<html><body>
Pace Development Group's The Icon (6 St Kilda Road, St Kilda) celebrated its completion with an event on the level 5 residents lounge. The avant-garde Jackson Clements Burrows-designed building in collaboration with local artist Matthew Johnson spans 17 floors, accommodating 119 apartments and featuring a unique expanded mesh screen façade comprising 40 different colours.

The building is conceived as "an assemblage of irregularly stacked boxes, of varied heights, which aims to provide a connection between the surrounding built form and landscape, within this highly urbanised environment". Apartments within are treated to views directly over Port Phillip Bay, Albert Park Lake, the Melbourne and emerging South Yarra skylines and all the way to Arthurs Seat and the Dandenongs.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_0906.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View of South Yarra skyline."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0906.jpg?itok=UoSjZSky" title="View of South Yarra skyline." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View of South Yarra skyline.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The main influence for this building was: how do you distinguish a building in the skyline?

I think most apartment buildings are just a singular extrusion - and we saw this as an opportunity to change the idea of that - by seeing it as a series of stacked elements or stacked boxes, so that the silhouette of the building would read very differently to a singular extrusion, with each box representing a different neighbourhood within the building and then each box has its own coloured representation, which we collaborated with the artist Matthew Johnson on and that's really about giving identity to what we imagine could be different communities within the building, so it was a way of thinking about a building as a collection of communities rather than a singular entity.

The apartment layouts have different variations between different one, two and three bedroom types so the good thing is that people who may have specific requirements can search through all the different layouts to find something that's specific to their needs, and I think that's quite unique as an offering.
<cite>Tim Jackson, Jackson Clements Burrows</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/img_6188_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View looking up at the stacked boxes and overhangs."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6188_0.jpg?itok=Wk5uTCD3" title="View looking up at the stacked boxes and overhangs." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View looking up at the stacked boxes and overhangs.</figcaption></figure>The Icon is an exemplar of good design that provides affordable accommodation with significant shared facilities and amenities, such as the Level 5 residents lounge that features an expansive outdoor terrace area overlooking St Kilda Road and Albert Park, dining room and gym.

With recent discussion around the introduction of minimum apartment sizes and the potential impact that may have on developers' ability to deliver affordable accommodation, guests were invited to inspect five apartments as part of the opening, four of which Pace identified to be the smallest affordable apartments:

<ul>
<li>A one bedroom apartment (with borrowed light) on Level 7: 42sqm plus balcony priced in the mid/high $300,000 to low $400,000 range.</li>
	<li>A three bedroom apartment on Level 7: 88sqm plus balcony priced in the high $600,000 range.</li>
	<li>A one bedroom apartment on Level 9: 42sqm plus balcony priced in the mid/high $300,000 to low $400,000 range.</li>
	<li>A two bedroom apartment on Level 9: 57sqm plus balcony priced in the low-mid $500,000 range.</li>
</ul>
Additionally there was a Penthouse-style three bedroom apartment, custom built on level 15 priced at $1,000,000, with a number of balconies including an extremely long balcony along the south.

<h2>Comment</h2>

It must be said that despite their size and the occasionally odd nuance here and there, the one bedroom apartments were quite comfortable in terms of their spacial and internal planning, affording more than adequate natural light. The Icon is impressive in how true it has managed to maintain and express the architectural integrity and design intent of JCB's vision, highlighted by the additional level of rigour and detail undertaken during the construction phase by Pace, in consulting with Matthew Johnson in ensuring the right colours were picked; not just for the mesh screens, but the backing walls behind.

The application of the coloured mesh panels to the soffits of the stacked boxes reinforces the dedication to seeing the vision realised, and that the completed building remained true to that vision, providing the pedestrian at street looking skyward with an appreciation of the stacked boxes in all dimensions. It would have been quite easy to reduce the distance which the elements cantilever from a constructability point of view and employing an alternative (say, villaboard) in lieu of the mesh undersides to save costs.

The decision to put design at the forefront is both commendable and admirable particularly when it has resulted in a brilliant and playful addition to the St Kilda skyline that has no boring elevations.

Please enjoy an assortment of accompanying photos taken from the opening event in the slideshow below.
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

An Icon complete

<html><body>
Following on from <a href="/news/comment-amendment-c262-will-stifle-design-innovation-in-central-melbourne">Craig Yelland’s article</a>, I thought it might be worth looking at the application of <a href="/news/interim-central-melbourne-planning-controls-the-detail">amendment C262’s new planning controls</a> on a block within the city.

This largely came about of a request from forum regular John Proctor, who suggested a study of:

<blockquote>
…the block bordered by Little La Trobe, La Trobe, Swanston, Elizabeth, do a comparison of the approved towers and what the 24:1 plot ratio would allow.

That block has 5/6 approved towers including Aurora - [it] would be quite interesting to see that sort of comparison.
</blockquote>

I have increased the study area slightly to extend a block further to A’Beckett Street, to allow for the inclusion of 398 Elizabeth Street (Empire) and A’Beckett Tower. This is illustrated in the diagram below. Melbourne Central has been included as a point of reference and for scale.

<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_block_study-01_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Existing conditions 2015. © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="456" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/existing_block_study-01_1.png?itok=5WPyw__9" title="Existing conditions 2015. © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Existing conditions 2015. © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure>The diagram highlights that the Elenberg Fraser designed A’Beckett Tower is currently the tallest on the two blocks, weighing in at 103 metres. The tower is built out to three boundaries with a minor setback from A’Beckett Street on a 900sqm site.

Now let’s take a look at the same study area with all approved towers highlighted.

<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/proposed_block_study-01.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Approved towers. © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="509" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/proposed_block_study-01.png?itok=xpq7qO9T" title="Approved towers. © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Approved towers. © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure>This diagram illustrates a substantial change in scale and density for the block with six additional towers over 100 metres in height, the tallest of which supersedes Melbourne Central’s 211 metres:

<ul>
<li>Scape Melbourne: 393 Swanston Street, 42-storeys / 137.6 metres (Site Area: 780sqm)</li>
	<li>389 Swanston Street: 33-storeys / 121.5 metres (Site Area: 615sqm)</li>
	<li>Aurora Melbourne Central: 224 LaTrobe Street, 88-storeys / 267.15 metres (Site Area: 3,197sqm)</li>
	<li>Scape: 212-222 LaTrobe Street and 17-25 Little LaTrobe Street, 39-storeys / ~120 metres and 54-storeys / ~ 164 metres (Site Area: 942sqm)</li>
	<li>Empire: 398 Elizabeth Street, 55-storeys / 177 metres</li>
</ul>
What would those same two blocks look like if we applied the setback and height controls of amendment C262 and the floor area ratio (FAR) of 24:1?

