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Urban.com.au recently caught up with ICD Property's Director of Operations and Development Manager, Sal Quah, along with ANGLE Director Lachie Gibson just prior to the official launch of the Maple Hawthorn display suite.

Having visited a number of display suites over the years, I can safely say that the Maple display is in the upper echelon. Sal took me through the display suite explaining the rationale behind the interiors, the layout of the apartments and the flexibility they offer to residents to really customize the apartment to suit their needs, be they single, married or with a family.

Laurence Dragomir: How did ANGLE come to be involved with the project? ICD owned the site for a number of years.

Sal Quah: The last couple of years we've been focusing on some of our larger projects and the smaller ones like Maple were just sitting there so we gauged buyer interest but also interest from development partners and ANGLE was one of the names put forward to us. We were really impressed by ANGLE and they actually reminded us a lot of ICD Property when we started in Melbourne. The research they undertook and the final presentation they put together for the project was far beyond anything we had expected. In the end it became a really easy decision.

Lachie Gibson: We've really enjoyed working with ICD Property, the whole team there is really young and passionate.

SQ: There's a real synergy that's developed between us.

LG: We went out to dinner with all the guys and we all pretty much hit it off straight away. It's been really smooth sailing all the way through on the project which isn't always the case.

LD: ICD already had the project in the works when you were marketing Eq Tower?

SQ: We had You and I and this site before we started on Eq Tower. Eq pretty much took up all of our resources.

LD: How did the name Maple come about?

LG: The inspiration was the maple tree on level 3. We wanted something that was really different and unique. Hawthorn's generally really known for being a green, leafy suburb so the maple tree as a feature was something we hadn't seen done here in Australia, particularly on a project of this size. It makes the corner of the building a real feature so essentially it was really about choosing what that tree was going to be. We love maple trees - my old man is actually a big fan of maple trees - but it also ties in really well with the architecture and there's a bit of Japanese inspiration in there.

LD: It's interesting that the maple tree idea came first and that as a result it has essentially become the identity for the building.

LG: It was really organic wasn't it Sal?

SQ: Yes, very spontaneous.

LG: In the end it seemed pretty obvious - why don't we just call it Maple? We thought that's not a bad idea, but let's sit on it and explore other options and then just came back to that. What's pretty cool as well is that it will change colour all year round. In summer it will be green and provide protection for these guys, but then come autumn it will turn red and in winter it'll let light in.

It makes for a really dynamic building - all these screens are sliding, they feather so as you move around the building, it changes appearance. The rationale I suppose in distinguishing the lower levels to the upper levels - is really about creating two parts to the building. The 'podium' levels are really guarded - it's a busy corner so the residents need privacy whereas on the upper levels, you're raised up and setback from the street so it's a lot more open and privacy is not as much of an issue.

LD: I think what's great is the residents have their privacy but being such a prominent corner the podium levels still have an active and animated facade unlike for instance above ground car parks. I was saying to Sal earlier, I really like how the balcony deflects inwards to embrace the maple tree.

LG: There was a fair bit of work involved in getting the detailing right for that but it's a pretty cool feature, especially for the people who will own the apartments around it.These are million dollar apartments up there and everyone gets the benefit of the canopy and its coverage.

LD: What's been interesting - and Sal and I were discussing this earlier - is the standard and quality of apartment buildings of this size and scale, particularly in the inner city, has gone up in the last couple of years. Looking at some of the finished and joinery etc. it seems quite apparent to me that with a development such as this you're really targeting that owner-occupier market. Would that be right?

LG: I would say that Melbourne is definitely a world leader in this space. We do a lot of creative marketing through another business called Earl Street and we were up in Sydney yesterday with some clients and you see the quality of the architecture up there and it's not even close to what we have here in Melbourne, which is probably 5 years ahead, and I don't know if Sydney will ever catch up. I think its born out of not only being competitive but the creative industry in Melbourne's so strong and thriving; in hospitality, in fashion etc. I think we're streets ahead.

SQ: I think it's also the culture created through migration and intellectuals bringing these really global ideas and way of thinking.

LG: That's a really good point. Plus the size of the stock's another one as well - you've sort of picked up on the owner occupier focus.

LD: Sal took me through the floor plans earlier and I noticed the one bedders are a decent size. They were about 54sqm from memory?

LG: The smallest apartments start from 51sqm which is pretty rare these days. But we made a real push for that.

LD: I've had a look over the layouts and I think they're great - all the apartments seem really well laid out, all bedrooms receive natural light and ventilation.

LG: The project threw up some really interesting challenges and I suppose came up with some responses that were really pushing the boundaries in that we hadn't really seen layouts like that. Particularly these two bedders there's no saddlebacks, no borrowed light which we're really proud of but getting these two bedrooms out onto the facade works really well.

A) You get a lot of natural light to all your rooms B) you get more privacy to your living area and C) you get a deck with 3 different interfaces and allows for a much more square shape which makes it really usable.

On the lower levels you can close the screens and open up the bedroom doors or the living area and still have that level of privacy. We've never really seen a floor plan like this so we took a bit of a risk with it.

LD: Is there scope for ANGLE to move on to larger projects? And will we be seeing more ICD and ANGLE joint projects in the future?

LG: I think the answer to both questions is definitely. We've really enjoyed working with ICD and look forward to any future opportunities to do so.

SQ: The feeling from ICD is mutual.

LD: Lachie and Sal, thank you both for your time.
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Laurence Dragomir

Maple Hawthorn: interview with ANGLE's Lachie Gibson and ICD Property's Sal Quah

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Slightly over three years ago City of Melbourne revealed its ambitions for a 'High Line' based loosely on New York's highly successful and popular adaptive re-use of its High Line: an elevated community-run public park. At a cost of $6 million, City of Melbourne was to invest $3 million into the project with the remainder to come from the Australian Government's Liveable City's Program Fund.

<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/dezeen_high-line-section-2-by-diller-scofidio-and-renfro-6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New York High Line. © Iwan Baan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="740" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dezeen_high-line-section-2-by-diller-scofidio-and-renfro-6.jpg?itok=u3ColEth" title="New York High Line. © Iwan Baan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New York High Line. © Iwan Baan</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
It would create a unique public place like no other in Melbourne and bolster an important connection between our city’s north and south banks over the Yarra. This is what makes Melbourne one of the best cities in the world, we are always looking to enhance these unused spaces in our city to bring them back to life, that is why Melbourne is so liveable.

This project compliments all of our sustainability programs and will again build on the number of capital works projects undertaken by the city that champion green and sustainable design in Melbourne. This project would embrace our Urban Forest and Open Space Strategies and our Southbank Structure plan whilst complement and respect the design and heritage significance of the bridge.
<cite>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, February 2012</cite>
</blockquote>

Fast forward to 2015 and little has been heard of the project since, or any of the City of Melbourne's short term ambitions for the western section of Sandridge Bridge for that matter.

