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Last month developer <a href="http://www.mirvac.com/">Mirvac</a> lodged an application to build a 14 level office building atop its existing 8-storey car parking garage at <a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.821554,144.963366,3a,75y,317.97h,92.36t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1ss-5K7ZkgUzDK0dmWvkP24g!2e0">2 Riverside Quay</a>. Designed by <a href="http://www.fkaustralia.com/">Fender Katsalidis Architects</a>, the new structure would rise an additional 51.5m for an overall height of 78m to roof.
While not the most architecturally adventurous design, the proposed building (rightly or wrongly) doesn't look out of place amongst its older, shorter siblings fronting the promenade. Unfortunately I can't help but think suburban office park when I look at the renders.
On the bright side, however, it will go some way to helping enliven an otherwise barren area with provision for a considerably improved public realm. I will be focusing on the merits of the ground level aspect (pardon the pun, but not really) of the proposal first before taking a closer look at the office building.
<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/Riverside%20Square.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed Riverside Square perspective. © Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="292" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Riverside%20Square.jpg?itok=DxKTT6ZA" title="Proposed Riverside Square perspective. © Mirvac" width="580"></a>
<blockquote>
	Central to the vision, is the strategy to deliver a reconfigured destinational public space to the east of the existing carpark and to create a new urban space for Southbank, Riverside Square.
	By embedding a range of programs which respond to a wide range of users, Riverside Quay will be an exemplar of public placemaking. The strategy for the precinct is to deliver a series of ‘public spaces’ as a staged process, with Riverside Square being the first step and the laneways and intersecting public spaces to follow.
</blockquote>
Mirvac are proposing to deliver the <a href="http://aspect.net.au/">ASPECT Studio</a>'s designed masterplan in partnership with the City of Melbourne, with the design approach centred on the following key themes and intentions/motivations:
<ul>
<li>
		Draw People In: An invitation to draw people into a stimulating and intimate experience - connected with Eureka Skydeck, Southgate, the promenade and the broader Southbank neighbourhood.</li>
	<li>
		Sequence of Public Rooms: A choice of activities and ambiences that appeal to many people at all times of the day and year, including significant residential, family, worker and visitor populations.</li>
	<li>
		Animated, Fine Grained &amp; Human Centred Design: Provide ample opportunities for people to linger, recreate and converse in comfortable and engaging outdoor spaces.</li>
	<li>
		Easy Connections: A precinct wide understanding of context has informed our approach to the Riverside Quay Reserve area, including important links to Eureka tower and Southbank (east, west and south) and Promenade</li>
</ul>
<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/Riverside%20Square%20Public%20Domain%20Character_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverside Square Public Domain Character. © ASPECT Studios"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="379" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Riverside%20Square%20Public%20Domain%20Character_0.jpg?itok=JJrgeALY" title="Riverside Square Public Domain Character. © ASPECT Studios" width="580"></a>
As the preceding images illustrate, the look and feel of what is an otherwise dead space favoured by skateboarders, is set for a significant transformation. Where previously visitors would pass through the on their way to somewhere more interesting and inviting, they will now be encouraged to stop and engage with the area.
This is all however subject to further negotiations between Mirvac and City of Melbourne, but thankfully the intent is present as it's a great opportunity to hugely improve a underutilised public space mere metres from the Yarra. My only concern is the amount of sunlight the square will actually receive, particularly in the cooler months as demonstrated in the shadow analysis below.
<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/shadow%20winter%20solstice.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Shadow Study - Winter Solstice."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="168" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shadow%20winter%20solstice.jpg?itok=RpqCPLWZ" title="Shadow Study - Winter Solstice." width="580"></a>
The 20,000sqm development is targeting a 5-star Green Star &amp; 4.5 Star NABERS Energy rating through initiatives such as rainwater collection, water sensitive urban design, sustainable material selection, solar orientation and a host of other measures. Level 9 above the existing structure will house plant services and a significant new cyclist end of trip facility including 202 bicycle spaces, 10 male showers, 8 female showers to be accessed via a dedicated bike lift.
Kitchen facilities, a large rooftop pavilion and landscaped deck sit atop level 21. A new retail tenancy and office lobby are located along the eastern frontage connecting out to Riverside Square.
Additionally a new veil in the form of an art commission is proposed to conceal the existing parking structure's north and south facades. 32 parking spaces will be removed in order to accommodate the new service and facilities associated with the development above.
<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/2RQ%20elevations.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="North &amp; South Elevations. © Fender Katsalidis."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2RQ%20elevations.jpg?itok=exrA1W_Q" title="North &amp; South Elevations. © Fender Katsalidis." width="580"></a>
Positives for mine centre around contributions to the streetscape and ground plane, whilst adding another layer or 'step' into taller structures deeper into Southbank - I look forward to seeing how this vision is delivered.
Overall despite some weaknesses, visually, the development promises to be a significant improvement on what is currently there.
<h2>
	Project team</h2>
<dl>
<dt>
		Developer</dt>
	<dd>
		Mirvac</dd>
	<dt>
		Architect</dt>
	<dd>
		Fender Katsalidis Architects</dd>
	<dt>
		Landscape Architect</dt>
	<dd>
		ASPECT Studios</dd>
	<dt>
		Planning</dt>
	<dd>
		Urbis</dd>
	<dt>
		ESD</dt>
	<dd>
		Umow Lai</dd>
	<dt>
		Traffic</dt>
	<dd>
		Cardno</dd>
	<dt>
		Waste Management</dt>
	<dd>
		Wastech</dd>
	<dt>
		Wind Assessment</dt>
	<dd>
		MEL Consultants</dd>
</dl>
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Laurence Dragomir

On the bright side >  2 Riverside Quay, Southbank

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The title of this afternoon's article is in part a light-hearted celebration of the return of Game of Thrones (for a fourth season tonight), but also a commentary on the visual and physical dominance of 252 LaTrobe Street when considered in its future context, amongst a host of other talls. In other words, an excuse for me to churn out some renders.

