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Forming the Flinders Street Neighbourhood of Lend Lease's $1.5 billion Melbourne Quarter development at Batman's Hill, an application is being assessed for three Fender Katsalidis-designed towers delivering 1,644 apartments at 614-666 Flinders Street.

Located within Docklands, Melbourne Quarter is a key urban infill location opposite Southern Cross Station, with frontages to Collins Street, Flinders Street, Aurora Lane and Wurundjeri Way. The site consists of a number of land parcels, as well as air rights over Wurundjeri Way.

Places Victoria awarded the rights to develop the precinct to Lend Lease on 31 July 2013, following which a Precinct Development Plan for the site was developed and lodged with DTPLI in February 2014. Approval was consequently given during October 2014 and in November 2014 Lend Lease rebranded the site as Melbourne Quarter, commencing the early marketing phase of the development.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mq_masterplan_02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Melbourne Quarter masterplan. Image courtesy of Lend Lease."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mq_masterplan_02.jpg?itok=9YXubYXq" title="The Melbourne Quarter masterplan. Image courtesy of Lend Lease." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Melbourne Quarter masterplan. Image courtesy of Lend Lease.</figcaption></figure>While nothing out of the ordinary in terms of height; residential towers R1 and R2 at measure 135.5m in height while the smaller R3 measures 70.6m from Flinders Street. The sheer breadth of the two taller towers' floor plates coupled with the number of apartments across the development is rather impressive.

However coupled with a uniform height, facade articulation and finishes, there is a danger of creating a large visual mass on the skyline. The arrangement of the buildings onsite appears to try to address this issue, but it would be surprising if the development team weren't asked to provide greater variance to each individual tower's facade in order to create a point of difference and to further visually distinguish one from another similar to what has occurred with the Upper West Side project.

The towers' respective footprints are illustrated in the typical floorplans 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/floor_plates.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Typical Tower floor plates. Image courtesy of Lend Lease."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="358" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/floor_plates.jpg?itok=4sxks1tG" title="Typical Tower floor plates. Image courtesy of Lend Lease." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Typical Tower floor plates. Image courtesy of Lend Lease.</figcaption></figure>The three towers rise above a common deck with four car parking levels beneath the deck. The Flinders Street heritage wall remains, however it is punctured to allow for vehicular and pedestrian traffic into the site, providing a front door to the project and an interface with the new Flinders Street Plaza, while offering the opportunity for public reinterpretation of the physical and symbolic roles of the wall.

The plaza also offers the opportunity for re-engagement of the heritage wall as an essential part of the future of Melbourne Quarter, as well as a connection to the site's past.

Located centrally at the heart of the Flinders Street Neighbourhood is Batman's Garden, a green space which sits just south of the shorter R3 tower which allows over 50% of the landscaped area having access to sunlight from the morning through to lunch on 22 September. Batman's Garden is a protected space away from the noise of trains and vehicular traffic, forming a welcome area of respite surrounded by the residential buildings with views back towards the city skyline.

Considered a primary component of the series of linked public external spaces leading through the site from Flinders Street to Collins Street, Batman’s Garden provides external amenity for the residential neighbourhood and the general public by creating integrated active and passive recreation areas which interface with and are activated by residential, retail (cafe) and community uses.

It sits 12.5m above Flinders Street and 3.5m below Collins Street, playing a pivotal role in the re establishment of Batman's Hill and negotiating the change in level from north to south.

<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/batmans_garden.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Batman's Garden. Image courtesy of Lend Lease."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="417" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/batmans_garden.jpg?itok=nC4PpK5x" title="Batman's Garden. Image courtesy of Lend Lease." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Batman's Garden. Image courtesy of Lend Lease.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Melbourne Quarter is a westward extension of the character of the Melbourne CBD. That character is derived from the built form, the resultant public and private spaces, and the way those are used and inhabited. That extension of Melbourne occurs through the hierarchy of road networks – the frontage to the major road of Flinders Street (and Collins Street when the whole Melbourne Quarter has been built out), the connection of those by the minor road of North South Lane, and the filigree of minor connections, echoing the famous laneways of Melbourne.

The development recreates the historic Batman’s Hill, both physically and in terms of its significance of place. The ground plane ascends from Flinders Street to Collins Street in a reconstructed topography of steps and levels. The public realm that follows this ‘hill’ is conceived as an urban grain flowing between and under the built form.
<cite>Planning and context submission.</cite>
</blockquote>

Returning to the topic of facades, the articulation of towers R1 &amp; R2 bares some strong similarities to Lend Lease's Koichi Takada Archtects-designed <a href="/new-apartments/889-collins-street-docklands">839-889 Collins Street</a> residential project at Victoria Habour. However in place of a more dynamic and textured facade of brick and timber, the taller two towers within Melbourne Quarter are clad in matching metal panelling forming a waved expression across the facades.

These are supplemented by planter boxes which run along indented spines up the towers, providing a softer more natural touch. R3 while shorter has a far greater vertical expression of timber fins spanning three floors, interrupted by dual level spanning fins staggered between each vertical cluster.

<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/mq_towers.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter's 3 residential towers. Image courtesy of Lend Lease."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mq_towers.png?itok=sTK54E6W" title="Melbourne Quarter's 3 residential towers. Image courtesy of Lend Lease." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter's 3 residential towers. Image courtesy of Lend Lease.</figcaption></figure>The towers are to be developed in stages with R1 the first cab off the rankalong with Batman's Garden and part of the deck, followed by R2 and R3, developing gradually north as the Collins Street neighbourhood simultaneously develops southward.

<h2>By the numbers</h2>

<ul>
<li>Building heights: R1/R2: 45-storeys or 135.5m to roof &amp; R3: 24-storeys or 70.6m</li>
	<li>Combined 285 parking spaces</li>
	<li>493 bicycle spaces: 164 visitor bicycle spaces and 329 resident</li>
	<li>R1 (725 Apartments): 4 studio, 243 x 1bed, 269 x 2bed +1, 197 x 2bed + 2, 12 x 3bed</li>
	<li>R2 (775 Apartments): 4 studio, 280 x 1bed, 321 x 2bed +1, 155 x 2bed + 2, 15 x 3bed</li>
	<li>R3 (144 Apartments): 72 x 1bed, 54 x 2bed +1, 18 x 2bed + 2,</li>
	<li>172sqm cafe within R1 with frontage to Batman's Garden</li>
	<li>459sqm of Community Space within R3</li>
</ul>
<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Lend Lease</li>
	<li>Architecture: Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Landscape Architecture and Urban Design: Oculus + Aspect</li>
	<li>Planning: Contour</li>
	<li>Structures: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Building Services: Aurecon</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Madigan Surveying</li>
	<li>Wind: Windtech</li>
	<li>Heritage: Lovell Chen</li>
	<li>Acoustics: Renzo Tonin and Associates</li>
	<li>ESD: Lend Lease</li>
	<li>Traffic: Cardno</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Access and DDA: Morris Access Consulting</li>
</ul>
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Laurence Dragomir

