s060_photomontage_03_final_2000.jpg?itok=d3HbhdfW" title="Victoria Harbour + Collins Wharf approved Master Plan. Image: Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria Harbour + Collins Wharf approved Master Plan. Image: Lendlease</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The Collins Wharf development will take advantage of Victoria Harbour’s existing retail and public space, including Library at The Dock, Community Hub at The Dock, Knowledge Market and more than 80 dining and entertainment options – while adding diverse new public spaces.

The design of this precinct offers future residents panoramic views and world-class public realm that maximises the unique waterfront location. Once complete, a pedestrian and cyclist promenade will enable people to walk, cycle or run all the way around the 2.5kms of the Victoria Harbour waterfront.

Following our consultation with the local community in 2015 and engagement with authorities over the past 18 months, I’m confident that our Collins Wharf vision will present one of Melbourne’s most desirable locations for residents, visitors and local workers to enjoy.
<cite>Mark Menhinnitt, Managing Director of Urban Regeneration, Lendlease</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/victoriaharbour_s010_designstudios_-_final_2000.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Wharf is set to provide small scale spaces for creative enterprise. Image: Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/victoriaharbour_s010_designstudios_-_final_2000.jpg?itok=ybuTDhrd" title="Collins Wharf is set to provide small scale spaces for creative enterprise. Image: Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Wharf is set to provide small scale spaces for creative enterprise. Image: Lendlease</figcaption></figure><h2>KEY FEATURES</h2>

<ul>
<li>Extension of Collins Street as a tree lined boulevard to the water’s edge.</li>
	<li>High quality public open space that will encourage pride of place, support community wellbeing and create opportunities for water engagement.</li>
	<li>Located at the western tip of the Wharf, Eco Park will be an environmental oasis with native grasses, large specimen trees, an innovative floating wetland and access to the water’s edge.</li>
	<li>A diverse range of residences including coveted Collins Street terraces.A state of the art health and wellbeing centre located at the water’s edge.</li>
	<li>Small scale waterfront SOHO commercial / living space, offering a unique opportunity for boutique creative enterprises.</li>
	<li>Reduced car travel through the provision of pedestrian and cycling links and access to existing public transport connections.</li>
	<li>‘Yarra Walk’, a unique promenade experience to Docklands, creating a ‘water on both sides’ pedestrian experience.</li>
	<li>Approximately 1,500 residences over five buildings, with every home featuring high quality apartment layouts to maximise natural light and water views for every home.</li>
	<li>Residences will include a range of one, two and three bedroom apartments as well as the prestigious four level town homes lining Collins Street.</li>
</ul>
 The first Stage, No. 2 Collins Wharf (incorporating approximately 320 apartments), is expected to commence construction in 2018.

<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/yarra_walk.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yarra Walk promenade. Image: Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="377" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yarra_walk.jpg?itok=BCYyWOwZ" title="Yarra Walk promenade. Image: Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Yarra Walk promenade. Image: Lendlease</figcaption></figure>
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Lendlease's Collins Wharf Master Plan - the final piece of Victoria Harbour

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As part of the enabling stage of the Queen Victoria Market Renewal Project, the City of Melbourne has finally revealed their plans for the former Munro site, to be developed by PDG Corporation into a mixed-use development comprising a 58-storey Bates Smart designed-tower of 308 dwellings and a 300-room hotel, after the developer was awarded the rights to develop the site on CoM's behalf. 

The Council will sell the site known as Lot B (refer plan below) which covers 93-151 Therry Street, 452-468 Queen Street and the rear 128-130 Franklin Street, to VG Property Holdings No. 6 Pty Ltd for $33m to help offset the cost of development.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/queen_vic.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed sale of Lot B. Source: City of Melbourne Council Committe Agenda 6.10"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="487" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queen_vic.jpg?itok=mcHA-sce" title="Proposed sale of Lot B. Source: City of Melbourne Council Committe Agenda 6.10" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposed sale of Lot B. Source: City of Melbourne Council Committee Agenda 6.10</figcaption></figure>In addition to the 196m tower, the Munro site will also accommodate 56 affordable housing units, a 120-place childcare facility, a maternal, child health and family services centre, a community centre and kitchen, artist spaces and a gallery. Designed by Six Degrees these various uses add up to approximately $90m in community benefits, according to council, second only to One Queensbridge Street's $100m public benefits package.

