<html><body>
K1 Residences by Optimus Developments is located at K1 Union Street Melbourne and offers a unique point of difference to other developments on the market. as it is one of the most unique selections of residences to come onto the market this year.

Rising 13-storeys, K1 comprises 13 full floor residences covering an area of over 175sqm representing a rare opportunity to purchase full floor apartments with commanding 360-degree views. K1 seeks to provide owner occupiers with the ultimate luxury of living space with expansive views in every direction. These single floor luxury residences overlook Albert Park lake through to the gleaming towers of Melbourne’s CBD, Port Phillip Bay and the leafy boulevards of St Kilda Road.

<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/16095_103_rev0_lr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="K1 Residences offer expansive views towards Albert Park Lake. Image courtesy Optimus developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/16095_103_rev0_lr.jpg?itok=OPDCjA6G" title="K1 Residences offer expansive views towards Albert Park Lake. Image courtesy Optimus developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>K1 Residences offer expansive views towards Albert Park Lake. Image courtesy Optimus developments</figcaption></figure>K1 has been designed by architectural firm DE atelier. The design has been inspired by the surrounding lush parklands and features full-grown trees, which will be deep planted on the K1 facade – the effect of which will be an arrangement of 'sky gardens.'

Additionally, K1 has sought to address the needs of discerning buyers and respond to an evolving market. DE atelier Architects have designed a residential apartment building that provides residents with all the the benefits and amenities associated with city apartment living but with the spatial qualities and characteristics of detached family homes.

The building's facade is influenced by the leafy streets of Hawthorn and Brighton with trees extending the height of the buildings. All homes within K1 are offered an outlook to these 'street trees' and it is here which has led to a unique design response. K1's exterior will present a striking, dynamic form to the street that is further softened by the curves of its sinuous balconies, which provide expansive views towards the city and beyond. Timber elements have been added to bring a more human scale to the spaces.

K1's design seeks to provide a private home that engages with nature and the surrounding context, which the design acknowledges and celebrates.

The ground floor apartment will feature an expansive outdoor leafy landscaped sanctuary with a 200 SQM private garden and an exclusive residents only entrance. A glamorous penthouse will crown K1 with a stunning 135 SQM entertainment terrace, sleek rooftop lap pool and breathtaking 360-degree view.

<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/16095_102_reva_lr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="K1's sleek rooftop lap pool offers breathtaking 360-degree views. Image courtesy Optimus Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="257" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/16095_102_reva_lr.jpg?itok=4MuVuzsE" title="K1's sleek rooftop lap pool offers breathtaking 360-degree views. Image courtesy Optimus Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>K1's sleek rooftop lap pool offers breathtaking 360-degree views. Image courtesy Optimus Developments</figcaption></figure>Wendy Bergman, renowned for her hospitality and residential interior masterpieces has selected a rich, earthy palette of exquisite finishes such as marble, rich timber and luscious leather which is off set by cozy wool carpets, to create a home that is both sophisticated and comfortable. For K1, Bergman and Co, is collaborating with Melbourne’s internationally acclaimed local designers such as bespoke lighting and custom shelves by Paul Grummisch of Please Please Please with sparkling jewel like lights by Mark Douglas.

Construction is expected to commence in the new year.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
The surrounds of K1 have been acknowledged and have helped inform the identity of the building. The urban streetscape, and especially, the gardens of Albert Park and the mature tree lined St Kilda Boulevard have inspired the greening of K1. The apartments will feel like grand established mansions with private gardens
<cite>Leon Eyck, Director, DE atelier architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Fully delivered by Optimus Developments, we believe that K1 Residences will set a new benchmark for innovation and elegance in Melbourne. These are sophisticated and generous homes, with a sense of expansiveness that will embrace you upon arrival.
<cite>Andrew Karpati, Chief Executive Officer, Optimus Developments</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
K1 represents the timeless nature of quality design.
<cite>Wendy Bergman, interior designer, Bergman and Co</cite>
</blockquote>
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

K1 Residences look to set the tone for luxury living

<html><body>
The first stage of Mirvac’s Wharf Entrance precinct within Yarra's Edge is nearing completion, with the $200 million Forge residential tower topping out recently. With Forge's topping out ceremony held in recent days, the event also represents a construction milestone for Wharfs Entrance in that it marks the beginning of the end of Mirvac’s Yarra’s Edge precinct.

Construction within the then new precinct began in the early 2000's.

<blockquote>
The topping out of Forge is a significant milestone in this new landmark on Melbourne’s skyline. Forge anchors the Wharf’s Entrance at Yarra’s Edge precinct, providing a distinct new look and fostering a community of diverse residents who want to embrace waterside living.
<cite>John Carfi, Head of Residential, Mirvac</cite>
</blockquote>

The 30-storey tower comprises 228 apartments, of which there are 29 different apartment types. Mirvac's design team were tasked with "designing something different" to what has come before at Yarra's Edge.

Employing concrete, steel and glass, Forge has been designed to respond to its context which has strongly influenced its form. Its location at the threshold between city and bay has resulted in the tower having a dual personality which addresses two distinct conditions.

<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/30082010340_96719b62c9_b.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The 30-storey Forge nears completion at Wharfs Entrance. Photo: Sydney Struwig"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/30082010340_96719b62c9_b.jpg?itok=9h2f5ZzN" title="The 30-storey Forge nears completion at Wharfs Entrance. Photo: Sydney Struwig" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 30-storey Forge nears completion at Wharfs Entrance. Photo: Sydney Struwig</figcaption></figure>The river side of Forge responds to its immediate context via its sweeping curved glazed form reflecting the movement of the Yarra river as it rises and ripples, announcing the precinct to drivers approaching from the Bolte Bridge, while also acting as the terminus to the Bourke Street axis. Forge's southern side brings a strong urban element that responds to the bayside context of Port Melbourne with strong horizontal white bands.

The building's distinct curve, combined with floor to ceiling glazing allows for a range of expansive views that encompass the water, bright lights of the CBD and Port Phillip Bay to the south.

The 100 metre tall building sits atop a 5-storey podium that also includes 302 parking spaces, 84 bike spaces and 229sqm of retail at ground level, which interfaces with the new Wharf's Landing park. With over 75 per cent of apartments sold, Forge is attracting a broad range of residents through a mix of apartments that appeal to different interests.

This has been achieved with Forge introducing a variety of new apartment options to Yarra’s Edge including five one and two-bedroom artist studios, 10 one-bedroom lofts, 56 one-bedroom apartments, two two-bedroom maisonettes, 111 two-bedroom apartments, five three-bedroom terraces and 39 three-bedroom apartments ranging up to 150sqm in size.