Where Melbourne Central once reigned supreme for over two decades as the dominant tower in the northern quadrant of the CBD, a Game of Thrones-style powerplay is emerging, with tower after tower reaching higher for the skies.

With a tapering form not unlike that of the deity of all skyscrapers - the Burj Khalifa - this 267m edifice looks like ruling the skies for quite some time come. I personally hope it doesn't meet the same cruel and tragic fate as Rob Stark (although in saying that he probably had it coming).

For now please enjoy the slew of images below of 252 LaTrobe in context. Until next time, brace yourselves… winter is coming… (it's only two months away!)

<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/image_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="399" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image_16.jpg?itok=hHrGWx2B" width="580"></a>

And for those who missed it <a href="/news/the-answer-224-252-la-trobe-street-melbourne">here's yesterday's article</a> by Mark. Click the images below for a larger view.
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The King in the North: 224-252 LaTrobe Street

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Following a great deal of procrastinating over the last few weeks, I have the pleasure of finally presenting part two of my What to do with Waterfront City? duology; a case of better late than never, one could argue. If you would, please cast your mind back to two months ago or alternatively <a href="/expert-insights/buying/what-to-do-with-waterfront-city-part-one">refresh your memory</a> with part one.

Today's piece focuses on the sites to the perimeter of the precinct that have been built to a low-density and feature only a single program: Costco and Medibank Ice House. Where part one investigated an approach to the public realm aspects of the precinct, part two looks at the commercial aspects.

Rather than being explicit about exactly what should be built or done with the precinct, the idea is to be a little more implicit: encouraging a level of discourse through some pretty pictures I put together.

<h2>Costco and Residential towers</h2>

When Costco opened the doors to their new warehouse in the heart of Vancouver in 2009, Costco's regional marketing manager for Western Canada, Robin Ross described it as "the most unique Costco in the world." Part of the Spectrum project, the Costco on Expo Boulevard anchors a residential development of four highrises, built on the edge of Yaletown making it the first Costco to be built in the heart of a city.

<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/Costco%20Vancouver_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Costco%20Vancouver_0.jpg?itok=m5qxjbwo"></a>

When Australia's first Costco was built in Melbourne's Docklands, all we got was a shed, albeit one with more character than most.

<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/Costco_Photo_04_PH.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Costco Docklands. © NH Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Costco_Photo_04_PH.jpg?itok=nlBeWVq3" title="Costco Docklands. © NH Architecture"></a>

Designed by <a href="http://www.nharchitecture.net/">NH Architecture</a>, I've always considered it to be missed opportunity to deliver a quality mixed-use project that marks the gateway into Docklands but also provides a crucial interface with the precinct and the adjacent future development at E-Gate.

<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/costco-RENDERS.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Revamped Costco with residential towers above. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/costco-RENDERS.jpg?itok=S6K5SHyo" title="Revamped Costco with residential towers above. © Laurence Dragomir"></a>

Through a redressing of the exterior of the Costco warehouse and the introduction of residential towers (two vs Vancouver's four) that employ a warm palette of timber and feature rooftop gardens, a visually static building suddenly becomes more lively on the outside and provides a stronger edge to the precinct.

A sinuous podium structure housing Costco, allows for the creation of pocket parks providing a buffer to the road network adjacent. The separation between the towers allows visual privacy but also views beyond from the Melbourne Star Wheel, framing views to and from. Visually a higher density mixed-use development provides a cue for the imminent E-Gate regeneration project and a gateway landmark of sorts into Docklands.

<h2>Medibank Ice House and New Hotel</h2>

Few will probably recall but at one point in time it was proposed that the two ice rinks which form Medibank Ice House were to be built above the multi-storey car park at Waterfront City, effectively killing two birds with one stone. Unfortunately, this never proceeded to construction and we are now left with two problems. With the multi-storey car park being dealt with in part one, the attention shifts to Ice House.

<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/icehouse%20Hotel_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ice House Hotel. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/icehouse%20Hotel_1.jpg?itok=DDDxhloi" title="Ice House Hotel. © Laurence Dragomir"></a>

As a means of funneling people through Harbour Town, why not build a hotel above the existing rink, utilising the pockets and strips of land around the perimeter to introduce lift cores and support columns. The foyer would be part of an expanded entry off Pearl River Road.

While the novelty of short-stay accommodation above an ice rink may not be everyone's cup of tea, the views back towards Docklands and the city would be quite something. Direct and easy access to CityLink via Footscray Road would also be one of the benefits of locating a hotel there.

Time permitting a conclusion piece - that considers the remaining undeveloped pockets of land adjacent to Harbour Town complex and the airspace above - may appear later down the track. Until then, I leave you with one final image to finish on looking down at the sites in question.

<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/Wfc2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ice House Hotel looking over WFC. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Wfc2.jpg?itok=KRDyF6Qh" title="Ice House Hotel looking over WFC. © Laurence Dragomir"></a>
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What to do with Waterfront City? (Part Two)

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Recently news filtered through that Sydney-based <a href="http://www.ashemorgan.com.au/">AsheMorgan</a> had <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/docklands-sale-citys-biggest-in-seven-years/story-fn9656lz-1226857431660#">acquired Harbour Town and the Medibank Ice House Ice complex</a> within Waterfront City from <a href="http://www.ingrealestate.com.au/">ING Real Estate</a>. The $150m sale of the 40,000sqm centre follows the disposal of the Melbourne Star observation wheel to its Japanese builders and the sale of Waterfront City's only water fronted parcel to <a href="http://www.mab.com.au/">MAB</a> who are developing <a href="http://www.newquaypromenade.com.au/home">NewQuay Promenade</a>.