<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.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Th new built form proposed for the historic Munro site. 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.jpg?itok=sKJwuohO" title="Th new built form proposed for the historic Munro site. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Th new built form proposed for the historic Munro site. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>This despite the site not falling within the boundaries of the Amendment C270 planning controls which affect the Capital City Zone. Instead council has prepared Planning Scheme Amendment C245 for the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal project, which would also apply to the Munro site. According to the City of Melbourne, the amendment proposes to:

<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>
</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/amendment-c245-controls-map.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amendment C245 planning map. Source: 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.jpg?itok=E0smeZBn" title="Amendment C245 planning map. Source: City of melbourne " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amendment C245 planning map. Source: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Amendment C245's proposed planning controls would allow for the creation of vital (usable) open space for the northern quadrant of the city thus adding another string to the market's bow as one of Melbourne's most visited attractions. This would be achieved by relocating car spaces to within the Munro site footprint and freeing up the the market's existing surface car park for public space.

A row of red brick strip shops will lamentably be demolished to allow for this development however the greater benefit to Melbourne lies in the $90m benefits package plus the future public open space - a minor sacrifice in the grand scheme of things.  

Just as significantly this allows for the Queen Victoria Market to enter the 21st Century from an operational perspective, which in turn will improve the market environs visually and allow it to operate more efficiently.

Like many markets around the world, the Queen Vic has suffered years of neglect and experienced periods of financial difficulty for traders, as people turned to shopping centres and supermarkets and more recently online shopping. 

I don't care how long you've been going to the market for or what movie you were in 10 years ago, the sight of vegetables and fruit dumped on the asphalt to rot in addition to pedestrians conflicting with private vehicles and forklifts is not best practice, nor is it safe or hygienic.

As a point of reference and global benchmark, Santa Caterina Market in Barcelona. Located in Barcelona’s El Born district the market designed by EMBT, re-opened in 2005 following 7 years of 'rehabilitation'.

As local residents the architects, Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, also had a personal and emotional connection to the neighbourhood, and a had a strong desire to implement a concept which provided clear and defined open space, while respecting the history and memory of the market.

Santa Caterina Market was the first covered market in Barcelona, opening in 1848. Three sides of the white-painted masonry perimeter walls of the 1845 rectangular market structure were retained and the same granite pavers used on city streets in the neighbourhood were employed within the market interior.

<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/santa-catarina-market.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Santa Caterina Market, Barcelona. Image: EMBT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="262" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/santa-catarina-market.jpg?itok=-bm-CAES" title="Santa Caterina Market, Barcelona. Image: EMBT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Santa Caterina Market, Barcelona. Image: EMBT</figcaption></figure>The late Enric Miralles provided the following quote in relation to the project but I think it could quite easily apply to the QVM:

<blockquote>
The first mistake is to talk about old and new. Whatever has managed to survive into the present is current, useful, and contemporary. And it permits us to move back in time in order to continue forward. To be permanent is contrary to existence. Things are forever changing.

Therefore new buildings cover the existing ones. They mix up; they blend in order to make the best qualities of that place appear. So it is logic to use terms like conglomeration, hybrid, etc… Terms that tries to go beyond the black and white dichotomy. 
</blockquote>

It is worth noting that unlike Santa Caterina Market the Queen Victoria Market's historic sheds will be dismantled, refurbished and reinstated while works are undertaken to create a labyrinth beneath the market's sheds for waste removal and delivery of goods.

<h2>The ship has well and truly sailed with regards to towers in the precinct</h2>

Additionally, it is difficult to argue a 58-storey development on the Munro site would adversely impact the precinct when just a few metres away a wall of towers rising well over 200m, provide a backdrop to the market to the east.

Critically these towers (with more along the way) have added hundreds of residents to the area, thus making the need for additional open space, amenity and community infrastructure to service the city an even greater concern. 

<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-2-1200.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The 58-storey tower in context. 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-2-1200.jpg?itok=ibkT6sim" title="The 58-storey tower in context. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 58-storey tower in context. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>With overshadowing of the Flagstaff Gardens and the new public square prohibited during the relevant times as outlined in the planning controls, the fear of overshadowing of the historic market sheds and halls is a non-issue as development sites are located largely south of the Public Use Zone.

Likewise this notion of the market becoming a high-end supermarket or shopping centre is a baseless assumption doctored up by those fearful of change. 

Overall, I believe the Munro development is a step in the right direction and necessary in order to deliver a long-term vision for the future of the Queen Victoria Market, which has been long neglected and ensure it remains viable for generations to come.

The design team comprising Bates Smart and Six Degrees under the stewardship of Director City Design Prof. Rob Adams, should ensure a quality outcome for such a significant site while further adding to the fabric of the Market Precinct.

If One Queensbridge set the precedent for public benefit outweighing planning requirements then the Queen Victoria Market Precinct should be judged on its merits. If ever there was a site that deserved recognition or classification as a site of state significance it's the Queen Victoria.

In fact it could be argued the market itself is a public benefit.    
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The Queen Victoria Market Renewal Project: The Case for

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Architecture and the construction industry in general can quite literally take years off your life. Projects often require many years of design, development and coordination, redesign and further refinement before they come to fruition.