<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_0458.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Forge stands alone for the time being. Image: Mark Baljak"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0458.jpg?itok=2XUzlQ2L" title="Forge stands alone for the time being. Image: Mark Baljak" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Forge stands alone for the time being. Image: Mark Baljak</figcaption></figure>With full completion slated for early to mid 2017, Mirvac will turn its attention to Stage 2 of Wharfs Entrance, with the $128 million Voyager as its centrepiece. The 43-storey tower will rise 138 metres making it the tallest of all the Yarra's Edge towers and will feature 315 apartments with a mix of 62 one-bedroom; 186 two-bedroom and 67 three-bedroom apartments ranging from $495,000 to $2 million.

A rooftop resident's garden retreat called 'The Societe' will crown the tower.

Construction is expected to commence in March-April 2017, and with over 50% of apartments accounted for, completion of Voyager is expected during late 2019.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/voyager.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Voyager marks the second stage of Wharf's entrance. Image courtesy of Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="370" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/voyager.png?itok=r1PwHGEQ" title="Voyager marks the second stage of Wharf's entrance. Image courtesy of Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Voyager marks the second stage of Wharf's entrance. Image courtesy of Mirvac</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Mirvac's Forge tops out with Voyager on the horizon

<html><body>
There has been a noticeable shift towards providing quality green public amenity in major cities, leading to more resilient cities which are capable of addressing future challenges such as population growth, increased density, climate change and the desire for more communal recreational spaces.

The benefits of providing these spaces are considerable in improving the quality of urban environments; from reducing temperatures in cities (the heat island effect) to providing shade and habitats for local fauna.

The City of Melbourne through its Urban Forest Strategy seeks to increase canopy cover from 22 per cent to 40 per cent, increase forest diversity and improve biodiversity by 2040. In parallel to the Urban Forest Strategy, City of Melbourne also has a number of other initiatives which seek to improve and add to Melbourne's wealth of green spaces.

These include the Greening Laneways project and Rooftop Project, which investigate maximising the potential of some underutilised assets within the CBD for the betterment of the city and its population.

<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/urban_forest.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A visualisation of the possible future ‘greening’ of Melbourne. Source: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="508" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/urban_forest.jpg?itok=6hqMhgql" title="A visualisation of the possible future ‘greening’ of Melbourne. Source: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A visualisation of the possible future ‘greening’ of Melbourne. Source: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We can add another layer by making them green and therefore more efficient at cooling the city, intercepting and cleaning stormwater, and improving air quality. There are more than 200 lanes in our central city but only a small number of these feature greenery.
<cite>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle</cite>
</blockquote>

A further opportunity identified is a new Market Square as part of the Queen Victoria Market Renewal Project, providing a green oasis within City North. This new space combined with enhancements to the existing sheds will create a unique indoor/outdoor facility which:

<ul>
<li>Supports large-scale programmed markets and events with appropriately scaled open space.</li>
	<li>Creates spill-out areas and outdoor facilities for uses in the Queen’s Corner building.</li>
	<li>Provides recreational opportunities that complement Flagstaff Gardens and cater to market patrons and the local community, including students and families with children.</li>
	<li>Provides spaces for health and wellbeing activities, informal recreation and casual use, with public seating and shade.</li>
	<li>Develops an integrated design for the new open space and New Franklin Street.</li>
	<li>Supports environmental objectives including management of stormwater runoff, and increased tree canopy cover and shading.</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/qvm-renewal-map-2021.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queen Victoria Market Renewal Map 2021. Image courtesy of City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="269" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qvm-renewal-map-2021.jpg?itok=g6W2J-j6" title="Queen Victoria Market Renewal Map 2021. Image courtesy of City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queen Victoria Market Renewal Map 2021. Image courtesy of City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Mixed-use precincts which offer retail services, work and transport options in one central location are essential to improving the quality of the urban environment, and play a critical role in providing environmental, aesthetic, well-being and recreational benefits not just to residents but to the general public at large.

Developers such as Cbus Property and Lendlease have committed to creating more green public amenities as part of their developments in a bid to create better places which foster vibrant communities. Their respective projects, Collins Arch and Melbourne Quarter, aim to contribute to the public realm via the introduction of significant and diverse green spaces which compliment their respective built form.

Collins Arch's 5,926sqm island site will introduce 3,500sqm of public realm, primarily by way of a 1,500sqm park along Market Street that will result in the partial closure of Market Street itself. Further to this, residents will have access to the 3-storey sky garden bridging the dual towers on level 39. The provision of a green space within the heart of the city with a Collins Street address is a rare opportunity that has seen the City of Melbourne throw its support behind it.

<blockquote>
What we found is we don’t need Market St for smooth traffic flow in the city. If we don’t need it, is it possible to return that to public open space? And I love the idea of a new pocket park right on Collins St that leads you down to the river.
<cite>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle
</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/collinsarch_park.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/collinsarch_park.jpg?itok=B8HK4-Ix" 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>Further down Collins Street, Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter will dedicate more than half of its 2.5ha site to open space, and has been registered for a green star communities rating. Landscape architects Aspect|Oculus have designed 10,000sqm of public and private domain at Melbourne Quarter, including the precinct’s Skypark and Neighbourhood park which have been designed to contribute to enriching the experience of city life.

<blockquote>
The precinct will be a mix of both green vertical and horizontal layers, with over 40 storeys of planter boxes and vertical green trellis designed to run along the northern and eastern façades of the first residential building, East Tower.

Elevated above Collins Street, Skypark will give distinct views down into the square, onto Collins Street and out to the city, offering a variety of opportunities for people to linger with benches, landscaped rooms, shelters and moveable furniture.
<cite>Bob Earl, Director, Aspect|Oculus</cite>
</blockquote>

The provision of green space and amenity in cities will continue to become a sought after commodity in line with increased density and population growth. And there's nothing wrong with that.

<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/neighbourhood_park_elevated.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter's Neighbourhood Park. Source: 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/neighbourhood_park_elevated.jpg?itok=n0xtmYPV" title="Melbourne Quarter's Neighbourhood Park. Source: Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter's Neighbourhood Park. Source: Lendlease</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

The grass can be greener on the cityside

<html><body>
Oliver Hume's continued push into the realm of property development has taken another step forward with Parkville by Oliver Hume. As the name suggests the project is situated in the leafy established inner-city suburb of Parkville, on a site at 535-541 Royal Parade. The site boasts dual frontages to Royal Parade and The Avenue, with a third interface to the Capital City Trail.

Oliver Hume Property Funds has engaged DKO Architecture, Carr Design Group and Jack Merlo to deliver 20 luxury residences, each with its own individual address and private access. In keeping with the theme of three, the design team has responded with three distinct but related styles of homes with a focus on simplicity and timeless architecture based around the classic Victorian period concept for modern living.