<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/proposed_block_-_c262-01.png" rel="gallery-all" title="With amendment C262 restrictions applied. © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="456" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/proposed_block_-_c262-01.png?itok=JcrZcPBT" title="With amendment C262 restrictions applied. © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>With amendment C262 restrictions applied. © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure>It is worth noting this is a very high level study that does not delve into apartment layouts etc or architectural form and articulation, these are merely building envelopes to provide an idea of what the implications of amendment C262 are. The modelling was done on the basis that all the sites had 40 metre high podiums with any tower element(s) set back from the podiums.

The transparent pink building envelopes indicate it might be possible to accommodate a tower above the podium as far as FAR is concerned: five metre setbacks have been applied with overall heights (podium and tower) capped at 100 metres. The proportions of the floorplate make it difficult but with some innovative design (refer to Phoenix and Collins House) it would be possible to develop or in the case of the Scape dual site, a tower bridging across both sites.

Site consolidation might be necessary to achieve setbacks plus FAR requirements, in addition to producing a feasible scheme. As such, a site like 224 LaTrobe Street which covers 3,200sqm could still accommodate a 81-storey tower but with a typical tower floor plate of 500sqm; significantly less than that of Aurora.

To finish off is a comparative study of approvals overlaid with the amendment C262 masses.

<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/proposed_block_-_comparison-01.png" rel="gallery-all" title="A comparison of the approved towers and C262 controls. © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="510" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/proposed_block_-_comparison-01.png?itok=HGIu4b-X" title="A comparison of the approved towers and C262 controls. © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A comparison of the approved towers and C262 controls. © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure>I will leave it to you to decide which is the better outcome for Melbourne.
</body></html>

A City of Melbourne amendment C262 case study

<html><body>
First established in 2012, boutique premium developer <a href="http://manorsgate.com.au/">Manors Gate Group</a> has built its reputation through its experience in developing luxury homes in areas such as Toorak, Balwyn and Hawthorn. The strategy of developing in inner-suburban areas has led to the natural evolution of the business to now deliver its first multi-residential development in Hawthorn with the launch of Hawthorn Club. Located on the former Hawthorn Club site from which the development adopts its name, on the corner of Glenferrie Road and Luton Lane, Hawthorn, the development comprises 64 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and is set to become the developer’s flagship project.

Manors Gate Group is looking forward to giving something back to the local community by transforming the derelict site, while retaining its namesake. Set in one of Melbourne’s most tightly held suburbs, Hawthorn Club is what Executive Director Ricky Phoon considers "the best site in Hawthorn," positioned among some of the area’s best local amenities including a rich diversity of cafes, boutique shops, schools, along with Glenferrie Train Station which is only a short walk away and serviced by the no. 16 tram.

<blockquote>
We are unlocking Hawthorn Club’s potential and providing buyers a chance to secure a beautiful, contemporary home that offers immediate access to the best of the area’s lifestyle offering. After many years of creating beautiful homes in some of Melbourne’s most exclusive suburbs, we are excited to transform this site and apply our ideas to now also offer the best of apartment living.

Our attention to detail has been our signature for residential projects and our success has always lied in selecting only the best local partners. Plus Architecture has such an intimate understanding of how Melburnians like to live so it was a natural collaboration.

You cannot find a better location – our residents will be spoilt for choice with excellent transport connections and some of Hawthorn’s best shops, cafes and universities as well as a tram stop right outside their doorstep.
<cite>Vincent Zhuang, Manors Gate Group Managing Director</cite>
</blockquote>

Manors Gate Group has engaged Plus Architecture to deliver both the architecture and interior design for Hawthorn Club, renowned for delivering integrated architecture and interior design projects such as The Eminence in Carlton, Armada in Port Melbourne, and Scout in Prahran.

<blockquote>
Hawthorn Club’s design carefully responds to the client’s brief – to offer truly sophisticated and superior quality residences that contribute back to Hawthorn’s streetscapes while ageing timelessly.
<cite>Jessica Liew, Director, Plus Architecture</cite>
</blockquote>

Broken in half along the boundary to address the finer grain of Victorian architecture and the more intimate scale of Luton Lane, Hawthorn Club features a long façade with cut-outs and a planter zone to create rhythm, while emphasising the break in the building.

Building materials were chosen to reflect the area’s sophistication, with the base levels of the building clad in quality finishes such as travertine and bluestone, providing a solid podium that is contrasted by the glazed upper levels which are setback in accordance with planning requirements. This has resulted in a communal rooftop area lined with a metal pergola that will eventually be covered in climbers and creepers creating visual interest and providing a softness to the building.

The ground floor will feature a dedicated retail space with a glazed façade to the street and a gradient glass canopy to provide solar protection. Each residence will feature a car parking space and additional cage and bike storage in addition to 19 bike spaces.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/15057_101_reva_02_pp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawthorn Club perspective from Glenferrie Road and Luton Lane. Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="562" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/15057_101_reva_02_pp.jpg?itok=cvpOWq_0" title="Hawthorn Club perspective from Glenferrie Road and Luton Lane. Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hawthorn Club perspective from Glenferrie Road and Luton Lane. Image supplied.</figcaption></figure>Leading the interiors team at Plus Architecture on the project is Senior Interior Designer Narelle Cuthbert, who joined the practice after receiving industry recognition in 2013 for the interior design of a TriBeCa loft in New York City. Narelle and the design team have employed a minimalist colour palette that aims to create a sense of lightness throughout the spaces.

<blockquote>
The interiors are sympathetic to the façade with a timeless design that allows residents to personalise the space.
<cite>Narelle Cuthbert, Senior Interior Designer, Plus Architecture</cite>
</blockquote>

Oak timber floors throughout and full height doors create a sense of openness, while crisp and clean satin bronze metal finishes, biscuit joinery and travertine style tiles in the bathroom create a premium aesthetic in line with Manors Gate Group's ethos of delivering a luxury product to its purchasers.

Pivot doors conceived by Narelle enable residents to create a larger bedroom area, or a separate study area, and a fixed glazed panel separates the bedroom from the kitchen, allowing light to flow through.

The apartments are priced from $410,000 to $1,200,000 and range in size from 40sqm to 96sqm with some early inquiries relating to combining apartments.

<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/15057_203_reva_02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawthorn Club Apartment interior. Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/15057_203_reva_02.jpg?itok=xrQkD3Cw" title="Hawthorn Club Apartment interior. Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hawthorn Club Apartment interior. Image supplied.</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au sat down with Ricky Phoon, Executive Director of Manors Gate Group prior to the launch of the onsite display suite to for a brief chat about the project as well as Ricky's passion for wine.