From the moment they are first conceived as a sketch to when the the first of the residents or workers begin moving in and occupying these buildings, several years may have lapsed.

The latest skyscraper approved for Melbourne, which also happens to be the biggest of them all - the 90-storey, 323 metre One Queensbridge - is no different. Developed by Crown Resorts and Schiavello, the soaring tower has been designed by Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus, following their success in an invited design competition featuring other international and local firms.

Urban.com.au's forthcoming interview with Architectus will provide further insight into the specifics of the endorsed design, but today we will focus on its evolution over the last few years.

As a point of reference Melbourne's other 300 metre-plus tower, the now under construction Australia 108 (formerly known by its address 70 Southbank Boulevard) underwent many design iterations before becoming the 319 metre behemoth that has begun its skyward ascent. First mooted in early 2009 at 62-storeys and 208 metres, each subsequent design has superseded its predecessor for height, but not necessarily architecture, over the course of the ensuing eight years.

It will be a further two years before it is finally completed. Curiously during this period the design of the tower's podium has remained largely the same: a framed pergola structure housing a jungle of vegetation.

<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/australia_108_compilation.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The design evolution of 70 Southbank Boulevard."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="183" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/australia_108_compilation.jpg?itok=g8iUycR6" title="The design evolution of 70 Southbank Boulevard." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The design evolution of 70 Southbank Boulevard.</figcaption></figure><h2>A not so long time ago</h2>

For One Queensbridge Street the story begins with Schiavello Group's acquisition of the notorious QBH venue at 1-7 Queensbridge Street in 2010. Sometime in 2011 an image surfaced online of the first concept for the site by Enth Degree Architects (EDA) for a 52-storey residential tower characterised by a podium likened to swiss cheese.

<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/qbh_tower.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The first concept for One Queensbridge? Image: Enth Degree Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="377" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qbh_tower.jpg?itok=7SYHNpu2" title="The first concept for One Queensbridge? Image: Enth Degree Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The first concept for One Queensbridge? Image: Enth Degree Architects</figcaption></figure>Little by little Schiavello's ambitions for the site grew with the further acquisition of 9-15 Queensbridge Street; along with joint venture partners PDG Corporation, the first application for the site was submitted shortly after. Designed by Bates Smart, the proposal sought the demolition of the existing structures onsite including the former Queensbridge Hotel*, with a 71-storey tower including 592 apartments rising to a height of 276 metres, making it the second tallest building (at the time) after Eureka.

The design was characterised by dual semi-cellular forms merging into a trefoil shaped extrusion sheathed in reflective platinum tinted glazing, atop a fine lattice like podium. A permit was issued for the 71-storey tower by then Planning Minister Matthew Guy in April 2012.

<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/art353-queensbridge-tower-200x0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The initial 71-storey Queensbridge Tower. Images: Bates Smart "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/art353-queensbridge-tower-200x0.jpg?itok=tCT31_fd" title="The initial 71-storey Queensbridge Tower. Images: Bates Smart " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The initial 71-storey Queensbridge Tower. Images: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Following Schiavello's further acquisition of 7-23 Queensbridge Street, the site was merged into the development which allowed for a tower with larger floor-plates than its predecessor, and thus a third 'cell' was added to the tower, atop an expanded podium footprint.

It was at this point that debate about density and over development on the site really erupted with the approval of The Falls residential tower at 25 Queensbridge Street, nestled snuggly between QBT and Prima Pearl.

<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/image14_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The revised Queensbridge Tower and the nneigbouring The Falls development. Images: Bates Smart and Bruce Henderson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="193" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_9.jpg?itok=0QZsPY4S" title="The revised Queensbridge Tower and the nneigbouring The Falls development. Images: Bates Smart and Bruce Henderson Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The revised Queensbridge Tower and the nneigbouring The Falls development. Images: Bates Smart and Bruce Henderson Architects</figcaption></figure>It was not long before 25 Queensbridge Street was added to the portfolio with the site now extending from Freshwater Place all the way to Prima Pearl encompassing 1-25 Queensbridge Street. This allowed the development and design team to address some of the issues relating to overlooking and proximity to surrounding towers via increased setbacks.

<h2>Enter Crown</h2>

During the course of 2014 Schiavello entered into a joint development agreement with Crown Resorts which would see the site form an extension of the existing Crown Towers and Entertainment Complex, by way of a skybridge over Queensbridge Street. Additionally the design was revised to rise 84-storeys and 308 metres above Southbank, overtaking Eureka and sitting just behind Australia 108.

The proposal included a 400 room five-star hotel in addition to the 626 apartments, along with a glazed lift that extended the full height of the tower's facade. The skybridge, overall size and scale of the development proved to be a sticking point for both Council and planning officers, so it was decided that for the site to be truly considered a project of state significance, which would be exempt from the usual planning process and instead fast tracked, an invited design competition would be held.