These asset disposals seem a clear sign that ING Real Estate are looking to slowly but surely exit the precinct and absolve themselves of any further responsibility within the area. They currently retain ownership (for the time being at least) of the the Costco building, the multi-level car park and an adjacent undeveloped tract of land. The question which must now be posed is - "where to now for the trouble plagued precinct?"

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.

<h2>Rebranding/Change of name</h2>

With the single stretch of water frontage now controlled by MAB (see render below) it would appear an opportune time to reconsider the precinct's name and branding strategy in addition to erasing the negativity associated with the precinct.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/NewQuay%20Promenade.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="NewQuay Promenade. © MAB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/NewQuay%20Promenade.jpg?itok=V-VRoDDs" title="NewQuay Promenade. © MAB" width="580"></a>

Now this is probably best left to the marketing types but let's just go with something like North Dock. I'll be honest I didn't expend a whole lot of mental power in conceiving the name but I think it's not half bad. Feel free to suggest your own.

<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/northdock.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="North Dock."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="171" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/northdock.jpg?itok=2fnpsA8C" title="North Dock." width="580"></a>

<h2>Improving the first impression</h2>

When entering Harbour Town either after disembarking from a tram or crossing Docklands Drive, visitors to the precinct are confronted with a bland and sterile entry point defined by cheap finishes over what should be a gateway building. Introducing a green wall to soften the harshness of the facade and employing an operable timber screen both for resident privacy and visual interest would do wonders for a comparatively small outlay.

Signage identifying the precinct awaits within the central median strip, with new greenery also helping to remould first impressions for visitors crossing Docklands Drive from NewQuay Promenade.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/WFC%20Gateway_EDIT_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Refurbished entry to Harbour Town © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/WFC%20Gateway_EDIT_0.jpg?itok=pyn9W4Xx" title="Refurbished entry to Harbour Town © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a>

<h2>Taking a cue from Merchant Street</h2>

Over at Victoria Harbour Lend Lease are in the process of <a href="http://www.victoriaharbour.com.au/news-and-events/news-and-events/news-degrees-of-change" target="_blank">upgrading Merchant Street</a> and have enlisted the help of renowned hospitality architects Six Degrees.

<blockquote>
"Changing things up is also part of Six Degrees’ approach to the project more broadly. Its aim is to achieve the mixture of venues and shopfronts you would see in any high street in Melbourne or, indeed, in any high street anywhere in the world. “In your usual high street … you’ve got evolution of 100 years – you’ve got all sorts of canopies, verandas, free-standing cantilevers and so on,” says Healy.

“We want to bring in that idea of variety and diversity. This is important at the level of scale. We needed to introduce a finer grain, so we decided to ‘chop’ and make tenancies into two and three … but we are trying to make it somewhat architecturally consistent per tenancy.”
</blockquote>

<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/MerchantStreetOverview.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Merchant Street revamp. © Six Degrees"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="191" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/MerchantStreetOverview.jpg?itok=wLqVDh6M" title="Merchant Street revamp. © Six Degrees" width="580"></a>

While Merchant Street presents a much smaller challenge than any overhaul of Harbour Town, a similar strategy could be employed incrementally with a variety of architects and designers chosen. The focus on a greater mixture of uses, architecture styles and in particular activating the upper level concourse should be at the forefront when trying to lift/design the current venue out of the doldrums.

The introduction of maritime materials and architecture on the remaining undeveloped roof tops is a possibility - topped with gabled roofs perhaps mimicking the existing Central Pier sheds and similar to what is proposed at Wharf Precinct within Victoria Harbour

<h2>(Car) Park²</h2>

Visible from the Melbourne Star and once proposed to house the Docklands Ice Centre atop, the Waterfront City multi-level car park is presently a wasted site. With previous proposals for an apartment complex along it's western elevation yet to see the light of day, I believe it's worth considering some alternative uses for the site, in particular the expansive rooftop.

A perfect place for a park, maybe? And why not throw in a community 'greenhouse' on top as well?

<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%20city%20park.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rejuvenated Car Park and park with 'greenhouse' on top. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="299" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/waterfront%20city%20park.jpg?itok=SwAru233" title="Rejuvenated Car Park and park with 'greenhouse' on top. © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a>

<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%20city%20park%20%2B%20greenhouse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Car Park rooftop. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/waterfront%20city%20park%20%2B%20greenhouse.jpg?itok=EQ_aaHD5" title="Car Park rooftop. © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a>

What do you think should be done to improve Waterfront City? Or what would you like to see?

Leave your comments below and stay tuned for part two focusing on the Medibank Ice House and Costco, to follow soon.
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What to do with Waterfront City? (Part One)

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Today's article centres once again on the Forum Hotel development at 150-162 Flinders Street, effectively the sequel to Mark's write up on <a href="/news/progressive-development-or-cultural-vandalism">the impact of the development on Hosier Lane</a>. The focus however shifts from street to sky, namely the design response of the tower element which would rise 107m above Russell Street.

Primarily the proposed hotel's function is to fund (or offset) the cost of restoration works on the Forum Theatre itself, at the expense of the Melbourne CBD's last remaining Robin Boyd designed buildings. Some may paint the building as a martyr but with the exception of perhaps the Black Dolphin Motel and Domain flats, Boyd's most highly regarded works are his houses.