<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/com_highline.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="City of Melbourne concepts for Sandridge Bridge High Line."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/com_highline.jpg?itok=NgndoJAn" title="City of Melbourne concepts for Sandridge Bridge High Line." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>City of Melbourne concepts for Sandridge Bridge High Line.</figcaption></figure>As a result I decided to have a (very high level) crack at what a Melbourne High Line might look like. Keeping in mind this was a series of ideas thrown together over the course of an afternoon, I may one day revisit with a greater degree of rigor in future when time permits.

Drawing on the bridge's history as a rail viaduct it made sense in my mind at least to include an old Comeng train: stripped and converted into cafes, restaurants and bars, not unlike the <a href="/news/easey-does-it-end-to-end-gains-its-train-set">End to End</a> project in Collingwood. The idea is also a nod to an early concept for Sandridge Bridge from over a decade ago which had a replica of the Spirit of Progress sited on top housing a restaurant.

The western section would be more of a meandaring informal path with greater opportunity to dwell than the eastern section's Traveller's installation.

<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/01_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="High Line concept at Sandridge Bridge. © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="370" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/01_4.jpg?itok=liPSzOnp" title="High Line concept at Sandridge Bridge. © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>High Line concept at Sandridge Bridge. © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure>Additionally a 'lantern' structure housing lifts and stairs sits at on the Southbank side where numerous temporary structures have been erected over the years for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival amongst others. It would provide a southern counterpoint to the signal box on the north bank of the river and bookend Sandridge Bridge.

<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/02_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="High Line concept at Sandridge Bridge. © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="399" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/02_5.jpg?itok=6ii7HYMM" title="High Line concept at Sandridge Bridge. © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>High Line concept at Sandridge Bridge. © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure>With a mix of soft and hard landscape the linear park would provide an urban oasis above one of Melbourne's key natural assets while adding to Melbourne's open space.

<h2>The Arbory as a point of reference</h2>

You don't have to look too far for inspiration or to get a sense of what's possible for such a long linear space. ​It's worth noting that The Arbory, the outdoor bar designed by Jackson Clements Burrows and occupying the site of the former Sandridge Line next to Platform 13 has taken four years to come to fruition.

The 150m bar which only opened its doors last month features a large container accommodating a kitchen, bathrooms and two bars that runs half the length of the site. For comparison sake the Sandridge Bridge High Line would span a length of 178m.

<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_arbory_broadsheet.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Arbory. © Broadsheet"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_arbory_broadsheet.jpg?itok=JV7wzkqJ" title="The Arbory. © Broadsheet" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Arbory. © Broadsheet</figcaption></figure><h2>Conclusion</h2>

I'm generally not one to champion copying other cities' concepts but when something as successful and popular as New York's High Line provides a perfect framework and point of reference, it's hard to look past the benefits to the city. First and foremost it's critical that any proposal for a Melbourne High Line addresses its context and the history of Sandridge Bridge and the role it played in the growth of the city.

It must be of its time and place while providing an opportunity to build a park in the centre of the city linking Northbank with Southbank, and building on the work City of Melbourne and the State Government have undertaken to improve the city's relationship/interface with its river.
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Has Melbourne's High Line gone off the rails?

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Valued at $30 million, <a href="http://www.maplehawthorn.com.au/">Maple Hawthorn</a> is a freshly launched residential project located at 121 Power Street Hawthorn. A joint collaboration between <a href="http://www.icdproperty.com.au/">ICD Property</a>, <a href="http://www.angle.com.au/">ANGLE</a> and <a href="http://www.buxtongroup.com.au/">Buxton Group</a>, Maple was officially launched last week at the onsite display suite.

The 6-storey building comprises 51 apartments - 24 x one, 24 x two and 3 x three-bedroom - and has been designed by Stokes Architects with interiors firm Studio You and Me plus landscape designers Urban Commons also on board. ANGLE has over the years gained experience and built a track-record in developing in the Hawthorn area, following the success of its previous development, Luton Lane, which holds the same design team.

Maple's proximity to cafes, boutique shops, parklands and schools, along with Hawthorn Train Station and the Yarra River Trail - all within walking distance - is all part of the appeal of living in the area.

<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_0324.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="On site display suite."><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_0324.jpg?itok=o5nrxFWL" title="On site display suite." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The display located within the existing building</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Some people like to socialise, some do not. Some want to stow away their collections, others want to show them off. Some people like sunlight, others have watched Twilight a few too many times. That’s why Maple is one building with many interpretations.

Whether you want to be one of the lucky bastards who gets their mitts on these apartments, or you just want to indulge in some sneaky architecture porn, you can find out more about the project here.
<cite>ANGLE website</cite>
</blockquote>

ANGLE Director, Lachie Gibson, said Maple Hawthorn is a joint venture project with respected Melbourne based developers, Buxton Group and ICD Property, and presents the best of true contemporary apartment living.

“Imagine a lifestyle where you are in the heart of all of the action – Maple delivers the perfect combination of location, amenity and contemporary design into one statement building. Savvy buyers won’t underestimate this prime location with its opportunity to gain entry into this highly sought after suburb with all of the essentials already at your doorstep,” said Gibson.

The bronzed façade is dynamic, featuring aluminium louvers that can slide open while upper levels, finished with a white terracotta material, are carefully set back to enhance privacy. A namesake Japanese maple tree will be planted in the communal garden, that will gradually transform and evolve through the seasons just as will the building’s façade over the years.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/flex1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impressions of a flexible living space. Image courtesy maplehawthorn.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="213" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flex1.jpg?itok=ndOuZkxS" title="Artist's impressions of a flexible living space. Image courtesy maplehawthorn.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impressions of a flexible living space. Image courtesy maplehawthorn.com.au</figcaption></figure>Flexible internal living spaces are a project highlight. By simply opening or closing a sliding door, the apartment spaces can be transformed into a dining room, study, spare bedroom or kids play space, depending on the needs of residents.

“Many homebuyers today look for flexibility in floorplans and this simple yet clever design consideration carefully reconfigures the living space for the resident’s everyday needs,” said Gibson.

With views across Melbourne’s skyline, Maple is oriented toward a north-westerly aspect ensuring light penetration to apartments. The interior fitout includes custom joinery pieces commissioned for this project only; oak flooring, kitchens and island benches included. “Small optional inclusions such as a bath can make a big difference to a buyer’s decision to embrace apartment living so we’re opening this up to a greater range of buyers, especially growing families for whom baths are an incredibly important feature in a home,” said Gibson.

<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/maple_display.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Maple display suite launch."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/maple_display.jpg?itok=960SOsag" title="Maple display suite launch." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Maple display suite launch.</figcaption></figure>A retail space will be situated at ground level, offering an active interface with the street while car parking has been isolated to the basement. Construction of Maple Hawthorn is scheduled to commence from mid-2015 while the Maple Hawthorn display suite will officially open its doors to the public from Saturday 11 April.