Ricky emphasised the point that while the term 'luxury' is bandied about almost ad nauseam by developers and agents in relation to the latest apartment developments but few developers have the experience that Manor Gate Group boasts in terms of developing luxury homes. It was the understanding and knowledge gained from those earlier projects which have been blended into Hawthorn Club.

It was through identifying a gap in the market for a owner-occupier driven product that reflected the quality of finishes of Manor Gate Group homes that would be attractive to downsizers from within the locale or surrounding areas, first home buyers and families.

<blockquote>
I've been excited and overwhelmed by the support and interest in the project and its launch. It was really important for us that we blend our luxury home experience and knowledge into Hawthorn Club. We understand what luxury actually means. There are very few developers that do. It's about doing more than just the basics.

This is for me the best site in Hawthorn, next to the best cafes with everything you need at your doorstep. We want to develop more in Hawthorn but can't find a suitable site that offers the same qualities as Hawthorn Club. Hawthorn Club means a lot to the community and we hope they embrace the new Hawthorn Club.
<cite>Ricky Phoon, Executive Director, Manors Gate Group</cite>
</blockquote>

Manors Gate Group's engagement of Plus Architecture was all about the first impression and the "energy and creativity" that they brought to the project in addition to the firm;s beginnings as a partnership of Fender Katsalidis and SJB. Ricky's admiration of Eureka which he described as "one of the best, if not the best pieces of architecture in Melbourne" and Plus' connection to Eureka via some its staff was another factor in their engagement.

Ricky described the jump from homes to apartments as a "very intense process… you're going from one dwelling to 64 dwellings!" So for their next apartment development which will be "around 120 apartments in Carlton" they have decided to engage a Project Management consultancy to help share some of the load.

As for the wine Ricky's pick for the evening was Torbreck Wine's The Steading which was not overly strong and went down rather smoothly, possibly a little too smoothly.

As Apartments.com.au left for the evening there had already been an impressive number of sales before the project's official launch this weekend.

Hawthorn Club is scheduled to commence construction in early 2016 and expected for completion by late 2017.
</body></html>

Manors Gate Group launches Hawthorn Club

<html><body>
<blockquote>
I don't think Melburnians understand Docklands yet. We see it as a suburb that needs time to evolve; it needs to find its own spirit, its own character.
<cite>Jesse Linardi, Design Director, DKO</cite>
</blockquote>

As construction in and around Docklands continues at pace, Apartments.com.au thought it an opportune time to garner an update on the precinct from Docklands locals <a href="http://www.dko.com.au/">DKO Architecture</a>. Architect Dennis Chew and Design Director Jesse Linardi were kind enough to discuss their experience of working 'on site' in addition to their two latest projects for <a href="http://capitalalliance.com.au/">Capital Alliance</a> within Harbour Town.

The catalyst for the practice's relocation from Mitchell House on Lonsdale Street to Docklands was DKO's engagement in the masterplanning for NewQuay Central following <a href="http://www.mab.com.au/">MAB Corporation</a>'s acquisition of the site from ING. DKO seized the opportunity to be at the coalface so to speak, gaining intimate experience of the precinct.

Having developed the built form envelopes and urban design principles around the ground plane and laneways for NewQuay Central, DKO was subsequently engaged to design what is now Hiap Hoe's Marina Tower 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/80_08-10-2014_8976.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="788" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/80_08-10-2014_8976.jpg?itok=fa1oOnRH" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Probuild are currently constructing Marina Tower. Image courtesy DKO</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The story with NewQuay Central is around having diversity in the architectural built form, so getting a variety of architects involved in each project, away from the repetitive type of approach you might otherwise get from a single office. We talk about it as being part of the city so we tried to encourage an interesting skyline rather than a uniform one.

We really pushed for that which might seem illogical from a commercial decision making point of view, but we felt really strongly about having that diversity.
<cite>Jesse Linardi</cite>
</blockquote>

DKO's work on NewQuay Central expanded to include a development site at <a href="/buildings/elm-stone-387-docklands-drive-docklands">387-395 Docklands Drive</a> which would deliver dual 17-storey buildings over two stages, replacing an earlier scheme by Hassell for a commercial building. The as yet unnamed project is due to begin its sales and marketing campaign shortly.

More masterplanning followed for MAB's NewQuay West which has gone through a number of iterations over the years, the latest incarnation being driven by the addition of Ron Barassi Snr Park. Similar to the initial stage of NewQuay Central, the process for the western precinct wasn't so much about architecture but more so diversity in scale and the impact of built form on built form, as well as the ground plane and pedestrian environment.

Within that framework are considerations of views, shadowing, solar access, wind; a set of principles which DKO's design team works from to derive a built form which they believe to be the best outcome possible.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/newquay_masterplan-reduced.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="NewQuay Masterplan. Image courtesy of DKO."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/newquay_masterplan-reduced.jpg?itok=l3bB9e-X" title="NewQuay Masterplan. Image courtesy of DKO." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>NewQuay Masterplan. Image courtesy of DKO.</figcaption></figure>This in turn brings us to DKO's latest Docklands projects, 3-43 Waterfront Way and 26-38 Pearl River Road within Harbour Town. Offloaded by <a href="http://ashemorgan.com.au/">Ashe Morgan</a> to emerging Melbourne developer Capital Alliance Investment Group, the at planning 3-43 Waterfront Way features a mixed-use tower of 37-storeys with the first 11 levels dedicated hotel accommodation with residential above.

<blockquote>
The opportunity here was designing a mixed-use tower as opposed to a completely residential building, that's something we believe the precinct needs more of: true mixed-use developments. To punch through the existing building and create a direct connection back through to Docklands Drive and the pedestrian retail strip within Harbour Town was highly satisfying.

The other interesting thing about these sites, I believe there's an opportunity and scope for more height and scale than the CBD. The closest building to these sites could be 20-30m away, you don't get the same concerns and issues as those you might in the city, with regards to adjacencies, overlooking and so forth.

Historically this area of Docklands has had relatively low height limits. The driver for height on this site (3-43 Waterfront Way) is the new park and not overshadowing it, which is a logical way to look at it.
<cite>Jesse Linardi</cite>
</blockquote>

The designs for both sites had to address key environmental impacts, in particular wind in places where there doesn't presently exist any built form. The buildings were designed to respond and mitigate the wind conditions; predominantly the westerly and northerly winds the site experiences.

At one stage the Pearl River Road site was going to be one building but was pulled apart to address the wind and allow it to pass through between the buildings rather than be driven downwards to the footpath.