The <a href="http://www.batessmart.com.au/">Bates Smart</a>-designed proposal continues the recent trend of towers on culturally significant sites or within historically sensitive streetscapes or precincts. Additionally the Hotel Forum proposal represents yet another attempt at inserting a 'backdrop' in the form of a glazed tower element - the idea of receding into the sky. Other examples of this nearby are 171 Collins Street, the Windsor Redevelopment and to a lesser extent the rejected W Hotel proposal on the Palace site which employed a vastly different architectural expression.

<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/recent%20examples.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="171 Collin St - Bates Smart; Windsor Redevelopment - DCM; Forum Hotel - Bates Smart; W Hotel Proposal - Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="84" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/recent%20examples.jpg?itok=2S8kDBpa" title="171 Collin St - Bates Smart; Windsor Redevelopment - DCM; Forum Hotel - Bates Smart; W Hotel Proposal - Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>171 Collin St - Bates Smart; Windsor Redevelopment - DCM; Forum Hotel - Bates Smart; W Hotel Proposal - Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>It's also worth noting three of the four aforementioned projects were designed by Bates Smart - their strike rate currently stands at 1 built, 1 proposed and 1 rejected - with DCM's Windsor development slated to begin construction later this year. Rightly or wrongly and despite some objections, the Windsor set a precedent for this type of development and unless a project has a direct (or perceived) impact on Parliament House as was the case with W Hotel, it will likely be approved irrespective of the discretionary height limits.

The crystalline tower presents as two distinct 'slipping' volumes of varying height - one planar, the other faceted - with a sliver of glazing separating them. The southern element draws on the diamond detailing of the Forum theatre whilst the northern element employs a fritted glazing - becoming a chameleon during the course of the day.

Designed to respond to the varying conditions of its immediate context, the proposal rests in an area blanketed by a 40m height limit, once again pushing the boundaries of the planning scheme. Ultimately however it is likely to be approved by the Minister for Planning and would join an existing suite of towers of similar height in the neighbourhood - refer height study diagram below.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Height%20Study.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Height Study © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="479" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Height%20Study.jpg?itok=IGFjs8TV" title="Height Study © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Height Study © Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Set to house 220 rooms across 17 floors, the balance of programme at the proposal's summit consists of a single residential level with (quite peculiarly) an office level and two floors of plant above. Call me a cynic but I question the necessity of those two upper habitable levels in particular - chop them off and you have a 93m tower. Perhaps they will come into play in any possible negotiations re: height, becoming sacrificial lambs of sorts or handy bargaining bait.

The tower sits above a podium comprising two floors of retail with 5 floors of commercial space above. A 50m internal laneway cuts across the site linking Russell Street to Hosier Lane. Now I personally like the articulation of the podium to Russell Street and the way the two tower volumes have been expressed, with a shadowline 'break' in-between 'tower' and 'podium' a design strategy more commonly used these days as a design response on smaller sites where deep setbacks are unviable.

In saying that I do however find the junction between the various components a tad awkward and lacking resolution - particularly the area highlighted below:

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/junction%20of%20elements.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Junction of elements. Original image © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="947" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/junction%20of%20elements.jpg?itok=XGmN45va" title="Junction of elements. Original image © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Junction of elements. Original image © Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>The above illustrates an area where multiple geometries and materials converge hesitantly - a number along the same plane - detracting somewhat from what should otherwise be a beautifully proportioned object. A greater definition of hierarchy to these distinct elements wouldn't hurt.

Finally, I know Mark touched on Hosier Lane in his previous article but I will briefly say that I think brick would be a much more suitable material than corten panels. I understand the rationale behind why corten was employed - the oxidising over time giving it that worn or 'aged' appearance that would otherwise take a couple of decades but it is a material that is largely alien to Hosier Lane. I have rather crudely photoshopped Bates Smart's image from the planning application to give an indication of what I mean:

<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/Hosier%20Lane.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hosier Lane - brick blades. Original image © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="364" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Hosier%20Lane.jpg?itok=mjox34n8" title="Hosier Lane - brick blades. Original image © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hosier Lane - brick blades. Original image © Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>I believe brick would respond much better to the laneway environment both visually but also from a historic point of view.

Despite a couple of reservations I may have, overall Bates Smart have conceived a solid scheme which based on their previous line of work will no doubt boast high quality finishes. On a more macro level it also has the ability to really inject some more life into that corner of the city and I look forward to viewing a revitalised Forum Theatre.
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Planning Application > Hotel Forum @ 150-162 Flinders Street

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I should preface this by saying 'dokily' was the only word (if you'd call it that) that I could think of that (kind of) rhymed with Oakleigh - sorry I'm not Eminem. The suburb of Oakleigh, located some 15km south-east of the CBD has been undergoing a metamorphosis of sorts in recent years with plenty of further development potential. As a casual visitor who passes through regularly but only stops by once or twice a month either for a coffee, gyros or pizza I thought it might be a good idea to set out on foot, trusty camera in tow.

Like a number of other suburbs, Oakleigh's centre is beginning to see a shift towards apartment living with development largely centred along the Hanover/Atkinson Street strip and Warrigal Road. These include <a href="http://www.athertonandatkinson.com.au/">Atkinson &amp; Atherton</a>, <a href="http://www.infinityoakleigh.com.au/">Infinity</a> and 29-31 Swindon Rd, although the last is technically in Hughesdale I've decided to still include it.

<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/oakleigh_apartment_devs.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Infinity; Atkinson &amp; Atherton; 29-31 Swindon Rd"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="105" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/oakleigh_apartment_devs.jpg?itok=2feO7cOV" title="Infinity; Atkinson &amp; Atherton; 29-31 Swindon Rd" width="580"></a>

Hanover Street in particular with its abundance of open air parking and proximity to Oakleigh Shopping Centre, Station and Dandenong Road, lends itself to further development with apartment buildings of around 5-8 storeys likely.