In the course of attending the display suite, Apartments.com.au sat down for a chat with ICD Property Director of Operations and Development Manager, Sal Quah and ANGLE Director Lachie Gibson. Look out for that piece in coming days.​
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ICD Property, ANGLE and Buxton Group launch Maple Hawthorn

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A number of media outlets have reported in recent days that hotel operator <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/">Ritz-Carlton</a> has signed on for <a href="http://www.fareast.net.au/">Far East Consortium</a>'s <a href="http://www.fareast.net.au/project/west-side-place/">West Side Place</a> development on the former Age site on Spencer Street. The 250 room hotel will be located on the top 15 floors of the Cottee Parker-designed 79-storey tower opposite Far East's current multi-tower project Upper West Side.

The Ritz-Carlton will boast hotel facilities and amenities such as a bar, high-end restaurant, spa centre, pool and gymnasium. A sky lobby check-in will greet guests with the Ritz-Carlton to be Australia's tallest/highest hotel. In addition to approximately 750 apartments absorbing the remainder of the tower, provision for 465 resident parking spaces and 30 hotel parking spaces will be located in the sub and podium levels.

Ritz-Carlton Melbourne will be the second for both the hotel operator and Far East Consortium after securing prime development within the Elizabeth Quay urban renewal project in Perth.

<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/ritz_carlton_elizabeth_quay.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ritz Carlton @ Elizabeth Quay, Perth. © Far East Consortium "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="445" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ritz_carlton_elizabeth_quay.jpg?itok=Hq_JvRn-" title="Ritz Carlton @ Elizabeth Quay, Perth. © Far East Consortium " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ritz Carlton at Elizabeth Quay, Perth. © Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure>A second 260 suite hotel of 3 to 4 stars will be located within within the podium and lower levels of Tower 3, on the corner of an expanded Merriman Lane and Little Lonsdale Street with a north-east aspect. Tower 3 is set to rise 62-storeys for a height of approximately 210 metres and will also include a further 520 apartments and 321 parking spaces overall.

In total there will be four towers onsite upon completion with in excess of 2,500 apartments included.

<h2>Comment</h2>

The podium in particular bares strong similarities in terms of facade articulation to the residential towers of Far East Consortium's Elizabeth Quay's project as seen above as well as The Fifth at Upper West Side.

<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/thefifth_uws.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Fifth. © Far East Consortium "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="905" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/thefifth_uws.jpg?itok=5rjDKjoQ" title="The Fifth. © Far East Consortium " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Fifth. © Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure>This treatment to the podium creates and ordered but varied appearance and aids in reducing the scale of a 30m podium into a much more finer and relatable human scale. Additionally it provides passive surveillance to the street, a far cry from the fortress of the former Age building.

The buildings beyond as they appear in the render can be treated as massing envelopes, as one of the principles within Cottee Parker's Master Plan for the site is to ensure clarity between tower forms and architecture so as not to appear as one great mass on the skyline. This was partly addressed at Upper West Side by providing a similar facade treatment of differing colours. Hopefully the language of future towers at West Side Place extends beyond just a variation in colour palette.

<blockquote>
To ensure that each building is distinctive in its design, the Master Plan includes the following principle: the architectural treatment should clearly distinguish one tower from another as individual developments.
<cite>City of Melbourne planning officer report</cite>
</blockquote>

The Ritz-Carlton also presents the first high-end, 5-star hotel to be developed in the western end of the city at the threshold between the traditional Hoddle Grid and Docklands. The site is well serviced by trams, buses, Southern Cross Station and the Sky bus shuttle service within an area experiencing significant change. Together with Upper West Side and the Savoy development, West Side Place will transform Spencer Street from the dingy area it was in the 1990's to the new face of Melbourne.

With site works well underway and display suite not far off, construction is anticipated to commence in early 2016.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/age_site_works.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site works well underway. © Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/age_site_works.jpg?itok=Nv1kFQzv" title="Site works well underway. © Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site works well underway. © Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
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Puttin' on the Ritz at West Side Place

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Apartments.com.au celebrated its second birthday this month. This is an opportune time to reflect on the past two years and look to the future.

With that in mind, let's take a trip down memory lane with some of my concept designs for various sites around Melbourne.

Following this, I will open the floor to our readers to suggest ideas or concepts they'd like to see for a site or building; for example, Central Pier or development over the railyards at Southern Cross.

<h2>Station Pier concept</h2>

<blockquote>
The idea is the development would act as a gateway for visitors arriving via sea (standing out from a distance) while also activating what is an otherwise series of 'dead' spaces. The concept won't appeal to all but hopefully it serves its purpose in provoking thought for a complex that could be so much more.
</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/montage_01_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Station pier concept © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/montage_01_11.jpg?itok=AtchEiUw" title="Station pier concept © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Station pier concept © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li><a href="/news/blockhead-concept-pier-ing-into-the-future">Blockhead concept: Pier-ing into the future</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>447 Collins Street concept</h2>

<blockquote>
The concept for Market Square, located at 447 Collins Street investigates the possibility of redeveloping the former National Mutual Plaza into a bustling urban oasis in the middle of the Melbourne CBD, that in part pays homage to the site's previous life as the Western Market.
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/03_2_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="447 Collins Street concept © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="231" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03_2_0.jpg?itok=odQlkJc1" title="447 Collins Street concept © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>447 Collins Street concept © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li><a href="/news/blockhead-concept-447-collins-street-market-square">Blockhead concept: 447 Collins Street / Market Square</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>QVM Precinct concept</h2>

<blockquote>
Like most sequels, no-one really asked for it, but I went ahead and decided to produce one anyway. Without further ado here's the highly anticipated "This little piggy went to a different market", focusing on everyone's favourite, the Queen Victoria Market.
</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/qvm_04_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Queen Victoria Market concept © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="297" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qvm_04_0.png?itok=nBzCN7ta" title="Queen Victoria Market concept © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queen Victoria Market concept © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li><a href="/news/this-little-piggy-went-to-a-different-market-probably-on-foot">This little piggy went to a different market (probably on foot)</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>What to do with Waterfront City</h2>

<blockquote>
From the moment of its conception, Waterfront City has struggled with an identity crisis of sorts; it's part entertainment precinct and part shopping precinct with no real unifying theme. Bearing that in mind today's piece constitutes the first part of a series of articles looking at ways of improving the look and usability of the precinct.
</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/waterfront_city_park.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Waterfront City concept © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="299" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/waterfront_city_park.jpg?itok=HDitirbc" title="Waterfront City concept © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Waterfront City concept © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li><a href="/expert-insights/buying/what-to-do-with-waterfront-city-part-one">What to do with Waterfront City? (part one)</a></li>
	<li><a href="/expert-insights/buying/what-to-do-with-waterfront-city-part-two">What to do with Waterfront City? (part two)</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Brunswick Market concept</h2>

<blockquote>
The strategy behind the plan is simple: live local, grow local, buy local - a self sustained village of sorts. The market traders could live within any one of the 5 apartment buildings or shop top homes, the fruit and vegetables would be grown on-site and sold on site, with the Brunswick Market housed in a new building fronting Sydney Road, integrated with an urban farm to the rear that spills out onto Florence Lane (nee Street).
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/03_laneway_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brunswick Market concept © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="247" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03_laneway_01.jpg?itok=k7PJkkjw" title="Brunswick Market concept © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brunswick Market concept © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li><a href="/news/blockhead-concept-this-little-piggy-went-to-market-on-his-fixie">Blockhead concept: this little piggy went to market (on his fixie)</a></li>
</ul>
​So which site should we devise a concept for next?
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Have your say: which site should Urban.com.au devise a concept for next?