<blockquote>
It was about coming back to those earlier design principles once again. We tested the sites and envelopes quite rigorously with the wind engineer initially. What normally happens is you test it in the wind tunnel, the wind hits the building and creates a downward draught; you typically then provide a awning to deal with the issue.

For these sites the wind is literally carving and sculpting the buildings to provide a more comfortable and better walking condition at ground level.
<cite>Dennis Chew, Architect, DKO</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/wfc_se_site.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="DKO's 37-storey mixed use tower at 3-43 Waterfront Way. Image courtesy of DKO."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="509" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wfc_se_site.jpg?itok=q1NE0jY_" title="DKO's 37-storey mixed use tower at 3-43 Waterfront Way. Image courtesy of DKO." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 37-storey mixed use tower at 3-43 Waterfront Way. Image courtesy of DKO.</figcaption></figure>Other design drivers include internal amenity such as minimising the number of apartments with only southerly aspects; the vast majority are afforded east or west outlooks. With the debate surrounding the introduction of apartment standards in Victoria, Jesse says a lot of those design principles and requirements are standard practice and come second nature to the office as part of their design process and that was most certainly be the case for the Harbour Town towers.

Where Pearl River Road and Waterfront Way were initially treated as service roads for the existing retail and ice rink offerings within Harbour Town, the new buildings look to activate them and encourage pedestrian movement through whilst also transforming the look and feel of the area.

The fact that their client, Capital Alliance Investment Group was passionate about good design, amenity and quality outcomes made DKO's task far more appealing. This manifested itself via the client's desire to provide residents and guests with a unique experience by way of a infinity rooftop pool in a similar vein to Marina Bay Sands Singapore, with views back towards the CBD.
</body></html>

DKO and designing Docklands

<html><body>
Polaris 3083 is a $500 million community development encompassing its own town centre, apartments, townhouses, shops, recreational areas, aged care and student accommodation. Developed by Deal Corp with masterplanning and architecture by ClarkeHopkinsClarke (CHC), the intent of Polaris is to create a diverse and rich community that caters to all demographics through a variety of amenities and housing typologies.

Deal Corp acquired the 12-hectare Bundoora site from VicUrban following a formal tender process. Having worked with CHC on a number other mixed-use and residential projects, Deal Corp engaged the practice to design Polaris 3083. The initial planning efforts were concentrated on the Village Centre, a key element of the project. This was completed last year as part of Stage 1 along with 64 apartments across five buildings. The early delivery of The Village Centre ensured the development had a vibrant town centre that provided optimal amenity to residents from the outset.

<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/polaris_masterplan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Polaris 3083 Master Plan."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="277" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/polaris_masterplan.jpg?itok=39NtsSHH" title="Polaris 3083 Master Plan." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Polaris 3083 Master Plan. Courtesy Polaris 3083 website.</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au spoke to CHC Partner Robert Goodliffe about the office's involvement on Polaris 3083 and its future. Goodliffe attributes CHC's engagement on the project to the office's considerable experience in the multi-residential and retail sector, which has enabled the practice to deliver a vibrant and diverse mixed-use community on a brownfield site.

The project features a full-line Woolworths supermarket and Dan Murphy’s store among the current retail offering at ground level, developed along with a suite of eight two-storey apartment buildings. While these buildings share a similar materials palette, they were deliberately given to different design teams within CHC.

This approach has ensured a level of aesthetic variation that creates local character and avoids the homogeneous appearance of many planned communities. The last of these buildings, Summit 22, is currently commencing construction and will complete the village square with 22 apartments set above retail.

<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/07_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Two-storey apartments atop ground level retail is a feature of Polaris 3083. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="287" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/07_1.jpg?itok=LIj2zNVx" title="Two-storey apartments atop ground level retail is a feature of Polaris 3083. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Two-storey apartments atop ground level retail is a feature of Polaris 3083. Courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure>Reinforcing the idea of community is the inclusion of a Red Cross Blood Bank, next to council's community centre. This facility is currently under construction and will be housed within one of the historic Larundel buildings. A series of laneways filters people through the town centre from a variety of directions contributing to the creation of a walkable community. A series of townhouses are also nearing completion, while a suite of three apartment buildings are under construction at the centre of the site.

Originally, Deal Corp were considering using a variety of different architects to enable a diversity in architectural responses. However, having seen the range of design delivered by the CHC team, Deal Corp engaged the practice for the remainder of the estate. The project will eventually deliver over 1000 additional dwellings.

Attention is currently focused on a number of areas on site that will deliver further retail opportunities to activate the main entry driveway as well as residential apartments, a 24/7 gym plus serviced apartments and a tavern along Plenty Road. There’s also potential for an office component, completing the south-west corner of the master plan. Meanwhile, the old Linakers Cottage was sold to another developer who is converting this into a childcare facility.

To the site’s north, CHC are working on the Aspire apartments, involving the adaptive re-use of two of the heritage listed Larundel Buildings. The council were keen to see these buildings redeveloped early in the development process due to their poor state of repair. Dwellings in Aspire will be converted into New York loft-style apartments. They will retain some of the heritage fabric such as the colonial multi panel windows and the high ceilings to “enrich a modern renovation," Goodliffe says.

Due to squatters and various fires over time, the buildings have fallen into a state of disrepair that will require them to be stripped back to their core structure and rebuilt. Despite the cost in doing so, Goodliffe says Deal Corp have made a commitment to retain the buildings. A basement carpark will provide parking for Aspire's residents while a series of three storey townhouses to the east overlooking the existing village green rounds out the development. The Aspire apartments are currently selling well due to their premium location overlooking abundant parkland.

<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/apsire_polaris_ext.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aspire Apartments currently selling."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/apsire_polaris_ext.jpg?itok=7M3fCyGo" title="Aspire Apartments currently selling." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aspire Apartments currently selling. Courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure>Future stages will see more townhouses developed and apartment buildings up to six-storeys. Supported aged care is also on the cards allowing for Polaris 3083 to develop into, as Goodliffe puts it, "a fully integrated lifestyle community that spans a generation from childcare through to supported residential."

Polaris 3083 is expected to be completed over the course of the next five years as the last remaining sites are due to be lodged for town planning approval in the not-too-distant future.
</body></html>

Robert Goodliffe of ClarkeHopkinsClarke discusses Polaris 3083

<html><body>
<a href="http://www.cnlholdings.com.au/">C&amp;L International Holdings</a> and <a href="http://artdes.monash.edu/">MADA</a> (Monash Art Design and Architecture) are uniting to anoint an emerging artist with a significant commission. C&amp;L’s upcoming residential development, Royal Como located at 663 Chapel Street South Yarra will cater for the one-off art commission.