<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/GE_Oakleigh.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Googlemaps image of Oakleigh showing extent of parking."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/GE_Oakleigh.jpg?itok=YqYZ3Paa" title="Googlemaps image of Oakleigh showing extent of parking." width="580"></a>

Additionally Eaton Mall, the main cafe and dining strip has seen a transformation with new paving, seating, lighting and hard and soft landscaping. This has been a very good outcome for the area with the cafes consistently packed, particularly on warm Saturday evenings.

<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/eaton_mall_compilation.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Eaton Mall improvement works."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="126" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/eaton_mall_compilation.jpg?itok=CC5_nGwy" title="Eaton Mall improvement works." width="580"></a>

So without further ado please enjoy the photos from my walk around Oakleigh - the weather unfortunately was nothing to write home about. A map of my walking route can be seen below:

<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/walking%20map_edit.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Map of walking route I took."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="696" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/walking%20map_edit.jpg?itok=Z-MgP96K" title="Map of walking route I took." width="580"></a>
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Apartments in the 'burbs? Oakleigh Dokily

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Last month Apartments.com.au spent the better part of a day on Smith Street to film today's hotspot <a href="/news/hotspot-video-smith-street-apartment-boom-in-focus" target="_blank">video</a> - a rich, layered tapestry of people and places. Best characterised as a heritage streetscape and boasting an abundance of food offerings, street art, buzzing nightlife and a host of equally eccentric characters to boot.

Enjoy below a comprehensive photo essay of Smith Street - focusing particularly on the established buildings and places that have over time given Smith Street its well deserved title as one of Melbourne's quintessential experiences.
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Smith Street Super Thursday - A pictorial essay

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Victoria One, at 452 Elizabeth represents <a href="http://www.goldenagegroup.com.au/">Golden Age Group's</a> third foray into the Melbourne apartment market. Designed by <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/">Elenberg Fraser</a>, the 75-storey development is set to join a growing number of high-rise developments beyond 170 metres in height through the northern end of the CBD, which are illustrated in the images below.

These include <a href="http://www.icdproperty.com.au/">ICD Property's</a> <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">Eq Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">450 Elizabeth Street</a>, <a href="http://www.meh.com.my/main">Mammoth Empire's</a> <a href="/buildings/empire-melbourne-398-elizabeth-street-melbourne">398 Elizabeth Street</a>, and <a href="http://www.bradygroup.com.au/">Brady Group's</a> Vision Tower with the twisting form of 450 depicted at 202 metres, although it's uncertain whether it has increased to 218 metres in height. Should these all proceed, they will greatly impact the northern entry into the city although that's an article for another day perhaps.

<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_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="268" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03_6.jpg?itok=SFu5UdFM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Northern Cluster as viewed from north-west . © Blockhead.</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/02_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/02_4.jpg?itok=QhZ2g9b_" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Northern Cluster as viewed from south-west . © Blockhead.</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/elizabeth%20st_height%20profile.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elizabeth%20st_height%20profile.jpg?itok=3Iy1dPvc" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elizabeth Street Height Profile diagram. © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>For now though let's focus on the subject of today's article - the 241 metre Victoria One. First announced during November last year, Jeffrey Xu's behemoth would become the tallest residential tower within the traditional Hoddle Grid.

Anchoring the Elizabeth/Franklin corner, the tower would provide a gateway partner to another Elenberg Fraser designed tower at 450 Elizabeth Street. Victoria One as it has been dubbed intents to replace the current single and two storey buildings housing a Drummond Golf outlet, a site which has previously seen an <a href="http://eatas.com.au/">Architects EAT </a>concept for a 32-storey Tetris-inspired building simply known as Drummond Apartments.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com.au/maps?ie=UTF8&amp;layer=c&amp;sll=-37.807867,144.960438&amp;cbp=13,125.12,,0,0.02&amp;cbll=-37.807786,144.96029&amp;q=452+elizabeth+street&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=452+Elizabeth+St,+Melbourne+Victoria+3000&amp;ll=-37.807867,144.960438&amp;spn=0.007188,0.013937&amp;t=h&amp;z=14&amp;iwloc=A&amp;panoid=FWmdRcaDGfQ5KTODDhYw9A&amp;source=embed&amp;output=svembed" width="100%"></iframe> <a href="https://maps.google.com.au/maps?ie=UTF8&amp;layer=c&amp;sll=-37.807867,144.960438&amp;cbp=13,125.12,,0,0.02&amp;cbll=-37.807786,144.96029&amp;q=452+elizabeth+street&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=452+Elizabeth+St,+Melbourne+Victoria+3000&amp;ll=-37.807867,144.960438&amp;spn=0.007188,0.013937&amp;t=h&amp;z=14&amp;iwloc=A&amp;panoid=FWmdRcaDGfQ5KTODDhYw9A&amp;source=embed">View Larger Map</a>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/drummond%20apartments.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/drummond%20apartments.jpg?itok=Tuny5DK1" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Drummond Apartments. © Architects EAT</figcaption></figure>Should it gain approval the proposed development would boast 622 apartments, (a positively low) 163 parking spaces, the capacity to store 263 bicycles with retail applied to ground and first floors. A wrap of apartments conceals the parking levels along the western and southern frontages whilst residential amenities are distributed throughout the building, located on levels 09, 44 and 64.

