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11 years after the ARM designed refurbishment works for centre owners GPT / Lend Lease were completed, the landscape of the northern quadrant of the Melbourne CBD has changed significantly. Cranes and construction currently dominate the northern reaches of Elizabeth Street as a number of skyscrapers begin their skyward ascent.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/north_cbd.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Forest of towers to come"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/north_cbd.png?itok=vOsxWI9P" title="Forest of towers to come" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Forest of towers to come</figcaption></figure>One element of the refurbished Melbourne Central that bothered me when it reopened and continues to do so is the Elizabeth / La Trobe Street corner. This has always been a prominent corner site but has become even moreso as the city evolves. I consider it to be an underwhelming entry to the centre and station environment below and believe it could offer more.

With that in mind, I've done a quick study at what a reconfigured corner might look like, taking into account the C262 planning controls.

Following a quick analysis of the site area and applying a plot ratio of 24:1 as per the interim controls we are left with 262,940sqm which can be developed. This is illustrated in the diagram below.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mc_diagrams.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Site area and plot ratio diagram"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="153" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mc_diagrams.png?itok=IperSpDM" title="Site area and plot ratio diagram" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site area and plot ratio diagram</figcaption></figure>Any additional high-rise development of considerable size on the Melbourne Central site should be located away from Swanston and closer to Elizabeth Street. Doing so reduces the potential for overshadowing to the State Library forecourt.

Additionally locating it along the northern edge allows for generous exposure to natural daylight to apartments. Adding apartments to the mix of programme also further develops the concept of Melbourne Central as a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) which forms part of a much broader discussion relating to what shopping centres are and the potential for what they could be.

I believe they can work harder and function as more than just retail destinations but thriving neighbourhoods in their own right.

In investigating the concept of the potential for a residential tower on the site I was interested in the opportunities it may present in also helping to facilitate an improved street condition and corner address for the centre. As the suite of diagrams below illustrates, the first move was to provide a 40 metre high podium for the existing Melbourne Central Office Tower and the new residential tower.

I wanted to retain the internal laneway condition and further develop it so it slices through the full height of the podium and would have various uses interfacing with it.

<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/mc_diagrams_02.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Process diagram"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mc_diagrams_02.png?itok=N34lKmdZ" title="Process diagram" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Process diagram</figcaption></figure>The rationale behind the tower foot print and core location was to draw on the geometry of the office tower to maximise northern exposure, minimise southern outlook. Further to this, due to the floorplate geometry, views are directed away from the office tower and vice-versa. Locating the core to the south ensures no overlooking from the office tower into any apartments.

The tower would rise 160 metres above the 40 metre podium with a tapered roof form which creates a series of terraces to the east but also ensures no overshadowing of the State Library forecourt. The angle of the slope matches that of the Melbourne Central Office tower drawing on the form and geometry - a shared DNA.

The podium would be expressed as two elements of a consistent and coherent volume but would be articulated differently, reflecting the difference in programme but also the two different conditions that they interface with.

Atop this podium is green open space shared by both towers and the centre. The office tower would be reconfigured so that further food and beverage would spill out onto this space. The loss of office space would be replaced within the podium which would increase the overall floor area of the tower.

Stay tuned as I'll be looking to <a href="/news/addressing-elizabeth-street-melbourne-central-part-two">develop this a bit more</a> in the coming weeks beyond just some simple massing and into something resembling an architectural proposition.
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Laurence Dragomir

Addressing Elizabeth Street: Melbourne Central (part one)

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Located less than six kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, Flemington Racecourse occupies a 125ha site in an area undergoing significant transformation and growth. Managed by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), a long-term master plan was developed for the facility during 2009, with the aim of maximising revenue opportunities for the ongoing investment in facilities for the racecourse and significant capital expenditure undertakings such as replacement of the Member's Old Grandstand.

Part of this master plan involved the sale of non-core land to generate the funds for investment in new facilities.

Enter Greenland Group, China's largest real estate developer which acquired two sites covering a combined 40,000sqm. Known as Flemington Green and Epsom Road, these land holdings were surplus to the needs of the VRC and were offloaded to Greenland Group with the expectation of large-scale development.

The revenue from their sale would then be invested towards the development of the new Club Stand seen below.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/829.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Club Stand. Image courtesy of Bates Smart."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="287" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/829.jpg?itok=kjfb93Bn" title="The Club Stand. Image courtesy of Bates Smart." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Club Stand is expected to be built shortly. Image courtesy of Bates Smart.</figcaption></figure>Flemington Green occupies 30,000sqm of land, situated between Fisher Parade and Leonard Crescent. The site is located at the high point of the promontory above the Racecourse and the Maribyrnong River. The site's existing uses consist primarily of open lot car parks and three dwellings along Fisher Parade.

Epsom Road on the other hand occupies approximately 10,000sqm of land and is adjacent to the intersection of Epsom, Racecourse and Ascot Vale Roads, at the end of the Racecourse Road Activity Centre. The site is currently undeveloped with the exception of a single level building: the heritage listed Former Jockeys’ Convalescent Lodge which will be retained as part of any future development onsite.

Greenland's plans for the sites were revealed late last year when - together with the VRC - it submitted a Planning Scheme Amendment Request with the Minister for Planning, which sought to change the planning controls for both sites. This would allow for the developer to move forward with plans for its 'Flemington Life' development, consisting of four towers ranging in height from 14-storeys (AHD 73.7m) to 31-storeys (AHD 123.9m), supported by medium-density dwellings across a further six buildings.

<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/flemington_life_dwelling_types.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Flemington Green height and dwelling types. Image courtesy Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemington_life_dwelling_types.jpg?itok=xdP57VOE" title="Flemington Green height and dwelling types. Image courtesy Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Flemington Green height and dwelling types. Image courtesy Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>An Indicative Development Concept (IDC) has been prepared for both sites which provides extensive details on the type of development that could be accommodated across the two sites. These do not represent the final form of any development on the site, but rather reflect the type, scale and siting of built form that maybe be permitted within the parameters proposed under the new planning controls.

The building envelopes shown in the proposed Comprehensive Development Zone for the low-rise component only allow for variations in height and setbacks.

The IDC for the Flemington Green site, as prepared by <a href="http://www.woodsbagot.com/">Woods Bagot</a>, seeks the development of 736 dwellings, based on a built form that comprises three residential towers, two street level podia and a lower density precinct containing townhouse and apartment buildings up to 4-storeys. The proposal also includes scope for a small amount of ancillary retail, commercial space and community facilities that will provide local services for residents.

