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As part of their ongoing development at Victoria Harbour, Lendlease have engaged Techne Architecture and Interior Design to deliver their new Victoria Harbour Sales and Leasing Centre. The completed centre has been designed to help to market and sell Lendlease’s remaining developments in Victoria Harbour, whilst also aiding in the approximately 1,500 apartment settlements expected over the next 18 months.

The sales centre is locate in close proximity to Victoria Harbour’s most recent developments, offering dual frontage to Collins and Bourke streets and proximity to the 888 Collins Street visual light display. Unlike a traditional display suite that presents a 1:1 scale version of a finished apartment, the 300sqm centre envisions the future precinct through a number of interactive and immersive installation zones. 

<blockquote>
We were conscious of the need to articulate the potential experience to the customer, without a tangible product and, in a constantly evolving location. Responsiveness to the precinct’s established blend of technological innovation and public interaction was integral to our design, and ultimately saw us take a more modern approach to marketing property.
<cite>- Justin Northrop, Technē Director</cite>
</blockquote>

Immersive design features are critical elements of the customer experience and include a 20-screen media wall, interactive digital scale model, theatrical ceiling light display, and large-scale Lego model of the Collins Wharf masterplan.

Urban.com.au spoke to Technē Senior Associate, Gabriella Gulacsi about the firm's design thinking and some of the challenges associated with designing a display suite that is adaptable over the course of the next 5-10 years.

<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/techne_vicharbourlr-15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Harbour Sales and Leasing Centre features a Lego model. Image courtesy Techne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/techne_vicharbourlr-15.jpg?itok=2E0k9aoy" title="Victoria Harbour Sales and Leasing Centre features a Lego model. Image courtesy Techne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria Harbour Sales and Leasing Centre features a Lego model. Image courtesy Techne</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: What were some of the design drivers for the display suite design?

Gabriella Gulacsi: The design drivers for the display suite design centred primarily on the layering of space, both horizontally and vertically, and the overarching project objectives which called for the use of timeless materials and finishes, an adaptable floorplan and sustainability.

The layering of spaces allows for the defined zones and sales information, and also helps to prioritise the sales tools. A sculptural ceiling installation provides visual interest in the open plan space, and introduces an innovative lighting solution to create ambience within the suite. UM: Were Techne engaged following their previous work with Lend Lease on the Melbourne Quarter residential display suite?

GG: Yes. Due to the success of Melbourne Quarter we were recommended for the Victoria Harbour project.

UM: What were some of the challenges the design team faced?

GG: The site was impressive with high ceilings throughout however the wedge shaped geometry of the site didn’t afford easy spatial organisation - a challenge when articulating a clear sales journey to potential buyers.

We were also conscious of the potential for the space’s large size, strong connection to the street, and visually busy facades to distract from the sales journey. To ensure customers would feel comfortable and could focus on the sales message, the design incorporates ample natural lighting, defined zones throughout the tenancy and a large centralised digital display.

UM: Was adaptability considered for the suite with Victoria Harbour still evolving over the next 5-10 years? How do you design with that in mind?

<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/techne_vicharbourlr-17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The colourful interior. Image courtesy Techne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="869" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/techne_vicharbourlr-17.jpg?itok=266DOCAL" title="The colourful interior. Image courtesy Techne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The colourful interior. Image courtesy Techne</figcaption></figure>GG: The brief called for a design that would respond to the constantly evolving nature of the precinct. Each area that is adaptable over the five to 10-year life span was designed as a focal point, featuring elements that can be tailored for new developments within the precinct. This flexibility in the design comprises physical and digital displays and, allows for future technological advancements such as virtual reality.

Techne’s experience in workplace design means that future-proofing is inherent in each of our design responses. The ability to draw from our work across sectors provides an informed basis for the design intent of a project.

UM: And lastly, What sort of lifespan has the design suite been designed for?  
  GG: The suite has been designed to appeal to a broad target market for apartments and facilitate the sale of multiple product types over the next five to ten years.
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Laurence Dragomir

Technē designs an immersive experience for the Victoria Harbour Sales and Leasing Centre

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Trenerry Property in collaboration with Victor Smorgon Group and the Kanat Family are launching West End, a $300 million mixed-use development that will transform a former West Melbourne industrial site into a vibrant new community. West End is located on an approximately one hectare site in West Melbourne bounded by Rosslyn, Dudley and Adderley Streets, as well as Bluestone Lane near Spencer Street.

The site is formerly an Australia Post Mail Centre and had a permit for a ROTHELOWMAN designed development, <a href="/news/we-deliver-australia-post-and-185-rosslyn-street-west-melbourne">covered on Urban.com.au over two years ago</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/west_end_aerial_02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial of ARM masterplan for West End. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/west_end_aerial_02.jpg?itok=Bb---AuT" title="Aerial of ARM masterplan for West End. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial of ARM masterplan for West End.</figcaption></figure>The revised design sees West End envisaged as a significant development that marries design, sustainability, technology and amenity. Designed by a who's who of leading architecture firms, the overall development sees four residential buildings, a new concept hotel, retail, extensive amenities and a new public park that will be suplemented by private resident gardens.

Apartments.com.au interviewed Trenerry Property director, Robert DiCintio about the the groups' ambitions for the site.

Apartments.com.au: What was the appeal of the site for Trenerry Property and more broadly West Melbourne?

Robert DiCintio: We had been in the market for a long time for a large parcel of land near the city and the former Australia Post site in West Melbourne presented an exceptional development opportunity. The site, at 9200 square metres, is significant in size and the chance to transform an entire block and create an exceptional new mixed use development was very appealing.

West End is unlike anything ever seen before in Australia, comprising a diverse residential product offer, as well as commercial, office, and retail elements. The size is important because not only are we able to develop different apartment types with different characteristics and styles, but the land size allows us to provide zones of refuge, contemplation, peace and sanctuary.

West End will make a great, positive impact on West Melbourne, with public parks and amenities that will benefit the entire suburb, as well as the residents who choose to live at West End.