Planning Application: 614-666 Flinders Street, Docklands

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This coming Saturday Inhabit Design's Ariel Lopez, the lead architect on Spec Property's Trilby development in Collingwood is offering the general public the opportunity to 'Ask the Architect', affording prospective purchasers and members of the community alike a platform to interrogate the development's design and apartment living and ask all the pressing and vexing questions about the development.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shot01-hero_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Trilby hero shot. Image courtesy of Spec Property."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="406" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shot01-hero_0.jpg?itok=egGU7n0N" title="Trilby hero shot. Image courtesy of Spec Property." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Trilby hero shot. Image courtesy of Spec Property.</figcaption></figure>Trilby, located at 466-482 Smith Street, is a new apartment offering in Collingwood, which seeks to find the balance between old and new Collingwood, through the retention of its distinctive redbrick façade.

In his approach to the site, Ariel Lopez was very aware of the manufacturing and industrial heritage of Collingwood, which is currently undergoing rapid gentrification.

<blockquote>
The industrial brick façade of the building informed the identity of the development. I’m really interested in creating a visual language respectful to the street and the individual experiences of those living in the building.
<cite>Ariel Lopez, Architect, Inhabit Design</cite>
</blockquote>

Making the most of long summer nights, the experience of living at Trilby will be heightened even further on the rooftop with a veritable playground of amenity which will include an outdoor cinema, fully equipped kitchen, library, bar, table tennis table and Teppanyaki grill providing sweeping views to the city skyline and over Clifton Hill.

<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/shot02-aerial.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial view towards the city. Image courtesy of Spec Property."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="269" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shot02-aerial.jpg?itok=Odc3KBkG" title="Aerial view towards the city. Image courtesy of Spec Property." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial view towards the city. Image courtesy of Spec Property.</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au met with Ariel over coffee to hear about his design philosophy and approach to working on Trilby. Ariel noted that the site came with an existing application which council had concerns about the bulk of the building and how it would present to the street.

Receiving guidance from Rob McGauran who prepared an urban design report, the design team immediately set about trying to address the problem of creating a street wall effect which was achieved via reduction of the mass.

The mass was broken down via a 3 tier solution which also included maintaining the existing red brick facade despite it not being heritage listed. Above this, a 'tower' element setback from the podium presents as a strong vertical expression due to the indentations in the building form, articulated with rusted steel panels and timber soffits which create a perception of warmth from both apartment and street.

The development and design team felt that they had covered all of council's major concerns as the development headed to VCAT for consideration. VCAT supported the height believing that there was no negative impact to the street.

Ariel considers the site a unique and curious one. While it isn't a corner site in the true sense of the word it does provide the perception of a corner site due to the relative scale and nature of the neighbouring corner pub, "The Trilby site is the beginning of the precinct, defining the gateway to the southern portion of Smith Street", says Ariel.

The development seeks to respond to the site's industrial context, with the new facade designed to complement and draw on the qualities of the existing red brick facade. As with other developments in the area the site is covered by an inundation overlay which means the ground floor must be raised 1.5m above street level.

In designing a space for a commercial tenancy for the ground floor, Ariel says they have created a buffer zone within the retail space to allow retailers a street presence while addressing the flood level issue, stressing that the ground floor experience was the main focus for the team.

Trilby has also been designed to respond to two different conditions: Smith Street and the laneway to the rear of the site, with each condition requiring a different approach. To Smith Street the provision of loft apartments within the podium activating the street and providing passive surveillance, while the laneway has apartments above the 1.5m flood level, in addition to the car park entry.

Moving to the building's rooftop, working in conjunction with Tract on the landscape design, the design team were able to create an informal playground which doubles as cinema seating through manipulation of the roof plane. The communal rooftop areas have been designed to engage the building's community and create a neighbourhood within.

<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/shot11-outdoor-cinema.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rooftop cinema. Image courtesy of Spec Property."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shot11-outdoor-cinema.jpg?itok=U9XLUGWz" title="Rooftop cinema. Image courtesy of Spec Property." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rooftop cinema. Image courtesy of Spec Property.</figcaption></figure>Trilby offers a diversity of typologies catering for various segments of the market such as the loft apartments which comprise 1 bed + study and 2 bed + study and as a means of maximising space and offering flexibility island benches have been designed with the capacity to double as dining tables.

While the apartments are generally larger and care has gone into the design of the communal areas, the most engaging moments happen on the street, "the amenity is the street. The public realm is where people engage," says Ariel. "I'm a firm believer in contextualism: responding to context in a contemporary manner and also designing for people."

To take the opportunity to meet Ariel Lopez, listen to his reflections on site and his inspiration for Trilby’s design approach, see the event details below.

<dl>
<dt>When:</dt>
	<dd>Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November 2015, 2pm – 4pm</dd>
	<dt>What:</dt>
	<dd>Ask the Architect</dd>
	<dt>Where:</dt>
	<dd>Trilby Display Suite 410 Smith Street, Collingwood</dd>
</dl>
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Ask the Architect: Ariel Lopez talks Trilby

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Always a point of conjecture amongst many a Melburnian, Docklands has become the area of interest for a group of students from RMIT University’s Master of Arts (Art in Public Space) program who have launched an eBook that showcases visions that were conceived and designed to activate open spaces around Docklands' Harbour Esplanade spine.

The students spent weeks researching the design, construction and formation of Docklands and analysing the ways in which the public experienced and inhabited its public spaces. The research then informed the creation of a series of site-specific propositions for these public spaces.

Nine propositions feature in "A Proposition for the Docklands", with visions striving to capture the quirky, the colourful and sublime elements of open space activation.

Public art 'propositions' vary from formal 'proposals' as they provide artists with the opportunity to imagine things that are not possible or have not been created.

The propositions varied from large-scale interactive and immersive installations, and roller coasters, to canopies of indigenous flora.

One proposition is the absence of domestic daily tasks being undertaken in Docklands locations and wondering why we don’t see people cleaning their belongings, washing dishes in public spaces as we do in other cities around the world.

<blockquote>
The RMIT public art students’ enthusiasm, research and creative propositions for the Docklands reveal how vibrant Melbourne’s urban planning may become if artists collaborated with urban and town planners to develop and realize their visions for Melbourne.
<cite>Rebecca West, Urbis Director of Planning and 2014-2015 Future Focus Group participant</cite>
</blockquote>

The students also launched their propositions as a series of postcards and led a group of 30 people on a walking tour of the Docklands to showcase and explain their creative work earlier this month.