<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/w1920-h1080-1744_1_dp_160902_022817.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Parkville by Oliver Hume exterior. Image courtesy Oliver Hume"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/w1920-h1080-1744_1_dp_160902_022817.jpg?itok=vpUMoLPf" title="Parkville by Oliver Hume exterior. Image courtesy Oliver Hume" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Parkville by Oliver Hume exterior. Image courtesy Oliver Hume</figcaption></figure>The 5-storey residences are all located on their own title and range in size from 30-52 squares. They are all equipped with a sunlit staircase, individual rooftop terrace, rear garden and integrated lock-up garage, capable of holding 2-4 cars, an. Some of the homes feature a swimming pool with an integrated day bed, lounge area and barbeque, each set in gardens in addition a private elevator for convenient access to each floor.

Located in close proximity to parks and gardens, the residences provide a feeling of retreat from city life and offer simple but smart spaces. The sense of space is further enhanced by an integrated landscaping response, borne out of close collaboration between each of the partners, including renowned landscaper Jack Merlo. 

<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/parkville_by_oliver_hume_outdoor_area_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Parkville by Oliver Hume outdoor area. Image courtesy Oliver Hume"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/parkville_by_oliver_hume_outdoor_area_0.jpg?itok=UYH7kkme" title=" Parkville by Oliver Hume outdoor area. Image courtesy Oliver Hume" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Parkville by Oliver Hume outdoor area. Image courtesy Oliver Hume</figcaption></figure>A light render, each uses timber, bronze and coated steel screening and fences to achieve a classic but modern façade. The collection of residences include four Royal Parade residences featuring three bedrooms, four sitting rooms, five bathrooms and its own private garage for two to four cars. One home also includes an in-ground swimming pool. These homes feature a sun-drenched lower-level living zone accessible from descending street level stairs with a wine cellar and study.

Overlooking The Avenue are seven residences, four featuring in-ground swimming pools set within landscaping by Jack Merlo. Some of these homes feature cinemas, wine cellars, as well as three bedrooms, multiple sitting rooms and five bathrooms.

Bridleway Walk fronts the culvert that is the Capital City Trail and consists of nine residences, offering three bedrooms and three ensuites, plus double garages.

Each residence has a large living area and kitchen on the ground floor, as well as a second living space inside the master retreat - an entire floor dedicated exclusively to master level living. The larger homes have multiple studies split between levels. All bedrooms feature ensuites and are complemented by an additional retreat area. The design culminates in private rooftops, which provide a generous separate living space, affording views over Princes Park as well as to southern and western aspects.

Builder VCON will commence construction in March 2017 with completion anticipated by July 2018.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Parkville by Oliver Hume comprises a classic collection of modern buildings that stand apart for their timeless simplicity.It’s a unique interpretation of the Victorian period home and the ease of lifestyle this provides, with a true flow through from indoors to outdoors.This collaboration has resulted in a special group of luxury homes, a unique concept in Melbourne property.

Natural stone, bronze, metal and timber provide an authenticity that will stand the test of time. We have placed an emphasis on trying to plan as many sun soaked places as possible, so you can sit indoors or outdoors and enjoy the sun year round. This includes employing a high degree of glazing and screening techniques.
<cite>Koos De Keijzer, Principal, DKO Architecture</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
These new homes take the best of a treasured lifestyle and improve on it. We've used modern ideas drawing inspiration from abroad to create timeless luxurious homes
<cite>Jason Wood, Development Director, Oliver Hume</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
These period homes contain important lessons for the design of contemporary neighbourhoods. With their wonderful proportions, emphasis on vertical living, connection to landscape and close proximity to the city, they are a compact and sustainable urban housing model for the future. With Parkville by Oliver Hume, we wanted to incorporate some of the traditional ideas of the classic Victorian period home, refine them and offer a design that provides a contemporary way of living. The Avenue and Royal Parade homes are equipped with private elevator, in addition to a striking and graceful feature staircase. All of these homes are made up of a series of spaces designed with a specific function in mind. All have large proportions, grander than many other modern housing models.
<cite>Sue Carr, Director, Carr Design Group</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
With a shared minimalist design philosophy, we have created a harmonious flow and seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces. A less is more approach and the restrained use of materials results in a timeless appeal, with a contemporary style of architecture, interior and landscape design.
<cite>Jack Merlo, Landscaper</cite>
</blockquote>
</body></html>

Triumvirate of design combine for Parkville

<html><body>
The City of Melbourne's Green Laneways program is entering the next phase of its implementation with the release of concept designs for four laneways which form the pilot project. The four pilot laneways were selected earlier this year to be the very first laneways of the Green Your Laneway pilot program following the <a href="/news/get-your-green-on-for-a-new-cbd-laneway-experience">initial phase of community engagement</a>.

With over two hundred laneways in the central city, totaling nearly nine hectares, the Green Your Laneway program was established to help transform the city’s laneways into leafy, green and useable spaces.

The program seeks to enhance the experience of Melbourne's laneways further, with the opportunity to transform them into the 'city's back yard.' Concepts being investigated include potential for vertical greening, trees, and places to dwell and relax.

City residents, building owners and businesses were encouraged to participate in helping to select the four laneways as part of the pilot project, to be fully funded by the City of Melbourne.

The selected laneways are Coromandel Place, Guildford Lane, Meyers Place and Katherine Place. Initial design concepts have been developed for each with further community engagement to refine the concepts.