UM: Building on the previous question: West Melbourne is experiencing a bit of a renaissance and witnessing a surge in the number of medium to high density proposals. Why do you believe this to be the case? Is it the proximity to the CBD and Docklands?

RD: West Melbourne is ideally located, close to the CBD and Docklands, as well as Melbourne's legal, medical and education precincts. The suburb is transforming from its industrial heritage into the city's own buzzing Brooklyn.

West Melbourne has some of the most beautiful streets of the inner city suburbs. The streets are wide, reflecting the suburb's industrial heritage that requiring large truck access and maneuvering, but these wide streets have now been planted and are beautifully tree lined with mature, green canopy trees.

It's generally accepted that the best suburbs in Melbourne are mostly located around the CBD - East Melbourne, Richmond, Collingwood, South Melbourne - and yet West Melbourne hasn’t been factored into people's thinking to date. It's an anomaly, given the amazing location and attributes of West Melbourne.

Since much of the industry has now left West Melbourne, the suburb now has beautiful streetscapes, with amazing Victorian terraces sitting side by side with converted warehouse homes and heritage offices. The suburb is very pretty and has a real village atmosphere.

West Melbourne was always going to experience a resurgence – it has begun but there will be a long way to go and those who get in now will do very well both from a lifestyle point of view and financially. West End will add to the area by introducing amenities that will enhance the lifestyles of those living in the suburb: a supermarket, restaurants, cafes, bars and hotel will further establish West Melbourne's appeal.

<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/west_end_aerial_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Evening aerial of ARM masterplan for West End. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="394" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/west_end_aerial_01.jpg?itok=AWF2KfC4" title="Evening aerial of ARM masterplan for West End. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Evening aerial of ARM masterplan for West End.</figcaption></figure>UM: Did master planners ARM start from scratch or work on and build on the framework of the previous permit?

RD: Essentially, the scheme is new and we're really thrilled with the master plan designed by ARM Architecture.

UM: What changes were made to the permitted scheme obtained as part of the site purchase from Australia Post?

RD: Many changes were made, including activation of all street facades so there was a full connection with our neighbours – West End has 331 meters of street frontage and all but 20 meters are activated. The West End masterplan is all about connecting with our local community.

The Trenerry consortium are essentially residential developers but as all three owners, the Victor Smorgon Group, Kanat family and myself, have a strong and long history in retail, it is very natural for us to incorporate amazing retail elements such as wine bars, restaurants and cafes along with a hotel.

Melbourne City Council and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DWELP) made an valuable and real contribution to the design by challenging us to become more innovative. In addition to the considerably increased retail offer and hotel inclusion, we redesigned each building, each having its own point of difference in design.

UM: The project has an amazing variety of designers working on it, what was the reason for this? Creating diversity in building design rather than a monotonous development?

RD: Creating a diverse, design-focused development was a key priority for West End.

In order to create diversity, it was not possible to run with only one architect. Bringing together six different architects and interior designers makes the project even more exciting and assists in delivering the vision of creating a vibrant and exciting place to live in for people.

Each of the design firms involved in the project are nationally renowned and highly awarded. All the firms have a distinct design aesthetic and have been engaged to put their unique stamp and signature style on the development, ensuring every residential building has its own design ethos.

Bringing together a large group of designers of such high calibre has not been done before in Australia and it's another element that makes West End such a unique concept.

UM: And lastly what would the target market be for the development?

RD: West End caters for a diverse audience, with a variety of different apartment styles and designs available. Those looking to live at West End will be choosing to live in a vibrant community, with a fully integrated lifestyle. Owner-occupiers who value excellent design and are after a curated lifestyle will be drawn to West End and its location will appeal to those who want to be on the city's doorstep and who work in the nearby legal, medical and education precincts.

We believe that people want to live in a vibrant location amongst a wide demographic. West End enables residents to choose how they wish to live, whether it be a dynamic or relaxed lifestyle, but always secure, connected and convenient and without the hassles associated with maintaining a traditional home.

I'm moving into the Adderley building and, lucky for me, my son and his partner are also moving into the Foundry building. That’s what West End is all about.

Trenerry Property only develops apartments which can be lived in, which means we build for owner occupiers. So if its good enough to live in then its going to be a great investment as well.

<h2>West End project overview</h2>

<ul>
<li>$300 million development value</li>
	<li>Developers: Trenerry Property with Victor Smorgon Group and the Kanat Family</li>
	<li>Site area: approximately 9200sqm</li>
	<li>Comprises five separate and boutique sized buildings</li>
	<li>Four independent apartment buildings, with a total of 358 apartments</li>
	<li>A 92-room, 4.5 star new concept hotel</li>
	<li>Gated resident gardens of nearly 2000sqm</li>
	<li>A public park of 600sqm</li>
	<li>Substantial retail including a supermarket, specialty stores, restaurants and cafes</li>
	<li>Future-ready remote keyless entry system with smart phone capabilities</li>
	<li>Custom West End building app that allows residents to book hotel concierge services and amenities, manage apartment lighting and electrics, as well as providing a communications platform for residents, building manager and owners corporation</li>
	<li>Resident amenities include wine storage and private gardens</li>
	<li>Public access amenities include a gymnasium, wellness centre including day spa, resort pool, spa and lap pool, medical centre, 50-seat cinema and presentation room, dog wash and dog walking, barbeque area, car share and Tesla electric car charging stations</li>
	<li>A public thoroughfare providing north-south access, with a new arcade linking Rosslyn and Dudley Streets</li>
	<li>Six architects and designers: Carr Design Group, Hecker Guthrie, Mim Design and Six Degrees
	<ul>
<li>CHT Architects: Principal Architect</li>
		<li>Mim Design: 11 level Mail House</li>
		<li>Six Degrees: 8 level The Foundry</li>
		<li>Hecker Guthrie: 11 level The Spencer</li>
		<li>Carr Design: 14 level Adderley</li>
		<li>ARM: West End Master Plan</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>Landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture</li>
</ul>
Construction on West End is set to commence in June 2017, with completion anticipated late 2019.
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Go west: Trenerry to deliver West End 

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Developer Lendlease is pushing ahead with early site works for their pending Melbourne Quarter development; a massive mixed-use project that will round out the Batman's Hill precinct within Docklands.