My personal favourites are propositions one and two, which are both interactive installations embedded into the pavement and which engage with the pedestrian and provide a kinetic quality to an otherwise static strip of pavement. Combined, the two ideas could add a sense of playfulness to the waterfront turning Habour Esplanade into a interactive playground for all ages.

<h2>Proposition one: Connecting to Disconnect &gt; Disconnecting to Connect</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/prop02.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposition one. Image courtesy of Urbis."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="477" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/prop02.png?itok=vnNI51Ob" title="Proposition one. Image courtesy of Urbis." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposition one. Image courtesy of Urbis.</figcaption></figure>Conceived by Molly Braddon, this proposition is intended to play with the idea of disconnection. During the day, the work is designed to interrupt the linear path of pedestrians.

Every time a foot falls one one section of the work another section in the distance becomes animated with flashes of light, movement and sound turning an otherwise sterile journey into an interactive game, that allows the pedestrian to engage with other pedestrians in the distance and influence their movement through the site based on their own.

At night when pedestrians become more sparse the installation mimics the movements of the day's earlier visual orchestra.

<h2>Proposition two: Coil</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/coil_-_proposition_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposition two. Image courtesy of Urbis."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="497" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/coil_-_proposition_2.jpg?itok=3vm9LnBM" title="Proposition two. Image courtesy of Urbis." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposition two. Image courtesy of Urbis.</figcaption></figure>Shu Jie Jia's response to the site contextualises itself by tapping into the transport and shipping history associated with the site's former life. Dubbed 'Coil' the proposition manifests as an industrial arbour in the form of a coiled train line.

Embedded within the tracks are a series of LED screens illuminating the harbour at night and filling it with colour during the day. The screens will display abstract patterns of shipping containers moving along the arbour, referencing the movement of goods through Docklands; connecting the pedestrian with the history of the site and providing a sense of protection from the elements.

The RMIT project was supported by leading independent property consultancy Urbis, in conjunction with Pop Up Melbourne, a Future Focus Group project. Future Focus Group is the Committee for Melbourne’s two year business leadership program.

The Pop Up Melbourne initiative brings people and places together to work with the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, activating spaces that may otherwise go unloved.

To download a copy of the "A Proposition for the Docklands" ebook and view all nine propositions visit the <a href="http://www.urbis.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/APropositionfortheDocklandsEBook.pdf">Urbis website</a>.
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RMIT students propose pop-up activation for Docklands

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Launched two weeks ago, Episodic Urbanism is a book which documents the transformation of two city blocks which form RMIT University's city campus located in the heart of Melbourne.

The book depicts visually and narratively the story of how <a href="http://www.peterelliott.com.au/">Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design</a> has worked, over the course of nearly twenty years, to transform RMIT University’s inner city premises from what was essentially a private fortress into a public-spirited urban campus which engages with its city context.

Touching on everything from Renaissance Italian townscapes to masterworks of 20th century city-making by the likes of Carlo Scarpa, Luis Barragán and Jože Plečnik, Episodic Urbanism illuminates the unique conceptual framework underpinning the success of RMIT’s rejuvenation. As the book demonstrates, this framework sits in stark contrast to typical master planning exercises that work to impose a single, homogenous vision.

Instead, it privileges subtle, incremental change that is respectful of existing conditions and their history – which in RMIT’s case stretches right back to the foundation of the Melbourne.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rmit_b1_courtyard_-_02_1361496147.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="RMIT University Lawn. Image courtesy of Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rmit_b1_courtyard_-_02_1361496147.jpeg?itok=xzrw2apt" title="RMIT University Lawn. Image courtesy of Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>RMIT University Lawn. Image courtesy of Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design</figcaption></figure>Presented in a visually rich, highly tactile format developed by graphic artist Stuart Geddes, Episodic Urbanism features contributions from several leading thinkers on urbanism and the city, including Leon van Schaik, William L Fox, SueAnne Ware and Robert Nelson.

As an exploration of both urban and institutional renewal, it tells a story about how we might effect dramatic transformation within our cities, without the dramatic rupture commonly associated with ‘renewal’. It is an essential publication for those with an interest in how we can shape our cities for the better, not through erasure and homogenisation but with an appreciative eye to their history, diversity and vitality.

The "episodic journey" as Robert Nelson terms it is centred around six key ideas and explorations of space:

<ol>
<li>Largo</li>
	<li>Theatre</li>
	<li>Yard</li>
	<li>Courtyard</li>
	<li>Street</li>
	<li>Alley</li>
</ol>
Each chapter consists of a narrative describing these ideas supplemented by beautiful, clean drawings in addition to pages populated with colorful and rich photography of the various spaces.

<blockquote>
One thing Australian architecture and certainly Australian design does not do terribly well and that is serve conversation. University is that place where it's almost nothing but language. It is the built environment but that is how we're inclined to see it. But from the student's point of view, from the lecturer's point of view, they're transacting ideas through language. The great appeal of being on a university campus is that you can exercise this incredible gift that we as citizens have - what are the spaces that serve conversation?

I think the incredible development that Peter (Elliott) has overseen digs deep into the patrimony where really now it's quite hard to remember the dog's breakfast that was this campus, destined to have signature buildings on it, for which we are very grateful, but that sense of 'the conversation' was nowhere to be seen. Those signature buildings as often as not do not provide it and if anything they sometimes yield, by virtue of their abstraction or snazziness, slightly anti-social space. I'm not saying that of the buildings on the RMIT Campus but it is often paradox that beautiful architecture actually doesn't do anything for the conversational. My goodness we now have a university that does.
<cite>Robert Nelson, co-author Episodic Urbanism</cite>
</blockquote>

As a student who studied at RMIT and now works around the corner I have been able to witness the continued development and curation of spaces within the city campus and further efforts to connect the University with its immediate context and establish itself as a inviting element within the streetscape.

Spaces such as the temporary Urban Square on A'Beckett Street provide a social gathering space and node for not just students of the university but visitors and workers alike.

<blockquote>
Typically ‘pop-ups’ occupy leftover and underutilised spaces through the use of recycled materials and the clever adaption of everyday found objects. They are often gritty spaces that are curated rather than designed. A’Beckett Urban Square was conceived as a piece of urban theatre carved out of the surrounding city, which is framed by new residential towers, multi-level car parks and RMIT academic buildings.

The design approach was purposefully lean, developing upon the idea of a temporary and demountable installation. It is an active place for casual recreation, mainly for ball sports like basketball and volleyball. It is a place to socialise, relax and watch people. There is a playful use of bold colours and graphics on the ground plane to distinguish the active hard zones from passive soft zones.
<cite>Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design</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/03_rmit_aus_-_gollings.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Urban Square, A'Beckett Street. © John Gollings"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03_rmit_aus_-_gollings.jpg?itok=qwjjZ1ZE" title="Urban Square, A'Beckett Street. © John Gollings" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Urban Square, A'Beckett Street. © John Gollings</figcaption></figure>It is a real shame that the site will ultimately become another high-rise development because that is something the city certainly isn't lacking. Spaces with BBQ facilities, dwell spaces, social sporting activities and gathering spaces which are afforded ample sunlight during midday are few and far between.