Rather than simply purchasing an artwork from a gallery, C&amp;L will award the $10,000 commission to a rising star in the art world as deemed worthy by artist and MADA Head of Fine Art, Professor Callum Morton.

One of Australia’s leading and most revered fine artists, Callum Morton is known for blending the disciplines of fine art, architecture and built form, with important national and international works produced for the public space and private galleries. Some of his more recent works include Monument Park at NewQuay in collaboration with McBride Charles Ryan and Silverscreen at MUMA in collaboration with Kerstin Thompson Architects.

<blockquote>
The Royal Como Art Commission is an important first commission as it provides an opportunity for an emerging artist to work and show in the public realm. This is a unique learning opportunity for a MADA graduate and we are very pleased that we can provide such significant and high profile opportunities for our students and alumni.
<cite>Callum Morton, MADA Head of Fine Art</cite>
</blockquote>

With interiors for Royal Como devised by Nexus Designs, Creative Director Sonia Simpfendorfer joined Callum Morton and MADA Manager Fine Art, Ruth Bain on the judging panel. Jimmy Nuttall, Emily Yuting Cheng, David Egan, Andrea Eckersley, Alyra Bartasek, Lachlan Petras were selected as finalists, with the winner to be announced on October 8th.

<blockquote>
Incorporating contemporary Australian art into the project was a fundamental element of the interior design and the layout of the interior spaces. A gallery look is what we presented in our very first design concept meeting.

That C&amp;L have created an art prize and commission is a very exciting extension of that initial idea and takes it to a whole other level. Our concept statement for the main lobby included “entering the lobby of Royal Como is the experience of being invited in to the inner sanctum and private living room of the house of a fabulous, well-travelled art collector on a very grand scale.
<cite>Sonia Simpfendorfer, Creative Director, Nexus Designs</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/alyra-brookjames-small-9.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/alyra-brookjames-small-9.jpg?itok=L0-ZqqsH" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Finalist Alyra Bartasek at work in the studio.</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au sat down for a chat with Sonia to discuss the Royal Como Art Commission as well as Nexus Designs' work on the project. Essentially Royal Como's interiors have been designed to capture the essence of modern Australian living, with Nexus' design team drawing on their knowledge of the South Yarra / Melbourne lifestyle to deliver interiors that are smart, sophisticated and simple.

Nexus' design influence extends beyond the apartments to common areas, lift lobbies, the display suite and the integration of internal signage and wayfinding, presenting more as gallery spaces rather than the traditional designs associated with residential spaces. Artwork is often the starting point for an interior and is also a vital source of inspiration: Nexus authored a colour palette handbook about the Australian landscape, art and poetry called Using Australian Colour.

Ideals sourced from the handbook are reflected throughout the project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/nexus_royal_como_common.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Royal Como communal area. Courtesy Nexus Design."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="185" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nexus_royal_como_common.jpg?itok=kbSo_6H1" title="Royal Como communal area. Courtesy Nexus Design." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Royal Como communal area. Courtesy Nexus Design.</figcaption></figure>The Gallery Series apartments located over levels 7-17 draw inspiration from nature, with the colours, textures and materials referencing the richness of the Australian landscape and exploring the contrast between natural and urban environments. As Sonia describes it, it's very much about the notion of "connecting to something real." It is a classic, neutral scheme that is accentuated by bursts of colour.

A collection of penthouses on levels 18 to 21 are known as The Collector Series and feature a blend of natural stone and timber to create areas with immediate impact. From the stainless steel European appliances to the sculptural Marc Newson basins and baths, residents are encouraged to live the art collector lifestyle within Royal Como.

<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/nexus_royal_como_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Gallery Series apartment interior. Courtesy Nexus Design."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="180" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nexus_royal_como_12.jpg?itok=2HXMJuX0" title="The Gallery Series apartment interior. Courtesy Nexus Design." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Gallery Series apartment interior. Courtesy Nexus Design.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The urban Gallery look and feel created by Nexus Designs for Royal Como provides a blank canvas for people to colour their world and curate their cherished objects and artworks within their interiors. The Royal Como Art Commission is a natural extension of the gallery inspired approach.

We believe it is a tremendous association for Royal Como to extend Nexus Designs interior art gallery concept into an art commission that will take pride of place in the Royal Como foyer.
<cite>Sonia Simpfendorfer, Creative Director, Nexus Designs (interiors)</cite>
</blockquote>

Touching on her role on the The Royal Como Commission judging panel, Sonia said she was excited to see what the artists come up. Ultimately the chosen piece will take pride of place within the ground level foyer that measures approximately seven metres in length. The artwork will initially occupy a much smaller space within the Royal Como display suite, possibly acting as a 'teaser' to the final artwork.

<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/andrea-brookjames-small-24.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Andrea Eckersley at work in the studio."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/andrea-brookjames-small-24.jpg?itok=5VBbPAOh" title="Andrea Eckersley at work in the studio." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Finalist Andrea Eckersley at work in the studio.</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Royal Como presents a unique design opportunity

<html><body>
Following on from The Bowery in Richmond and Elland Avenue in Box Hill, comes the latest release from The Chapter Group: Collection XI, a series of eleven luxury townhouses located on a 2,500sqm site in Mowbray Street, Hawthorn East.

The Chapter Group has developed a reputation for their cohesion of expertise across key property development disciplines, from architecture to finance, with their work founded on core principles of design excellence, outstanding quality and liveability.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_bowery_elland.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Bowery and Elland Avenue. Images courtesy The Chapter Group."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="184" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_bowery_elland.jpg?itok=gc5niUs6" title="The Bowery and Elland Avenue. Images courtesy The Chapter Group." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Bowery and Elland Avenue. Images courtesy The Chapter Group.</figcaption></figure>The Chapter Group was founded by directors Dean Lefkos who worked previously at Goldman Sachs and David Lee Principal of architecture firm K2LD, their relationship began initially in the manner of client and architect on Dean's own private home before a mutual appreciation for quality and design and a desire to implement their collective knowledge and expertise to property development: providing their purchasers with a quality product that reflects value for money.

David Lee says he modeled Collection XI on a tight "European street", inspired by his trips to Assisi in Italy: narrow, tactile street networks full of character and heritage typical of European cities. Off this 'street' sit the entrances to each townhouse with residents also able to catch their own dedicated lift directly from the basement garage to their living room thus creating a secluded enclave of eight private homes behind the three townhouses along the street frontage.

"People want a private lifestyle and we identified a gap in the market for this type of product" says David. The front three townhouses are 170-180sqm in size with the rear eight townhouses 250sqm with quality fixtures, fittings and appliances by the likes of Dada, Roger Sellers, Molteni&amp;C, Hub and Gaggenau, "combining the best elements of modern living".