Presenting as a strong vertical element the development employs a tower-podium typology of sorts which a shadowline visually separating tower and podium, with no setbacks to the south or east due to the site's small footprint of 937 square metres. Minor setbacks of 5m to the common boundary to the north and 4.5m to the centre of the laneway to the east have been designed in.

<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/setbacks%20diagram.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="231" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/setbacks%20diagram.jpg?itok=QeCGA3lc" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Setbacks diagram. © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>The tower's facade is a formal representation of Victoria's 'Garden State' identity drawing upon elements of Victoria's landscape such as gardens and waterfalls. The fluid transition of the silver fin elements which cascade down the face of the tower, contract, expand and peel away where communal facilities are located, allowing for glimpses from the outside world of the coloured green glazing behind.

A departure from Elenberg Frasers's typical and successful bronze facade formula, the green facade is reminiscent of the dramatic unfolding when passing through Victoria's rainforest environments. The green gradually fades into a silver towards the tower's apex as landscape meets sky.

The podium heavily features vegetation as a way of softening the building's presence to the street and concealing the car parking along the eastern facade by way of the introduction of shallow angled planter boxes breaking up the otherwise precast concrete.

<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/452_PODIUM.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium design response. © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/452_PODIUM.jpg?itok=DUqVAzct" title="Podium design response. © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podium design response. © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Overall the design is another solid addition to Elenberg Fraser's growing portfolio of high-rises, provoking visual metaphors of a vertical garden oasis in the midst of an otherwise concrete jungle. Sporting a rippling facade 452 Elizabeth street not only provides visual interest but goes some way to alleviating the effects of wind on the pedestrian environment below.

With the <a href="/news/victorian-government-announces-suite-of-super-tuesday-approvals">recent approvals</a> of Eq. Tower at 127-141 A'beckett Street and 398 Elizabeth Street and 452 Elizabeth Street likely not far behind, the north end of Melbourne's CBD is beginning to present as the counterpoint to Southbank's growing high-rise cluster.

According the Golden Age's website, Victoria One is expected to have its public sales launch during 2014.

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: <a href="http://www.goldenagegroup.com.au/" target="_blank">Golden Age Development Group</a>
</li>
	<li>Architect: <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/" target="_blank">Elenberg Fraser</a>
</li>
	<li>Project Manager: <a href="http://www.sinclairbrook.com.au/">Sinclair Brook</a>
</li>
	<li>Town Planner: <a href="http://www.urbis.com.au/">Urbis</a>
</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: <a href="http://www.ratio.com.au/home">Ratio Consultants</a>
</li>
	<li>Waste Management Consultant: <a href="http://www.leighdesign.com.au/">Leigh Design</a>
</li>
	<li>Landscape Consultant: <a href="http://www.oculus.info/">Oculus</a>
</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: <a href="http://www.plpaust.com/">PLP Building Surveyors</a>
</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant: <a href="http://www.ark-resources.com.au/">Ark Resources</a>
</li>
	<li>Structural &amp; Civil Engineer: <a href="http://www.robertbird.com/">Robert Bird Group</a>
</li>
	<li>Services Engineer: <a href="http://murchie.com.au/">Murchie Consulting</a>
</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: <a href="http://www.bosjon.com.au/">Bosco Jonson</a>
</li>
	<li>Quantity Surveyor: <a href="http://www.wtpartnership.com/">WT Partnership</a>
</li>
	<li>Wind Engineer: <a href="http://melconsultants.com/">MEL Consultants</a>
</li>
	<li>Fire Engineer: <a href="http://www.aecom.com/Where+We+Are/Australia+-+New+Zealand/Building+Engineering">AECOM Fire Engineers</a>
</li>
</ul>
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Victoria One - 452 Elizabeth Street

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UPDATE 13/11/2015: a new amended design has been unveiled, see the plans <a href="/news/a-new-melbourne-icon-squarely-in-minister-wynnes-hands-447-collins-street">here</a>.

It was <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/city-office-tower-faces-demolition-20140206-324mr">recently announced</a> that an application to demolish the 27-storey, former National Mutual Plaza at <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">433-455 Collins Street (aka 447 Collins St)</a> was on the agenda for the <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutCouncil/Meetings/PortfoliosMembership/Pages/FutureMelbourneCommitteeToR.aspx">Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</a>.  A decision to issue a permit (subject to certain conditions being met - these can be found in the link provided at the bottom of this article) the likely outcome. 

In December 2013, previous owners <a href="/developers/ispt">ISPT</a> sold the site to <a href="/developers/cbus-property">CBUS Property</a>, after having carried out facade rectification works to make the site safe for pedestrian traffic. It has since emerged that CBUS had sought Expressions of Interest from 12 architectural practices to partake in a design competition for the site.  In due course these were whittled down to a short list of four consortia comprising some of Australia's biggest and most experienced architectural practices combined with big name internationals. They are as follows:

<ul>
<li>
<a href="/architects/hassell-studio">HASSELL</a> + <a href="http://www.big.dk/#projects">Bjarke Ingles Group (BIG)</a> (Denmark)
</li>
	<li>
<a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a> + <a href="http://www.som.com/">Skidmore Owings &amp; Merrill</a> (US)
</li>
	<li>
<a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> + <a href="http://www.shoparc.com/projects">ShoP Architects</a> (US)
</li>
	<li>
<a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> + <a href="http://snohetta.com/">Snøhetta</a> (Norway)
</li>
</ul>
This calibre of architectural pairings is unprecedented in Melbourne, particularly when it comes to a private sector project. We have seen it more recently with the Flinders Street design competition however that was an open competition but it is quite rare for a developer to go to this length. This site however deserves it. So what can be expected in terms of design outcomes? Well one of the conditions of the planning permit reads as follows:

<blockquote>
<div>Prior to the commencement of the demolition or removal of existing buildings or works (excluding demolition or removal of temporary structures) on the land, the owner of the land must enter into an agreement pursuant to Section 173 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The agreement must provide the following: </div>

<div>a. The public has ongoing access to an open area with interconnection to the public realm on Collins Street. The open area must have reasonable solar access, read as public space and achieve comfortable wind conditions to the satisfaction of the City of Melbourne</div>
</blockquote>

This means that any future development must include public space to Collins Street, how this is achieved will be of interest.