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Urban.com.au recently had a chat with <a href="http://harwyn.com.au/">Harwyn</a> Managing Director Jason Fremder about their prefabricated studio pods and the company's ambitions and aspirations for the future.

Laurence Dragomir: What were some of the driving factors in the development of the Harwyn pods? What made you decide there was a niche or gap in the market?

Jason Fremder: I came to the conclusion that there was a need for a compact professional space combined with function and style. Now where that came from, and I'm jumping slightly ahead, I'd worked from home, I had a home office for many years ­ in fact probably the majority of my professional life. I've spent more time at my home office than my office desk and then I had a daughter and when she was born I still had my home office but it just wasn't quite the same.

One day I was in the back seat of my car, working in the driveway and it sort of occurred to me that this is what I wanted; I want to be at home but I want to be just that little bit separated from the noise, maybe not so much in those words but the experience and so I had this idea and it was very quick because I was performing due diligence on another business. I was already looking for something to do with the business and now I'm not the most stylish person on the planet, I don't want to paint that impression but I'm a modern guy with a modern car and apple equipment. So all of these things are what I wanted the office to be. Any of the things that I looked at on the market that were easy to access seemed like they were left overs from the 70's.

They just didn't seem to have that professional look ­ if I wanted to do something in my house I'd want it to be up to date and I didn't feel like there was anything out there. On top of that any of the things I thought that were not bad, I thought it was a bit hard because they were asking me to get planning permits and start becoming a builder to get involved.

Now you know when I go to buy a car I don't have to understand the mechanics of the car if I don't want to, I don't need to understand the legal system, I can go to a dealer, they can give me the price, I write the cheque and we're done! I've got my car! Now with this I felt this should be a similar experience; why can't you just get one of these units and whatever problems there might be, let's pay someone to solve them. How involved do I want to be? Let's say I'm not an involved person and I was trying to think these are the barriers to me pulling the trigger on any of the companies. It just all looked too hard. I thought it can't be that hard! So I felt like there's got to be people out there like me.

It's the times as well ­ 5 or 10 years ago this might not have worked but today working from home and with technology giving you the ability to move desks so easily, to hot desk, I thought there was a real opportunity in the market place and I was willing after performing some due diligence, we did a bit of research and look a business like this there's an element of risk but I had a very strong sense that there were plenty of like­ minded people out there in undertaking market research. So what it came down to in the end was designing the right product that met the needs of other potential professionals or hobbyists out there. The combination of we all need space and if we can make the process easy enough and accessible enough to people you'll probably find there's people out there who will respond to what we're doing.

<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/professional_reduced.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Professional pod © Harwyns"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/professional_reduced.jpg?itok=corNN8f1" title="Professional pod © Harwyns" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Professional pod © Harwyns</figcaption></figure>LD: Speaking of accessibility and convenience what is the turn around time for one of the pods?

JF: The easiest way to answer that is... a client came to us, and this is the shortest one we've had, they came to us before Christmas ­ it was the 11th of November and she wanted it in before Christmas. The first she had heard of us was on the 10th of November, so she comes into the showroom, she loves the product, picks the colours and says "I need it by the 23rd of December, what can you do?"

I obviously checked that the colours she picked were available in the time that we needed and we said sure. So from the 11th of November to the 23rd of December she had a pod fully installed and ready to go, she was sitting working in the pod. So 6 weeks is generally the norm but we can do it on a short turn around time­ we can technically do it in 10 days if it was absolutely essential, all the guys would have to be available and we'd have to make sure that our backlog wasn't too large. I think going forward into the future, 5 maybe 7 years from now I'd like to be able to buy one like you would buy a car. If they have one on the lot, you buy it and you take it home.

LD: So why do you think someone would choose a Harwyn pod?

JF: I think first of all, before any of that discussion even begins i.e. "why choose a Harwyn?" it's important to understand that like everything, a Harwyn is not for everyone. Who it's not for is people after a cheap fix. Because really you could go to Bunnings and I guess for $300 you could get a shed, put some ribbons on it and drop a desk in. A Harwyn would appeal to people such as yourself, otherwise you wouldn't be talking to me, someone that appreciates quality, the value of great design, a customer service focused company. This is a product that let's say you dropped it in the yard and it was sitting there for 10 years untouched. After 10 years you brushed it off, brushed off the webs it would still be in mint condition. This is effectively a commercial building, the build quality of it, it's the products we have chosen and specified and it's fully portable.

It's for people who want to work from home and I think that's a range of people. At the moment we're actually designing one for someone who wants a studio in her mother's backyard. It's 35sqm so two Harwyn maxi's joined together with an ensuite. So where we are and where we're going, I think we're going to be in that range of micro living. But also office space, playrooms/hobby rooms for children who I think are going to extract a lot of value out of them as they grow and in turn their needs grow.

So from a play room to a place they can have fun and not be on top of the parents, then as they grow older and they don't want the parents in their space so they now have their own private room and as they move through to VCE and their final year at school it becomes then a place where they can do their study and work without the whole house having to be silenced. The house can go on with what they do while the kids get to study.

So I think there's a lot of potential uses of which we know which exist but then there's others that we're still learning about, like the one you would have seen on the video on the website. When we started the business we never anticipated that someone with a pilates studio would require extra office space on top of a balcony! It's phenomenal, it's fantastic! And she is just ecstatic. I speak with her from time to time and she just loves it.

So some of the benefits from that sort of work/life balance include commute times, it's environmentally friendly because you're only heating or cooling small space when it needs to be heated or cooled, it's obstruction free, there are cost savings, flexibility, increased productivity, improved health. I'm sort of brushing over them, they're the benefits in point form and I could go on and on and elaborate but those are some of the benefits derived from this sort of setup.

<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_6531.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="A pod being craned into place © Harwyns"><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_6531.jpeg?itok=7GT_nNnq" title="A pod being craned into place © Harwyns" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A pod being craned into place © Harwyn</figcaption></figure>LD: The next question relates to materials. The pods are manufactured in Melbourne but with European materials – any scope in future to source local and/or recycled materials – use of timbers, fiber cement, colorbond etc? ie really localising it to an Australian context?

JF: That's a great question and I'd like to address what you're asking about in terms of the local content. The Harwyn pod is made of mostly 100% Australian product. The components that we're talking about, for example the steel base and the steel portal frames is all Australian steel, 100% welded and fabricated here in Melbourne. Then the next element is our structure ­ PIR (polyisocyanurate) panels are used predominantly in commercial and industrial cooling rooms and the advantage of the panels is the R rating is significantly higher than a EPS foam ­ at 50mm you're effectively getting the equivalent of 120mm of foam.