<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/image45_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Flemington Green as rendered from Fischer Parade. Image courtesy Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="370" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_1.jpg?itok=WVtqZp8H" title="Flemington Green as rendered from Fischer Parade. Image courtesy Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Flemington Green as rendered from Fischer Parade. Image courtesy Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The architectural design response adopts a rectilinear architectural language at the perimeter of the master plan and transforms this language to a curved formal language in the centre. This curved formal language continues into the tower geometry, referencing Flemington Racecourse’s distinctive curvilinear shape.
<cite>Woods Bagot</cite>
</blockquote>

The three towers which are expected to form Flemington Green are all distinguished by individual responses to articulation of facades, which draw on the characteristics of the racecourse. These are summarised below:

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/flemington_green_facades.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Facade reference images. Image courtesy Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="228" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemington_green_facades.jpg?itok=49qo4s3A" title="Facade reference images. Image courtesy Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Facade reference images. Image courtesy Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>
Tower 1, 25-storeys - The Veil: The design concept for the new facade expresses the Flemington’s fascination with fashion.The entire building is enclosed by a skeletal metal frame, which like a veil conveys a mysterious and ambiguous definition by discreetly revealing what is behind. The veil creates a dynamic gesture and form.</li>
	<li>
Tower 2, 20-storeys - The Farrier: The facade design concept is derived from the materiality and tectonic nature of the farriers tools. This is represented by the curvaceous external balconies forms which are asymmetrically offset to create a sculptural form.</li>
	<li>
Tower 3, 14-storeys - Silks: The facade design concept references the silky shiny colours of the jockeys outfit. The smooth curved form of the floor plan is emphasised by glassy exterior treatment, this is contrasted by the striking colours which highlight the recessed balconies.</li>
</ul>
The IDC for the Epsom Road seeks to deliver a high quality, high-density residential development at the apex of the Racecourse Road Activity Centre and Flemington Racecourse, providing a gateway to the precinct. The IDC allows for a 31-storey proposal with a total of 398 dwellings, based on a built form that comprises of a typical tower and podium format.

<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/flemington_life_epsom_rd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Epsom Road Indicative Development Concept. Image courtesy Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemington_life_epsom_rd.jpg?itok=zpBcHn5c" title="Epsom Road Indicative Development Concept. Image courtesy Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Epsom Road Indicative Development Concept. Image courtesy Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>While heavy with detail, it is worth noting that the above designs and images still designated as development concepts created to provide an indication of the planning controls that Greenland Group and Woods Bagot are seeking push through. Whether the development team largely retain the above designs once each land parcel is subject to individual planning submissions remains to be seen.
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Horses for courses: Greenland Group's Flemington Life in detail

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Signifying the rebirth of one of Melbourne’s most expansive regeneration sites, developer <a href="http://www.futureestate.com.au/">Future Estate</a> is pressing ahead with plans for the former Pentridge Prison, soon to be known as <a href="http://www.coburgquarter.com.au/">Coburg Quarter</a>.

The $1 billion Pentridge masterplan received approval from the Victorian Government and local Council late last year. With the approved masterplan also came the expectation that Future Estate could deliver a higher calibre of public space apartment living relative to that which has been completed onsite in recent years.

First to reach sales will be One Coburg Quarter, consisting of 150 apartments and set to be launched officially next month. Created by <a href="http://www.rothelowman.com.au/">ROTHELOWMAN</a>, the design references the colourful industrial past of Coburg, particularly the old Pentridge prison and its signature bluestone edifice.

<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/12705561_1115088325192632_5634902824801960387_n.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A refashioned bluestone entrance. Image courtesy Future Estate"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/12705561_1115088325192632_5634902824801960387_n.jpg?itok=AXTYxZx8" title="A refashioned bluestone entrance. Image courtesy Future Estate" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A refashioned bluestone entrance. Image courtesy Future Estate</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au recently sat down with Future Estate Founder and Managing Director, Ben Anderson to chat about the Coburg Quarter masterplan and vision, acknowledging the shortcomings of the previous owners' plans for the site and the opportunities presented by the site.

<blockquote>
Coburg Quarter will have a village feel in an urban context. It will be a natural extension of Melbourne's celebrated northern suburbs such as Brunswick, Northcote and Fitzroy. Its identity will be truly Northside, yet proudly and distinctly Coburg.

Civic quarters around the world are known for their unique character. Coburg Quarter will follow this tradition, as an exciting urban community that will enhance the area by bringing together people, art, design commerce and culture.
<cite>Ben Anderson, Founder and Managing Director, Future Estate</cite>
</blockquote>

Anderson explained to Apartments.com.au that Future Estate bought the Pentridge land holding out of receivership, a similar strategy previously employed by the developer. He says part of what Future Estate does best is "buying things that are broken and fixing them" where others may struggle to see the potential.

The 4.2ha site has approval in place for over 1,400 apartments and townhouses that will accommodate 3000-4000 residents, with a development schedule stretched over a 10 year period and with an estimated project value of more than $1 billion. This ranks Coburg Quarter as one of the largest urban infill sites in Melbourne.

Future Estate are considering opportunities to re-skin some of the built form which was developed on site by the previous owners, which Anderson describes as "underwhelming" as he does the existing outdoor communal spaces onsite. Working with largely the same envelopes as the previously approved master plan and seeking to improve rather than beginning from scratch, one of the biggest changes revolves around creating a village centre for the development, drawing inspiration from the great squares in Europe, essentially forming a heart for the development.

This would act as a drawcard to the site, not just for residents but the community at large.

Another opportunity being explored is a Farmer's Market which would include a significant amount of micro retail, by locally-based boutique operators who can't necessarily afford to lease a large retail space. These would be based around food, craft and even furniture, and would spill out onto the new community square.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image137.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Technē's new interpretation of Pentridge"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="204" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image137.jpg?itok=px4cKGM_" title="Technē's new interpretation of Pentridge" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Technē's new interpretation of Pentridge</figcaption></figure>Anderson acknowledges the community's frustration with the site's lack of progress thus far:

<blockquote>
We understand the community is frustrated, which is why we believe actions speak louder than words. We have already commissioned the transformation the old laundry building into a micro-brewery and bar, with work commencing on this and the proposed Coburg Public Square later this year.
<cite>Ben Anderson, Founder and Managing Director, Future Estate</cite>
</blockquote>

As part of Coburg Quarter, Future Estate are also investigating potential uses for the former D Division prison block, while architects Techne are incorporating key heritage features including the bluestone walls, solitary confinement cells and historic laundry equipment into the micro-brewery design. Coburg Brewing Co. will be headed by Danial Caneva, owner of the nearby Post Office Hotel, with the launch date currently slated for July this year.

In addition Future Estate plans to have the café and dining precinct open and operational before the end of 2016.

Of the living options, One Coburg Quarter will be launched next month and consist of 150 apartments. Created by <a href="http://www.rothelowman.com.au/">ROTHELOWMAN</a>, the design references the colourful industrial past of Coburg, particularly the old Pentridge prison and its signature bluestone edifice.

<blockquote>
Announcing entry into Coburg Quarter from the wider precinct defined by Sydney Road and Bell Street, One Coburg Quarter sits proudly above the historic walls with a strong yet respectful presence. Seen in the round the building presents at the civic scale as a singular and sculptural form, its curved and modulated facades establishing a sophisticated dialogue with the robust and linear nature of the old heritage fabric.