From a master planning point of view I think we'll see a similar outcome to CBUS's <a href="http://www.cbwmelbourne.com.au/Core/Splash/CBW/CBW.aspx">CBW</a> development albeit with significantly more public space. That is two Next Gen commercial towers (a GFA upwards of 80,000sqm is likely) with a north-south laneway bisecting the site in addition to public open space of some description toward the north of the site fronting Collins Street. This open space will probably present as a much softer buffer to the hustle and bustle of Collins Street with stronger connections to adjacent buildings.

I've always been a firm believer that the quality of what is lost must be significantly outweighed by the quality of any future replacement. Now a lot of people will mourn the loss of the current building - I'm somewhat indifferent - but how many could argue that it is a worthy replacement for the Western market that once occupied the site?  I'd wager very few.

<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/WesternMarket.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Western market courtesy of The Collector's Marvellous Melbourne."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="275" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/WesternMarket.jpg?itok=OfrNjPd8" title="Western market courtesy of The Collector's Marvellous Melbourne." width="580"></a>

That being said, let's take a look at the design credentials of the teams.

The Locals:

With the exception of Fender Katsalidis, all three other local offices have had previous experience on CBUS projects.

Bates Smart have previously been engaged by CBUS for CBW (VIC), 171 Collins St (VIC) and 35 Spring Street (VIC).

<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/BS_CBUS.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="201" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/BS_CBUS.jpg?itok=hHEDxTPO" width="580"></a>

Other Bates Smart projects include Queensbridge Tower, 3 Collins Square and 685 LaTrobe Street.

<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/Bates%20Smart.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="211" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Bates%20Smart.jpg?itok=a4nd_066" width="580"></a>

 

Woods Bagot designed City West Police @ 313 Spencer St (VIC), NAB D2 @ 700 Bourke St (VIC)  and 1 William Street (QLD) for CBUS. 

<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/WB_CBUS.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="313 Spencer St, 700 Bourke St &amp; 1 William St © Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="213" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/WB_CBUS.jpg?itok=wq2aIaek" title="313 Spencer St, 700 Bourke St &amp; 1 William St © Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

Additionally Woods Bagot are also responsible for the 80 Collins Street development for <a href="http://www.qic.com.au/">QIC</a> and the <a href="http://brookfieldofficeproperties.com/content/melbourne/southern_cross_east_tower-21110">Southern Cross Development</a> for <a href="http://www.au.brookfield.com/">Brookfield.</a>

<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/WB_COM.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/WB_COM.jpg?itok=JCT-1Fv0" width="580"></a>

 

Hassell worked on CBUS's new Medibank 'Green' HQ @ 720 Bourke St (VIC).

<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/Hassell_720B.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="720 Bourke Street © HASSELL / Scharp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="293" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Hassell_720B.jpg?itok=TmDZN3CN" title="720 Bourke Street © HASSELL / Scharp" width="580"></a>

Other upcoming Hassell-designed commercial projects include KPMG's new HQ @ <a href="http://www.collinssquare.com.au/">Collins Square</a> and <a href="/news/coming-up-with-the-goods-710-collins-street-docklands">710 Collins St</a>. They were also involved in a previous design competition for the site.

<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/HASSELL_COM.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="KPMG@Collins Square, 710 Collins St, Previous competition entry for 447C. © HASSELL"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="198" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/HASSELL_COM.jpg?itok=8T7ByU2F" title="KPMG@Collins Square, 710 Collins St, Previous competition entry for 447C. © HASSELL" width="580"></a>

Hassell have previously teamed up with Herzog de Meuron to take out the Flinders Street Station design comp and are operating more as a design-driven studio these days as opposed to a large commercial practice.

<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/Flinders%20Street_HASSELL.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hassell + Herzog de Meuron's winning scheme for Flinders Street Station"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="148" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Flinders%20Street_HASSELL.jpg?itok=CreHMTtj" title="Hassell + Herzog de Meuron's winning scheme for Flinders Street Station" width="580"></a>

 

Fender Katsalidis, while having never been commissioned by CBUS are however renowned for some of Melbourne's best and most prominent residential buildings including Melbourne Terrace, Republic Tower and Eureka Tower - although it has been a long time between drinks since they last produced an office building in Melbourne.

<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/FKA_RESI.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Terrace, Republic Tower and Eureka Tower. © Fender Katsalidis. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="307" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/FKA_RESI.jpg?itok=aP0zMqpH" title="Melbourne Terrace, Republic Tower and Eureka Tower. © Fender Katsalidis. " width="580"></a>

And a couple of FKA's latest offerings in the form of Fulton Lane, 350 William Street and Batman's Hill:

<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/FKA_NEW.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fulton Lane © Fender Katsalidis. 350 William St © realestate.com.au. Batman's Hill © Porter Models. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="305" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/FKA_NEW.jpg?itok=51HR0UyJ" title="Fulton Lane © Fender Katsalidis. 350 William St © realestate.com.au. Batman's Hill © Porter Models. " width="580"></a>

 

The Internationals:

- Bjarke Ingles Group (BIG), Denmark. Formed in 2005, the office hit the BIG time with their 'The Mountain' residential project in Copenhagen. Projects include The Mountain, West 57th and Marina lofts. BIG are quite active on the competition circuit having obtained most of their commissions as a result of design competitions.