Effectively a nexus between Melbourne's CBD and Docklands, Melbourne Quarter will continue the growth of inner city apartments aimed squarely at professionals, young families and empty nesters who are seeking a high-rise lifestyle. With the flood of investment grade apartment projects into the inner city over recent years, there is now a concerted push to create projects that go above and beyond, particularly in terms of amenity.

Lendlease Head of Apartments, Ben Christie, states that Melbourne Quarter has been designed to cater to the demands of astute buyers seeking a lifestyle which includes minimal outdoor and apartment maintenance, inclusive facilities, and communal socialising spaces.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/view04_mq_squre_elevated_v2_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter Neighbourhood Park. Image courtesy Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/view04_mq_squre_elevated_v2_0.jpg?itok=oW3M2lzk" title="Melbourne Quarter Neighbourhood Park. Image courtesy Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter Neighbourhood Park. Image courtesy Lendlease</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Melbourne buyers from all demographics have one of the strongest appetites for high-quality apartments. This is a design conscious city in its fashion, food and coffee, and also Melburnians’ appetite for good architecture is no different. In Melbourne, people expect a comprehensive offering which includes open floor plan layouts for social spaces, ample storage in residences and basements, and health-conscious building amenities.

The biggest selling point for our Melbourne Quarter project is the precinct’s green space and gardens at the base of residences. This gives people the opportunity to live in and be amongst a community that contributes to Melbourne's rich cultural tapestry. Melbourne has traditionally been framed around its parks, and Melbourne Quarter will create a floating Skypark and a new neighbourhood park within the city; a very good thing for residents and the public at large.

<cite>Ben Christie, Head of Apartments, Lendlease</cite>
</blockquote>

Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter development is bordered by Collins and Flinders Streets in Docklands, and upon completion will offer city living, future workplaces, dining, shopping and green spaces. A series of new internal laneways will connect workers, residents and visitors to the traditional Hoddle Grid and to approximately 40 new specialty retailers, including cafes and bars, dining, fashion and lifestyle offerings.

The development's residential towers have been designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects (FKA), who have a long and successful history of residential buildings in Melbourne, including the Republic Tower, Eureka Tower and Australia 108.

Urban.com.au posed a number of questions to Ben Christie and FKA's Karl Fender about the development and the evolution of apartment living in Melbourne.

<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_20_mq_resi_1x1_bed_desk_02_crop_option.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter typical one bedroom apartment. Image courtesy of Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="213" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/view_20_mq_resi_1x1_bed_desk_02_crop_option.jpg?itok=nX2S7XBr" title="Melbourne Quarter typical one bedroom apartment. Image courtesy of Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter typical one bedroom apartment. Image courtesy of Lendlease</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: Both Lendlease and Fender Katsalidis have extensive experience in apartment developments in Melbourne. How has the market evolved in the last 20 years and by extension the demands of purchasers?

Karl Fender: The transition of Melbourne over the last 25 years from a commercial hub to a thriving multi-faceted metropolis can be attributed to the migration of people from suburban to city living. Large sections of the Melbourne community enjoy, and have come to depend on proximity to workplace, city based rich living options, security, and the convenience of apartment living.

With this increased understanding and focus on the broader benefits of city living, the expectations of apartment design standards with the owners have developed substantially. That community sector now has sophisticated views about their personal living environment. Flexible planning, sizes appropriate to need, provision of ample recreational amenities, quality materials and excellence of architectural design are expected.

People today regard their apartment as far more than simply a good investment. Pride in home, which was underpinned the Australian dream of ownership in the suburbs, is now of paramount importance in the higher density multi-residential realm.

Ben Christie: The great thing about Melbourne’s apartment market is that it offers a variety of city-centric living opportunities that weren’t available 10 years go. Melbourne in general boasts a very high quality of apartment design. Our customers expect a comprehensive apartment offering, which might include open floor plan layouts for social spaces, ample storage in residences and basements, and health-conscious building amenities like a gym or swimming pool.

There is also a growing demand for concierge and hotel-style offerings as time-poor residents use these services to cut down on chores and free up leisure time. Melbourne Quarter will offer such concierge services to enhance the quality of our resident’s living experiences, including services on ground and upper ground lobbies which will use smart technology systems to connect residents in their community.

Many of our customers consider the surroundings of their apartment building too, looking for things like recreational facilities, parks, playgrounds, cafes and community services like child-care facilities and libraries. Our diverse Victoria Harbour community has the highest concentration of Green Star rated buildings in Australia and is located next door to many popular community amenities including Library at The Dock, Buluk Park and the newly-opened Community Hub at the Dock.

UM: How do developments like Melbourne Quarter respond to these demands from a design point of view? What does the architecture say about its locale and the residents within?

KF: Melbourne Quarter is an exemplar of quality environment for its new resident and commercial community. In the broader context of the central business district of Melbourne, its location and provisions will redefine and enrich this strategic entry point of the city. It will certainly be a catalyst for urbane completeness which this currently underutilised corner of the city so desperately requires.

Within the development, public placemaking, rich pedestrian linkages, carparking and servicing strategies have been carefully considered to deliver the best possible outcome. Enticing connections between Collins and Flinders Streets has been achieved through a series of pedestrian experiences, enriched by gardens, recreational and retail opportunities.

The apartments within the residential sector of Melbourne Quarter provide a diverse range of sizes and outlooks, but quality and facility are the common threads. The new resident community can enjoy the privacy of home and counterpointed by the connection of city opportunities at their doorstep. Their living experience is further enriched by their communal facilities which include an elevated 120m pool looking over the northern park, gym, sauna, multi-purpose yoga studio, lounge, library and luxury dining spaces.

UM: How has the history of the site informed the architecture?