<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/queensbridgetower_crown.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Crown Plaza? Crown Resorts joined as a JV partner before running a design competition. Images: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="188" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queensbridgetower_crown.jpg?itok=lKqmxLF6" title="Crown Plaza? Crown Resorts joined as a JV partner before running a design competition. Images: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Crown Plaza? Crown Resorts joined as a JV partner before running a design competition. Images: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>The design competition was eventually won by Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus, with plans proceeding for a 90-storey, 313 metre tower comprising a 388 room six-star hotel and 680 apartments. Almost six months later this was increased to a height of 323 metres.

On 9th February 2017, seven years since Schiavello acquired the QBH, the tower now known simply as One Queensbridge was given conditional approval by Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

<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/3366b78cdbb098097cfe7f2b38817cd8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One Queensbridge. Image: Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/3366b78cdbb098097cfe7f2b38817cd8.jpg?itok=gi3ZZ0pS" title="One Queensbridge. Image: Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One Queensbridge. Image: Wilkinson Eyre and Architectus</figcaption></figure>* The interior of the Queensbridge Hotel was gutted during the $12 million redevelopment previously undertaken in 1999 before it reopened and was rebranded QBH. As such it is not protected under a heritage overlay and exists in its current form primarily as a facade.
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All in good time: The evolution of One Queensbridge 

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Located at 999 Whitehorse Road and designed by Hayball, 999 Box Hill is a 12-storey development of 90 apartments which seeks to add to Box Hill's expanding apartment market. The development also continues the expansion of Hayball's Box Hill portfolio, and shares DNA with a number of other Hayball-designed projects in the area.

The liberal use of textured concrete is very much characteristic of a minimalist aesthetic and restrained material palette, both inside and out, with the warm tones of the timber soffits softening the robust, heavy concrete exterior. The exterior also provides a sense of movement across its facades with staggered concrete panels which appear to shift along one axis, juxtaposed with weaving glazed ribbons along the balconies which provide moments of transparency.

999 Box Hill's general form from street level is largely in the guise of a 'tower' and 'podium' typology, although at a smaller scale. Rebates extend along the height of the building and provide separation between four cubic elements of glazed and concrete faces, rotated 90 degrees with each repetition, then stacked and arranged in a manner which seeks to break down the mass of the building, but also read as complementary parts of a single composition.

As is customary with all their projects, Hayball have ensured each apartment in 999 Box Hill is provided with adequate natural light and ventilation.

<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/1947_whitehorse_rd_v06_s.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Views with and beyond. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1947_whitehorse_rd_v06_s.jpg?itok=rcP1ITj1" title="Views with and beyond. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Views within and beyond. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
In an area undergoing rapid change and renewal, 999 is designed to provide a refined and luxurious living experience. The finely crafted architecture will draw light deep within the interiors, where there is an emphasis on wellbeing and tranquillity.

Timber and natural stone finishes take hues from the interiors of a luxurious spa retreat and the healing power of the earth’s rich mineral assets. A minimal design palette of warm gold and bronze tones further reinforces the sense of wellbeing and peacefulness throughout.
<cite>Eugene Cheng, Director, Hayball</cite>
</blockquote>

The development adds to the area's rapidly growing skyline and street wall, ensuring Box Hill is well on its way to becoming a satellite city of Melbourne. Apartments.com.au recently spoke with Beller Associate Director, Heath Thompson, to provide some insight into the Box Hill market and 999 Box Hill in particular.

Apartments.com.au: Hayball have a strong legacy of projects in Box Hill and an understanding of the market. Is this something buyers are aware of and does it influence their purchase?

Heath Thompson: It's fair to say they’re the go-to architect for Box Hill apartments. Hayball have a fantastic reputation in Melbourne as a whole, adding to this the fact they have completed a lot of work in Box Hill makes them an ideal choice.

The market is certainly aware of Hayball as an architect that provides excellence in design from an aesthetic point of view but also as a designer of quality living spaces. The market always recognises good quality property.

UM: What do you think the appeal of Box Hill is for potential buyers and likewise 999 Box Hill?

HT: Box Hill definitely has a distinct community feel that provides a natural attraction in the marketplace. Box Hill provides residents with CBD-like facilities including, shopping, dining, transport and entertainment options all within a short walk and also provides excellent access to the amenities of broader Melbourne.

UM: What is the target market for 999 Box Hill? Owner-occupiers? Investors? And what are the expectations?

HT: All of the above; investors, owner occupiers, first homes buyers and down sizers. The project caters at almost everyone. Unlike in many other projects, the developer didn't have significant acquisition costs to pass on to purchasers, which has meant the apartments are really well priced with lots of room for growth.