Inspired by its context, the strong horizontal manifestation of the bluestone and mortar courses is reflected in the articulation and expression of the new facades. The primary expression of One Coburg Quarter is of a composition of larger horizontal elements, orchestrated in a way which alludes to the stack bonding of the bluestone walls.
<cite>Shane Rothe, Director, ROTHELOWMAN</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/v03_exterior_hover_reduced.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One Coburg Quarter, hero perspective. Image courtesy of Future Estate"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="846" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v03_exterior_hover_reduced.jpg?itok=vPJSigQF" title="One Coburg Quarter, hero perspective. Image courtesy of Future Estate" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One Coburg Quarter, hero perspective. Image courtesy of Future Estate</figcaption></figure>Future Estate asked ROTHELOWMAN to conceive a building that made a strong unique statement, distinguishing it from the earlier buildings on site. Anderson says that in response, Future Estate has made a commitment to not compromising on the quality of the facade, estimated to cost in the vicinity of approximately $1000 per square metre. This is in keeping with the company's ethos of developing buildings which look just as they are depicted in the marketing material, if not better.

One Coburg Quarter will feature a 'living lobby' entered via a courtyard, which gives the impression of entering a home, rather than a commercial type foyer that other developments provide. Also included is a library, free wi-fi plus a residents' bar and communal kitchen with Future Estate looking to encourage Friday night drinks by the owner's corporation to promote and facilitate the idea of a community within the building.
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Pentridge reborn: what Coburg Quarter holds for the public

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Located in Melbourne’s western suburbs, Williams Landing is a 275 hectare masterplanned community proposed to include approximately 3000 dwellings, integrated with the suburb’s newly upgraded railway station, amenities and town centre.

The area has been identified within the Plan Melbourne strategy as a key ‘activity centre,’ providing surrounding populations with retail and service amenity, as well commercial employment precincts. Its position as a transit-oriented development allows for convenient commuting to and from the city, helping to ease issues associated with rapid population growth in Melbourne’s west.

According to a report prepared by economists MacroPlan Dimasi, Williams Landing holds the potential to employ more than 23,000 people – the majority of these in white-collar fields – based on its strategic location within one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities, the City of Wyndham.

Williams Landing developer Cedar Woods Properties has made creating the new employment cluster a priority in order to grow opportunities for local workers and businesses in Melbourne’s west and to assist in drawing congestion away from the CBD.

<blockquote>
In terms of its natural attributes, Williams Landing is particularly well-placed to pick up significant numbers of white-collar jobs. With significant quantities of commercial land identified within the Williams Landing master plan, there are unlikely to be constraints in regard to the availability of commercial land at Williams Landing.
<cite>MacroPlan Dimasi report</cite>
</blockquote>

The state government is supportive of this move, assigning Williams Landing as a designated ‘Priority Development Zone.’ This status allows for flexible planning and the creation of large scale commercial, retail and mixed-use developments without height limits – ideal for multi-storey office buildings.

<blockquote>
The creation of these jobs could reduce commute times for residents, many of whom currently travel outside of the Wyndham area for work, and make Wyndham a place for long term business. In order to establish more employment opportunities, Cedar Woods will continue to leverage Williams Landing’s natural attributes and foster residents’ sense of place.
<cite>Nathan Blackburne, Cedar Woods State Manager Victoria and Queensland</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/williams_landing_railway_station.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Williams Landing Railway Station. Source: Wikipedia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/williams_landing_railway_station.jpg?itok=UUSXtH9u" title="Williams Landing Railway Station. Source: Wikipedia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Williams Landing Railway Station. Source: Wikipedia</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au sat down with Cedar Woods State Manager Victoria and Queensland Nathan Blackburne at the company's St Kilda Road office to discuss the developer's vision for Williams Landing as a key activity centre and commercial employment cluster.

“We first began developing Williams Landing seven years ago, envisioning the site as a masterplanned community with strong connections to state infrastructure,” Blackburne says.

“The site held huge potential with the train station, freeway interchange, community car park and bus terminal,” Blackburne says.

Working closely with the state government, Cedar Woods began planning the creation of a first class community alongside a major employment cluster to service Melbourne's west.

For Cedar Woods, getting the planning right and working with the state government on infrastructure was critical for developing Williams Landing, followed by providing supporting retail amenity.

Cedar Woods has already delivered stage one of the shopping centre with an expansion starting in February. Future stages are planned to o include a Big W store. Subsequent stages will also see the centre grow to become a sub regional centre.

Additionally, a number of medium-density projects are on the cards for Williams Landing, with the suburb’s first multi-residential project the Newton Apartments being released to the market recently. The new typology has seen strong sales already and demand from a range of buyer types with presales of 80 per cent achieved.

<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/newton_apartments_external2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Newton Apartments at Williams Landing. Image courtesy Cedar Woods"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/newton_apartments_external2.jpg?itok=bH4xaU7q" title="Newton Apartments at Williams Landing. Image courtesy Cedar Woods" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Newton Apartments at Williams Landing. Image courtesy Cedar Woods</figcaption></figure>With the residential component of Williams Landing now well advanced with three out of four neighbourhoods sold and under construction and the town centre well underway, attention is turning to the employment generating components of the project.

The 50 hectare town centre has the potential to accommodate a significant number of employment opportunities. According to Blackburne, many residents of the suburb also work in the area, making the development of a major employment cluster an attractive proposition. The cluster would reduce the number of residents currently undertaking long commutes to get to work, with purchasers seeing great value in being able to work and live in the one location.

Cedar Woods are working on several initiatives for the town centre such as a 50-room hotel (currently in planning/expression of interest phase to secure an operator), in addition to a strata office building (subject to approval). Demand is expected to be strong for the strata offices, filling a gap in the market for quality office spaces currently only offered in the CBD, Docklands and Southbank.

Blackburne notes that Melbourne's west can no longer be considered strictly blue collar, with an increasingly highly educated workforce working and living in the west. 46.5 per cent of adult residents within Williams Landing and Point Cook hold a university qualification, compared to 36.9 per cent of the overall Greater Melbourne region.

Economic research to investigate Williams Landing’s employment potential by Macroplan Dimasi found there is potential for 29,000 white-collar jobs to be created in Melbourne's west by 2031 under a low growth scenario. Of these jobs, it is estimated that Williams Landing will accommodate approximately 10,000 of those. Under a high growth scenario 60,000 white-collar jobs will be created under that same timeframe, with nearly 21,000 being located in Williams Landing – a major employment cluster by any means of the definition – and one which Cedar Woods has the capital and vision to deliver.

Blackburne points out that the planning controls for the site exclude height limits, which means the area can provide buildings as tall as the market demands as it evolves. Part of this sees the delivery of transitional buildings of a lower-density for the short to medium term, with Cedar Woods retaining ownership, before the development of higher density outcomes is justified.