But more importantly it doesn't draw in any moisture so you don't have a build up of mould. It's also used in medical so it's a sterile medical product and also a good sound insulator and it's made right here in Australia, it's manufactured in Sydney from all local materials. The doors, windows and glass are all local.

If we turn our attention to the cabinets, they're all local, custom made to the pods so as you can see there's already a whole lot of local content within it. Now there's obviously a couple of elements like, for example, the carpet which isn't local for various reasons. A lot of considerations were made when choosing the materials so if we could be 100% local we would. Quality is our number one consideration and priority ­ not just how it looks today but how it's going to look in 15,20 years.

Because it can look great out of the showroom, people talk about sustainability but for me sustainability starts and ends with are we going to put it in landfill in a year or two or is this going to be something that we can use and re­use because these pods are so easily portable when someone finishes there use with it unlike a house which may get bulldozed this does not get bulldozed with it.

The reason we've gone with the ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) panels for the European component, there's a local product which we looked at... well actually it's an Australian company that imports it but we went with ACM for two reasons: an incredible style to the look of the product, we can manufacture we can fabricate them. The way the pods look today we're going to be able to redesign them shortly, which we will do, they'll come with a brand new look, completely fabricated in the new look. The ACM also gives an incredible protection. As well as solar radiation protection it comes with a 10 years manufacturer's guarantee, it doesn't deteriorate. You see the photos and the look of it, this is something important to us.

With timbers, for example, there's a huge responsibility passed back onto the client, if you do not maintain it then it's going to deteriorate and the economic cost of redoing a product like this, today whatever the labour costs are they're only going to increase. We would all love to mow the lawn and clean the car and in good faith we say that but it rarely happens. That's one of the considerations with this ­ what to do to make sure that we aren't giving the client a problem, that we're giving them a complete solution. We're not increasing workloads, we're not increasing responsibilities, we've done all the hard work in deciding the materials, the finishes, the details, all you need to do is enjoy.

That's why we've gone with the ACM but it's not to say that moving forwards we aren't open to new materials and finishes. I don't see anyway that some point over the next few years we're not going to be having 100% Australian sourced product. Not to say we would stop using ACM, because we're huge fans of it. With the way technology is progressing there's things going on that a rep could come knocking on the door tomorrow with a product we haven't heard of or seen. Chances are it'll be local with the way manufacturing is going and modernisation, 3D printing, some technology's going to come and it's just around the corner, no doubt.

In fairness to us I think we have done well with the way manufacturing and local products in Australia are, we've really looked to open up production. I've told this story before but I was hugely inspired by Jayco caravans. I don't use caravans but I went out to have a look at their factory after a friend suggested to go look at manufacturing in Australia. So I went and had a look and they produce 100% Australian made caravans. It's incredible to see the possibilities of what we can do. They pump out 10,000 caravans a year from a local factory...an unbelievable operation. I'm personally really proud that we have local guys and we're giving them work.

LD: Just to finish off. With an eye towards the future where do you see the greatest opportunity for its application? Where are you hoping to take it moving forward? How easy is it to combine pods and do you see that becoming more common?

JF: It's always difficult to predict what's going to happen, we're we plan on going forwards and where we're actually heading, we don't know. But as an example with the client that put two pods together ­ to clarify we designed it so as to put two of our super maxis together. We've engineered it so that we can add any amount together be it 3, 4, 6 etc. no problem. In the future we'll also have double story pods, we'll be able to stack them one on top of the other. We're actually working on that as we speak.

The potential then for business hubs ­ a cluster of 10 pods connected by little decks where various professions are working ­ we've started exploring that with a range of clients and no doubt we'll have one up and running in the very near future. It's these kind of directions that we might head in. We receive enquiries from various types of industries; from corporates, education etc. There's no shortage of industries contacting us. Everyone needs space. As the need for space grows and as we know real estate has become increasingly valuable, how to utilise space cleverly? That's what we're in the business of. I think there are a lot of possibilities going forward.

LD: Thanks for your time Jason and I look forward to chatting again in the not-too-distant future.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/meeting_higher.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Meeting pod © Harwyns"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/meeting_higher.jpg?itok=QZ5_pTkp" title="Meeting pod © Harwyns" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Meeting pod © Harwyns</figcaption></figure>
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Harwyn's designer pods for creation and recreation

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The City of Melbourne's Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee last Tuesday met to consider the planning application for Mirvac's 40-storey office complex at 477 Collins Street. Council resolved to notify the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) of its support for the <a href="http://grimshaw-architects.com/">Grimshaw</a>-designed tower - subject to proposed modifications to the loading/unloading arrangements and the Flinders Lane podium façade treatment - to be addressed via recommended conditions on the planning permit:

<blockquote>
The proposed built form including building height and setbacks are appropriate in this context. The proposed setbacks are adequate for an office development and will provide sufficient separation from adjoining properties, Flinders Lane and to the exiting heritage buildings facing Collins Street.

Furthermore, the development has been designed to avoid any overshadowing of the south bank of the Yarra River and will fall with existing shadows over the north bank of the Yarra River.
<cite>Future Melbourne Committee</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/477_collins_street_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amended elevations. © Grimshaw"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="292" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/477_collins_street_0.jpg?itok=LhSomIlC" title="Amended elevations. © Grimshaw" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amended elevations. © Grimshaw</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The existing commercial car park presents a very poor interface to Flinders Lane and whilst the development is an improvement through the introduction of active uses at ground and mezzanine levels, when viewed from Flinders Lane it presents as a car park partially screened by vertical twisting steel louvers. Additional activation/visual interest should be introduced into the façade to increase interest and provide an integrated design that is consistent with the preferred built form direction.

This can be achieved by introducing a casing of active uses (dwelling, office, etc.) or an active façade treatment such as a green wall or art.
<cite>Future Melbourne Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

The current plans propose ground level glazed shop front-type facades to provide improved permeability: rising to a height of two storeys, bookended by two glazed staircases which provide glimpses of visual activity. The car park levels were proposed to be visually concealed via a screen consisting of vertical perforated metal blades which would also animate an otherwise static facade and provide visual interest.

The development would join a host of other skyscrapers either under construction or on the horizon in the immediate area, namely <a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House</a>, <a href="/buildings/568-collins-street-melbourne">568 Collins Street</a>, 567 Collins Street, and the taller <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">555 Collins Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">447 Collins Street</a> developments which are both seeking exemptions from overshadowing Southbank. 477 Collins would become the tallest commercial tower to be built in the west end of Melbourne's CBD in the 2000's.