This, along with the significant appeals of the area, make it an attractive proposition for all buyers. The design of the project has also attracted interest from owner occupiers, with loads of natural light, ample frontage, wide liveable spaces and bathtubs (which are very rare in apartments but very handy for families with young children).

UM: And final thoughts on Box Hill? Would you say it's booming?

HT: Box Hill is like it’s own economy, and a fast developing satellite CBD. I think it is already booming and will continue to do so for some time to come. Investment in Box Hill is astounding and provides a very exciting opportunity.

<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/1947_whitehorse_rd_v04_s.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="999's living areas reflect the muted material palette. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1947_whitehorse_rd_v04_s.jpg?itok=H4DMXuhz" title="999's living areas reflect the muted material palette. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>999's living areas reflect the muted material palette. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>Project quick facts</h2>

<ul>
<li>Architect: Hayball</li>
	<li>Number of Apartments: 90 total. 7 x 1 bedroom, 72 x 2 bedroom and 11 x 3 bedroom</li>
	<li>Number of Levels: 3 basement + Ground + 11 levels</li>
	<li>Construction Start: 2017 End: 2019-20</li>
	<li>Common Areas: Level 1 courtyard with BBQ, pergola and seating areas</li>
</ul>
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999 Box Hill adds to the suburb's growing residential stock

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OSK Property's first foray into the Melbourne market appears to be on track with the first stage of its six tower, Melbourne Square development on Southbank receiving stage one endorsement from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Located on a large at ground car park in Southbank bounded by the Westgate Freeway and Kavanagh, Balston and Power Streets, Melbourne Square will transform a city block into a mixed-use vertical village, with six towers of varying programme, set amongst an expansive network of elevated gardens and parks.

<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/osk_property_melbourne_square_skyline_to_bay.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The view of Melbourne Square's pleated towers. Image courtesy OSK Property."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/osk_property_melbourne_square_skyline_to_bay.jpg?itok=bnDWHjmi" title="The view of Melbourne Square's pleated towers. Image courtesy OSK Property." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The view of Melbourne Square's pleated towers. Image courtesy OSK Property.</figcaption></figure>Designed by Cox Architecture, almost 20 per cent or 3,700sqm of the site will be dedicated to public realm, in addition to delivering long needed community infrastructure. Cox worked closely with architects Rush Wright Associates for the masterplan and Taylor Cullity Lethlean for stage one with their aim to develop a civic hub, incorporating lush greenery.

<blockquote>
The new neighbourhood around Melbourne Square takes one of the last development opportunities in Southbank and, via a prescient and sensitive masterplan, provides a true mixed use precinct with a verdant, green space at its heart. A deliberate decision was made to significantly exceed the open space area requirements for Southbank – we believe this is an essential feature in providing a superior quality of life for the community.
<cite>Ian Sutter, Director, Cox Architecture</cite>
</blockquote>

Stage one not only encompasses these key public spaces with a central park, but also critical services and amenities in the form of a shopping centre and childcare centre as well as two elliptical residential towers delivering 1,000 apartments defined by their shimmering pleated facades. Future stages will also feature a hotel, commercial office tower and further apartments. The first luxury apartment sales will commence in mid 2017.

<blockquote>
It is our hope that Melbourne Square will be an important destination within the world’s most liveable city. Besides having a high quality design element, stage one of our project has several attractive features, such as a beautiful urban park, a large format supermarket, a childcare facility and a comprehensive set of resident amenities. We hope it will be a place for people of all ages to enjoy, with its beautiful public park drawing people in from across the city. This is an important project for Southbank’s future.
<cite>Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat, Chairman, OSK Property</cite>
</blockquote>

Urban.com.au picked the brain of CBRE Managing Director of Residential Project Marketing, Andrew Leoncelli to try to gain a better understanding of how Melbourne Square will position itself within the Southbank market.

Urban.com.au: Melbourne Square will finally deliver a lot of the amenity and services Southbank residents have been demanding for so long. Are you surprised it’s taken this long?

Andrew Leoncelli: Yes and no! Every developer has worried about their own back yard, with single buildings being delivered and minimal retail amenity in the ground floor. It's incredibly rare to get such a massive land holding in excess of 22,000 square metres. This is the site that can - and will - deliver both retail and public realm amenity never seen before in Southbank. That's why we are so excited about Melbourne Square!

UM: What are your impressions of the Southbank market at present? And how do you think Melbourne Square is placed to perform in the Southbank market?

AL: Southbank has taken a giant leap forward in profile and quality of developments. Notorious in the past for very affordable entry level investment product and a couple of super high-quality developments, the recent launches have re-established the benchmark for quality level of amenity and profile, particularly on the back of Australia 108's stunning success.

Melbourne Square is a unique product offering with a genuine point of difference. It's a mini mixed-use city with commercial office, hotel, shopping centre and an enormous public realm that includes Southbank's largest public park of over 3700 square metres.