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/collection_xi_unit07.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior of Collection XI townhouse. Image courtesy The Chapter Group."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="306" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collection_xi_unit07.jpg?itok=E2LK3nbZ" title="Interior of Collection XI townhouse. Image courtesy The Chapter Group." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interior of Collection XI townhouse. Image courtesy The Chapter Group.</figcaption></figure>The project was lodged just before the changes in residential zones came into effect meaning that The Chapter Group were to have tried obtain a planning permit after their implementation they would now be limited to a maximum of four dwellings under the current requirements. As such Dean and David believe that it's highly unlikely that another opportunity to develop or buy such houses would present itself.

Working with Jack Merlo who was engaged for the landscape design aspect of the project in addition to the arbour, The Chapter Group have conceived a pedestrianised network the result of moving cars to the basement garage and folding the ground plain to provide a ground level that is sole domain of the pedestrian/resident, creating a journey and experience of walking through a network of streets.

<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/collection_x1_landscape.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="European-styled street network. Image courtesy The Chapter Group."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collection_x1_landscape.jpg?itok=MMEiPY4N" title="European-styled street network. Image courtesy The Chapter Group." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>European-styled street network. Image courtesy The Chapter Group.</figcaption></figure>A point of contention according to David and Dean was the pitched gabled roofs of the three front townhouses and what council considered to be a "chalet aesthetic" out of character with the surrounding houses within the neighbourhood. It could be argued that employing gabled roofs results in a diverse streetscape of varied roof forms distinguishing the development as a high quality, well articulated architectural intervention within the street. Additionally the roof forms can also be understood as an inflection and juxtaposition to the butterfly roofs of the rear eight townhouses creating a dialogue between the two sets of dwellings.

Together the contrasting roofs act to break down the massing and forms of the dwellings a very deliberate strategy. The inclusion of butterfly roofs is somewhat of a rarity in Australian developments with a strong disposition away from them due to their tendency to leak. This has been addressed within Collection XI by employing a far more robust more closely aligned to the thick concrete butterfly roofs that David Lee worked on in Singapore.

In terms of materiality the townhouses employ a combination of off-form ribbed profile concrete walls and smooth concrete surfaces complimented by warm timbers employed both in vertical and horizontal applications creating a contrasting composition of elements and a departure away from the typical townhouse typology associated with the suburbs.

<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/collection_x1_hero_rear.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collection XI rear dwellings, thirteen in total. Image courtesy The Chapter Group."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="892" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collection_x1_hero_rear.jpg?itok=e66ee5WL" title="Collection XI rear dwellings, thirteen in total. Image courtesy The Chapter Group." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collection XI rear dwellings, thirteen in total. Image courtesy The Chapter Group.</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

The Next Chapter: Collection XI 

<html><body>
Melbourne architectural developer <a href="/developers/orchard-piper">Orchard Piper</a> is about to commence demolition on the site for their Washington Street project, which would see the creation of one of <a href="/new-apartments/toorak-vic-3142">Toorak’s</a> most luxurious apartment developments featuring a $15 million Penthouse <a href="/news/return-of-the-luxury-penthouse">covered last year</a> on Apartments.com.au.

<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/140908_-_washington_street_-_r001_-_elevation_2000_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Washington Street. Image courtesy Orchard Piper"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="278" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/140908_-_washington_street_-_r001_-_elevation_2000_0.jpg?itok=BpfFLsxY" title="Washington Street. Image courtesy Orchard Piper" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Washington Street. Image courtesy Orchard Piper</figcaption></figure>Washington Street presents as a unique apartment offering, a project that for Orchard Piper represents a commitment to contemporary design and sets a benchmark for collaboration on a global scale. Unlike the traditional property ‘developer’ model, design is very much at the forefront of Orchard Piper's projects with very aspect of the developments beginning and ending with meticulous design and exceptional attention to detail. Washington Street this commitment.

Washington Street consolidates three residential blocks into one site located at <a href="/buildings/washington-street-27-washington-street-toorak">27-31 Washington Street, Toorak</a>. Comprising six spaciously proportioned residences over three floors the project also features a penthouse that Orchard Piper believes "will sit comfortably amongst the best in Australia, if not the world."

With architecture by regular collaborator Stephen Jolson of <a href="/architects/jolson">Jolson Architecture</a> and seasonal landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture, Washington Street includes two ground floor 'Garden Residences' with expansive north facing gardens and three first floor residences, known as 'The Terraces', sitting comfortably within their green surrounds.

To crown the building, one 1,000sqm penthouse, conceived as a whole floor pavilion sunken into a garden surround, the ‘one of a kind’ penthouse will include a gymnasium, pool, a private garage with separate lobby with dedicated lift access opening onto the gallery hall, in addition to a 1,300 bottle wine room and bar. The Washington Street penthouse will feature expansive city views and comes with a price tag in excess of $15 million.

<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/140908_-_washington_-_r010_-_study_2000.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Washington Street rooftop. Image courtesy Orchard Piper."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/140908_-_washington_-_r010_-_study_2000.jpg?itok=AYTOz1J9" title="Washington Street rooftop. Image courtesy Orchard Piper." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Washington Street rooftop. Image courtesy Orchard Piper.</figcaption></figure>Internally, Jolson has sought to create a sensory experience: Washington Street homes have been designed to allow maximum natural light to filter through into free-flowing, flexible spaces where attention to detail is paramount. The interiors draw on the rich collaborations with international artisans who have been commissioned to make one-of-a-kind fixtures and fittings for the building. Notably, New York based lighting designer Lindsey Adelmen was commissioned by Orchard Piper to design a custom fitting for the entry lobby, and eminent Venetian glass house Venini will be undertaking their first Australian collaboration, creating glass spheres that will identify the apartments.

Every material has been scrutinised for its aesthetic, functionality and contextual relationship, creating interiors that are simple, considered and lasting. Lindsey Adelmen’s organic and industrial forms will add a further graceful dimension to the project, while the bespoke glassware of Venini will further accentuate the residences' majestic features.

Based on their experience with clientele at Davis Avenue, where almost every buyer engaged their own interior designer, Orchard Piper have responded to this desire at Washington Street by engaging Jolson Interiors to curate custom furniture packages to suit every unique apartment layout in the building. The furniture packages are hand picked by Jolson Interiors from Melbourne’s best contemporary furniture suppliers including, Cult, Space, Hub &amp; Poliform.

Orchard Piper have also engaged the sound engineers of Bang and Olufsen to tailor AV packages for each residence which will also be equipped with state-of-the-art Rimadescio walk-in wardrobes

Architect, Stephen Jolson, has used architectural principals of perspective and proportion to create a "perfect sense of place". Washington Street is very much about luxury that is instinctively sensed upon arrival.