Cedar Woods initial development pipeline will see Williams Landing mature over the next 10 to 15 years with any redevelopment of so-called 'transitional properties' to occur thereafter.
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Williams Landing and the boost to white-collar employment in the west

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With 2016 now well underway and several projects gearing up for construction or gathering pace, it's an opportune time for another update on the progress of Apartments.com.au's CBD model. Previously the focus has been on the CBD North area, however with big projects such as Australia 108 in full swing and the approval of Kavanagh Park, it seemed like the next area worth looking at was Southbank.

As this is an ongoing process there are still buildings still to be added, both existing and future, but it's interesting to see what's in store for Southbank over the course of the next five or so years.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/southbank_aerial.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank aerial of the central cluster."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_aerial.png?itok=9dTLUtgo" title="Southbank aerial of the central cluster." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank aerial of the central cluster.</figcaption></figure>The elevation below shows (some are not visible) the projects currently under construction on Southbank.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/southbank_uc_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank under construction."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_uc_elevation.png?itok=m8Au0yyd" title="Southbank under construction." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank under construction.</figcaption></figure>Major towers currently under construction include:

<ul>
<li>Australia 108</li>
	<li>1-11 Balston Street</li>
	<li>Opus Tower (nearing completion)</li>
	<li>2 Riverside Quay</li>
	<li>Shadow Play</li>
	<li>Marco Apartments</li>
	<li>Platinum Tower</li>
</ul>
When the approved projects (blue) are added into the mix the change in Southbank's skyline and density is significant with Kavanagh Park alone set to add six towers and 2,610 dwellings to the area.

Other sizeable developments include 38 Freshwater Place at 274 metres, 158 City Road, Elysium (240 metres) and Central Equity's tallest approved project to date: Southbank Place at 165 metres.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/southbank_proposals_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green)."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_proposals_elevation.png?itok=ONcUZOXG" title="Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green)." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green).</figcaption></figure>And lastly proposed developments are included, adding further variety to the skyline silhouette; a far cry from the City of Melbourne's desire for a blanket height in Southbank of 100 metres.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/southbank_all_in_elevation_.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank all in."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_all_in_elevation_.png?itok=lR3i9DO_" title="Southbank all in." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank all in.</figcaption></figure>Still missing from the above images are <a href="http://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/">Wilkinson Eyre</a>'s 317 metre Crown Plaza at 1 Queensbridge Street, which will slot straight in taking centre stage in the Southbank model. This will occur once Apartments.com.au has the full details on the development.

Additionally a dual tower scheme for 87-105 City Road, designed by Fender Katasalidis Architects is also anticipated to be included soon as will the the revamped 334-344 City 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/southbank_from_fss.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank from Flinders Street Station."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_from_fss.png?itok=bak2-zBS" title="Southbank from Flinders Street Station." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank from Flinders Street Station.</figcaption></figure>
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Southbank's surge continues: another CBD model update

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<a href="http://www.brunswickgroup.com.au">Brunswick Group</a> has partnered with the Eighth Day Baptist Community to revitalise a former service station site in King St, West Melbourne. The new development called Hawke + King is located on an elevated island site bound by a leafy park at the juncture of Hawke, King and Curzon Streets.

Designed by <a href="http://sixdegrees.com.au/">Six Degrees Architects</a>, the project features a community hall, 74 apartments, a convenience store and basement parking. Brunswick Group and Six Degrees have previously worked together to deliver the award-winning Heller Street Park &amp; Residences in Brunswick. The Eighth Day Baptist Community currently occupy a manse building on the site.

With a walkability score of 98, West Melbourne provides a vibrant community backdrop within easy walking distance to popular cafes, restaurants, eclectic shops, gourmet providores and the Queen Victoria Market. The development seeks to be an innovative, interesting and empathetic residential development via a range of initiatives such as good sustainability credentials and building a sense of community.

Urban.com.au sat down with Six Degrees Director James Legge, and Brunswick Group Directors Paul Bell and Marcus Lyon to gain an insight into the design and planning rationale behind Hawke + King.

<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/151106_-_king_st_tomorrow_agency_-_south_building_lores.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawke + King, exterior view. Image courtesy of The Brunswick Group."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/151106_-_king_st_tomorrow_agency_-_south_building_lores.jpg?itok=wQ6iJnTK" title="Hawke + King, exterior view. Image courtesy of The Brunswick Group." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hawke + King, exterior view. Image courtesy of The Brunswick Group.</figcaption></figure>According to Legge, the EDBC wanted to develop the site in an appropriate manner, ensuring it was not overdeveloped. They sought a development partner whose vision for the site aligned strongly with their own and wanted the development to be based on good principles of sustainability: environmental, social and practical, because apartment living is not just about a building, it’s about amenity, long term livability, and a collection of people gathered in a place designed for an enjoyable lifestyle.

It’s about a thoughtful and empathetic way of life, empathetic to the individual who desires space and privacy, but with an understanding of the needs of families, as well as the community.

Six Degrees are passionate about these principles and have built their practice on the notion of growing communities and supporting sustainability and livability. The overall premise of practical sustainability is not about trying to be a commune, but endeavouring to engender a feeling of community through the provision of private space, public space and some spaces in between.

Six Degrees have investigated how people like to occupy space to create different pockets and environments for different groups.

<blockquote>
Brunswick Group was established with a vision to create distinctive property projects in order to set ourselves apart in a highly competitive market. Distinctiveness of product is also an important consideration for residential buyers, due to the market dynamics of supply and demand and the benefit of owning a scarce asset.

Hawke + King is a stunningly unique project, combining a superb location with Six Degrees' distinctive design aesthetic and acute attention to detail, along with a built form that supports long term livability, a sense of community and occupant wellbeing.
<cite>Paul Bell, Director, The Brunswick Group</cite>
</blockquote>

The design team investigated a number of development scenarios and various alternatives for how the site might be developed before settling on a ‘campus-style approach’ according to Legge. The form and articulation of the development was derived via a strategy of breaking the massing down into a series of buildings so it didn’t present as one large mass.

At ground level - the pedestrian environment - a much higher degree of articulation has been provided. This has been achieved through the materiality: employing a variety of much more expressive materials, which are textured and have a tactile quality to them.

The pedestrian experience becomes more like the experience of walking down a side street, with brick textures and steel work, as opposed to a completely glazed frontage. Six Degrees' work tends to put a big emphasis on the importance of street activation and engagement with the surrounding landscape, both soft and hardscape.

Additionally it was critical that access through the site was retained, while maintaining the internal communal space. By breaking the development down into a series of buildings it also allowed the design team to provide open exposed walkways to the interior of the site. “You can’t create community but what you can do is facilitate and encourage it” says Legge.

The raised site provides many apartments with good aspects in all directions, maximising the views afforded towards the Melbourne CBD and beyond. All apartments are dual fronted with a private courtyard or balcony to the external face of the building and substantial floor to ceiling windows which allow for an abundance of natural light and fresh airflow throughout.

Additionally internal walkways have been placed as external communal walkways which provide occupiable space rather than just being a dual loaded corridor. These are inviting landscaped areas where residents can sit, rest and socialise, as well as providing every apartment with a dual aspect with natural light and ventilation at both ends.