KF: The Melbourne Quarter precinct is a very historically significant location in Melbourne and has played a key role in the history of the city’s founding. It is remembered as the site that city father John Batman chose for his family house which he built on Batmans Hill - the site of Melbourne Quarter - in 1836 not long after the beginning of Melbourne’s settlement in 1835.

The precinct also engages with the indigenous heritage of the site and indigenous artists will also play a key role in the placemaking, design and art of the precinct.
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Karl Fender and Ben Christie talk Melbourne Quarter

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A section of Village Street Docklands, between Bourke St and Fishplate Lane is set to be converted into a one-way street, with traffic to flow in a northerly direction towards Etihad Stadium, in order to create a pedestrian and cycle-friendly precinct.

Long thought of as a street level 'wasteland', Docklands continues to be the focus of attention with the continued push to overhaul the precinct at urban/user/street level.

Places Victoria will begin work in the coming weeks to transform Village Street into a shared green zone capable of hosting street festivals and other events. According to Simon Wilson, Places Victoria General Manager Precincts, the work would take around four months to complete because of the need to remove concrete slabs from under the existing road.

Mr Wilson said Places Victoria had taken on board feedback from local businesses regarding loading access and overall the sentiment of the businesses in the area was extremely positive.

<blockquote>
Our traffic study has shown that this section of Village Street is ideally suited for conversion into a shared zone, which will see less vehicles using the street and to give pedestrians and cyclists priority.This will allow the area to be a more people-focused space, taking advantage of its location close to some of Docklands’ fantastic restaurants, as well as Etihad Stadium.

The restaurants and cafes can see a real opportunity to activate this space.  

As part of this transformation, removable bollards will be installed to enable Village Street to be used for events. There is also quite a bit of work to be done to enable new trees to be planted on Village Street. We will be working with our contractors to ensure disruptions are kept to a minimum.

-Simon Wilson, Places Victoria General Manager Precincts
</blockquote>

The transformation forms part of the <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/urban-planning/local-area-planning/Pages/docklands-public-realm-plan.aspx">City of Melbourne's Docklands Public Realm Plan</a>, which identifies improvements to key streets and public spaces to ensure the delivery of public spaces in Docklands that provide better connectivity and experiences within Docklands and surrounding areas.

<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/fullsizerender_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Village Street's current condition."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fullsizerender_1.jpg?itok=3eh5jerO" title="Village Street's current condition." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Village Street's current condition.</figcaption></figure>The overall vision seeks to create a seamless network of welcoming public streets and waterfronts and a well-linked family of diverse public spaces that provide a choice of experiences, activities and journeys, for many people at various times of the day and night and throughout the seasons.

Identified as a secondary street within the Docklands Public Realm Plan, Village Street has the potential to provide a greater experience to visitors, workers and residents beyond its current state as per the extract below:

<blockquote>
Secondary streets 

1.3 Design secondary streets primarily as a setting for pedestrian and cyclist movement, shopping, socialising, recreation, art and architecture and ensure they provide links to key public facilities and spaces. 

Secondary streets are characterised by mixed use including retail at ground level. These play a significant role in supporting community life and fostering local identity as they provide opportunities for a community focus. They also provide connections to community facilities and key public spaces including the waterfront.

- Docklands Public Realm Plan, City of Melbourne
</blockquote>

The proposed works include:

• Creation of a ‘shared zone’ using bluestone pitchers to create a flush road and footpath surface; 

• Installation of green spaces in the form of planter beds and more street trees;

• Additional seating, bike hoops and lighting.

Work on the Village Street upgrade is set to commence in late-January/early-February, 2017, and is expected to be completed by June 2017.
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Docklands continues to embrace its surrounds with the Village Street upgrade

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Melbourne-developer Kokoda Property has prompted calls for more in-fill development sites in what it calls "Melbourne’s undersupplied eastern middle-ring" in order to fill the demand for quality apartments and townhomes in the leafy suburbs.

This follows the sales success of Kokoda’s Trentwood development in Glen Iris, Boroondara, which has achieved sales of 95 per cent within 10 weeks of its launch to market. Owner occupiers who were priced out of the established market or looking to downsize from their family home were the most active buyers in the 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/1974_trent_st_m_v01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Trentwood Glen Iris has achieved 95% sales in 10 weeks. Image courtesy Kokoda Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="257" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1974_trent_st_m_v01.jpg?itok=CxYD2LKc" title="Trentwood Glen Iris has achieved 95% sales in 10 weeks. Image courtesy Kokoda Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Trentwood Glen Iris has achieved 95% sales in 10 weeks. Image courtesy Kokoda Property</figcaption></figure>Trentwood is located 10km from Melbourne’s CBD, in the municipality of Boroondara, where planning scheme constraints mean only six per cent of its land is zoned for subdivision and apartment development. The site is adjacent to Burwood Station and nearby bus routes, which are all within walking distance.  According to the City of Boroondara, 36,000 new residents are forecast to move into the area by 2041.

The one, two and three-bedroom apartments provide an affordable but still high-end opportunity to live in this tightly held suburb. A study by Urbis has found that units in Glen Iris have experienced a 5.16 per cent median capital growth per year over the last 10 years. The Real Estate Institute of Victoria places its median house price at 1.78 million in the June quarter of 2016. 

According to Sam Tucker, Sales and Marketing Director at Kokoda Property, the demand in these suburbs is being mainly being driven by downsizers who wish to stay in suburbs they have created communities in. These purchasers no longer have the need for large houses with big back gardens and want the freedom to lock up and travel when the opportunity arises.

Apartment living affords them all the high-quality amenity and lifestyle options without the burden of caretaking their residences themselves.

Tucker adds that it is also important to this demographic to be well-connected to the city and surrounding areas via public transport, and have conveniences such as cafes, retail and entertainment options close by. Middle-ring suburbs deliver this amenity while still providing a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle.

<blockquote>
The reality is that demand is at an all-time high in Boorondara but due to scarcity of supply buyers are getting priced out of established homes and there is little by way of high quality apartments and townhomes providing more affordable opportunities for purchasers to get their foot in the door.