Melbourne is far richer for the Urban Square and it would be a significant loss not just for RMIT but the greater city.
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Episodic Urbanism: The RMIT urban spaces project (1996-2015)

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Urban.com.au recently sat down with <a href="http://www.bellergroup.com.au/">Beller</a> Director, Andrew Fawell to discuss the state of play of the residential property market during spring. Andrew reignited the Beller name as the Director and Owner of the business in 1994 and set about growing and further developing the Beller brand. His insight and understanding of the property market and Beller's client base has seen the business develop into the multi-faceted inner-city real estate agency adding commercial and project marketing businesses.

A range of topics were discussed delving into current housing trends and the impact on Australian residential development from off-shore investors, namely from China. A slowdown in the apartment market that has been fuelled by investment from Chinese investors has been widely tipped with the market currently considered saturated. Despite this housing remains in strong demand overall and according to Andrew a major driving force is low-interest rates which he expects will see further reductions in 2016.

<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/uws_m1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Apartments developments continue to rise at pace. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uws_m1.jpg?itok=XH2ePB4z" title="Apartments developments continue to rise at pace. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Apartments developments continue to rise at pace.</figcaption></figure>While a slowdown in the market appears on the cards, off shore investment particularly for off the plan housing stock remains strong. The latest fad for off shore investment says Andrew, is house and land with developers already looking to take advantage of this shift. Likewise townhouses are increasingly growing in popularity as they offer long term security to investors given the lower level of supply and are sought after in well-established inner ring suburbs. And despite oversupply affecting main road properties, the benefit is that there's now more choice on the backstreets. Unique well located properties are still very much in demand, however the absence of balconies or lack of private open space is generally considered a deal breaker to achieve optimum sale prices.

Buyers who have a family with children still in school are also prepared to pay more in established suburbs away from the city such as McKinnon, for example due to its high number of well recognised schools but without the school fees of the private schools. Buying in what is considered to be a 'location' suburb that isn't Toorak or Kew is possible largely due to savings that can be made on private school fees; these funds can then be redirected towards the servicing of a mortgage for a property as well as not paying someone else rent. When the children’s education is completed, they then sell and hope to realise a capital gain.

Empty nesters looking to downsize have also been prominent players in the owner occupier market, selling their free hold properties and buying in areas such as Hawksburn Village, largely because they are attracted to the lifestyle associated with those areas; they are considered places with life. "Everyone wants lifestyle aspects" says Andrew. As a result these areas also tend to yield bigger apartments than those within the CBD and Southbank that are targeted towards the investor market.

On the impact that the new residential zones are having on development, Andrew says the introduction of the zones has meant many owners are now looking at holding on to properties as they are no longer feasible to develop. The introduction of other controls may result in the adaptive re-use of existing commercial stock such as the office buildings on St Kilda Rd which has been very strategic with developments such as Fawkner on The Park and the former St Kilda Rd Police complex looking to take advantage of the panoramic views their respective locations afford. 

Andrew notes that more recently a number of properties that Beller clients have, are now being developed with a build and hold mentality in what Andrew terms "smart futures for smart money". Clients realise that they can sell for a solid price now but don’t know where to invest the proceeds. So what could be better than reinvesting in the existing asset that has already been performing well for you. There are a number of benefits he says, firstly after 5 years there's no GST applied to any sale. If the property or properties are held for 10 years there are significant depreciation benefits and the properties will see rental growth once initial oversupply is over not to mention potential capital growth. Additionally, there is also the long term ability to subdivide the asset and spread the risk and get the banks claws out of you.

Andrew's parting words to those looking to invest in property are "Don't just read headlines know the market." He says there's a big difference between simply being a spreadsheet developer/investor vs being someone who is much more plugged in and understands the market. According to Andrew if there's no clear strategy it is often better to hold onto the property and get returns as opposed to selling the property and leaving the money sitting in the bank. "Keep it simple," says Andrew "Wherever you buy make sure you're happy to be a long term landlord if the market changes."
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Beller's Andrew Fawell on the Spring property market and prevailing trends

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Designed by The Buchan Group for burgeoning developer AZX Group, A'Beckett Residences as it has been dubbed seeks to occupy a 1,038sqm site at 183-189 A'Beckett Street in the rapidly growing CBD North Precinct. Rising 67-storeys for a height of 205.5 metres the proposed tower comprises 471 apartments with 102sqm of ground floor retail atop two basement levels.

The application like many other tall towers proposed for both Melbourne's CBD and Southbank was lodged prior to the introduction of Planning Scheme Amendment C262, and will therefore be considered under the previous rules.

<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/abeckett_residences_hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A'Beckett Residences. Image courtesy The Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1007" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/abeckett_residences_hero.jpg?itok=nWl98SnX" title="A'Beckett Residences. Image courtesy The Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A'Beckett Residences. Image courtesy The Buchan Group</figcaption></figure><h2>Application summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Application lodged June 2015.</li>
	<li>Existing building over the 1,038sqm site to be retained and incorporated.</li>
	<li>67-storeys, 205.5 metres to top of plant.</li>
	<li>471 apartments.</li>
	<li>203 x 1BR, 175 x 1BR+study, 92 x 2BR, 1 x 3BR.</li>
	<li>102 sqm of retail in one tenancy.</li>
	<li>Two basement levels with 168 resident storage cages, 36 storage lockers and 137 bike racks.</li>
	<li>44 car parks over five levels to the rear of the site.</li>
	<li>Resident amenity over levels 44 and 45.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design basis</h2>

<blockquote>
During our design process, various forms were generated to explore potential envelopes for this site with an aim to create an iconic new tower for the City of Melbourne. The proposal is a direct response to the many constraints imposed on the site both inherent and desired.

As principal designers of the A'Beckett Residences proposal, The Buchan Group has been able to ensure the seamless integration of pedestrian realm, public realm, retail, ground floor plane activation and the proposed iconic built form and tall-tower typology.
<cite>The Buchan Group</cite>
</blockquote>

According to the Design and Context Report which was submitted as part of the planning process, Buchan's design for the proposed tower draws on the scale, materiality and context of the surrounding streetscape with the tower employing a very ordered facade, simple and restrained yet equally impressive at this scale. This tower is in stark contrast to some of the other fully glazed towers going up in the area.