<h2>Concepts for Coromandel Place</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/coromandel_place.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Coromandel Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/coromandel_place.jpg?itok=ENzLJ3gQ" title="Coromandel Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Coromandel Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>
DIY Window Boxes - a simple example of laneway greening. The initiative was suggested by the building owner.</li>
	<li>
Planters with Climbers - by adding soil volumes through planter boxes, climbers and other plants can combine to green the laneways.</li>
	<li>
Greening and Screening - these walls offer the opportunity for vertical greening using climbing plants, while raised planters provide privacy screening for laneway residents.</li>
	<li>
A tree (and seat) - Adding trees into lanes can be tricky due to underground services. If achievable, these trees will be surrounded by a built-in edge that people can sit on.</li>
	<li>
A Beautiful Place to Sit - A range of options are being explored to create a very different vista for the laneway's plain back walls.</li>
	<li>
The Green Billboard - A high-tech 'green wall' installation could transform the blank brick wall.</li>
	<li>
Walkway lined with plants - Lush greenery could be added to the walkway through a long line of planter boxes.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Concepts for Guildford Lane</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/guildford_concepts.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Guildford Lane design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="345" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/guildford_concepts.jpg?itok=djBWJTFC" title="Guildford Lane design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Guildford Lane design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>
The 'Draingarden' - Using downpipes to water a climbing plant is the laneway version of a raingarden. Guildford Lane has a large number of these opportunities, permission is being sought from building owners to install these cable-based greening approaches.</li>
	<li>
Kerbside pot plants - The residents and owners in Guildford Lane have added greenery through potplants. Taking into account loading, footpaths and traffic in the lane, additional pot plants can contribute to creating a lush green space.</li>
	<li>
Communal Garden - Guildford Lane already has a great DIY approach to gardens and this recessed section of private property currently hosts a beautiful garden of pots. The area will be upgraded to a much bigger space for locals to grow their favourite plants.</li>
	<li>
A Green Entry to Guildford - The Queen Street entrance could be transformed with a new tree and climbers to cover the existing fence.</li>
	<li>
Hanging Garden - By adding overhead planter baskets and seating, this space can be transformed.</li>
	<li>
Window boxes - Planter boxes in the lane's many picturesque windows could add a flash of colour and greenery to the lane.</li>
	<li>
A Green Respite - By adding a large planter box and a seat, we can offer beautiful vertical greening as well as a place for green-thumbed locals to cultivate flowers in the lane.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Concepts for Meyers Place</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/meyers_place.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Meyers Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/meyers_place.jpg?itok=yZBIWe78" title="Meyers Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Meyers Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>
Tree on private property - By helping building owners plant trees on their property, the whole laneway can ultimately benefit.</li>
	<li>
Window boxes - Cascading greenery into the lane from first-floor balconies offers a relatively simple but very attractive way of greening.</li>
	<li>
Pots for traders - Pots in doorways, can add greenery to the lane without interfering with trading or pedestrian flows. A well-selected plant can also support the identity of the business within.</li>
	<li>
Trees and vertical greening - The carpark wall offers a great opportunity for greening. Climbing plants and green walls could screen the carpark. Subject to underground cables, street trees could also work in this location.</li>
	<li>
Green gallery - The recessed entry of this substation could make a great 'exhibition' spot for a rotating program of more creative greening ideas, adding an element of surprise to a normally dark and quiet location.</li>
	<li>
Green Wall - When the building owner was offered a humble creeper, they suggested the possibility jointly fund something more ambitious. If an agreement can be reached, this will be funded as a trial of the City of Melbourne's upcoming Urban Forest Fund, which is focused on working with individuals to co-fund greening above and beyond existing programs.</li>
	<li>
Flowering creeper - Plants like wisteria can grow vigorously on a single cable, given enough soil. With building owner support, eventually a healthy climber can provide impressive displays of flowers. This location could one day be a pitstop for pollinators and punters alike.</li>
	<li>
Dumpster garden - In keeping with the laneway feel, this mobile planter box can temporarily add greenery to the lane for some months or years while other planting establishes.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Concepts for Katherine Place</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/katherine_place.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Katherine Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/katherine_place.jpg?itok=uDI7iZWL" title="Katherine Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Katherine Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>
A Green Archway - The archway and each pillar could be lined with lightweight climbing plants to create a beautiful green entry. City of Melbourne will also help traders green up their shopfronts with pot plants and perhaps even some hanging plants.</li>
	<li>
The Green Heart of Katherine Place - By slightly narrowing the roadway, a number of trees can be added (subject to underground services). This vertical greening, supported with understorey planting helps add to the 'layered' look of the lane and supporting biodiversity. The existing cafe at the corner might use a few pots to add to the greenery. Together this creates a very lush look for the corner of Mercantile Lane and Katherine Place.</li>
</ul>
Additionally, as part of the Green Your Laneway program, the City of Melbourne has also developed a world-first interactive map that shows laneways that could go green, based on the amount of sunlight they receive, exposure to wind and physical characteristics. The map also shows all nominations received in the first phase of community engagement.

<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/gyl_map.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green your laneway interactive map. Image Participate Melbourne website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="391" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gyl_map.jpg?itok=HuCpG2pp" title="Green your laneway interactive map. Image Participate Melbourne website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green your laneway interactive map. Image Participate Melbourne website</figcaption></figure>Once design concepts are finalised for the four pilot laneways, construction is expected to commence in early 2017. In the meantime Meyers Place will be transformed into a green space on Saturday 12 November between 2pm and 4pm.

For further information about the City of Melbourne's Green Your Laneway program, visit http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/greenlaneways
</body></html>

City of Melbourne's Green Your Laneway initiative moves forward

<html><body>
Construction on Collins Arch in Cbus Property's project at 447 Collins Street is now officially underway following last month's groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, Planning Minister Richard Wynne and Cbus Property CEO Adrian Pozzo with Apartments.com.au also present at proceedings.

Collins Arch represents one of Australia’s largest mixed-use developments, located on a 6,000sqm island site providing 3,500sqm of public realm comprising 1,500sqm of park along Market Street, subject to further planning approval.

The development has been designed by Woods Bagot in partnership with international firm SHoP Architects and features a west tower consisting of offices, and an eastern residential tower, linked by a residential 'sky bridge' at its crown, marking the development's position on the the Melbourne skyline.

The development will also include a five star hotel and luxury residential apartments that are currently accepting expressions of interest.

The groundbreaking ceremony also marked the launch of the 202 luxury one, two and three bedroom apartments, positioned across the highest floors and oriented to maximise city views. Speaking about the development, Pozzo said that further announcements regarding the project would be made in due course including the securing of further commercial tenants and a hotel operator.

<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/groundbreaking_ceremony.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, Planning Minister Richard Wynne and Cbus Property CEO Adrian Pozzo at the Collins Arch Groundbreaking ceremony"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/groundbreaking_ceremony.jpg?itok=zMLmpb5n" title="Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, Planning Minister Richard Wynne and Cbus Property CEO Adrian Pozzo at the Collins Arch Groundbreaking ceremony" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, Planning Minister Richard Wynne and Cbus Property CEO Adrian Pozzo at the Collins Arch Groundbreaking ceremony</figcaption></figure>The project's crowning feature, the Sky Bridge, will accommodate the residential amenities featuring a statement pool with views from the 34th floor to the city beyond. Facilities will also include a gym, yoga studio, private wine cellars, residents lounge, and two private dining rooms with catering kitchen, accessed by residents from both the east and west towers. A sky garden is also provided on level 39 for the exclusive use of Collins Arch residents, with three penthouses located across levels 38-39.

In further leasing news, Cbus announced late last month that it had secured HWL Ebsworth Lawyers for approximately 6,500sqm of office space over levels eight to 10. The latest leasing announcement follows the earlier commitment of Collins Arch’s first commercial tenants, King &amp; Wood Mallesons which will occupy almost 20% of the project’s available office space across five floors in a major global deal.