In the case of Trentwood we created a project that fits in with the heritage of the neighbourhood and is designed for long term living . The response was astronomical with 95 per cent sold within the first 10 weeks.This indicates to us that there is sustained demand for new apartment product of a high quality nature that appeals to owner occupiers, however, due to the current planning regulations there is absolutely no way to deliver what the market needs.

There is a low supply of new apartments in Glen Iris and a strong demand for quality. Boroondara has a strong history and it was vital we created something that sat quietly in the neighbourhood.

- Sam Tucker, Sales and Marketing Director, Kokoda Property
</blockquote>

Tucker says Glen Iris's appeal to Kokoda and in turn prospective purchasers can be attributed to it being a beautiful heritage suburb with great connectivity and amenity.  

<blockquote>
(Glen Iris) also has a strong local owner occupier community and is in demand from first home buyers through to downsizers. We especially liked this infill site because of its unique elbow footprint which affords an exceptional façade design and the connectivity to both freeways and train lines for our purchasers.
</blockquote>

Trentwood has been designed by architecture firm Hayball with interiors by the widely renowned Carr Design Group, and features only 88 apartments. Kokoda engaged Hayball and Carr following the successful collaboration on the Evergreen development in Ivanhoe that has just reached completion. This was a very successful collaboration according to Tucker, with the the project sold out very quickly in large part due to the high quality of the design.

<blockquote>
We love the quality of work this team produces and we were keen to continue this success at Trentwood. The team has an intrinsic understanding of the design needs of the area’s demographic and a unique perspective on designing for the local owner-occupier.
</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/evergreen-hero-banner-exterior-point.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The now completed Evergreen in Ivanhoe. Image courtesy of Kokoda Property."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/evergreen-hero-banner-exterior-point.jpg?itok=IL_iXsqO" title="The now completed Evergreen in Ivanhoe. Image courtesy of Kokoda Property." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The now completed Evergreen in Ivanhoe. Image courtesy of Kokoda Property.</figcaption></figure>Moving forward, Tucker says that these established middle-ring areas are a strong focus for Kokoda and its future pipeline of work. Kokoda undertake an extensive due diligence and mapping process to understand the demographics of an area. Through this, they can determine what design and amenity features are in demand and ensure we are providing this for purchasers.

<blockquote>
One of the key drivers for us is finding sites that are well connected and have considerable established amenity. These fundamentals do not change throughout market cycles and always underpin demand.
</blockquote>
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Kokoda Property calls for in-fill development in the eastern middle ring

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<a href="/developers/cbus-property">Cbus Property's</a> announcement prior to Christmas that it had signed a third tenant for its $1 billion <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">Collins Arch</a> project takes the amount of floor area leased to 20,000sqm or just over 40%. Australian law firm Gadens has committed to 5,000sqm of space over levels 11-13, equating to just over 10 per cent of the 49,000 square meters available.

Gadens will join fellow legal eagles King &amp; Wood Mallesons and HWL Ebsworth within the tower.

<blockquote>
Collins Arch was designed to be a signifier of leading design and instantly recognisable as a statement of Melbourne’s premier status globally. We are pleased to welcome Gadens to Collins Street’s new pinnacle address and, as a law firm committed to positioning itself as a best practice organisation and employer of choice, we are confident Collins Arch will offer the best place to grow and demonstrate these commitments.
<cite>Adrian Pozzo, Chief Executive Officer, Cbus Property</cite>
</blockquote>

With construction progressing on site following demolition of the remaining structures and plaza, Apartments.com.au took the opportunity to discuss the project's conception with Cbus Property CEO Adrian Pozzo.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/collins_arch_uc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site works at Collins Arch are progressing. Photo by Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_arch_uc.jpg?itok=ejLXNN7L" title="Site works at Collins Arch are progressing. Photo by Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site works at Collins Arch are progressing. Photo by Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au: What was the appeal of the Collins Arch site to Cbus Property? What were the initial aspirations for the site and the role it can play within the city’s future?

Adrian Pozzo: It’s not often a landmark site such as this comes along. It’s a rare privilege to have a whole city block, but even rarer when it’s in one of the self-proclaimed premier streets of Australia. Collins Street is a premier location for head offices, retail flagships and the best of the best choose to locate themselves here.

It is also in the sweet spot of Melbourne’s legal precinct. With that in mind, we always believed our site had to be an example of the best this city could offer.

This is a globally significant address and we’ve ensured the design reflects that with the architectural collaboration of <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and <a href="/architects/shop-architects">SHoP Architects</a>. These are global firms who together bring a deep sense of Melbourne and premier global developments. As a mixed use site, with residential apartments, commercial office accommodation, a five-star hotel, retail and public spaces, Collins Arch will be a meeting point for local Melbournians and visitors alike.

With dual towers connected by a sky bridge, the very form of Collins Arch will be instantly recognisable and have a significant place on Melbourne’s skyline.

UM: Cbus Property’s recognition of the site’s significance became apparent when they invited architectural firms to compete in a design competition. What was the process for selecting the firms and the brief provided to the architectural teams?

AP: Cbus Property held a tender process, asking local architects to work together with an international partner in developing their concepts for the site. This was always going to be the most significant development project in Melbourne and we thought that a collaborative approach would make teams think outside the box.

There are some very exciting projects being built around the world and we believed Melbourne warranted the same design excellence.

Woods Bagot, already a globally respected architectural firm but with a particularly strong base in Melbourne, teamed with SHoP to come up with something we believe really is world class, both from an aesthetic and functional design perspective.

UM: What was it about the joint Woods Bagot and SHoP scheme that stood out from the other design teams?

AP: There was a real focus from the duo on functionality of design. They respected the southern views across the Yarra and Port Phillip Bay, as intrinsically Melbourne as it gets, and developed floor plans and concepts that resonated with what we wanted to achieve for the site. The credentials of both firms are well documented and working together, their plan for Collins Arch creates a real destination. 

UM: Is it fair to say the current design is unlike anything seen in Melbourne before? Was this a design response to a unique site and constraints of the planning scheme controls? Do you see it as proof that the new controls still allow and possibly even encourage innovation?