These create public and semi-private spaces for residences to use, a reinterpretation of the old “porch front.”

<blockquote>
The community aspects of Hawke + King are unique; of course we can only encourage and facilitate community, but the outdoor corridors, internal courtyards, personal courtyards and rooftop garden are all hugely habitable spaces for residents to relax in and enjoy. Alternatively solitude is also an option on private balconies.
<cite>James Legge, Principal Architect, Six Degrees</cite>
</blockquote>

<ul></ul>
Hawke + King's 74 apartments are distributed amongst four buildings which vary in height from between 3 and 6 levels, These surround an attractive 300sqm internal centrally located courtyard which punctuates the internal space of the building and allows residents to commune with nature.

Apartments either open out or overlook the courtyard, providing passive surveillance to a space that is not quite public but rather a quasi-public space drawing on similar concepts at Heller Street. The apartments are above standard sizes and the various typologies have been designed to appeal to all demographics. These are sized from:

<ul>
<li>21 x One bedroom starting from 55 SQM</li>
	<li>41 x Two bedrooms starting from 70 SQM</li>
	<li>12 x Three bedrooms starting from 100 SQM</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/151106_-_king_st_tomorrow_agency_-_interior_-_lo_res.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Typical apartment interior. Image courtesy of The Brunswick Group."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="459" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/151106_-_king_st_tomorrow_agency_-_interior_-_lo_res.jpg?itok=7hwo4dM9" title="Typical apartment interior. Image courtesy of The Brunswick Group." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Typical apartment interior. Image courtesy of The Brunswick Group.</figcaption></figure>Hawke + King features a range of recycled materials and warehouse inspired finishes, including:

<ul>
<li>Recycled bricks</li>
	<li>Recycled timber floor boards</li>
	<li>Exposed concrete ceilings</li>
</ul>
Together with a number of other sustainability initiatives listed below these provide Hawke + King with one of the highest energy ratings of any apartment building in Melbourne (7.3 stars).

<ul>
<li>Bicycle racks</li>
	<li>Composting system</li>
	<li>Rain Water collection</li>
	<li>A green roof top designed to attract wildlife</li>
	<li>A communal roof deck complete with veggie garden</li>
	<li>Fresh air ­ reticulation through dual aspect front and back doors and high ceiling fans</li>
	<li>Courtyards with private open space</li>
	<li>Courtyards with semi open space</li>
	<li>Walkway labyrinth as opposed to internal corridors</li>
</ul>
Early demand has seen almost 30% of the building reserved, all to local buyers, mostly owner occupiers.

<blockquote>
The Hawke + King project is entirely unique in a market that has an overabundance of options. The site itself is entirely unique, being an island essentially on the cusp of trendy Errol Street and just moments from the CBD and Vic market.

The internal layouts are efficient and sizes are generous. When coupled with the 2.9m high ceilings, these apartments will seem dramatically more spacious than others in the inner north. Internal finishes are bold yet simple and timeless. Many promise warehouse style living but rarely is it delivered like it is here at Hawke + King.
<cite>Daniel Cashen, Director, Knight Frank</cite>
</blockquote>

Hawke + King is scheduled to begin formal marketing and construction during 2016.
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Six Degrees of separation: Hawke + King

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In the age of High Lines, Low Lines and everything in between, cities across the world are investigating ways in which to improve underutilised or abandoned infrastructure and the spaces associated with them. One such project is <a href="http://www.undergardiner.com/">Under Gardiner</a> in Toronto which seeks to give back to the city by turning the underutilised space beneath the Gardiner Expressway into a long park that would reconnect the neighbourhoods below it.

Transforming more than four hectares of land beneath the elevated portion of Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway into a series of public spaces, a 1.75-kilometre multi-use trail and 500m connection to Exhibition GO Station will also be included. By reclaiming this forgotten space Under Gardiner will create a series of rooms formed by the spaces between columns, reimagining the area beneath the expressway as a place for people.

<blockquote>
As cities densify, we begin to view lost or underutilized spaces in new ways. This proposal is a visionary approach to celebrating and inhabiting a spectacular, dramatic space, stitching together a series of existing areas to provide a front door to Fort York, one of the Toronto's most significant historical resources.
<cite>Jennifer Keesmaat, City of Toronto Chief Planner</cite>
</blockquote>

The project is based on a transformative framework design by urban designer Ken Greenberg plus Marc Ryan and Adam Nicklin of landscape architecture firm Public Works. The vision for the project includes the continuous multi-use trail, a bridge over Fort York Boulevard for pedestrians and cyclists, a grand staircase at Strachan that will double as seating for an urban theatre and a series of flexible, year-round performance and programming spaces that can be used by the community.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/undergardiner_-_backgrounder_-_final.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial of Under Gardiner Master Plan. Image courtesy of PUBLIC WORKS"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/undergardiner_-_backgrounder_-_final.jpg?itok=77n0vFKb" title="Aerial of Under Gardiner Master Plan. Image courtesy of PUBLIC WORKS" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial of Under Gardiner Master Plan. Image courtesy of PUBLIC WORKS</figcaption></figure>Each of the public "rooms" formed by the highway will become part of a network of public spaces for everything from farmers markets and concert venues, to summer camp. The designers will work with residents to decide how to use each part of the park with a trail will connect each of the spaces and reconnect a network of bike paths across the rest of the city.

<blockquote>
This is a project that cuts through about seven different neighborhoods that are all in a way fragmented. They don't see themselves as unified in any way.
<cite>Marc Ryan, co-founder of PUBLIC WORKS</cite>
</blockquote>

What is most interesting about this project is the fact that while the Gardiner Expressway currently acts as a barrier severing connections between neighbourhoods it also has the potential to provide the solution by re-stitching the city.

<h2>How might such a project like Under Gardiner be of relevance here in Melbourne?</h2>

With the City of Melbourne advancing plans for City Road, Southbank Boulevard and Dodds St as part of a series of initiatives identified for development within the <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/ProjectsandInitiatives/Southbank2010/Documents/Southbank_Structure_Plan_updated_30Nov2011.pdf">Southbank Structure Plan 2010 </a>document, the next cab off the rank in terms of improvement and enhancement of the public realm within Southbank should be the Westgate Freeway Undercroft.

An opportunity exists to connect Southbank not just with itself but with the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/m1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Westgate Freeway aerial. Image courtesy of Nearmap."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/m1.jpg?itok=-94RvQRS" title="Westgate Freeway aerial. Image courtesy of Nearmap." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Westgate Freeway aerial. Image courtesy of Nearmap.</figcaption></figure>Southbank suffers from a lack of accessible and high quality public open space: there is currently 4,800m2 of green open space and as Southbank’s resident and worker population grows, addressing this issue becomes more and more critical. In addition to this there is currently a scarcity of pedestrian and cyclist routes through Southbank that are attractive, continuous, safe and of high amenity.

It's worth noting the Southbank Plan seeks to "establish new parks within the area and deliver a finer grain of attractive public gathering spaces."