<blockquote>
Washington Street represents everything Orchard Piper stands for, a building of understated elegance with considered and thoughtful interiors, where luxury is provided in light, space and proportion. This project will present Toorak with an unrepeatable offering and a beautiful addition. Our projects are built to our own standards, as we would want them finished for ourselves to live in.
<cite>Luke McKie, Director, Orchard Piper</cite>
</blockquote>

Around the corner in Hawksburn, on a site located adjacent to Hawksburn Village, Orchard Piper's St John Lane project is progressing on site with completion penciled in for November this year. A clever, considered architectural solution on a very awkward site, the building has seen Orchard Piper once again engage Stephen Jolson to conceive a design that draws on the simplicity and inventiveness of Japanese architecture, with interlocking forms over three levels.

St Johns Lane unlocks a residential opportunity that captures views over Toorak towards the South Yarra and Melbourne skylines,limited to just four residences. The upper storey is recessed and spills with landscape tracery, creating a notion of a secluded urban retreat. The entire structure is configured to capture maximum light and views, while providing privacy within an inner-city environment and activating the laneway in tandem with Orchard Piper's upcoming project on Mathoura Road.

The entrance is a subtle metal portal with integrated address signage piercing the façade. Internal spaces slowly reveal themselves, using natural tones of oak and stone to transition from the laneway backdrop to private and spacious havens.

<h2>About Orchard Piper</h2>

A lifestyle brand for contemporary property development, Orchard Piper is a partnership of two Directors, Luke McKie and Rick Gronow. Both have a desire to deliver unparalleled contemporary homes of beauty and integrity to owner occupiers in Melbourne. Their starting point and philosophy when it comes to design and property is simple: would they and their friends or family live in the homes? On the back of a handful of projects Orchard Piper has quickly developed a reputation as one of the more architecturally minded developers in Melbourne, with an understanding that excellent outcomes come from collaborations with highly talented individuals.

To this end, Orchard Piper commit to working with leaders in Architecture, Design, Landscape and Construction, delivering projects of some of the highest design integrity and attention to detail you can find. Orchard Piper’s portfolio has quickly built to be valued in excess of $110 million and its attention is now focused on three residential developments: St Johns Lane, Washington Street and Mathoura Road, following completion of the Davis Avenue, <a href="/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a> project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/orchard_piper_mathoura_rd_external_reduced.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mathoura Road. Image courtesy Orchard Piper"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/orchard_piper_mathoura_rd_external_reduced.jpg?itok=txOgz1Tb" title="Mathoura Road. Image courtesy Orchard Piper" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mathoura Road. Image courtesy Orchard Piper</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Architectural craftsmanship is at the heart of every Orchard Piper project. Each property is developed through collaboration with design leaders, resulting in a portfolio of expressive, refined properties of enduring integrity.
<cite>Orchard Piper</cite>
</blockquote>

With a unique commitment to contemporary architectural craftsmanship, Orchard Piper properties are textured, refined and livable. Orchard Piper residential collections can be found in Melbourne’s most sought after and tightly held locales including Toorak, South Yarra with more to follow.

Orchard Piper differentiate themselves as developers and ‘design’ is the touchstone for every decision they make in the development process. Teaming up with Stephen Jolson they have developed a formula for success which sees them employ a typical 2-3 storey podium of apartments, topped with a recessed penthouse apartment. This strategy towards built form ensures a smooth town planning process as the developments adhere to strict town planning guidelines with relation to built form, adequate setbacks, privacy and overlooking of neighbouring properties.
</body></html>

Orchard Piper in focus

<html><body>
In order to facilitate its $250 million redevelopment of the Queen Victoria Market, the City of Melbourne is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from consortia or individual companies to deliver a mixed-use development for the Munro site on the corner of Queen and Therry Streets. EOI's for the site close on 1st September from which point an Evaluation Panel chaired by CoM's Director City Design and Projects will evaluate registrants based on a series of criteria outlined within the EOI document.

The move follows City of Melbourne purchasing the 6,329sqm site in October of last year for $76 million and their recent approval of the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal Master Plan. Development of the site is expected to include apartment towers up to 40-storeys, in addition to a 720 space customer car park, specialty retail and hospitality spaces, community facilities including a childcare centre and family hub, a mid-block link between Franklin Street and Therry Street and affordable housing.

<blockquote>
This is a rare opportunity for the private sector to partner with Council to deliver an exemplar mixed-use development with all the hallmarks of what we consider smart development: residential apartments, childcare, family services, commercial and retail uses and the latest in environmental sustainability
<cite>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle</cite>
</blockquote>

A planning scheme amendment has also been submitted to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne that would remove the discretionary 20-metre height restrictions, yet City of Melbourne will maintain ultimate control of what is built on the land, having placed restrictions on street frontage heights and setbacks to create a space that facilitates pedestrian traffic, ensures that the heritage character of the original market is retained and introduces tower separation and weather protection strategies.

<blockquote>
The relationship between the Queen Victoria Market Precinct and the surrounding city have changed over time. What was once a transitional zone between the central city and low-intensity suburbs is now an integral part of the central city and emerging City North growth area. Existing controls over the built form of new development in the precinct have become dated.

The City of Melbourne therefore commenced a process of reviewing and updating planning controls over the precinct, including a formal Planning Scheme Amendment process, to better support the precinct’s changing role.
<cite>QVM Renewal Master Plan</cite>
</blockquote>

To further support the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal, the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne have entered into a formal agreement to realign Franklin Street at the south end of the market and transfer some Crown land to the City of Melbourne. Freehold land will be created as a result of the land transfer, providing opportunities for commercial and residential development to add to the vibrancy and potential of the area.

Funds secured through the development of this land will be reinvested into the Queen Victoria Market. The realignment of Franklin Street will improve vehicular movements, deliver economic benefits and create a new route to Docklands.

<h2>Key development timing obligations</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/qvm_staging.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="QVM Renewal Precinct and Staging plan."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="414" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qvm_staging.jpg?itok=Ir9Ky7pq" title="QVM Renewal Precinct and Staging plan." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>QVM Renewal Precinct and Staging plan.</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Replace current car spaces within the existing at grade car park (A) elsewhere within the market precinct by 2019, and convert the existing car park to a high quality public space by 2022.</li>
	<li>Construct a new Queen’s Corner building within a portion of the Queen Street road reserve (B) for the Victoria Visitor Centre and new market management facilities by 2026.</li>
	<li>Construct New Franklin Street by 2019 (C).</li>
	<li>Reconfigure land parcels Including the retained Franklin Street stores (D) and portions of the Franklin Street road reserve (E) to create mixed use development sites by 2026.</li>
	<li>Enhance and renovate northern Upper Market Sheds to support trading and incorporate new market trading services and facilities by 2019 (F).</li>
	<li>Upgrade streetscapes adjoining Queen Victoria Market (Elizabeth, Peel, Queen, Therry and Victoria streets) and public transport infrastructure by 2026.</li>
	<li>Corner Queen and Therry streets (commonly known as the Munro site)</li>
</ul>
<h2>Project Planning Framework</h2>

In the associated Master Plan, the market has been divided into four quarters, each linked to each other by a market cross of public spaces within the heart of the precinct. The intent is to coordinate a suite of projects that can be developed with a degree of independence from each other, yet also complement each other and contribute to the precinct as a whole.