UM: Speaking to a few other developers it appears to have matured a lot more since the 2000’s and buyers have become more discerning. Would you agree?

AL: I agree entirely. Buyers these days want extensive amenities to ensure their tenants have a real lifestyle amenity that the new projects are providing. Older style apartments can't compete and are losing tenants to the new builds.

Given the higher round of density, the costs of providing these amenities are spread over many more lots so owners don't have to pay high owners corporation fees but still get all the benefits of the pools, gyms, movie rooms, karaoke bars, private dining rooms, communal lounges, golf simulators, etc.

The other point is that buyers are demanding cutting edge, luxury interiors. It's become a super race to deliver the highest quality interiors matched with the best possible architecture. Projects like Australia 108, Crown's new development and Melbourne Square are all delivering product way above the quality of the existing apartments in Southbank.

UM: Where do you expect buyer interest will come from? Locals? Interstate? Investors? Owner-Occupiers? Families?

AL: We have made all Melbourne Square apartment product larger to cater for a more mature buyer market. Instead of cramming apartments in wherever we can, with the smallest stock possible, we have made a strategic choice to grow sizing of one bedroom product and to add three bedroom apartments on every level. Buyers, from local owner-occupiers to investors from Australia and throughout South East Asia, are demanding bigger and better apartment product.

UM: Is it fair to say that Melbourne Square will be a game changer for Southbank?

AL: Absolutely. The seven day a week retail activity with the hotel, shopping centre and the commercial office uses, mixed with the stunning residential community that we'll be delivering, all set around the largest and only park in Southbank. This is not just another tall building! That's our point of difference. Buyers get the benefit of the total precinct.

UM: Most of the higher quality developments within Southbank have been alongside or close to the river. Do you think Melbourne Square will become a benchmark that will see a similar pedigree pop up and help activate the ‘backstreets’?

AL: Melbourne Square is only a short walk to Crown and the Yarra River precinct. The development is on the doorstep of the Melbourne's arts precinct, moments from the Royal Botanic Gardens and the St Kilda Road Domain village. We stand behind our location as being ideally situated and incredibly convenient.

Sales and construction of stage one is expected to commence in 2017.
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DELWP endorses stage one of Melbourne Square

<html><body>
Developer Goldfields, is celebrating the sell-out success of its Prahran East project, 525 High Street which has exceeded a residential value of $45 million in just a matter of weeks, after initially achieving 50% sales in just over a week.

<a href="/news/goldfields-looks-to-strike-gold-with-two-marquee-projects">Covered on Urban.com.au last year</a>, the 7-storey building designed by JCB Architects and featuring 46 boutique residences has proven particularly popular with a mix of downsizers, empty-nesters, and professional couples. Further to this all purchasers have been owner-occupiers.

<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/00417683_img_08_1600x.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="525 High Street, provides unimpeded views towards the city skyline."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/00417683_img_08_1600x.jpg?itok=eJEH5NBw" title="525 High Street, provides unimpeded views towards the city skyline." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>525 High Street, provides unimpeded views towards the city skyline.</figcaption></figure>This is also indicative of the appetite amongst the owner-occupier market for spacious, well-designed residences in highly desirable locations with unimpeded views towards the city. As long as developers keep providing such a product, there will always be demand there according to Goldfields' Managing Director Marco Gattino during an interview last year.

<blockquote>
Buyers are becoming a lot more discerning, so in order to achieve the sales rates required to make the projects feasible, you need to deliver certain outcomes. There's never an oversupply of well located, well designed and well executed product and that's what 525 High is.
<cite>Marco Gattino, Managing Director, Goldfields</cite>
</blockquote>

As a follow up to last year's article, Goldfields’ Chief Operating officer, Lachlan Thompson spoke to Apartments.com.au regarding 525's success while providing an insight into what key factors led to its success.

Apartments.com.au: What do you attribute the sales success of the project to?

Lachlan Thompson: A combination of a high end luxury design and an impeccable location. The large floorplans and unique views to the CBD were also a key factor in the project’s success. I also think that the owner-occupier market won’t (don’t have to) compromise on location, Prahran East Village is right in the heart of everything, yet still quaint and a bit more relaxed than Hawksburn or Toorak Village.

UM: What type of buyer has 525 High Street attracted?

LT: All of 525 High Street’s purchasers are owner-occupiers, with local downsizers making up a strong contingent and over a third of the buyers coming from within a 10km radius. As well as downsizers, we also had several professional couples and young families, creating a really nice blend of future residents for the building.

UM: Were you surprised by the response the project has received?