The approach to the CityLink Tunnels was also identified as contributing to the disparate nature of Southbank. The Southbank Plan proposes to stitch together the northern and southern fragmented ‘halves’ of Southbank by decking over the void with new development to create a connected and continuous mixed use area which provides the opportunity for new public open space.

<blockquote>
Delivering new public open spaces of any significant size in this area is difficult and would involve the conversion of private, developable land for public, noncommercial use with an associated high acquisition cost. The exception includes the M1 undercroft which is an opportunity to provide a linear park in the western end of Southbank.

The CityLink Deck precinct offers a new opportunity to provide a new large public park within this development site. The location of the Arts Activity Precinct at the intersection of the new Sturt Street spine and Southbank Boulevard emphasises the imperative to deliver the linear parkland within Southbank Boulevard.
<cite>Southbank Structure Plan 2010</cite>
</blockquote>

While the CityLink deck could be considered a much longer term proposition, it would also make sense to act as the 'exclamation mark' or termination node for a linear park and walking/cycling network as part of a revitalised M1 Undercroft. As the extract above points out, acquisition of private land comes with a significant cost and this was recently highlighted with the <a href="http://www.skynews.com.au/news/local/melbourne/2015/11/25/-19m-spent-on-land-for-vic-playground">State Goverment paying $19m</a> for a development site on Buckhurst Street within the Montague precinct of Fishermans Bend to allow for the provision of a future park for the precinct.

Developer contributions would go some way to helping deliver the vision for an improved, accessible and safe M1 Undercroft with the subsequent benefits and opportunities provided being immense. A good indicator will be the Kingsway Undercroft works associated with the City Road masterplan; this should be used as a case study to investigate and test the best uses and subsequently provide direction for any potential M1 undercroft project.

Hopefully Southbank won't have to wait too much longer for meaningful and usable open space. In the meantime I look forward to seeing Under Gardiner develop over the next few years with an eye toward what it could show Melbourne in the process.

<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/3053787-slide-s-11-the-forgotten-space-under-a-toronto-highway.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Under Gardiner proposed spaces. Image courtesy of PUBLIC WORKS"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="267" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/3053787-slide-s-11-the-forgotten-space-under-a-toronto-highway.jpg?itok=fKz9WgeV" title="Under Gardiner proposed spaces. Image courtesy of PUBLIC WORKS" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Under Gardiner proposed spaces. Image courtesy of PUBLIC WORKS</figcaption></figure>
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Taking a cue from Toronto to create the Southbank M1 Undercroft

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Founded in 2002, <a href="http://www.techne.com.au/">Technè Architecture + Interior Design</a> is a practice that has built an impressive portfolio across a broad section of project types. Although they have completed projects across hospitality, single and multi-residential, commercial, automotive and retail, they are probably best known for their work in hospitality on projects such as The Prahran Hotel, The Bridge Hotel, Terminus and Jimmy Grants.

The name Technè comes from the ancient Greek word which means "to make, poetically" and is at the heart of what the practice strives to achieve and what it stands for.

Urban.com.au recently caught up with Technè Directors Nick Travers and Justin Northrop in their Hardware Lane offices to find out a bit more about the burgeoning practice's beginnings and their aspirations for the future.

<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/prahran_hotel_530.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Prahran Hotel exterior and interior. Image courtesy of Technè. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/prahran_hotel_530.jpg?itok=i2uPTDcZ" title="Prahran Hotel exterior and interior. Image courtesy of Technè. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Prahran Hotel exterior and interior.</figcaption></figure>Travers and Northrop have worked together for nearly 20 years. First meeting during 1998 as fresh-faced architectural graduates in the design department of a large commercial architectural practice, their day-to-day work on major projects evolved into a partnership of weekend work that ultimately led to the creation of Atelier Technè.

The office currently employs a staff of 27 including architects, interior designers, graduates and students. According to Northrop the size of the current team provides a good opportunity to consolidate their skills and focus on what they're currently doing. The duo doesn’t hold ambitions of growing the office into a big practice; rather they are content to see where opportunities and the collective capabilities of the team might take them.

Having grown organically over the years, Technè 's origins as a partnership saw them sublet space with <a href="http://sixdegrees.com.au/">Six Degrees</a> in West Melbourne. The catalyst project for the pair was The Deanery bar and restaurant, kicking off their hospitality work in the process.

Their co-location with Six Degrees in their infancy was a good move according to Travers; personally not keen on working out of the corner of his apartment, he wanted to feel the sense of collegiality that Six Degrees offered. Even though they were working on their own projects Travers and Northrop both felt like they were a part of something bigger. The sublet also gave the duo access to a great resource with a wealth of knowledge and experience that could be drawn on.

<blockquote>
The experience we had at that time was primarily large-scale concept work. We went from this to running a small studio so we couldn’t have been more ill-prepared [laughs] in terms of our on-the-job training.

This is another reason why it was useful working in the same space as Six Degrees, we were able to reach out to them for advice when we needed it.
<cite>Justin Northrop</cite>
</blockquote>

Beyond that point Technè has experienced steady growth. The studio was able to land a large commercial client Porsche within the first five years of their business, which signalled a change for the practice.

The relationship with Porsche came about initially through Travers’ passion for cars. Porsche were considering options for decanting their leased warehouse space at Tullamarine and subsequently purchasing a property to develop a warehouse for their parts distribution nationally. This required a business case to be put forward to their management in Germany.

Porsche came to Technè asking if they could build a model of their current capacity vs their future needs and how the two didn't align. The model was presented in Germany and they received sign off to begin looking at acquiring a site to build what was essentially a 3,000sqm shed.

Technè assisted with scoping and securing of the site, feasibility studies and eventually designed and documented the facility. Not long after, Porsche asked Technè to work on the refurbishment of Porsche Centre Melbourne on Victoria Parade leading to the practice becoming the national representatives for the design of Porsche dealerships throughout the country.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/techne_porschedoncaster_0099_full.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Porche Doncaster. Image courtesy of Technè."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/techne_porschedoncaster_0099_full.jpg?itok=2I-BY631" title="Porche Doncaster. Image courtesy of Technè." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Porche Doncaster.</figcaption></figure>When the global financial crisis hit, the office had about half the staff they currently employ. Fortunately, due to the diversity of projects they were involved with at the time they were able to navigate through what was a tough period for many other practices. Even though Porsche presents as a blue chip client Travers explains Technè has never relied on one particular type of project or one big return client, instead holding a broad list of clients.

<blockquote>
It's been a good process, having grown organically. Even our own personal growth and improvement in our capabilities and our confidence is a big part of it. The capacity to employ good people is important - we're starting to employ people that can do a better job than we can [laughs].

We’re now hiring more senior people. We have a really good mix of experience in the studio – it’s very balanced.
<cite>Nick Travers</cite>
</blockquote>

Northrop adds in that the way the office operates now, the directors are able to let senior team members take the lead on projects. The growing experience and expertise in the team has provided Technè with the ability and confidence to seek out opportunities for other types of projects. The studio has established a particular focus on the expansion into workplace, hotels, retail and multi-residential.