The existing building on site was designed by Edgar Fielder Billson (a former associate of Walter Burley Griffin) during 1937 as a factory and office in the 'Moderne Style' with its curved form and strong horizontal emphasis. The building is currently not graded by Council but is under consideration for a B Grade heritage listing.

Together with the vertical nature of the tower and articulation of its facade, the two building forms create an interesting visual juxtaposition and composition of elements.

The strategy for heritage conservation and readaptation seeks to retain more than just the building's facade: other elements of building fabric such as existing slabs, openings and columns are retained. This along with the genesis of the tower's massing and form 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/abeckett_massing_diagram.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Massing diagram. Image courtesy of The Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="282" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/abeckett_massing_diagram.jpg?itok=R73v_TDW" title="Massing diagram. Image courtesy of The Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Massing diagram. Image courtesy of The Buchan Group</figcaption></figure>The proposal as such is composed of three elements: a lower podium comprising the existing building fabric, a tapered upper podium to a height of 40 metres setback 1.5 metres from the street, and the tower proper, setback a further five metres. Part of the rationale for an upper podium is to conceal the adjoining City Tempo building's nondescript facade.

<blockquote>
The design has been influenced by a number of design devices. The use of robust materials, with a depth of character and texture, forms a main element.

The use of multiple tones of light grey, blue and green reflective glass reflect the city's fabric at upper levels. A hierarchy of solid masonry, and lightweight envelopes, reflect the diverse, and irregular grain of the streetscape and create picture windows framing the city's views from within each apartment.
<cite>The Buchan Group</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/abeckett_residences_building_fabric.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A'Beckett Street frontage. Image courtesy of The Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="287" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/abeckett_residences_building_fabric.jpg?itok=CWO02kdQ" title="A'Beckett Street frontage. Image courtesy of The Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A'Beckett Street frontage. Image courtesy of The Buchan Group</figcaption></figure><h2>A lukewarm reception</h2>

Initial design advice offered by DELWP shows that in the proposals initial form it would struggle to gain support. Key issues identified include setbacks to the eastern and southern boundary, retention of more than the facade of the existing onsite building, how the existing building interacts with the new tower above, treatment to blank elevations and ground floor circulation. In this regard changes to the design seem certain.

On a wider note 183-189 A'Beckett Street forms one of AZX Group's stable of projects dotted around inner Melbourne. Also in their keep are two sites formerly held by Grocon on the CUB Carlton site, a 411sqm development site at 685 La Trobe Street and another in Villiers Street North Melbourne.

Riverina Footscray is in the formative stages of construction while a more modest development of 21 apartments is also on AZX Group's radar in Brighton.

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer and Development Manager: AZX Group (Ausralia Xing Seven Development Pty Ltd)</li>
	<li>Architecture / Interiors: The Buchan Group</li>
	<li>Planning Consultant: Urbis</li>
	<li>Conservation / Heritage Consultant: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Traffic Assessment: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Structural, Civil, Services, Facade, Wind, ESD and Acoustic Engineers: Aurecon</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor and DDA: PLP Building Surveyors and Consultants</li>
</ul>
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AZX Group initiate A'Beckett Residences: 183-189 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne

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The evolution of Montague Precinct will soon gain further momentum with <a href="http://www.bpmcorp.com.au/">BPM’s</a> Night Fall project set to become reality. Inspired by elements of urban New York, it has been designed to add a sense of New York to the rich grain and fabric of the area and to provide a contrast to some of the taller developments both approved and proposed within the precinct.

The $26.5 million boutique project comprises 45 apartments over 7-storeys and is located at 165 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne, just 1.5km from the CBD, 2km to the arts precinct and within walking distance of South Melbourne Market and Bay Street shopping precincts. The mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments range in size from 45sqm to 110sqm.

According to BPM Founder and Company Director, Jonathan Hallinan, Night Fall was very much in keeping with his business philosophy of bringing the BPM to areas of potential such as Montague Precinct.

<blockquote>
I knew exactly what I wanted to do with the site. We do things a little differently in that the way we look at it is that we’re bringing BPM to the area; we’re very committed to our brand and all of our marketing is identical irrespective of whether it’s in Carnegie, Melbourne CBD, Southbank, Brisbane or even Los Angeles.

My number one business philosophy has been to build a property portfolio – and the quote to take from that and which is something I tell everyone is that the risk of being out of the market is far greater than the risk of being in it.

It’s very much about the portfolio and the diversity of that portfolio. That can take form in towers but we also want to keep developing the boutique as well.

We want to be involved in diverse areas and areas where we see the potential for future growth and potential – areas which are gentrifying and have the potential to become hubs with a strong food and coffee culture.
<cite>Jonathan Hallinan, BPM</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/image54_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Night Fall hero perspective. Image courtesy BPM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="497" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image54_0.jpg?itok=MZUgZLY3" title="Night Fall hero perspective. Image courtesy BPM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Night Fall hero perspective. Image courtesy BPM</figcaption></figure>Hallinan cites the Montague precinct's revitalisation and the opportunity to contribute to the evolution of the area as the main drawcard for BPM. By tapping into the existing character and infrastructure of the location, BPM seek to enhance the sense of local neighbourhood identity and create a community for residents.

<blockquote>
Because of the change in planning there is an incredible potential for developers to come in to the area but geographically Montague Precinct being so close to South Melbourne, Southbank and the CBD, it has the potential to get a food and coffee culture into it and that interests us in the long term.

The fact that this isn’t just blank land that will be developed with completely new buildings and the opportunity to get a really good mix of new and old really appealed to us. We’re very committed to the area and there will be some more news around that coming out shortly.
<cite>Jonathan Hallinan, BPM</cite>
</blockquote>

A 102sqm café space wraps the laneway corner and opens up to the residential lobby, providing residents with a barista on their doorstop, as well as a community hub.

Designed in collaboration with architects DKO and interior designers Hecker Guthrie, BPM’s vision was to create a sense of identity and belonging for residents through a restrained yet sophisticated design that takes inspiration from the Bulgari hotel in London, with a New York feel. It was DKO's willingness to work with Hallinan's vision for the site that saw them engaged for Night Fall.

<blockquote>
I think DKO have a good aesthetic eye. Every building that we develop derives from me, the look and feel, aesthetically comes from me.

Some architects are willing to follow that and amplify what I want, what I need really well because they have a similar aesthetic eye to me and DKO certainly were quite happy to do so. DKO were able to amplify my ideas around the architecture whereas there are a lot of architects where it’s their design and their idea.

At BPM we design the buildings ourselves.
<cite>Jonathan Hallinan, BPM</cite>
</blockquote>

Night Fall’s architectural form is classically restrained and masculine with refined exterior finishes crafted in response to the surrounding environment.