HWL Ebsworth's commitment means 30% of Collins Arch’s 49,000sqm of commercial space is now committed with Cbus seeking to secure tenants for the remaining 70% of space. This is occurring in parallel to an expression of interest campaign to secure a hotelier for the $250 million, 294-suite five-star hotel which will occupy the first 15 floors of the eastern tower with Starwood hotels reportedly in contention with its W Hotels brand.

Collins Arch has an estimated completion date of 2019.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/477_southbank.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Arch as seen from Southbank. Image courtesy Cbus Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/477_southbank.jpg?itok=Xdp_i37q" title="Collins Arch as seen from Southbank. Image courtesy Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Arch as seen from Southbank. Image courtesy Cbus Property</figcaption></figure><h2>Collins Arch Development Summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>$1.25 billion end project value</li>
	<li>39-storeys and 142 metres tall</li>
	<li>1,500sqm park to Maket Street, with 3,500sqm of public realm overall</li>
	<li>49,000sqm of commericial Premium Grade space</li>
	<li>204 five star hotel suites</li>
	<li>Comprises 202 luxury apartments within approximately 23,000sqm
	<ul>
<li>139 apartments located in the eastern tower above the five star hotel</li>
		<li>63 apartments located across the sky bridge and the top six levels of the western tower</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>Apartment breakdown:
	<ul>
<li>51 one bedroom apartments spanning 50 to 81 square metres</li>
		<li>109 two bedroom apartments spanning 88 to 144 square metres</li>
		<li>39 three bedroom apartments spanning 135 to 283 square metres</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>The 8-storey Sky Bridge links Collins Arch's dual tower design at level 34, spanning the 14 metre separation between the towers</li>
	<li>Due for completion in 2019</li>
</ul>
<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Not since Eureka Tower has there been such an opportunity for owner occupiers who want to enjoy the pinnacle of apartment living in the world’s most liveable city, but also the global recognition associated with an architectural destination. Collins Arch offers a landmark opportunity with an array of luxury apartments, including those that maximise views of the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay, features as iconic to Melbourne as the building itself.

Securing our second tenant, resulting in 30% of the commercial space already committed,really solidifies the importance business leaders are placing on workplaces of the future. Targeting Melbourne’s first WELL-rated building, we are proud to offer a truly remarkable precinct, with leading design at all levels.
<cite>Adrian Pozzo, Chief Executive Officer, Cbus Property</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
In this globally enviable architectural residence, there is a particular emphasis on design that embraces each apartment’s sky high aspect. The stepping back of the apartments gives a mountain-top feel to the urban façade. We’ve then ensured the oasis feel continues inside with a vertical garden spanning three storeys offering tranquillity for residents in the middle of the metropolis.
<cite>Nik Karalis, Principal, Woods Bagot</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The idea of a city-within-a-city drove the design—we wanted to create a new amenity for Melbourne that will be an amazing place to live, work, or play. The urban moves that make it successful on the street and in the skyline also work to optimise light, views, and outdoor spaces for the residences, while also serving to activate the public realm.
<cite>William Sharples, Principal, SHoP Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We are delighted to have committed to what we believe will be the most impressive building to be constructed in Melbourne in recent memory, clearly a future landmark. Collins Arch will boast amenities and environmental credentials that mirror the standards expected by a firm like ours and by our quality clients. 447 will offer both the high quality and attractive location we want for our staff. Cbus Property has a visionary plan for the site and we are proud to be associated with Cbus Property and this special project.
<cite>Juan Martinez, Managing Partner, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers</cite>
</blockquote>
</body></html>

Collins Arch gathers momentum

<html><body>
Melbourne based developer Goldfields has recently launched two premium apartment developments: Patch and 525 High Street..

Located at 243 Queens Parade in Fitzroy North, Patch is a 12-storey building comprises 83 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, a communal terrace on level eight and ground floor retail space. The communal terrace on level eight, includes a 300sqm tree-dotted deck, indoor and outdoor dining facilities, and a communal kitchen/cooking area with views towards the CBD.

525 High Street is a 7-storey building comprising 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and two Townhouses designed by JCB Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie. The development is located within Prahran East Village, and has earmarked an independent organic grocer to occupy the ground floor retail space.

After almost a decade as one of the founding partners of Asset1 which has been involved in a range of developments, Marco Gattino created Goldfields during 2010. The move came about from Gattino's desire to establish his own business with a strong focus on developing premium residential projects.

Urban.com.au recently spoke with Goldfields’ Managing Director Marco Gattino regarding the progress and interest in the company's two current projects.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/patch.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Patch, Queens Parade. Image courtesy of Fieldworks"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/patch.jpg?itok=zYjSo6R0" title="Patch, Queens Parade. Image courtesy of Fieldworks" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Patch, Queens Parade. Image courtesy of Fieldwork</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: Goldfields acquired Patch from previous owner Wulff Projects selling the site with a permit in place. What attracted you to that particular site and project?

Marco Gattino: One of the attractions for us was to acquire the site on the basis that it had a permit. We made a few adjustments and enhancements to the permitted scheme but certainly having a permit in place allowed us to get traction quite quickly in terms of launching the project. It's fair to say most of the planning risk was taken out of the process and we were overall quite happy with the design of the building and retaining Fieldwork as the architects, who apart from producing the original design, we feel are a good local firm (and were) based in Clifton Hill.

They understand the demographic, they understand the area and I believe they've done a very good job of delivering a very design-focused project that is in keeping with what the area demands.

UM: In addition to the permit for the site, did you identify North Fitzroy as an area with a great deal of investment potential and opportunity?

MG: The whole North Fitzroy/Clifton Hill area was very attractive to us because of its transport linkages, with Patch well-serviced by tram, but also within walking distance of Rushall and Clifton Hill stations. If you look at the local demographics, a quarter of the population in Fitzroy is aged between 25 and 34.

Public transport becomes very important to that demographic. as is itsproximity to the city.

UM: Is it fair to say there's still a degree of resistance to higher density development in areas such as Fitzroy North and Clifton Hill, and did this factor into your decision to acquire the site with a permit already in place?

MG: No doubt. A developer would always welcome a site that has town planning approval in place, for those reasons. Patch sits within a location that's essentially an island site made up of multiple properties.

So Patch is just one part of a larger regeneration of that particular area along Queens Parade, where there will be higher densities which I think will end up creating its own brand and positioning within the market place. I believe over time, as the area evolves, it will be a go to destination and a desirable place for people looking to live in North Fitzroy.

We're one of the first developments to kick off in the area and anyone that buys into Patch is part of a greater, grander evolution of that particular area of North Fitzroy, and that will ultimately help enhance capital values.

UM: When did you go to market with Patch and how have sales progressing thus far? And when are you hoping to commence construction?