AP: Melbourne’s skyline will change with this building and Collins Arch is certainly a daring design. I think it’s a culmination of a great team with a vision, and that vision being supported at a higher level with planning and urban design. If you look back at the building boom of the 80s and 90s, there was a definite lack of opportunity for projects like this to get over the line. I think timing is important.

Both the interim and proposed planning controls will continue to enable and encourage innovative design.

UM: Even as early as the 295m scheme there has always been a push to provide a significant component of public realm. Where did this desire come from?

AP: Melbourne is the world’s most liveable city and we want it to stay that way. When you are introducing such an exciting development to a city, you want to be able to share that and have it benefit as many people as possible.

<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/1475722913969.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Arch's new 1,500sqm park. Source: Cbus Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1475722913969.jpg?itok=zgGy4uv9" title="Collins Arch's new 1,500sqm park. Source: Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Arch's new 1,500sqm park. Source: Cbus Property</figcaption></figure>UM: Cbus Property has already signed on a number of tenants in Gadens, King &amp; Wood Mallesons and HWL Ebsworth. Are there any other significant signings on the horizon?

AP: We believe this is Melbourne’s most enviable office address. This office tower will also be the city’s first WELL-rated office space, so there is definitely discussions occurring with a number of prospective tenants.

UM: What type of retail tenancies are expected within the project?

AP: There will be a mix of dining and shopping on offer at Collins Arch. As the development is in its infancy, we have not yet analysed the mix of retail tenancies.

UM: What has been the initial response in sales for apartments thus far?

AP: Initial interest has been very positive, as you would expect with such a landmark opportunity and location. 

Construction of Collins Arch is expected to take head contractor Multiplex approximately three years.
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Cbus Property boss Adrian Pozzo discusses Collins Arch

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Ballarat's station precinct is set to be transformed, following last week's announcement that the Pellicano Group has been awarded the rights to develop a new conference centre and hotel facility.

Premier Daniel Andrews last week joined Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford, Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight and Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard to announce the winning team to build the $44 million project which seeks to kick-start the larger revitalisation of Ballarat’s historic station precinct and surrounding area.

The redeveloped precinct will feature:

<ul>
<li>A modern 4.5 star 77 room hotel to be run by Quest.</li>
	<li>1,700sqm conference centre, a 300-seat theatrette and a 300-seat banquet room within the Goods Shed.</li>
	<li>900m2 of retail and dining options within the Goods Shed and a public plaza for community events.</li>
	<li>420 car parks with 270 for commuters and 150 for hotel patrons, with scope for future expansion.</li>
	<li>The Spotless Group will operate the conference facilities under their EPICURE brand and will focus on building an events base including exhibitions, performances, weddings, conventions, community events and galas.</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/screen_shot_2016-11-29_at_9.16.02_am.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The new 4.5 star 77 room Quest Hotel. Image courtesy Pellicano Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2016-11-29_at_9.16.02_am.png?itok=shEpc4xo" title="The new 4.5 star 77 room Quest Hotel. Image courtesy Pellicano Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The new 4.5 star 77 room Quest Hotel. Image courtesy Pellicano Group</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Ballarat has a proud history and bright future. This is about putting people first and bringing more people to this great city – creating jobs and making this historic precinct something locals can be proud of.
<cite>Premier Daniel Andrews</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We think it’s a very strategic site near the train station, and the combination of a Quest hotel and convention centre run by Spotless was an attractive prospect. It made a lot of sense to invest in the project and we’ve got a long standing relationship with Quest, so that made us more comfortable. We are very confident (it will be successful). We’re basing it on our assumptions done via modelling and Quest already have an existing model as they have a[apartments ion Ballarat already.
<cite>Nando Pellicano, Director, Pellicano Group</cite>
</blockquote>

The Victorian Government will be investing $25 million from its Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. Construction is expected to begin by mid-late 2017, however a completion date for the project has yet to be nominated. The project is expected to generate 140 jobs during construction and 30 ongoing jobs once completed. Construction will be staged in such a way to minimise disruptions to local residents and commuters.

The concept plans are available for viewing and comment at www.engage.vic.gov.au until 22 January 2017. The community is also invited to an open day on Saturday 3 December at Ballarat Library, from 12.00pm to 4.00pm.
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Ballarat’s historic station precinct set to be transformed

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Almost three years to the day of <a href="/news/the-fahrenheit-tower-a-closer-look-at-127-141-abeckett-street">Urban.com.au covering Eq. Tower's planning application</a>, ICD Property's 62-storey tower at 127-141 A'Beckett Street has held its topping out ceremony. The event held onsite yesterday coincided with the first round of residents settling on apartments within the Elenberg Fraser designed scraper.

According to ICD, the build is on track with the balance of apartments due to settle in April 2017.

Apartments.com.au was on hand to witness this significant project milestone. Eq. Tower is the latest in a string of 200 metre towers that have sprouted in the northern zone of Melbourne's CBD.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1521.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Eq. Tower has provided the northern CBD with a new design beacon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1521.jpg?itok=mBKgTANN" title="Eq. Tower has provided the northern CBD with a new design beacon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Eq. Tower has provided the northern CBD with a new design beacon</figcaption></figure>Major attendees to yesterday's ceremony were key project figures Michael Mai (Managing Director at ICD Property) and Callum Fraser (Principal at Elenberg Fraser). Lord Mayor Robert Doyle spoke, with representatives from Sinclair Brook and head contractor Multiplex also on hand.

Eq. Tower follows hot on the heels of Vision Tower in joining CBD North's 200 metre club, soon to be followed by a host of other towers designed by Elenberg Fraser.

The distinctly shaped tower, which tapers from its mid-section as it transitions to the high-rise segment, responds to key setback and planning requirements. Despite the result being a varied floorplate for a significant portion of the tower, Eq. Tower has still reached structural completion in what has been described by the team as "record time."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1519.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Eq. Tower's cavernous foyer space"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1519.jpg?itok=oChfEYrI" title="Eq. Tower's cavernous foyer space" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Eq. Tower's cavernous foyer space</figcaption></figure>Eq. Tower also presents a number of firsts for the project team, with the topping out ceremony marking the completion of Elenberg Fraser's first 200 metre-plus tower on the Melbourne skyline. Callum Fraser remarked that he's going to have to get used to attending topping out ceremonies, with a number on the horizon over the course of the next year.