LT: I keep saying to anyone who will listen to me that the medium density home market is well and truly back to location, location, location (and quality quality quality). We knew we had a great project in a blue chip location and our design team, Hecker Guthrie and JCB Architects, really helped to execute Goldfields’ vision for the site, which was to create high-end apartments that are extremely well designed, that felt both refined and stylish whilst being very liveable.

Because of this, we were confident that we had a successful project on our hands, however the speed of sales perhaps took us a little by surprise. The team at Marshall White Projects did a great job in harnessing and qualifying the huge amount of leads we were receiving.

<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/00417674_img_06_440x.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The interiors have been design by Hecker Guthrie."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/00417674_img_06_440x.jpg?itok=K6bs0ERE" title="The interiors have been design by Hecker Guthrie." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The interiors have been design by Hecker Guthrie.</figcaption></figure>UM: When is construction due to commence and be completed?

LT: We are being very particular about which builder wins the job as we need to make sure their past work is suitably qualified to deliver this project. We are expecting to engage our preferred builders in March and commence construction in April, with a view for completion in late July, 2018.

UM: Has the success of 525 made you consider fast tracking your next project?

LT: The hard work has only just begun on 525 so whilst we are actively looking to acquire our next premium apartment project, our delivery team is hard at work ensuring 525 is on track for our purchasers.

We’re currently assessing a number of opportunities that we feel align with our vision. We anticipate to bring our next project into the market towards the end of this year.

UM: And do you have your next development already lined up?

LT: Towards the end of last year we launched Patch Apartments in North Fitzroy: an 11 level building aimed at young professionals looking for an affordable and secure home in a high-quality building that’s well supported by local amenity. We are also in the early stages of construction of a mixed-use development in Cheltenham, The Village, which consist of 170 apartments, commercial office and ground floor retail and we’re on track to complete construction on 48 apartments in High St Windsor in July this year.
</body></html>

Lachlan Thompson discusses 525 High Street's success

Longstanding Gold Coast and Canberra developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a> is continuing to roll on with its Glitter Strip apartment pipeline, seeking to return to Mermaid Beach with a new 68-apartment development.

Morris, founded by Barry Morris in 1978 and one of the Gold Coast’s most prolific apartment developers over the past two decades, has filed plans for a 12-storey mixed-use building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-seabeach-avenue-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">34-36 Seabeach Avenue</a>, on the prized eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway.

The 1,227 sqm site occupies a prominent corner position at Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway, opposite the Mermaid Plaza retail and office precinct and around 140 metres walking distance from the future Mermaid Beach South light rail station.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a> has designed the project, which will comprise 68 apartments across a mix of 48 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom residences.

The building will rise 12 storeys, reaching a maximum height of 36 metres, with the apartments accounting for a total of 156 bedrooms. The development application also seeks approval for short-term accommodation across the 68 apartments, while two office tenancies are proposed at ground level.

The plans show 108 car spaces across the development, with parking accommodated at ground level and within a three-level basement accessed from Seabeach Avenue.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2175c99-12fd-4a3c-9be1-89bbf258a90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.41%E2%80%AFPM_0.png?VersionId=iNLzWcE6gaAE76rafhEXfHve.4g4Se0p" />

Resident amenity will be concentrated on level two, where Fraser &amp; Partners has designed a recreation deck with a swimming pool, 90 sqm pool terrace, outdoor barbecue area and gym.

The broader communal offering will also incorporate landscaped spaces, with the planning documents noting the amenity has been designed to provide areas for recreation, social interaction and outdoor living.

The proposal would continue the transformation of the Gold Coast Highway corridor through Mermaid Beach ahead of the arrival of the light rail.

The site is zoned Neighbourhood Centre and sits within the Mermaid Beach/Broadbeach Light Rail Corridor neighbourhood plan. While the prescribed building height is 24 metres, the site is identified within an Urban Neighbourhood context providing for a 50 per cent height uplift to 36 metres.

Planning documents describe the stretch of the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach and Nobby Beach as increasingly characterised by medium and high-rise development, with the proposed Morris tower joining projects including Ventura, The Alfred, Oceans and Otto.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="911f193f-e381-4a55-be08-58be87fcf978" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.48%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=oxVvLJaY.SOXEdXrIcogfyEXDfvCmmpM" />

The development would mark Morris Property Group's latest investment in Mermaid Beach, where it has already delivered two apartment projects.

Otto, at 1 Bondi Avenue on the western side of the Gold Coast Highway, comprises 70 apartments across nine storeys. The project was completed in 2019 and includes a residents' gym, recreation deck and swimming pool.

Morris also developed Oceans at 46 Ocean Street, a nine-storey, 70-apartment build-to-rent development completed in 2019. Oceans was the group's first build-to-rent project and incorporates commercial space at ground level.