<h2>477 Collins Street Recap</h2>

<ul>
<li>Office Leasable Floor Area: approx. 54,123sqm</li>
	<li>Retail Leasable Floor Area: 2461sqm</li>
	<li>​Building height: 165m, 40-storeys</li>
	<li>​Podium height 28.5m (to Flinders Street)</li>
	<li>Front, side and rear setbacks North – 16.8 metres South - 4.5 metres (levels 15- 25), 19.94 metres (levels 26-37) and 28 metres (levels 38-40) East – 4.2 metres West – 4.8 metres</li>
	<li>Gross floor area (GFA) 98,239sqm</li>
	<li>​Car parking spaces: 409 commercial spaces</li>
	<li>Bicycle facilities and spaces: 464 employee spaces, 81 visitor spaces, 34 showers</li>
</ul>
With support from council under its belt, final approval from Planning Minister Richard Wynne shouldn't be too far off.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Mirvac</li>
	<li>Architect: Grimshaw</li>
	<li>Planning Consultant: Urbis</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: Lovell Chen</li>
	<li>Structural Consultant: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Services, Traffic &amp; ESD Consultant: ARUP</li>
</ul>
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477 Collins Street gains unanimous support from City of Melbourne

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Last month it was <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-to-build-first-public-highrise-high-school-in-parramatta-20150212-13ctqm">reported</a> that <a href="/new-apartments/parramatta-nsw">Parramatta</a> would be developing NSW's first high-rise school set to open in 2019. Apartments.com.au discussed some of the opportunities and challenges associated with a vertical campus and how it might be implemented in Melbourne with <a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> Director Richard Leonard.

Laurence Dragomir: Has the practice had much involvement in investigating the high-rise school model?

Richard Leonard: Yes, we have been involved in a couple of similar projects recently. One assisting the Department of Education in re-thinking a denser model of school in one of the outer suburbs in one of the more built up areas - it was a small study of what a dense model of secondary school might be.

The major one was a few years ago where we worked with VicUrban to re-think what a primary school model might be in the context of an area like the <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>. That was quite a significant study undertaken working with the VicUrban team and especially with the education expert Dr. Julia Atkin to really promote what might be a specific response to a dense urban condition such as the Docklands. But also in the sense of what might be teasing out a contemporary response to education and exploring a 21st Century education model.

LD: Was that an exercise in developing some more general ideas rather than a site specific response i.e. was this done prior to a site being chosen at Digital Harbour?

RL: It was more about developing ideas. Some sites were “road-tested” but it was fairly fluid; it was more about exploring what might be more of a successful education model that would fit in the context of Docklands.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://urban.melbourne/sites/urban.melbourne/files/pictures/article-images/vertical_school_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Vertical School conceptual study. © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="439" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vertical_school_2.png?itok=7ytxJmik" title="Vertical School conceptual study. © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Vertical School conceptual study. © Hayball</figcaption></figure>In the end like a lot of these studies, it's really a matter of waiting for the planets to align. It really requires government departments and the authorities to co-operate to make it happen. It was a very interesting study in terms of re-thinking, firstly the model of schools and secondly how that transfers into a really dense and rich environment such as Docklands… but you could intersperse that really with any inner city condition. You could even think in terms of the denser areas in the outskirts of Melbourne or even Sydney. In Melbourne places like <a href="/new-apartments/dandenong-vic-3175">Dandenong</a>, <a href="/developments/cranbourne-vic-3977">Cranbourne</a> or <a href="/new-apartments/ringwood-vic-3134">Ringwood</a> - those sort of built up areas or in Sydney as we're seeing with the Parramatta school. Any of those environments are really conducive to the concept of a denser school model that responds to its specific urban context.

LD: What are some of the programmatic issues around safety and amenity that should be considered and some of the challenges they might raise?

RL: I think safety is probably the easy one because you deal with that in the knowledge that we have some pretty powerful regulatory controls that predict what you have to do in terms of life safety. Amenity is the big one particularly in terms of breakout spaces and play spaces and that's a big challenge in dense urban contexts.

But there’s an even bigger issue and one that I believe people aren't addressing – and it's lost in the immediacy of people “solution jumping” to propose the design solutions. The bigger issue is in really understanding what the education model is… because what we know is that you can't try to shoehorn a traditional school into that sort of environment - that is to say that we just can’t take a traditional school model and stack it 5-storeys high - that's simply not the model that's going to work.

It's really about defining what is the contemporary model of education that will work in that rich urban environment and combine to contribute to it. That is, what can the city offer the school and the school offer the city? And to better define what we mean by the contemporary school mode, I suppose this is best summarised by a place containing variety of spaces that are adaptable, creative, collaborative, responsive and working through the reciprocal nature of education which supports learners that are self-directed and teachers that are learning mentors… and that integrates with the community. So it's a very different model to transfer those traits into the city or a dense urban context and not just try to replicate a traditional, outer urban school model. That's the real cruncher.

And I think there's obviously a great possibility in terms of the land and financial efficiency with the dense school model. But then how do you make it contribute to a sense of community? How do you enable the workers or the residents of that area to have their kids educated close to their workplace? And how you make it function is coming back to that fundamental definition of contemporary education and the response of the educators to successfully promote, implement and sustain the model.

This is critical. Especially in the dense urban school, it's about the re-imagining of the education model and how it responds to the context and the community. Defining the model and the pedagogical response - that is, how do learners learn and how do teachers teach? And with such a fundamental shift, having the government behind it and supporting the shift in thinking is crucial. The Parramatta model is a good example: it's had very competent architects who are skilled in education and who have developed a pretty interesting model, but the concern I have is that it needs to be matched by the government in its education philosophies and pedagogies.

However as I understand it, what the authorities have publicised in Parramatta is 'classrooms of the future'! But as a Sydney colleague astutely points out, so often in that State they haven't yet progressed to classrooms of the present. The very fact that they're also talking about “classrooms” is a bit of a giveaway because that's a very traditional way of learning and of thinking of schools. So I have some concerns about how the project there might be developed successfully and hopefully the government does respond to the more progressive thinking and work with it because it's fundamental for success in the Parramatta context.

LD: With a vertical model how do you see that playing out - there was a brief mention of it earlier - in terms of open space, sports facilities etc? I remember working a number of years ago on the MacRobertson Girls' High School masterplan and one of the areas we looked at was how the school utilised its location and adjacency to Albert Park and the facilities on offer there - almost becoming an extension of the school grounds or campus. Do you see that as something that as being one possible solution to addressing the need and desire for open space and other facilities?

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://urban.melbourne/sites/urban.melbourne/files/pictures/article-images/macrob_masterplan_2010.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MacRobertson Girls' High Masterplan 2010. © Kerstin Thompson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/macrob_masterplan_2010.jpg?itok=-GInBL1g" title="MacRobertson Girls' High Masterplan 2010. © Kerstin Thompson Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MacRobertson Girls' High Masterplan 2010. © Kerstin Thompson Architects</figcaption></figure>RL: I think that's absolutely right. I'm pretty familiar with MacRob as we also did some masterplanning work there some years ago ourselves. It's interesting because as you would realise, for them to function they virtually rely on that synergistic use of the locality; that is they walk their students down to MSAC (Melbourne Sports &amp; Aquatic Centre) to use many of the facilities there and that's vital for their functioning as a school. Also they utilize the adjacent public parkland for break-out and recreation. It is a really good example of how a school can successfully exist in an inner city location. But then I think you have to ask "what are the next steps?"