MG: At launch weekend we achieved close to 30% in sales and that was just over three weeks ago, and we are now sitting at just a tick over 40%. We had our initial run where it was well promoted and well positioned and now the sales are ticking along. With that in mind we're looking at commencing construction in February next year, with a 14 month build.

<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/image30_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="525 High Street. Image courtesy of Goldfields"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_10.jpg?itok=Yiyb462W" title="525 High Street. Image courtesy of Goldfields" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>525 High Street. Image courtesy of Goldfields</figcaption></figure>UM: Moving onto 525 High Street in Prahran, Goldfieds has engaged another quality multi-residential architect in Jackson Clements Burrows. Can you talk a bit about that?

MG: What happened there Laurence is we identified the site over a year ago, and we quickly realised that it was a trophy site that most of the significant players in this space had kept their eyes. We were fortunate enough to acquire the site and so we knew we had to do the site justice which immediately meant using top grade consultants.

So if you think about the demographic and the fact we've been overwhelmed with owner-occupier demand, the spec had to be right. Interiors had to be designed right so Hecker Guthrie came to mind very quickly, as did JCB because we knew the building had to be striking and commensurate to the area.

It's going to be one of the few larger scale 7-storey buildings in that location. We had to do it justice and I believe JCB have done the site justice, so this to us is one of our most exciting built form projects.

One of the challenges with the site was dealing with... there are two real faces to the building being to the north and the south. The northern face is a unique opportunity so far as it's an elevated site which sits above a heritage protected area, so we're talking about unencumbered views to the north and for those who want to be part of the vibrant activity there's the southern face.

But being able to have those views over Prahran and South Yarra towards the city really makes it 525 High unique.

UM: With the shift in the market towards more owner-occupier stock it would seem that projects such as Patch and 525 have been quick to respond to that shift?

MG: I think Patch appeals to both: it offers something for the investor, but also the owner occupier.

Whilst 525 may attract the odd investor it has been primarily set up, positioned and priced for the owner occupier, and it is the perfect location for those living in a home in Armadale, Toorak and Malvern. They're still close to the areas they're familiar with but at the same time 525 High gives them the opportunity to live in something fresh for the next phase of their life.

UM: So is 525 High primarily targeted at downsizers and empty nesters?

MG: Correct. We all know the amount of equity that a lot of these empty nesters now have in their home and the ability to trade down in terms of value, but still live in something they're proud to call home while at the same time generating a cash surpluses.

UM: It is widely reported in the media that there is an oversupply of apartments in the market, but it would appear that there is still very much an appetite for owner occupier product. As a result the quality of the apartment buildings and the apartments themselves seems to have improved from where they were even a couple of years ago. Would that be a fair assessment?

MG: I would say so. The bar is constantly being raised and we are all pushing each other in terms of our outputs to the market, so the level of quality naturally goes up. Equally as important, buyers are becoming a lot more discerning, so in order to achieve the sales rates required to make the projects feasible, you need to deliver certain outcomes.

In response to the notion of "are we in a bubble?" and "is there an oversupply?" there's never an oversupply of well located, well designed and well executed product and that's what 525 High is.

525 High was launched a week ago (at time of interview) and is already 50% sold which is an overwhelming response. In particular there has been huge demand for three bedroom apartments so we've very well placed and very satisfied with the sales, which have exceeded our own expectations even though we knew the site would attract a lot of interest.

We look forward to commencing works early next year.
</body></html>

Goldfields looks to strike gold with two marquee projects

<html><body>
108 Leicester Street is a collection of eight multi-level Fitzroy townhouses that have been designed to respond to the changing face of multi-residential living in Melbourne.

The hybrid inner-city dwellings combine developer/builder FOURSQ with Melbourne firm BKK Architects. The design acknowledges the housing typologies of the development's Fitzroy neighbourhood with unique identities to its primary street frontages.

Along Young Street a contemporary response to the traditional Victorian terraces is evident, while on Leicester Street a re-imagining of archetypal warehouse conversions is the key driver. Additionally the new built form provides a strong formal gesture to the site's corner, drawing on the qualities of local civic landmarks.

<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/no108.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No. 108's materials reference its local context. Image courtesy FOURSQ"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="369" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/no108.jpg?itok=mdFOPOlF" title="No. 108's materials reference its local context. Image courtesy FOURSQ" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No. 108's materials reference its local context. Image courtesy FOURSQ</figcaption></figure>The exploration of various design typologies is not just limited to the exterior. The interiors employ concrete as both a feature of the ceilings and in the stairwells of each residence with the integration of timber and brass, which draw on the industrial history of the local neighbourhood.

Each of the 6.6-star average energy rated townhouses offer large, flexible floorplans of 152-232 square metres over 4-5 levels, and feature a private lift, 3m ceilings and separate roof terraces which offer views towards the city and the Dandenong Ranges.

Designed with flexibility in mind, four of the townhouses offer the option of using their ground level as a second living area, extra bedroom, home office or media room. All townhouses have two bedrooms – each with their own private level and en suite, with some opening to a balcony. The open plan living areas feature concrete ceilings, expansive glazing and bespoke screens to the stairwell made of Victorian Ash and brass woven mesh.

The outdoor roof terraces have been designed with space for outdoor cooking, dining and living featuring a Tait Tilt Outdoor Kitchen and barbecue with roasting hood. Five townhouses have Young or Leicester Street frontages and access while three are entered via the internal garden courtyard which features timbers recycled from the site’s original warehouse.

<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/108_rooftop.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No. 108 rooftop terraces with a city backdrop. Image courtesy FOURSQ"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/108_rooftop.jpg?itok=i62BnlNU" title="No. 108 rooftop terraces with a city backdrop. Image courtesy FOURSQ" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No. 108 rooftop terraces with a city backdrop. Image courtesy FOURSQ</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
A collection of eight luxury, 4-level, vertical dwellings. The project draws upon the local character and various dwelling typologies to create a new type of housing for this gritty, inner-city suburb of Melbourne.
High levels of environmental design, vertical green spaces and extra-large dwellings are clustered around a tranquil courtyard garden. Every aspect of this project is considered in detail to achieve a benchmark well beyond the standard.
<cite>BKK Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Urban.com.au recently sat down with BKK director Simon Knott at the on-site display suite to discuss the design of the project, and its response to its context.

Knott described No. 108's conception as "a highly collaborative process between FOURSQ and BKK". FOURSQ engaged BKK to develop a design for a townhouse-style development that was more unique to what was on the market. BKK pushed and pulled the massing around the site from which the idea of developing a typology that was primarily a house within the envelope of what would otherwise be an apartment building.