<blockquote>
It's interesting how small jobs, a singular sketch or a model can lead to bigger projects. It's a reminder of why it's foolish to turn away jobs if they’re small – there’s always potential behind them.

We've always tried to look after those jobs because you never know what they might lead to.
<cite>Justin Northrop</cite>
</blockquote>

According to Travers, being responsive when clients are relying on them to make big decisions is critical to building trust and a strong client relationship.

Travers cites their pub work as some of his most enjoyable projects. He sees the collaborative process and effort required as part of the reason the outcomes are so special and unique. The fact that unlike other projects the pubs can be enjoyed by the design team socially presents a unique opportunity to see first hand how people are making use of the spaces they have designed.

Places such as The Prahran Hotel and Terminus are "fun places" says Northrop and that comes from the team's enjoyment working on them.

Technè currently has a number of projects on the drawing board including a boutique hotel, the redevelopment of a historic pub in Melbourne’s CBD, the riverfront precinct at the Alphington Paper Mill site. Also upcoming is a restaurant, bar and boutique brewery within the bluestone walls of the heritage-listed former Pentridge laundry as part of <a href="http://www.futureestate.com.au/">Future Estate's</a> development.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image37_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of Technè projects."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37_4.jpg?itok=UTWXC4k0" title="A selection of Technè projects." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of Technè projects.</figcaption></figure>
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Getting to know Technè: profiling the dynamic design practice

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Victoria's leading boutique architecture practices have been praised for their ingenuity and contribution to the design community at this year’s eighth <a href="http://www.architeam.net.au/">ArchiTeam</a> Awards which saw 83 entries of "unparalled" standard featured across six categories.

Adaptive reuse and sustainability were key themes explored as Victoria’s small, medium and emerging practices came together last night at the No Vacancy Gallery, QV Centre to celebrate the achievements of their peers.  Projects will be on public exhibition until 6th December.

The awards continue to set new benchmarks, with 2015 attracting the greatest number of entrants since its inception in 2008.

<blockquote>
2015 marks an exciting year for the ArchiTeam awards, the projects we have seen this year are a testament to the success of boutique architecture practices and the significant growth experienced in this sector as clients start to really recognise the immense value in engaging smaller or independent practices.
<cite>Zoe Geyer, ArchiTeam Awards Director.</cite>
</blockquote>

The award recipients represent a mixture of commercial, residential, sustainability and community projects, with residential alterations and additions gaining exposure in a new category.  The judging panel for this year's awards comprised Founding Director of Breathe Architecture, Jeremy McLeod, Director of Kennedy Nolan, Rachel Nolan and Director of HAW, Stuart Harrison.

The full list of winner's can be viewed below, along with a brief project description as provided by the judging panel:

<h2>ArchiTeam Award/Residential (New) Award WINNER:</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/ari_apartments.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ari Apartments - OLA Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ari_apartments.jpg?itok=X7D7-Nb5" title="Ari Apartments - OLA Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ari Apartments - OLA Studio</figcaption></figure>Ari Apartments by OLA Studio –

An exemplary urban design outcome, Ari Apartments exemplify quality. Located on in Hawthorn East this collection of spacious apartments sets the tone for inner-city living with premium internal amenity, warm interiors and a multitasking timber screen to the façade. The insertion of an external brick paved laneway provides a perfect transition from public to private space, inviting interaction at a pedestrian level and fostering ties to the community.

Residential (New) Award COMMENDATION: 

Bridge House by Delia Teschendorff

<h2>Sustainability Award WINNER:</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/ngv_fold_theory.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="NGV Fold Theory - Tobias Horrocks"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ngv_fold_theory.jpg?itok=GjsljofL" title="NGV Fold Theory - Tobias Horrocks" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>NGV Art Fair - Fold Theory</figcaption></figure>NGV Art Fair by Fold Theory – 
Clever in its use of recyclable materials, this project proved sustainability need not come at the expense of aesthetics and could be integrated into the design from inception to delivery. Holistic in its approach, the elegant installation saw cardboard transformed into an ephemeral exhibition space to create a fit-out that was true to brief, low-cost and functional.

Sustainability Award COMMENDATIONS: 
Active Travel Zone at The Alfred by Robert Nichol &amp; Sons 
Wohnen Morgen by Steffen Welsch

<h2>Community Award WINNER:</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/church_st_john.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Church St John - tessellate"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/church_st_john.jpg?itok=VNvaljkA" title="Church St John - tessellate" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Church St John - tessellate</figcaption></figure>Church St Johns by Tessellate – 
Constructed off-site, this project pushes the limits of prefabrication with its skilful composition and articulation. The well-scaled addition complements the original Highton structure whilst resisting the temptation of stereotypical church design.

Community Award COMMENDATIONS: 
Active Travel Zone at The Alfred by Robert Nichol &amp; Sons 
NGV Art Fair by Fold Theory

<h2>Commercial Award WINNER:</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/harryhall3-642x380.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Harry Hall Restaurant and Wine Bar - Davidov Partners Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/harryhall3-642x380.png?itok=uB-5yZYg" title="Harry Hall Restaurant and Wine Bar - Davidov Partners Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Harry Hall Restaurant and Wine Bar - Davidov Partners Architects</figcaption></figure>Harry Hall – Restaurant and Wine Bar by Davidov Partners Architects 
Nestled in a Glenferrie Road shopfront, Harry Hall Restaurant &amp; Wine Bar is the contemporary enoteca juxtaposing old and new to deliver an atmospheric space that seamlessly transitions from day to night. Striped back and honest, the venue favours recycled brick, blonde wood and concealed lighting to communicate an unpretentious, welcoming vibe.

Commercial Award COMMENDATIONS: 
Birkenstock HQ by Melbourne Design Studios 
Astra Lodge by Grant Amon Architects

<h2>Unbuilt Award WINNER:</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/nervegna_reed.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Power Street Loop Competition / Kata Tjunta Freeway Ecological System - Nervegna Reed"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nervegna_reed.jpg?itok=rG1jSSdK" title="Power Street Loop Competition / Kata Tjunta Freeway Ecological System - Nervegna Reed" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Power Street Loop Competition / Kata Tjunta Freeway Ecological System - Nervegna Reed</figcaption></figure>Power Street Loop Competition / Kata Tjunta Freeway Ecological System by Nervegna Reed

This evocative form sits somewhere between building, sculpture, environmental machine and urban landmark. Is it inverted terrain? Is it a vessel? What is its role? It is these questions that make this proposal such an exciting and engaging proposition for what is a particularly exposed and uneventful inner city site.