Now MacRob's is a very traditional model of school that promotes a very specific and important function in the Department of Education system here as one of their lighthouse high-performance schools. So I guess when we're talking about the next steps in an inner urban area then how do you considering the school as more of an integrated community resource. That works to some extent at MacRob where, for example, their Gymnasium is heavily used out of hours by the local community. In inner-urban schools it is important to consider the opportunities for those reciprocal relationships that schools can have with their locality.

For instance if you take the Docklands as an example there was consideration of how a school could use the collateral of the city such as galleries, museums, the municipal library, the river or any of the other pieces of infrastructure that exist; and conversely how the school could support community activities and services that would help develop that relationship and connection with the local community – so the school could act as a focus for what is currently a fairly desolate area. To explain that idea further, there was consideration for how the school might embrace some of the City of Melbourne functions to have connection to social services or communal facilities or meeting spaces etc. In that context we were considering does the school need a library or can it use the Docklands Library instead, so you could really think about that synergistic connection of school to its context.

We went further in fact to look and say well that's one model and there's plenty of models around the world that are good examples of that; one of the best ones, the Discovery School in Christchurch (pre-earthquake) was from memory in a 5-6-storey building located in the middle of the Christchurch CBD. The students were using the collateral of the city seamlessly – city mall, the parklands, the library etc and even having interconnections with businesses… really, an intense and rich use of the city resources.

So when it came to the Docklands school we were also considering the possibilities to have an impact in the whole of the Docklands area. One of the propositions for instance was a satellite model – does the school need to be in a single location or can it be a more dispersed model? You could think of the school having a central hub and supporting satellite facilities around the neighbourhood that could be much more of a finer grain response to the particular different localities of that context and that provide a much broader set of resources and opportunities. For example, the arts areas could co-locate with galleries or the sports area co-locate with the city’s sports facilities or learning hubs could be embedded within local communities. And that was pretty interesting because again it was trying to get away from the “fortress school” mentality and thinking that the first step is to encourage the “code-sharing” of facilities and learning spaces that might exist in a number of community locations. Some schools have done that pretty successfully in terms of having city-campuses, or outpost facilities in the country, overseas, in shopping centres and so forth, so there's many other ways to think of it.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://urban.melbourne/sites/urban.melbourne/files/pictures/article-images/vertical_school_11.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Vertical School conceptual study. © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vertical_school_11.png?itok=TohMJoLC" title="Vertical School conceptual study. © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Vertical School conceptual study. © Hayball</figcaption></figure>LD: Now the obvious question I think is, and you sort of touched on it before but what might some of these designs look like? And how do you future proof the schools to cater for growth and dealing with advances in technology?

RL: That's the million dollar question isn't it and I don't think there's any simple answer. I think some interesting thinking has been provided by Steven Harris, the Principal of Northern Beaches Christian College in Sydney. He often challenges architects by questioning how do you even know that the school that you are developing now will even be a school in, say, 30 years’ time? So he correctly promotes the need to build-in flexibility of use, but more perversely is questioning us on the future of “bricks and mortar” schools. His current model of school that he regularly admits inspired him was walking around Madrid Airport where he concluded it was a pretty good model for a school in the sense that you have all the possibilities of flexible learning in a rich environment. So he has re-conceptualised his school along the lines of almost the supermarket principle of not talking about classrooms at all but talking about a rich variety of experiences and opportunities – and very much a flexible, creative, student-centric model.

I think whether it's an inner city school or a dense school or an outer suburban 12ha lot, we're still really dealing with exactly the same fundamental problem: where is education heading? I think there are the universal principles of student-centric learning, of more research-based work, of collaborative paradigms, of interconnections with community that is much more stronger than it was a decade or two ago. I think all of those things can only continue to emerge and grow and be impacted by our re-thinking of education and also by advances in technology.

We were recently wrestling with the notion of advances in technology in terms of education. For instance, speaking with some educators about the possibility of where some of this technology is heading and the fact that probably in just a few years’ time we will have students working with 3d glasses etc. That means they could do a lot of work at home or in fact anywhere, but still feel like they in the school or teaching environment - that you could have an immersive school experience virtually. Similar to Steven Harris’ provocations, that's going to radically shift the thinking of what is “school” and how is it delivered.

LD: Anything you would like to finish the discussion with Richard?

RL: If I could reinforce one thing, I'd say the missing link and possibly - and I hope not - but possibly key challenge with the Parramatta school, is that so often governments are good when making the big announcements and putting up the edifices as the “next big thing”. But the key part is to support that with the infrastructure – both the human and the policy framework – to make sure that it is sustainable. Human in terms of getting their teachers professionally developed to be able to work in these new contexts; and augmented by policy framework supporting what they are doing system-wide and not just as an isolated outpost exemplar school. Otherwise, we might just be developing a white elephant.

LD: Richard, it has been a pleasure and I thank you again for taking the time to have a chat.
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A discussion on vertical modes of learning with Hayball's Richard Leonard 

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For as long as I can remember, stretching all the way back to my early days on the SkyscraperCity forums, I had a keen interest in how Melbourne was developing. Within the confines of the Hoddle Grid, Southbank and the emerging Docklands precinct the likes of Eureka, Freshwater Place, 121 Exhibition Street, Urban Workshop etc. were under construction simultaneously; the boom acting as a catalyst for public interest.

Fast forward ten years and not much has changed: the behemoth that is Australia 108 is set to rise from the former swampland of Southbank, and there are cranes a plenty dotting the city skyline. With so much development happening the question that is inevitably raised: what will it all look like into the future?

Over the last couple years on Apartments.com.au, I've looked at a number of planning applications and have tried to represent these proposals in-situ, providing context to any particular project. This provides our readers with a greater understanding of their impact upon the city.

I first started a digital model of central Melbourne about eight years ago, beginning with a simple model that I used as a base, and am now about to embark on its third iteration. With a more accurate CAD base to work from - but using a lot of the information from the second model - Rhinoceros 3D will be used for modelling along with the associated Vray plug-in for rendering. The digital model allows for the output of images like these (albeit with some post production in Photoshop):

<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/sth3pg4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered Melbourne CBD. © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="250" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sth3pg4.jpg?itok=mv5gJzDH" title="Rendered Melbourne CBD. © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered Melbourne CBD. © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/view_04.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Montague Precinct. © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="223" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/view_04.jpg?itok=tukJ-B43" title="Montague Precinct. © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Montague Precinct. © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure>What purpose will the digital model ultimately serve, beyond being able to generate imagery? I think it would be great to eventually see it printed and on display; a resource for the greater public to utilise in order to get a handle on what's happening in and around Melbourne.

The City of Sydney has had one for a good twenty years and although not 3D printed, it sets a pretty decent standard. Both City of Melbourne and DTPLI have digital models but these aren't available to the public or even industry; the subject of a future article no doubt.