No. 108, says Knott, has been designed to be at the forefront of a shift in the market away from investor stock towards a more owner occupier driven product - essentially eight high end houses on the site that are extremely well pointed and have a great amount of detail and craftsmanship to them.

One thing that is not quite so obvious to other people when they see the end product is the time taken to develop the design. According to Knott, BKK have explained to clients that they’re not paying for inspiration necessarily, but rather good design which takes time; the more time spent on the drawing board, the better the outcome and overall the process on No. 108 has been an exhaustive one.

<blockquote>
There is a real desire out there for these high end homes in a really good location near the city. They’ve got everything within them – 2 car parks that are in a stacker which people are pretty comfortable with now. Five have their own street address and the other three have entries off the internal courtyard.
We wanted the design to be a contextual reinterpretation – something that looked like it came out of Fitzroy – with elements of the old warehouse that is onsite and using brick that’s typical to Fitzroy.
Then this idea of marking the corner with a really significant corner element. Something which referenced the Victorian Terrace home and then this more industrial warehouse feel out the back and finally mitigated with this central courtyard space which is a semi-public space that services the three townhouses sitting within it.
All the townhouses have been designed with dual aspect and cross ventilation throughout.
The way we approached the design was how we would start to look at apartment design then quickly realised through discussions with Tom from FOURSQ that it’s actually houses that we’ were designing here. And that’s similar to JCB, Six Degrees and even Clare Cousins now – we all have a background in housing rather than typically commercial apartment design.
I think it’s wrong to think of the homes at 108 as townhouses… they’re something else. They’re kind of a new typology of housing and each one is slightly different. There’s a couple that are similar – two on Young Street and two on the courtyard that are similar. But I think the opportunity for someone to have something where they have their own front door in this location and feel a lot more like they're in a home.
The bedrooms are more like 4m x 5m rather than 3m x 3m. The design was very much about trying to get a level of craftsmanship through rather than something manufactured and polished and that’s a hard balance to get right – you don’t want it too look like a shabby, half cooked idea. Something a lot more refined.
<cite>Simon Knott, Director, BKK Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Construction of No. 108 is anticipated to start by early 2017 with completion in late 2017.
</body></html>

Creating a new typology: No. 108 Fitzroy

<html><body>
Following its acquisition of Waterfront City late in 2014, current owners Ashe Morgan have moved to further reinvent and reposition the precinct, which includes Harbour Town and the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel as major drawcards.

The first stage of overhaul works which were concentrated on Harbour Town are concluding. These included improvements to hardscaping with new pavers, timber decking, planters and outodoor seating, in addition to new ETFE canopies designed by <a href="/architects/the-buchan-group">The Buchan Group</a> and demolition of redundant walkways and escalators to unclutter the 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/waterfrontcity-docklandsdriverightmrupdate1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Waterfront City upgrade from Docklands Drive. Image courtesy of Atomic3d"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/waterfrontcity-docklandsdriverightmrupdate1.jpg?itok=SOpZHCCX" title="Waterfront City upgrade from Docklands Drive. Image courtesy of Atomic3d" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Waterfront City upgrade from Docklands Drive. Image courtesy of Atomic3d</figcaption></figure>The next stages of the precinct-wide upgrade include the division of Waterfront City into defined sub-precincts located largely within the existing built form currently on-site. Ashe Morgan engaged local firm <a href="/architects/nh-architecture">NH Architecture</a> to design the upgrade and new built form.

These include:

<ul>
<li>The Entertainment and Active Leisure Precinct which connects the Melbourne Star with the O'Brien Group Arena and a new eight cinema Hoyts complex.</li>
	<li>The Dining Precinct currently bordering the Melbourne Star.</li>
	<li>Urban fashion and major international fashion precincts with a stripping back of centre facades complete.</li>
	<li>A Fish Market and Food Precinct within the existing multi-storey carpark, with a Market Lane along Waterfront City and new apartments.</li>
	<li>Flagship showrooms and future development opportunities along Footscray Road.</li>
</ul>
The expectation is that the connotations associated with the first version of Waterfront City will be swept aside by the new design features. NH Architecture via their Facebook page state "The ambition for the redevelopment is to create a new village for Melbourne with all the uses, activities, spaces and places that support a healthy inner city community… a genuine 'piece' of 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/wfc_precincts.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Waterfront City's distinct precincts."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wfc_precincts.jpg?itok=jHLA3D32" title="Waterfront City's distinct precincts." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Waterfront City's distinct precincts.</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

These enhancements will go some way to providing Waterfront City with a stronger identity and adding some diversity to the <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a> precinct. The provision of a cinema and the establishment of a fresh food and market precinct which not only services the residents and workers at NewQuay and Waterfront City, but also the greater Docklands area, making the area a destination in its own right.

ING's divestment in the precinct which saw various elements of the site fall into the hands of a variety of owners in <a href="/developers/mab-corporation">MAB Coporation</a>, <a href="/developers/hiap-hoe">Hiap Hoe</a>, <a href="/developers/capital-alliance-investment-group">Capital Alliance</a> and Ashe Morgan, looks to have been a step in the right direction.

<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/wfc_market_lane.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Market Lane, Waterfront City"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wfc_market_lane.jpg?itok=SpWTv01O" title="Market Lane, Waterfront City" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Market Lane, Waterfront City. Image courtesy of Atomic3d flythrough</figcaption></figure>With <a href="/buildings/promenade-aqui-411-docklands-drive-docklands">Promenade &amp; Aqui</a>, and Four Points Sheraton almost complete, <a href="/buildings/banksia-newquay-429-docklands-drive-docklands">Banksia</a> well out of the ground and <a href="/buildings/marina-tower-6-pearl-river-road-docklands">Marina Tower</a> progressing well, the area which now forms NewQuay Central will see a significant increase in the population of the area as well as a new front door for the precinct from the water.

The proposed enhancements coupled with Capital Alliance's respective high-rise projects at 3-43 Waterfront Way and <a href="/new-apartments/26-38-pearl-river-road-docklands">28-38 Pearl River Road</a> will see Waterfront City's transformation complete.

The only sticking point perhaps is the name of the precinct. Having lost its waterfront frontage, the name Waterfront City no longer appears appropriate and with a new look and feel, now might an appropriate time to rebrand the precinct and create a new identity.
</body></html>

Waterfront City's transformation continues

<html><body>
With the bulk of Melbourne CBD's current high-rise boom centred largely along the northern reaches of Elizabeth Street, there's now a shift back towards Melbourne's traditional main street of Collins Street. This is evidenced by six significant projects at various stages of their life-cycles, which are set to transform the western end of the traditional Hoddle Grid, bringing with it further street life and activity.