The two existing Morris projects sit further north along the same Gold Coast Highway corridor as the proposed Seabeach Avenue development. Fraser &amp; Partners' planning analysis specifically identifies both Otto and Oceans among the established built-form precedents surrounding the site.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14925119-7b71-4812-8149-340317512c7c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%203.00.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=aEJqYuw_nTCjcin17BSD0piB1EFotTlj" />

Mermaid Beach represents only part of Morris' considerable Gold Coast footprint.

The family-owned developer has been particularly active in neighbouring Broadbeach, delivering projects including Sierra Grand, Eclipse, Synergy, Qube, Koko, Opus and Malo, while its current pipeline includes Maison and the two-tower Crest development.

Further south, Morris has also developed a string of projects in Burleigh Heads, including Element, Boardwalk and Sandbar, while Essentia expanded its footprint north into Surfers Paradise.

The Seabeach Avenue application has been lodged by PMM Broadbeach Pty Ltd and seeks a development permit for a Material Change of Use for multiple dwellings, short-term accommodation and office uses. Zone Planning Group prepared the planning application, with Fraser &amp; Partners commissioned as architect.

The project comes as the developer continues to expand its Gold Coast pipeline while retaining a significant presence in Canberra. Morris now has more than $2.5 billion of development in its national pipeline and has delivered more than 7,000 homes during its near five-decade history

Joel Robinson

First look: Morris Property Group returns to Mermaid Beach with new Seabeach Avenue apartment development

<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hvFB2uWTRfEyEcpTSnnK9" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis" target="_blank">Fortis</a>&nbsp;is continuing its stronghold on Sydn​ey’s eastern suburbs apartment market, launching&nbsp;in September&nbsp;its latest boutique&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GI5S9-wNeiLUnM-d1uYkw" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">Double Bay</a>&nbsp;development,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YNouJQcFjiTTgVHbgDLA-" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">55 William</a>.

55 William presents&nbsp;just eight north-facing&nbsp;two-bedroom, three-bedroom and full-floor&nbsp;residences to the market, priced from $4.5 million.

The upcoming launch comes just weeks after Fortis secured approval for the $80 million development, its third eastern suburbs approval in two months. Construction is already underway, with completion targeted for 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376250]

55 William adds to a growing concentration of Fortis projects in and around Double Bay, a market the developer has become increasingly active in over recent years.

Fortis previously completed the nine-residence Marmont on New South Head Road, while it is currently developing a mixed-use residential and retail project at 12 Cross Street. Its wider Double Bay footprint also extends into commercial and retail development.

The developer's broader Sydney residential pipeline is particularly concentrated across the eastern suburbs, with projects spanning Doub​le Bay, Ro​se Bay, Wo​ollahra, Dar​ling Point, Poi​nt Piper and Eli​zabeth Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376253]

At 55 William, Fortis has again turned to MHN Design Union, the architecture practice behind several of its eastern suburbs projects, while London-based 1508 London has been appointed to handle the interiors and Wyer &amp; Co the landscaping.

The six-level building will comprise a combination of two and three-bedroom apartments, including a garden residence, full-floor apartments, a sub-penthouse and penthouse. Each residence will have secure basement parking and private outdoor space.

A rooftop terrace for all residents, along with select apartments, enjoys views across Double Bay Harbour and toward the Sydney skyline.

Ceiling heights will reach up to three metres&nbsp;in select residences, while the kitchens will feature natural stone and integrated Gaggenau appliances.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The boutique nature of the project reflects the type of stock Fortis has increasingly targeted across Sydney's eastern suburbs, where larger apartments and smaller buildings are being pitched primarily toward local owner-occupiers and downsizers.

Fortis Group General Manager Ed Eve said the developer continues to see demand from buyers wanting to remain in the eastern suburbs but move into newer, lower-maintenance housing.

“We're seeing continued demand from local owner-occupiers and downsizers looking for high-quality homes that allow them to remain in the eastern suburbs, close to the lifestyle and community they know,” Eve said.

55 William is also one of the early projects to respond directly to the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms. Fortis had previously secured approval for just two townhouses on the 599 sqm site before revising the scheme to eight apartments following the planning changes.

Situated one street back from Double Bay's water's edge, the project enjoys an enviable harbourside setting within walking distance of Double Bay Village and the ferry wharf.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376252]

Fortis has increasingly made the eastern suburbs a major focus of its Sydney pipeline. Beyond Double Bay, it recently completed the 14-residence Piper in Point Piper and has projects underway or planned across Rose Bay, Woollahra and Darling Point.

The developer recently secured approval for Verano in Rose Bay, a six-level development comprising 21 two, three and four-bedroom apartments, also designed by MHNDU.

55 William&nbsp;is soon to be release to the market with VIP appointments commencing early September,&nbsp;with residences priced from $4.5 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152579]

Fortis continues eastern suburbs push with 55 William launch

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.

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]

Laurence Dragomir

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