<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/city-model-112.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sydney CBD model. © City of Sydney"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/city-model-112.jpg?itok=RkImOgyG" title="Sydney CBD model. © City of Sydney" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sydney CBD model. © City of Sydney</figcaption></figure>Naturally a complete model of inner Melbourne will take some time and effort to build, but the end result will be a publicly viewable instrument that will be beneficial in many ways. Stay tuned for model updates in the weeks and months to come.
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Urban.com.au's CBD Model in the making

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Away from the high profile yet dawdling urban renewal area that is Joseph Street Precinct, a raft of other Footscray infill development sites are in the process of finding new purpose. With infrastructure such as the new West Footscray Railway Station in place and located only a handful of kilometres from Melbourne's CBD, Footscray is proving to be a popular choice for both developers and residents alike.

One of the 'early adopters' was developer Cedar Woods who pounced upon a sizeable development site fronting Barkly Street, Footscray during 2006. Now known as Banbury Village, the final stage of the development consists of a ROTHELOWMAN-designed apartment complex dubbed Botanica Apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3031]

After a mixture of housing types to date, Botancia Apartments represents Cedar Woods' foray into apartment living within Banbury Village. On the back of this I recently spoke with State Manager at Cedar Woods Properties, Nathan Blackburne, regarding Banbury Village and the ongoing role that the development firm plays in urban regeneration.

Laurence Dragomir: Describe the highlights that have made Banbury Village successful.

Nathan Blackburne: The Banbury Village project is a development comprising over 400 dwellings that occupies a 9ha site adjacent to the Whitten Oval and West Footscray Railway Station. The site was once home to the former Olympic Tyre factory which Cedar Woods purchased, rezoned, remediated and then submitted the planning application with council. We first acquired the site in 2006 and commenced development in 2008.

I think the project has been a great success in terms of providing a good example of what is possible with urban renewal on a large scale in inner Melbourne. It' showcases a contemporary architectural style, attractive streetscapes, a variety of housing typologies with the provision of a central park. The project has been met with strong demand and I think that's in part due to the quality of the design outcome that has been achieved.

Sales for the final stage Botanica Apartments have been strong. The project contains a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments and presents the last opportunity to buy into the Banbury Village development.

LD: What was the main factor/drawcard for Cedar Woods getting involved with urban renewal in Footscray, and in particular this site?

NB: Cedar Woods from the outset had our eye on inner Melbourne sites that we felt were ripe for renewal. Footscray was yet to go through regeneration in any meaningful manner and we identified it as a suburb with firstly sites available for renewal, and secondly significant upside in pricing.

Banbury Village along with other developments in the area acted as a catalyst and a lot of families and professionals wanted to be close to the CBD. Hence buyers consider Footscray as a viable option when they realised that they could get a brand new home for a relatively affordable price.

<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/gs-cedarwoodsmd3-external_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Botanica Apartments at Banbury Village. Image courtesy Cedar Woods"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="156" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gs-cedarwoodsmd3-external_11.jpg?itok=MdIKWPbT" title="Botanica Apartments at Banbury Village. Image courtesy Cedar Woods" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Botanica Apartments at Banbury Village. Image courtesy Cedar Woods</figcaption></figure>LD: So were they essentially your target market for Banbury Village?

NB: The variety of product means that there was a variety of household structures that were attracted to the project so we have had a mix of singles, couples and young families with probably a greater focus on the family category. This is fairly representative of our expectations and I should say that the project's proximity to the university has attracted a lot of younger people as well.

It was the mix of potential buyer types that made this project attractive for us in the first place.

LD: You touched on the architecture briefly. Is there any particular reason for engaging ROTHELOWMAN for the next stage, Botanica Apartments?

NB: I should mention that dKO were the architects responsible for the majority of the Banbury Village development and ROTHELOWMAN who are well regarded architects have designed the main building and the centrepiece of the development in Botanica Apartments. We wanted to ensure from the beginning that we achieved a quality design outcome that fit in well with the earlier developments and so we chose ROTHELOWMAN because of their reputation within the industry for medium-density apartment developments in inner Melbourne.

We have previously worked with RL on other integrated housing developments and their work for us has been exceptional.

LD: Is there scope for similar projects for Cedar Woods in the future? What's the next project post Banbury?

NB: We see a lot of opportunity for urban renewal projects in Melbourne, in both the inner and middle ring suburbs. In the last couple of years Cedar Woods has acquired two major sites that will deliver similar projects to what has been delivered at Banbury Village.

Firstly we acquired 6.8ha in St Albans next to the train station which the State Government has announced will be subject to approximately $200m in grade separation works and a new station. The project will have a similar mix of houses, townhouses and apartments and that capitalises on the proximity to the redeveloped train station and the retail centre of St Albans.

The St Albans development will be known as St A and will have a very similar impact on St Albans in the same way that Banbury Village has had on its surrounds. St A will seek to deliver a contemporary housing form with some central parkland and all within a few hundred metres of the proposed new station.

We then have the Jackson Green development in Clayton South which is a 6.5ha site that we recently settled on and will accommodate over 250 dwellings which again will comprise a mix of houses, townhouses and apartments. It's the site of the former Sigma Pharmaceuticals adjacent to the Centre and Carinish Road level crossing. It's one of the bigger sites in the area and we're excessively happy to have purchased it.

A part of our Victorian strategy is to acquire inner and middle suburban sites in Melbourne and we're pleased that we have four projects in the portfolio that fit that profile.

<h2>Large Footscray infill sites see movement</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/merchant-square_image001.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kavellaris Urban Design's scheme for Kinnears . Image courtesy KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/merchant-square_image001.jpg?itok=lPtjpn56" title="Kavellaris Urban Design's scheme for Kinnears . Image courtesy KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kavellaris Urban Design's scheme for Kinnears . Image courtesy KUD</figcaption></figure>In addition to Banbury Village, The Kinnears site fronting Ballarat Road is also due for development after being dormant for years. Now owned by Guangzhou-based R&amp;F Properties, the four hectare site joins another of the developers land holdings in Fishermans Bend, both of which are capable of housing thousands of people when realised.

Incidentally Kavellaris Urban Design are carrying a suite of renders for a redeveloped Kinnears on their website, one of which is seen above. Whether this is mere coincidence or a precursor to a planning application remains to be seen.

<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/1257-974-1412901261.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria University Student Accommodation. Image courtesy ADCO"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="293" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1257-974-1412901261.jpg?itok=VFYwSCts" title="Victoria University Student Accommodation. Image courtesy ADCO" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria University Student Accommodation. Image courtesy ADCO</figcaption></figure>The other current project of note consumes a fraction of what is a sprawling at-grade gravel car park opposite Victoria University's Ballarat Road campus. Valued at $47 million, the 12 level student accommodation project is currently under construction with ADCO building the project.

Containing 504 beds, the project is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2016 academic year.
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Banbury Village leading the Footscray development charge

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 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

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<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.

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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.

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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.
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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.

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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.

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<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.”

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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.

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Laurence Dragomir

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