The buildings range in height from seven to over 60-storeys with a collection around the 150 metre mark and while predominantly residential in nature will also include over 100,000sqm of office space and hotel suites. A variety of architects have been employed to design them with Woods Bagot, Bates Smart, SHoP, Zaha Hadid and Grimshaw amongst the roll call.

Below is a brief update of where each project is currently at:

<h2>555 Collins Street (Approved), lead image</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1460519399027.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Enterprise House at 555 Collins Street as it currently stands. Image courtesy of The Age"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1460519399027.jpg?itok=NYaQ_PQB" title="Enterprise House at 555 Collins Street as it currently stands. Image courtesy of The Age" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Enterprise House at 555 Collins Street as it currently stands. Image courtesy of The Age</figcaption></figure>The former site of the Federal Coffee Palace is set to undergo another metamorphosis following the recent approval of the 147 metre Bates Smart designed tower for owners Fragrance Group. Located at 555 Collins Street <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">the development</a> would comprise 625 apartments and a retail plaza at ground level that connects to the adjacent 567 Collins Street retail laneway.

The development would have a floor area ratio/plot ratio of 1:24, which is significantly more than the requirements of Planning Scheme Amendment C270 but in line with the interim controls of C262.

Long after notions of a 400 metre commercial tower and in the wake of Fragrance Group's early ambitions for a 300 metre mixed use monolith onsite, the revised Bates Smart-designed residential scheme received the green light from Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

This process of approval had taken place in parallel with the site being offered for sale following Fragrance Group's initial failure to gain a permit for the site. With work set to commence on Fragrance Group's signature tower at 134 Spencer Street next month, it remains to be seen whether the developer will retain the site or seek to offload it with permit in hand.

<h2>600 Collins Street (Approved)</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/600-collins-street-melbourne-4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="600 Collins Street. Image courtesy ZHA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/600-collins-street-melbourne-4.jpg?itok=LcDCyTnB" title="600 Collins Street. Image courtesy ZHA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>600 Collins Street. Image courtesy ZHA</figcaption></figure>The 54-storey, 186 metre tower designed by the late Zaha Hadid in collaboration with locals Plus Architecture was approved in July. With its current status on the minister's planning register listed as being at "Appeal" it would appear this may be a case of the applicant appealing a number of conditions associated with the permit.

Regardless of the outcome, it would be surprising if owner's Landream were to 'flip' the site with the permit which allows for 420 apartments and 10,000sqm of office and retail space, a new laneway, a plaza along Collins Street and an art space.

The project looks to have set a precedent for other towers looking to go beyond the interim plot ratio of 24:1 and the new ratio 18:1 by providing some form of "public benefit." Already there are examples of this with Jean Nouvel's 383 LaTrobe Street employing a 25 metre high digital art space and 555 Collins Street a plaza similar to 600 Collins via its tapering vase-like base.

As yet there is no firm timeline for the project.

<h2>447 Collins Street / Collins Arch (Demolition)</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/collins_arch_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Arch demolition has resumed. Photos courtesy of Alastair Taylor and Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="256" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_arch_0.jpg?itok=EVpmqpf7" title="Collins Arch demolition has resumed. Photos courtesy of Alastair Taylor and Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Arch demolition has resumed. Photos courtesy of Alastair Taylor and Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Demolition on the remainder of the existing structure is in full swing, following the official groundbreaking ceremony and project launch earlier this month. The event was attended by representatives from Cbus Property, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and planning Minister Richard Wynne.

Pre-sales of the project's 202 luxury apartments is due to launch by the end of the month, with an announcement on a hotel operator for the five-star, 294-room hotel imminent.

Cbus has already signed on legal firm King &amp; Wood Mallesons for space in the the 43,000sqm commercial component. The project will also see the creation of a 1,500sqm public park at the base of the arch, following City of Melbourne agreeing to shut half of Market 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/collins_arch_park.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Arch's new public park. Image courtesy of 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/collins_arch_park.jpg?itok=766fklfV" title="Collins Arch's new public park. Image courtesy of Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Arch's new public park. Image courtesy of Cbus Property</figcaption></figure><h2>477 Collins Street / Olderfleet Place (Demolition)</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/olderfleet.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Demolition of the existing car park along Flinders Lane has commenced. Photo courtesy of Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/olderfleet.jpg?itok=7vxg8opK" title="Demolition of the existing car park along Flinders Lane has commenced. Photo courtesy of Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Demolition of the existing car park along Flinders Lane has commenced. Photo courtesy of Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>With Mirvac formally signing accountancy firm Deloitte as the anchor tenant for their flagship Premium Grade office tower at 477 Collins Street, the developer has wasted no time in commencing demolition of the existing parking structure along Flinders Lane, with the existing DCM designed office building to follow suit.

Construction will begin in earnest next year once the site has been cleared of all but the three heritage listed buildings; The Olderfleet, Records Chamber and South Australian Insurance. 477 Collins Street will be the tallest office building to be constructed in the area for almost 20 years. The project is due to be complete in 2020.

<h2>466 Collins Street / Collins House (Demolition)</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/collins_house_demo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The rear of the Makers Mark building being demolished to make way for the pencil thin tower. Photo courtesy of Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_house_demo.jpg?itok=L5tmn84N" title="The rear of the Makers Mark building being demolished to make way for the pencil thin tower. Photo courtesy of Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The rear of the Makers Mark building being demolished to make way for the pencil thin tower. Photo courtesy of Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>With the rear of the Maker's Mark building being cleared builder Hickory will commence construction of what is being billed as Australia's slimmest tower for Golden Age Group. Due to the small footrpint of the site, Hickory will employ their special Building System and a single tower crane which is set to reduce the construction programme by up to 30% allowing for a 29 month build.

The structure utilises conventional formwork up to the level 14 cantilever, at which stage prefabricated Hickory structural units will be used for the remainder of the project. According to Hickory the 60 level tower is set to be completed by October 2018.

<h2>535 Collins Street (Under Construction)</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/railto_renewal.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rialto Renewal project at 535 Collins Street. Photo courtesy of Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/railto_renewal.jpg?itok=IMS4qp3S" title="Rialto Renewal project at 535 Collins Street. Photo courtesy of Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rialto Renewal project at 535 Collins Street. Photo courtesy of Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>The new headquarters for the Bank of Melbourne is nearing completion and with it a refurbishment of the Rialto tower's ground level lobby in time for its 30th birthday celebrations. The Woods Bagot-designed 'podium' building features the use of rotating, offset glazing which has a similar tint to the Rialto's original curtain wall facade.

With the Grollo Group's recent acquisition of the adjacent building which currently houses Bar 20, the Rialto's expansion may continue down King Street but hopefully not at the expense of more heritage fabric.
</body></html>

Collins Street West set for significant change

<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

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Laurence Dragomir

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News