<blockquote>
Warm palettes of industrial elements, such as anodised bronze panelling and contrast black detailing, are offset by softer textured off-white exterior treatments and polished edges.
<cite>Hannah Jonasson, Associate Director of DKO</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The carefully considered and light filled spaces are framed by generous balconies and an orientation that maximises natural daylight and the stunning city views to the north-east and bay views to the south-west.

The interiors feature strong architectural geometries. The space is defined by shade and a palette of sophisticated white on white contrasts with elements of warmth applied to the articulated forms. Highlights of fine black detailing are introduced in hardware such as tapware and door handles.
<cite>Hamish Guthrie, Director of Hecker Guthrie</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/nightfall_living.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Night Fall Living area. Courtesy BPM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="375" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nightfall_living.jpg?itok=1FTRov41" title="Night Fall Living area. Courtesy BPM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Night Fall Living area. Courtesy BPM</figcaption></figure>Living areas are defined by a textured carpet with purchasers able to customise the planning of the space. The overall warm palette is complemented with the texture of the floor boards, carpet and tiled hob.

Kitchens feature freestanding joinery that are inserted elements into the space, with a cracked glazed tiled hob and concealed uplighting wrapping the freestanding kitchen. The island benchtop features a streamlined ceramic finish with a 900mm wide Fisher and Pykel integrated dish drawer with the option of chrome or black tapware. The Smeg oven and cooktop are accompanied by a concealed rangehood shroud by custom panels.

<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/nightfall_kitchen_low_res1.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Night Fall kitchen interior. Courtesy BPM."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="403" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nightfall_kitchen_low_res1.jpeg?itok=eiWqIOsH" title="Night Fall kitchen interior. Courtesy BPM." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Night Fall kitchen interior. Courtesy BPM.</figcaption></figure>Bathrooms floors are tiled with a large format grey tile that continues throughout the walk-in-shower. A standalone custom vanity unit reflects the kitchen aesthetic, along with the option of chrome or black tapware. A custom shaving cabinet with wall mounted lighting provides added storage.

Construction of Night Fall is scheduled to commence in late 2015, with completion expected in late 2016. With a strong pipeline of projects set to be announced soon headed by Light Edge in Richmond in addition to a development within the eastern end of the Melbourne CBD also on the cards, it's set to be a busy few years for BPM building on its last 20.
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Night falls on Montague Precinct

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With the recent announcement of a final shortlist for the Munro site development within the Queen Victoria Market (QVM) precinct, it is an opportune time to revisit the development potential of both sites and how they fit within the larger scope of development within CBD North <a href="/news/city-of-melbourne-releases-draft-guidelines-and-buys-munro-site">one year after the City of Melbourne purchased the site</a>.

<blockquote>
Melbourne-based developer PDG Group has emerged as the final short-listed bidder vying for the right to develop a 200m-high apartment tower on a site in the Queen Victoria Market precinct of the Melbourne CBD. The City of Melbourne council last month announced it had short-listed five parties to tender for the development rights on the 6000sqm site in the heart of the city. The names of bidding parties were kept confidential.

The four other parties bidding for the QVM project are <a href="/developers/cbus-property">Cbus Property</a>, <a href="/developers/grocon">Grocon</a>, <a href="/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> and Lang Walker’s Walker Corporation.
<cite><a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/index?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&amp;mode=premium&amp;dest=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/pdg-bid-completes-final-five-in-queen-victoria-market-race/story-fn9656lz-1227577583453&amp;memtype=anonymous">The Australian, 21 October 2015</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Here is my take on what can be achieved for both the Munro site and the associated Franklin Street development site, which to this point has been expected to occupy two new towers.

<h2>The site</h2>

The diagram below highlights the key development areas of the QVM precinct, including the Munro site and the current at grade car park that will eventually be bisected by a realigned Franklin Street, allowing for a public open space and creation of a new development site. City of Melbourne acquired the 6,500sqm Munro site for $76 million in October of 2014 and proceeded to incorporate it into the scope of the Queen Victoria Market Masterplan.

<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/existing_diagram-01.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Existing site diagram."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/existing_diagram-01.png?itok=bhFaiHWT" title="Existing site diagram." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Existing site diagram.</figcaption></figure><h2>Preferred outcomes: Munro site</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/munro_guidelines.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Guideline for heritage. Courtesy of City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/munro_guidelines.jpg?itok=Lo9nzua6" title="Guideline for heritage. Courtesy of City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Guideline for heritage. Courtesy of City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>City of Melbourne's preferred outcomes for the Munro site:

<ul>
<li>Develop new building(s) (except at the Mercat Cross Hotel) to create a podium or ‘street wall’ along the frontages to Therry and Queen Street, not less than 20 metres high and not more than 30 metres high.</li>
	<li>Create a pedestrian link between Franklin and Therry Streets by extending the existing laneway between 104-106 and 108 Franklin Street. This must provide for: a) Universal 24/7 public access. b) A high level of amenity including natural daylight and at least double-storey ceiling heights.</li>
	<li>Set back all building forms higher than 20 metres at least 10 metres from the street frontages, inclusive of any balconies or architectural features.</li>
	<li>Limit overall building heights so that there is no overshadowing of the proposed new open space (the existing QVM car park) after 11am-2pm, beyond whatever shadowing may result from a 30 metre high podium built to the street frontage.</li>
</ul>
Taking cues from the Munro site guidelines coupled with key elements of the QVM Masterplan, a scenario for development of the ground plane and a series of networks and connections is established. This carves up what would otherwise be large consolidated sites into smaller volumes of mass, responding more to the finer grain of the precinct; this is illustrated in the diagram below whereby the pink arrows define the new pedestrian network and the blue vehicular.

<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/site_network_connections_diagram-01.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Networks and connections."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="419" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/site_network_connections_diagram-01.png?itok=afMQleqs" title="Networks and connections." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Networks and connections.</figcaption></figure>As my <a href="/news/the-northern-heights-cbd-north-model-updated">earlier article suggests</a>, the site is likely to accommodate a 200 metre residential tower. I have decided to go with a 30 metre podium with a 171 metre tower sitting atop it, setback 10 metres from all boundaries. The existing facades of the buildings which form the streetscapes would remain.

The Mercat Hotel is retained in its entirety as well as <a href="http://fancyhanks.com/">Fancy Hank's</a>, which is a personal favourite venue of mine.

With solar access to the new public open space and wind mitigation key considerations and requirements for a comfortable walking environment a curved, tapering tower was developed with a deep recess running up its full height to allow the northern sun to penetrate through to the north-south public laneway.

The curved form addresses wind forces and provides a contrast to the rigid and rectilinear envelopes of the northern most towers under construction within the area, whilst also maximising views and natural light.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/munro_site_development-01.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Munro site development."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/munro_site_development-01.png?itok=15djOOvC" title="Munro site development." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Munro site development.</figcaption></figure><h2>Franklin Street development site</h2>

I consider this in tandem with the new public open space to be the centrepiece of the QVM Market precinct and the key focal point of CBD North, as such it has been conceived as dual shards which have been carved by the sun allowing for solar access to Flagstaff Gardens, supplemented by a 9-storey apartment building that responds, complements and acts as a bookend to Melbourne Terrace apartments.