For developer ICD Property, it marks their first foray into the realm's of high-rise development in Melbourne, following previous project success with the mid-rise You &amp; I on Smith Street, Collingwood.

Looking ahead, ICD's next project lies north of the border in the harbour city, while they scour the Melbourne landscape for their next significant development opportunity. Meanwhile Elenberg Fraser is occupied with five towers in the city's northern reaches, plus a sixth which received approval last month on the adjoining site at 111-125 A'Beckett 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/img_1459.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elenberg Fraser have made their presence felt across Melbourne's skyline"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1459.jpg?itok=fBjCChhG" title="Elenberg Fraser have made their presence felt across Melbourne's skyline" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elenberg Fraser have made their presence felt across Melbourne's skyline</figcaption></figure>
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Three years on, Eq. Tower tops out

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The recent approval of <a href="http://sterlingglobal.com.au/">Sterling Global</a>'s mixed-use tower at <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">383 La Trobe Street</a> adds to the influx of towers with international influence leaving their mark not only on Melbourne's skyline, but the city's streetscapes.

The $700 million mixed-use tower, a collaboration between French design architect Ateliers Jean Nouvel and local Australian executive architect <a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a>, has been designed with people at its core. One third of the site's footprint is earmarked for public space.

The colourful tower will feature an internal arcade wrapped in digital art installations, activated by galleries, a bar, restaurants, retail spaces and a public book exchange. Despite its 29:1 plot ratio exceeding the city’s planning controls, the building has been approved due to its public benefit and amenity.

<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/a0434-pedestrian_view-j.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Digital Art Arcade. Image courtesy Stirling Global"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a0434-pedestrian_view-j.jpg?itok=rtYK0uMQ" title="Digital Art Arcade. Image courtesy Stirling Global" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Digital Art Arcade. Image courtesy Stirling Global</figcaption></figure>Designed to maximise connections to its neighbouring context, both visual and physical, via its internal public laneway and expressive facade, the 70-storey tower will also accommodate 488 one, two and three bedroom residences and a 196-room hotel. With planning approval in hand, Sterling Global will now engage with international hoteliers to operate the hotel component of the 242 metre tower.

The design team have conceived a tower which seeks to contribute to the city, its neighbours, residents and visitors, helping fill a lack of accommodation for tourists to the city, while providing new spaces to engage and socialise, including a rooftop bar. People are at the heart of the tower, and for its neighbours, the philosophy is to ensure every aspect will be beautiful, blanketed in landscaped vertical gardens and external finishes that complement the light as it shifts throughout the day.

<blockquote>
383 La Trobe Street offers one third of its land back to the public, creating a new laneway dotted with a gallery space, cafes, bars, art spaces and a huge digital art installation that covers the roof and walls of the arcade.

It’s a significant artistic contribution to Melbourne, and we’re thrilled to be working with Architectus and Ateliers Jean Nouvel on such an innovative project.
<cite>Brandon Yeoh, Development Director, Sterling Global</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/a0421-pedestrian_view-a_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The tower's distinct facades respond to its context and the environment. Image courtesy Stirling Global"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="733" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a0421-pedestrian_view-a_1.jpg?itok=Q37d_X8b" title="The tower's distinct facades respond to its context and the environment. Image courtesy Stirling Global" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The tower's distinct facades respond to its context and the environment. Image courtesy Stirling Global</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au recently met with Matthew Smith, Managing Principal for Architectus Melbourne, and Mark van Miltenburg, Head of Investment and Development at Sterling Global to discuss the finer details of the project.

Urban.com.au: Recent media reports suggest the project was approved under the Amendment C270 planning controls (Plot Ratio 18:1) and not the interim C262 controls (24:1). Can you clarify this?

Matthew Smith: We lodged under C262 and so it was approved on the basis of those planning controls because up until (last week) C270 was just a draft set of guidelines.

Mark van Miltenburg: It was unofficially assessed under C270 as well and we were asked to use the tool to measure the floor area uplift and then the value of the public benefit and that was done under the context for both plot ratios and we were in the green for both.

MS: I think it's an interesting discussion. If you look at a number that says 18:1 or 29:1 you might ask "well how could you possibly allow that?" and I'm hoping that the more that's written about this project and others in the media, that there's some clarity given because it's not just about a number. This project was never really considered as a number, it's a contextual response that formed a building.

Obviously there were some mandatory components of the guidelines and we certainly mapped those out early on so we knew we had to sit within those but beyond that it was a contextual response to the site.

I think within a city, as long as you can do that then planning controls are okay but it will mean that some sites unfortunately simply can't be developed, where even a contextual response may not even cut it.

UM: There should be flexibility in the controls to allow sites to be considered on their individual merits and circumstances on a site to site basis, whilst still adhering to a set of requirements and it appears that may be the case moving forward.

MS: You look back and obviously Republic Tower has featured quite prominently in and around this discussion and if memory serves me correctly, Republic Tower came to fruition at around the same time the previous set of plot ratio guidelines were being watered down. That process enabled Republic Tower to occur.

UM: There's also precedent for resident backlash occurring with the likes of Southbank Towers and Prima, Freshwater Place and 1 Queensbridge Street. No doubt at some stage in the future a tower of similar scale will be proposed in proximity to 383 La Trobe.

MS: It's an interesting block with a lot of development potential. I don't think there's many blocks in the city in their current state that have that embodied opportunity within them and that's something that we took quite seriously. The fact that the actions that are taken at 383 will have a significant impact on Victoria University, the Royal Mint and their relationship with the building, all of which are already established on that block.

MvM: And those that are coming too. That was one of the most exciting aspects about the opportunity of developing in the block is that in many respects it was a bit of a blank canvas, we could do what we wanted to do with our site and then try and integrate that with our neighbours.