For each of these quarters, the Master Plan sets out the preferred vision for the future of that part of the market, priorities identified through the community and trader engagement process, and key proposals for improvements.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/qvm_quarters.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queen Victoria Market Renewal 'Quarters'"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="529" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qvm_quarters.jpg?itok=nE5fNOwZ" title="Queen Victoria Market Renewal 'Quarters'" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queen Victoria Market Renewal 'Quarters'</figcaption></figure>Q1 The market halls will continue to focus on food and hospitality including meat, fish and specialty food vendors. Shops facing surrounding streets will welcome visitors to the precinct with high quality retail and hospitality establishments and make the market a special destination at all times. Improvements will include modern trader facilities, storage, waste management, and other infrastructure.

Q2 The open-air heritage sheds will accommodate fixed trading with a focus on fruit and vegetables and a high quality non-food offer. New trader facilities, storage, waste management and other infrastructure will reduce servicing intrusions in public areas. The Victoria Street shops, F Shed and improvements along the Peel Street edge will shelter the sheds and activate the streets.

Q3 The area south of the old cemetery wall will accommodate changing markets and events. A new open space and enhancements to the existing sheds will create a unique indoor/outdoor facility and a new public place for City North. New trader amenities, storage and other infrastructure will support this approach. A new Queen’s Corner building will accommodate visitor and customer services. The market’s old Franklin Street stores will be re-used within a mixed use development south of New Franklin Street.

Q4 A new mixed use development will accommodate retail, hospitality and community uses complementing Queen Victoria Market. It will also include the market’s main customer car park, a new mid-block pedestrian laneway or arcade linking Franklin Street to Therry Street, and facilities to support the growing local community.

The full Master Plan is available from <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/application/files/2714/3443/1189/QVM_PRECINCT_RENEWAL_MASTER_PLAN_-_final.pdf">Participate Melbourne</a>.
</body></html>

Queen Victoria Market renewal update

<html><body>
As reported by Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/on-the-bright-side-2-riverside-quay-southbank">early last year</a>, the City of Melbourne and Mirvac are working in partnership to renew Southbank's Riverside Quay area, with particular emphasis placed on Riverside Quay Place. Key elements of Mirvac's office development at 2 Riverside Quay are a new office complex built over the existing car park and a new urban space at the foot of the building.

The planning permit for this site required the development of a master plan outlining the improvements to the surrounding Mirvac-owned buildings which are Q1, Q2 and Q3 as seen below. 2 Riverside Quay (2RSQ) underlines the entire master plan, with two tower cranes currently at work for what will become the new offices of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

<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/2rsq_stage1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverside Quay Masterplan study area - Stage 01. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2rsq_stage1.jpg?itok=M8qSOlZo" title="Riverside Quay Masterplan study area - Stage 01. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverside Quay Masterplan study area - Stage 01. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall</figcaption></figure>Since April, the City of Melbourne have been undertaking community engagement in the Riverside Quay area in an attempt to ascertain who is using the area, how it is being used and what people would like to see. The feedback received during community engagement helped inform council in creating a vision for the Riverside Quay area, which has just been released for further community engagement.

The vision will then inform a master plan that will outline how the existing area could be renewed to meet the needs and values of the local community. Outlined in the vision is a place that:

<ul>
<li>Is welcoming, safe and flexible;</li>
	<li>Allows people to be proud of and invest their time in;</li>
	<li>Is quietly vibrant with different opportunities to engage and experience the place.</li>
</ul>
Key elements of the vision are described in the table extract 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/rsq_vision.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverside Quay Place Key Elements. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="250" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rsq_vision.jpg?itok=6k9QwlJl" title="Riverside Quay Place Key Elements. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverside Quay Place Key Elements. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall</figcaption></figure>As part of the further refinement of Riverside Quay, Mirvac have submitted a planning amendment to their permit which would see the main entry lobby moved from the south to the east of the tower under construction in order to provide activation and a stronger interface with the new public space: pedestrian access is now provided directly from Riverside Square.

Alterations have also been made to the ground floor layout to accommodate the relocated main building lobby entry. Additionally the application also includes construction of two new canopies on the eastern façade that will project over Riverside Square.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2rsq_gf_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2 Riverside Quay amended ground floor plan. © Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="364" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2rsq_gf_plan.jpg?itok=CyiaHIVp" title="2 Riverside Quay amended ground floor plan. © Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2 Riverside Quay amended ground floor plan. © Mirvac</figcaption></figure>The City of Melbourne have expressed their support of theses alterations to the development.

<blockquote>
The new lobby entry to the south eastern corner is considered a more appropriate location that will not unreasonably impact the future design of Riverside Square, which is currently undergoing Community Engagement and design process. The new lobby entry reduces travel distance to Riverside Quay, resulting in a more balanced location that engages both Riverside Square and Riverside Quay.

The reduced travel distance will also reduce the impact of any easement of other legal mechanism required to gain legal rights of access to the lobby across the park to Riverside Quay. Any encumbrances on Riverside Square are to be minimised and to this end it is considered that access to the retail/café tenancy should be relocated, so that it does not abut directly on the land.

It is considered that there is sufficient space in the north eastern corner of the site that will allow Riverside Square to remain unencumbered by the future tenancy.

<cite>City of Melbourne's Future (Planning) Committee Report</cite>
</blockquote>

It is anticipated Stage 1 of the masterplan will commence construction in Q3 2016. In the meantime, to stay up to date or get involved, visit the <a href="http://riversidequayplacerenewal.com/">Riverside Quay Place Renewal website</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2rsq_pwc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2 Riverside Quay powering along. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="375" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2rsq_pwc.jpg?itok=XP_hpNDT" title="2 Riverside Quay powering along. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2 Riverside Quay powering along. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

The Riverside Quay Place Renewal project takes shape

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<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.

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 

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" dir="auto">
<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" dir="auto">
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]

Laurence Dragomir

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Laurence Dragomir

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News