Both towers are setback from their podia 15 metres, allowing for generous separation between both. The tallest and most slender tower rises 90-storeys and 300 metres while the shorter of the two rises 64-storeys and 215 metres, with a deep recess to the north to break down the mass while allowing natural light deep into its floorplate.

The tapering nature allows for outdoor terraces and winter gardens for apartments and unique roof silhouettes on the Melbourne skyline.

<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/aerial_qvm_precinct.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Franklin Street towers."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aerial_qvm_precinct.png?itok=RBH353YN" title="Franklin Street towers." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Franklin Street towers.</figcaption></figure>The crystalline forms are in contrast to the curved form of the Munro development, with the likelihood that two different developers or consortia will develop either.

What the final outcome might be for both sites will not be known for some time with the successful proponent for the Munro site due to be announced mid-next year. Either way hopefully this article provided some food for thought and impetus in design originality; the QVM redevelopment provides the perfect opportunity for it.
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Development scenarios: Munro site and Queen Victoria Market

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It has been some time since the last update of the northern quadrant of our CBD model, better known as CBD North. With a host of new proposals and approvals adding to the precinct, it seems an opportune time to revisit the area as it stands prior to the effects of <a href="/tag/planning-scheme-amendment-c262">amendment C262</a> becoming clear.

Select each image for a larger view.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cbd_north_looking_south-01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elevation of northern CBD towers looking south."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="271" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbd_north_looking_south-01.jpg?itok=NoJ_ox7m" title="Elevation of northern CBD towers looking south." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elevation of northern CBD towers looking south.</figcaption></figure>At time of writing, the highlighted area as modeled carries 18 towers ranging in height from 57 to 267 metres at various lifecycle stages. The area has been limited to an island bound by La Trobe Street, Swanston Street, Victoria Street and William Street.

Significant towers outside of this include <a href="/buildings/eporo-tower-279-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Eporo</a>, <a href="/buildings/la-trobe-tower-323-la-trobe-street-melbourne">La Trobe Tower</a> and <a href="/buildings/swanston-central-168-victoria-street-carlton">Swanston Central</a>, while the fate of 293-303 La Trobe Street remains unclear.

Some noteworthy facts and figures around the development happening within CBD North:

<ul>
<li>Currently there are six towers under construction with Empire at 398 Elizabeth Street the 'smallest' of these at 62-storeys and 198 metres.</li>
	<li>The tallest is Aurora Melbourne Central at 88-storeys and 267 metres with the current car park on site being demolished.</li>
	<li>Vision at 500 Elizabeth Street is currently the most advanced in terms of its construction, with the tower likely to top out before Christmas. It will be the first 200 metre tower completed in the north of the CBD since the 211 metre Melbourne Central Tower in 1991.</li>
	<li>Eq Tower has recently cleared its podium with work beginning on the tower proper and its bottle-like form.</li>
	<li>Seven towers are approved with either sales and registration or construction phases imminent.</li>
	<li>212-222 La Trobe Street has approval in place, but has a planning amendment under consideration with a change of use to student accommodation and facade articulation.</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/cbd_north_axo_1-01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Axonometric of CBD North's skyscraper developments."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbd_north_axo_1-01.jpg?itok=NUL-MvG7" title="Axonometric of CBD North's skyscraper developments." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Axonometric of CBD North's skyscraper developments.</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Five towers are currently at planning with the dual tower Queens Place development already being marketed overseas, after <a href="/news/the-future-melbourne-planning-committee-makes-some-decisive-calls">gaining support from the City of Melbourne</a>.</li>
	<li>111-125 A'Beckett Street is the most recent of these applications to appear on Apartments.com.au, and stands at 210 metres.</li>
	<li>Two yet to be covered (but due to appear on Apartments.com.au in coming weeks) are 478-488 Elizabeth Street and 189 A'Beckett Street at 210 and 203 metres respectively. Both projects were lodged in June before planning scheme <a href="/tag/planning-scheme-amendment-c262">amendment C262</a> was implemented.</li>
	<li>Of the 18 towers, ten are over 200 metres in height with all bar over 100 metres.</li>
	<li>There are three developments of dual towers: 212-222 La Trobe Street for Scape, Queens Place and 386-412 William Street.</li>
	<li>Remarkably, nine of the towers were designed by Elenberg Fraser and includes Lighthouse, Victoria One and 478 Elizabeth Street.</li>
	<li>Of the remainder, two were designed by Cox / Fender Katsalidis, one by Hayball, three by DCM for Scape, one by McGauran Giannini Soon, one by Buchan and one by Peddle Thorp.</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/cbd_north_axo_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Axonometric of CBD North's skyscraper developments."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbd_north_axo_4.jpg?itok=wzLqzqfX" title="Axonometric of CBD North's skyscraper developments." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Axonometric of CBD North's skyscraper developments.</figcaption></figure><a href="https://urban.melbourne/design/2015/10/23/development-scenarios-munro-site-and-queen-victoria-market">An article next week</a> will look at high-rise development scenarios for the Munro site and the future development site at the Queen Victoria Market, essentially completing the work in progress below. Media reports suggest the building opposite Queen Victoria Market will accommodate a residential tower of approximately 200 metres in height.

<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/cbd_north_perspective.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective from the Queen Victoria Market."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="303" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbd_north_perspective.jpg?itok=IpzvU-wd" title="Aerial perspective from the Queen Victoria Market." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective from the Queen Victoria Market.</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

The Northern Heights: CBD North model updated

<html><body>
The City of Melbourne's Future (Planning) Committee convened for their monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, delivering their recommendations on a number of planning applications within central Melbourne.

Of the five applications, four were referred to City of Melbourne for comment by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP); two received conditional support, one received City of Melbourne's objection and another was deferred to next month's meeting. The fifth application saw council express concerns with the proposal.

An overview of each case is provided below.

<h2>TP-2015-515: 383-405 King Street, West Melbourne</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/haileybury.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Haileybury College elevation. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/haileybury.jpg?itok=6Y0W2Tft" title="Haileybury College elevation. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Haileybury College elevation.</figcaption></figure>Haileybury College's plans for a city campus gained support from council with the committee resolving to issue a Notice of Decision to Grant Permit. The application lodged in June sought approval for refurbishment works to the existing building for use as an education centre, comprising of an Early Learning Facility (ages 3 and 4), Junior School (Years Prep to Year 4) and Senior School (Years 9 to 12).