UM: But to also provide opportunities for future development to then tie into your site?

MvM: Absolutely.

MS: That was given a lot of consideration in terms of how the public space was articulated. You're obviously aware that there's quite a generous public space offering here but there were a lot of discussions as to how that might manifest itself and part of that is the story about what comes after 383? We were in discussions with Victoria University throughout the process as well because some of the access, easements and other bits and pieces which will interact between the two sites needed to be sorted out.

<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/383l_ground_plane_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="383 La Trobe's network of public spaces sew the block together. Image courtesy: Sterling Global"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/383l_ground_plane_0.jpg?itok=aRVVF68I" title="383 La Trobe's network of public spaces sew the block together. Image courtesy: Sterling Global" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>383 La Trobe's network of public spaces sew the block together. Image courtesy: Sterling Global</figcaption></figure>MvM: And they've been terrific through this whole process and I think one of the nice things about engaging with them is that they absolutely bought into the aspirations of the project; their ideas are very complimentary to the ideas of our site and so they get more public space for the people using their building.

They get the through-site link which connects through to Flagstaff Gardens and the station and it helps us create that openness as well.

MS: And I think importantly, a formalisation of the link through to Queen Street because at the moment that's private land so it was the impetus for some sort of arrangement to be struck that enables an easement across it and while it doesn't physically link to Guildford Lane there's certainly a visual marker and reference. Obviously that Guildford Lane precinct is in a state of flux at the moment and there's a number of other initiatives that are going to occur in that area.

Urban.com.au's discussion with Matthew and Mark will continue in an upcoming article.
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Très Bien! Atelier Jean Nouvel/Architectus and Sterling Global on 383 La Trobe Street (part one)

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The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has sided with the Minister for Planning in refusing an application for a revised Development Plan for two parcels of land collectively referred to as 'Harbour Town Southern Sites Docklands'.

Developer Capital Alliance was seeking approval of an amended Development Plan for two key sites which would allow for the development of a 37-storey building comprising a Marriott branded hotel, residential apartments, car parking at 3-43 Waterfront Way in addition to dual towers of 29 and 19-storeys on a site at 26-38 Pearl River Road. The application for the latter development was put on ice pending the outcome of the VCAT hearing.

<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/ht_towers.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Harbour Town Southern Sites Masterplan Envelopes. Image courtesy Development Plan June 2015"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="418" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ht_towers.jpg?itok=_oJmXKpq" title="Harbour Town Southern Sites Masterplan Envelopes. Image courtesy Development Plan June 2015" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Harbour Town Southern Sites Masterplan Envelopes. Image courtesy Development Plan June 2015</figcaption></figure>A planning permit for the detailed design of the proposed Marriott Docklands was also sought but was contingent on receiving approval of the Development Plan. Minister Wynne had initially refused the amended Development Plan and consequently also refused the planning permit.

The basis for refusal was the "pre-emptive" nature of the applications in the absence of "a comprehensive review of the Waterfront City Precinct with regard to height, shadowing of open space areas and broader urban design considerations."

In reaching its decision, the VCAT panel stated that its decision was not made on this basis and that it didn't believe any such review would and should be the determining factor in refusing a permit but rather the proposal's inability to provide a strong enough justification for built form which is out of character with the height and scale of the existing precinct.

<blockquote>
Having considered the submissions and evidence of the parties, we are not persuaded that the proposal, particularly the amended development plan, should be approved. However, in reaching this decision, we are not persuaded of the necessity for a comprehensive review of the Waterfront City Precinct.

This case has various complexities including the number of authorities with an interest in Docklands (i.e. the Minister, the City of Melbourne and Places Victoria) and the extent of planning approvals required (i.e. development plans and planning permits) by different authorities dependent upon the scale of the particular proposed development.

In an important growth area like Docklands, achieving a cohesive approach to decision making is desirable. However, that does not mean amended development plans for small areas or sites should not or cannot be contemplated.

We find this proposal fails primarily because of the combination of the existing character of the immediate area and the broader precinct as established through the existing and emerging built form; and the urban design expectations contained in the relevant approved development plans.
We agree with the Minister that the urban design framework for taller buildings within the established built form of Harbour Town shopping centre is lacking in terms of strategic justification.
<cite>VCAT report</cite>
</blockquote>

Prior to the latest round of applications for the sites, the City of Melbourne had approved applications for DesignInc designed buildings for Ethan Property Group. The Pearl River Road site has approval in place for a residential tower of 15-storeys rising a height of 54.9 metres with ground floor retail, while the Waterfront Way site can accommodate a 14-storey residential tower of 49.6m.

As a point of reference, the NewQuay Central buildings currently under construction on a tract of land which was formerly part of Waterfront City vary in height from 56 metres to 139.8 metres.

The applicants argued that this indicated that the whole area was in a transition phase from a relatively low-rise precinct to one of considerable scale and that the proposed Development Plan was responding to this evolution.

<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/newquay_central.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="NewQuay Central under construction with the 140 metre Marina Tower to the left. Photo: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/newquay_central.jpg?itok=f3QiFDHK" title="NewQuay Central under construction with the 140 metre Marina Tower to the left. Photo: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>NewQuay Central under construction with the 140 metre Marina Tower to the left. Photo: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>With VCAT's decision to uphold the Minister for Planning's decision it remains to be seen whether Capital Alliance will seek seek to reduce their aspirations for the Harbour Town sites or develop the master plan further in response to authority concerns.

Distinguishing the two respective schemes to provide distinct responses but as part of an overall plan may see the proposals receive more favourable outcomes as the VCAT members indicated there was some concern regarding a uniform approach in building articulation and mass resulting in a 'wall effect' being produced.

The full hearing and reasoning behind the decision can be <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/cases/vic/VCAT/2016/1940?stem=0&amp;synonyms=0&amp;query=capital%20alliance">read in full</a> on AustLII.
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3-43 Waterfront Way refused by VCAT

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" dir="auto">
The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

Laurence Dragomir

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