Unbuilt Award COMMENDATION: 
Melville Road, Brunswick West by Designpractice Architects 
Fitzroy II by Claire Scorpo Architects

<h2>Residential (Alterations and Additions) Award JOINT WINNERS:</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/thornbury1-642x380.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Thornbury by Claire Scorpo Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/thornbury1-642x380.jpg?itok=4INx0JH9" title="Thornbury by Claire Scorpo Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Thornbury by Claire Scorpo Architects</figcaption></figure>Thornbury by Claire Scorpo Architects 
Fabricated offsite, this extension features a simple skeleton frame oriented to allow abundant northern light into the south facing block. Working with budget and time constraints, the addition represents a seamless continuation of the existing spaces with three individually programmed courtyard spaces, a library link and a reading nook crafted in pale timber.

<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/the_portal.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Portal by Architecture Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_portal.jpg?itok=RwReyf34" title="The Portal by Architecture Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Portal by Architecture Architecture</figcaption></figure>The Portal by Architecture Architecture 
A Californian Bungalow in Brunswick West, this residence grew to encompass sun-drenched living spaces and room to live and play freely. Cleverly set-back from the rear of the house, the extension opens up to the northern aspect and draws upon passive solar design principals to achieve environmental efficiency.

Residential (Alterations and Additions) Award COMMENDATIONS: 
Theresa St Residence by Sonelo Design Studio 
Brunswick Residence by Project 12 Architecture 
Fitzroy I by Caire Scorpo Architects
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2015 ArchiTeam winners announced

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It's not easy trying to implement the ideals of a ground-breaking research project into an upcoming apartment development, but that's what St Kilda-based property developer Neometro have endeavoured to achieve with their upcoming project at Jewell Station.

The report in question is <a href="https://heartfoundation.org.au/images/uploads/publications/Increasing-density-in-Australia-Evidence-Review-2012-trevor.pdf">Increasing density in Australia: maximising the health benefits and minimising harm</a>, a 2012 evidence-based report commissioned by National Heart Foundation of Australia. Neometro prior to the commencement of Jewell Station became aware of the report which investigated the health impacts of medium-high density living.

The investigation revealed many truths about the flow-on effects of increased density in Australian housing. Some of which Neometro explains provides great opportunities for the wider property development industry to further enhance the product they offer for sale. The report found that higher-density housing, when carefully considered, has the potential to improve the physical and mental health of residents, with great flow-on benefits to the community and the environment.

Urban.com.au recently spoke with Neometro's Design Director Jeff Provan and Director James Tutton on some of the potential for design to have a positive influence on the well being of those who reside in their projects, particularly in relation to the Jewell Station project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/neometro.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Neometro's Design Director Jeff Provan and Director James Tutton."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="233" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/neometro.jpeg?itok=E1ZbZICo" title="Neometro's Design Director Jeff Provan and Director James Tutton." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Neometro's Design Director Jeff Provan and Director James Tutton.</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: How have Neometro endeavoured to implement the ideals from the study?

James Tutton: The largest elements from the National Heart Foundation study which are pertinent to Jewel Station specifically, relate to the fact that clearly having community infrastructure has a positive impact on the physical and emotional well being of people. The community infrastructure however needs to be something that people can either opt into or opt out of.

What we have done at Jewel Station is not create a situation where people have to share laundries or are forced into that co-habitation, but rather they can choose to use community gardens, they can choose to use outdoor leisure spaces etc. and that has a major impact on people's well being.

Another simple, practical example is lighting and if you look at what we're doing from a lighting perspective has an impact on security and security in turn, based on that research has an impact upon people feeling secure within a building, so that's something that we have proactively addressed in the design.

Walkability is obviously a major issue and I wouldn't say that we've hardwired that into the project, but rather the actual site selection process has resulted in something which has immediate proximity to parks. There's park space immediately opposite the development and we have an amount of money which will be going towards the renewal of that park.

Additionally the proximity to retail, education and transport is very strong; we're on the doorstep of Melbourne University, we've got a major retail strip, a bike path, rail line and tram line all within 150 metres of the site. They're all factors which contribute to physical and mental well being in terms of people's living environment.

Jeff Provan: One thing I'll add is in our brief the interior of the apartments and common areas is absolutely crucial to well being and how residents feel. What we're trying to do here with the brief is create that feel of coming in from that fairly harsh environment of railway line, industrial, concrete, asphalt etc. so when you come into your apartment, the idea is that you want to create a calming effect and that's done by various techniques.

Without getting into the nitty gritty, it's a little bit esoteric and a little hard to put your finger on it but apartments are all sort of trying to work with smaller spaces so what you have to do is create a situation that has this light and airy feel about it; the key is to create a calming environment.

The study doesn't quite go into this but you're looking at a building that requires a minimal amount of maintenance so you don't want to be burdening people with the high cost of maintaining an apartment which all comes back to how you design it.

<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/jewel_station.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jewel Station development. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jewel_station.jpg?itok=4nhiaWYo" title="Jewel Station development. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jewel Station development.</figcaption></figure>UM: Does/will the report have an impact on your strategy behind site acquisition: developing projects within areas with a strong community focus and access to recreational areas?

JT: In the current market it's hard enough to buy sites but there are a couple of stand out points from the study in terms of, for example, main roads with high levels of pollution which can obviously be problematic to people's health and in turn means we would avoid them. That's not to say that there aren't ways of mitigating issues.

I guess it's not a position driven by the report per se, but some of the things you may have seen come from the report and the good design guidelines are factors which Neometro have been focusing on for 25 years; they're just common sense from a design and well being perspective.

JP: And I think the reality now is if you're working on an inner city site, generally it's going to be close to public transport so that's sort of a given and I think what James touched on before is we'd rather be doing a building on a railway line even though the rail noise might have a perception of being worse than it is.

Jewel is obviously on a train line so there's a bit of noise but you can mitigate it through double glazing so residents can sleep. If they want to open their door they're only going to hear noise say every half hour rather than the constant noise of a freeway, so they can use their facilities in the manner in which they were designed for.

UM: What are your thoughts on advocating developer contributions to go towards community amenities where sites are restricted in providing an appropriate level of onsite amenity?

JT: Developers do already make that contribution in the form of open space however one of the challenges is the fact that there's not necessarily transparency in the way that the money is used and whether it is directly related to a specific area.

In terms of Jewel Station we've been incredibly fortunate whereby we're doing this development and VicTrack are covering the cost of the public realm. To an extent we're getting a bit of a free kick because it's a partnership in terms of the overall design and development of the precinct.

JP: In terms of what the building does for the community, first and foremost it has to get the architecture and street activation right; how it affects the outside community and how the community see and respect the building. Something not many people get right is the street activation and it's sometimes difficult to do because it can get value managed out.

The crucial aspect for the developer is to make sure that it does work within the urban landscape in terms of how friendly it is, how approachable the building is, what are the functions that are going to go into the building. As James touched on, in projects like Jewel station we're not going to add pools or cinemas, we have to do things that benefit the individual in the building. If you get the community right within the building that will really reciprocate with the outside community.

UM: Thank you for your time gentlemen.
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High density happiness with Neometro's James Tutton and Jeff Provan

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Fortis continues eastern suburbs push with 55 William launch

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

Arada plots $2 billion Broadbeach towers in major Queensland move

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

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

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