The application received a total of 62 objections during the advertising period relating predominantly to traffic concerns, with council citing key issues for consideration such as the appropriateness of the proposed use in its location, proposed student numbers, potential amenity impacts for residents, proposed signage and car parking, traffic and access arrangements.

<blockquote>
The proposed use is supported as access to education services it is considered to be of benefit to the local community and wider municipality. Subject to a reduction in student numbers and standard amenity conditions being imposed on the permit, the proposed use will not have unreasonable impact on the amenity of the surrounding area.

To ensure the proposed traffic and car parking arrangements are appropriately managed and adhered to, permit conditions are included requiring a formal traffic management plan and green travel plan. Vic Roads is supportive of installing new pedestrians crossing and introducing a new school speed zone in King Street which would assist in pedestrian safety.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Ministerial referral TPM-2014-47: 65-71 Haig Street, Southbank</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/haig.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="65-71 Haig Street."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/haig.jpg?itok=C852c2X9" title="65-71 Haig Street." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>65-71 Haig Street.</figcaption></figure><a href="/news/planning-application-65-71-haig-street-southbank">Covered by Urban.com.au</a> in April, the 55-storey 142 metre tower designed by Fender Katsalidis and abutting the West Gate freeway has received a mixed review from council; concerns relating to the appropriateness of its height and the layout of some apartments.

Despite this council believes these concerns can be addressed via conditions of permit to reduce the overall height to a maximum of 125 metres and via an improved internal layout to selected apartments within the tower.

<blockquote>
…it is acknowledged that there have been recent approvals for buildings in excess of 100 metres on Haig Street such as 57-59 Haig Street and 61-63 Haig Street which are approved at 122 metres and 120 metres respectively. The proposed height is therefore not consistent with the approvals at these sites and therefore a 145.4 metre building is not considered appropriate as it risk creating an undesirable built form character that influences future developments to proposes similar or even taller heights.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Ministerial referral TPM-2015-1: 32-44 Flinders Street, Melbourne</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/32-44_flinders.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="32-44 Flinders Street in context."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="720" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/32-44_flinders.jpg?itok=M7YYWByX" title="32-44 Flinders Street in context." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>32-44 Flinders Street in context.</figcaption></figure>Now at 56 levels and 181 metres - down from an initial height of 65-storeys and 212 meters - the Planning Officer's report to the Future Melbourne Committee recommends that council object to the proposal on the grounds of height, plot ratio, setbacks and internal amenity to apartments and that the proposal represents an over development of the site.

This is based on a plot ratio of 30:1 across the site, despite the application not being affected by Amendment C262 which calls for a plot ratio of 24:1 and setbacks of five metres to street frontages, or the proposal sitting within a height control area. 32-44 Flinders Street's overshadowing of Birrarung Marr is also a cause of concern for council.

<blockquote>
The proposed tower would be perceived as a wall of towers lining the northern side of Flinders Street. The tower would both overwhelm and overshadow Flinders Street and overshadow one of the City’s most significant public parks - Birrarung Marr. The continuation of Spark Lane connecting to Sargood Lane is a welcome contribution to Melbourne’s laneway network.

Having regard to the immediate context, the proposed tower is considered to be an over scaled proposition. We recommend an overall reduction in car parking and for the applicant to further increase inhabited space within the podium.

For the northern component we suggest consideration for moving the entry foyer closer to Flinders Lane. For the southern component we recommend a significant reduction in height to ensure no additional overshadowing of Birrarung Marr, increased setbacks, and the exclusion of ‘saddle back (sic)’ bedrooms.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Ministerial referral TPM-2015-12: 346-376 Queen Street, Melbourne</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/queensplace.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queens Place's highly articulated podium."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queensplace.jpg?itok=ly1WTg9Z" title="Queens Place's highly articulated podium." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queens Place's highly articulated podium.</figcaption></figure>The twin tower proposal is known as Queens Place and allows for dual schemes: an OLS conforming scheme of 68-storeys (206 and 209 metres respectively) and an alternate non-conforming scheme 79-storeys (246 and 249 metres). The applicants submitted revised designs on September 3 with the following key changes:

<ul>
<li>Minimum five metre setbacks provided from the proposed towers to all street frontages</li>
	<li>The core of Tower 1 has shifted approximately four metres to the east</li>
	<li>Ground Level escalators have shifted to allow for improved public realm outcomes</li>
	<li>Increase in active uses adjacent to La Trobe Street</li>
	<li>Revision of A’Beckett Street connection to plaza and shifting of airlock location</li>
	<li>Increase chamfered setback to La Trobe Street podium at levels 3 and 4 to open views to Welsh Church</li>
</ul>
The proposal received a unanimous vote of support from the City of Melbourne, with the final decision to be made by the Planning Minister. An application to penetrate the OLS will need to be made to aviation authorities in order to proceed with the 79-storey twin design.

<blockquote>
The site sits within an area that is undergoing significant change with a number of high-rise developments recently completed, under construction or approved and yet to be constructed. Based on a clear understanding of the context, the proposed development is generally consistent with the emerging built form character of Hoddle Grid and the community’s vision of a bold, inspirational and sustainable city.

The proposed development offers a reasonable response to the opportunities and constraints of the site and its immediate context. However, this relies on permit conditions requiring key changes including minimum five metre tower setbacks to all street frontages, improved public realm outcomes at ground level, improved accessibility of new through block links and an increase in active uses adjacent to La Trobe Street, improved apartment layouts including deletion of long saddle back bedrooms, an increased chamfered setback to La Trobe Street podium to open views through to the Welsh Church heritage building, and alternative wind mitigation strategies to achieve walking comfort.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Ministerial referral TPM-2013-15: 150-160 Turner Street, Port Melbourne</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/150_turner.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="150 Turner Street."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/150_turner.jpg?itok=ZxRWR_qs" title="150 Turner Street." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>150 Turner Street.</figcaption></figure>First covered on Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/urban-com-aus-top-5-picks-planning-assessment-july-2013">two years ago</a>, 150 Turner Street by Artisan Architects has been met with strong opposition from the City of Melbourne, with council objecting to the development on the basis that the concerns raised can not be addressed via permit conditions and will require a redesign.

<blockquote>
The proposed development will result in unreasonable wind tunnel effects at ground level, a poor urban design outcome with regards to wind mitigation measures and fails to provide the ground level and tower setbacks sought by the Strategic Framework Plan. The proposal lacks dwelling diversity, and a majority of apartments rely on either a ‘saddle-back’ or borrowed light arrangements for the bedrooms which results in poor internal amenity.

It is considered that these significant concerns cannot be addressed via permit conditions, in particular as the wind measures and required setbacks would require a significant redesign of the tower form.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>
</body></html>

The Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee makes some decisive calls

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

Joel Robinson

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

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

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