<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/BIG_PROJECTS.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="134" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/BIG_PROJECTS.jpg?itok=QnV6Vubm" width="580"></a>

 

- Skidmore Owings &amp; Merrill (SOM), USA. One of the largest architectural firms in the world SOM, formed in Chicago in 1936, specialize in designing commercial skyscrapers having designed a long line of world's tallest buildings. They are responsible for One World Trade Centre in New York, Sears (now Willis) Tower in Chicago, Burj Khalifa (Dubai) and 140 William St in Melbourne (in conjunction with Yunckan Freeman).

<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/SOM.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1WTC, Sears / Willis Tower, Burj Khalifa © Skidmore Owings &amp; Merrill. 140 William St © National Library of Australia."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="268" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/SOM.jpg?itok=DABPFRyq" title="1WTC, Sears / Willis Tower, Burj Khalifa © Skidmore Owings &amp; Merrill. 140 William St © National Library of Australia." width="580"></a>

 

- SHoP Architects, USA. Perhaps not as well known as the previous two international offices, SHoP has been around since 1996. The New York based architects are behind the super-slim 111 West 57th, a scheme for the Hudson Yards redevelopment and Mulberry House  

<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/ShoP.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="111 West 57th St, Hudson Yards comp, Mulberry House. © SHoP Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="260" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ShoP.jpg?itok=pHU1Wus3" title="111 West 57th St, Hudson Yards comp, Mulberry House. © SHoP Architects" width="580"></a>

 

- Snøhetta, Norway. Last but no least is the Norwegian firm founded in 1989, with the name that probably make you go "who?".  They are best known for the Oslo Opera House - a project that blurs the boundaries of landscape and building. Other projects include the National September 11th Memorial Museum Pavilion and the Ryerson University Student Learning Centre in Toronto. 

<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/Snohetta.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Oslo Opera House, Sep11th Memorial Museum Pavillion, RUSLC. © Snøhetta"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="127" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Snohetta.jpg?itok=R2qqrGiO" title="Oslo Opera House, Sep11th Memorial Museum Pavillion, RUSLC. © Snøhetta" width="580"></a>

The Verdict:

I'm a sucker for design competitions and I can't wait to see what all the teams come up with, in particular HASSELL + BIG and Woods Bagot + SHoP. You could mount a strong argument for any one of those teams to win based on experience alone, however it will ultimately come down to the chemistry of the pairings - whether a harmony and balance of ideas can be achieved.

Bates Smart &amp; Snøhetta's more restrained aesthetics could lead to a very visually beautiful scheme - a marrying of landscape and architecture where public/private thresholds aren't quite so evident.

The pairing of Hassell and BIG will likely result in super-scaled landscape-derived interventions - tapered geometric forms which echo mountains and hills.

FKA + SOM might form the most 'corporate' scheme with a hint of Melbourne. 

Woods Bagot and SHoP could be anything with Woods Bagot's current penchant for more crystalline and imperfect forms vs SHoP's much simpler forms.

Overall I think a lot of glazing and vegetation will be prevalent across all the schemes, with some favouring a leafy park over a plaza - a garden oasis of sorts in the centre of a city.

With the design competition having commenced on the 10th of February and a nominated timeframe of approximately 6 weeks for completion and submission of designs + 2 weeks for design review, an announcement on the winning scheme prior to Easter seems likely.  Demolition however will commence within 2 months of the Demolition Permit being issued, independent of the design competition, with the works to be staged as follows:

Stage 1. 

- Duration 10 months. 

- Demolition of office building to Collins Street ground level 

- Removal of hoarding and re-opening of the site for interim public use.

Stage 2. 

- Duration 2 months. 

- Demolition of the ground and basement levels will proceed at the commencement of the main development works which is subject to planning consent and adequate revenue pre-commitments.

Once the winning scheme is announced, rest assured Apartments.com.au will have it covered.

Peace out.

<div>The full report to the Future Melbourne Committee can be found <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutCouncil/Meetings/Lists/CouncilMeetingAgendaItems/Attachments/11261/FEB14%20FMC2%20AGENDA%20ITEM%206.2%20APPLICATION%20FOR%20PLANNING%20PERMIT%20TP%202013-227%20433-455%20COLLINS%20STREET%20MELBOURNE.pdf">here</a>.</div>

<div>See my concept for Apartments.com.au from last year <a href="/news/blockhead-concept-447-collins-street-market-square">here</a>. </div>

<div> </div>
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CBUS brings in the BIG guns for 447 Collins Street

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The focus of today's article is <a href="http://www.equiset.com.au/">Equiset</a>'s proposal at 710 Collins Street, designed by <a href="http://www.hassellstudio.com/">Hassell</a> and potentially Docklands' tallest building at 189 metres.  I will also touch briefly on the proposal's impact on the skyline together with <a href="http://www.collinssquare.com.au/">Collins Square</a> <a href="/news">Tower 4D</a> and <a href="http://www.lendlease.com/site-settings/splashpage.aspx">Lend Lease</a>'s <a href="http://www.batmanshillcollinsstreet.com.au/">701 Collins Street project</a> (covered in a separate <a href="/news/batmans-hill-collins-street-the-missing-piece-of-the-docklands-jigsaw">article</a>) by way of a number of in context renders.

Equiset's proposal calls for the demolition of the barely 5-year old <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/">Elenberg Fraser</a> designed 'Lantern' structure fronting Collins Street in addition to 7 bays of <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/#!/project/goods-shed">Goods Shed North</a>, in order to accommodate a 34-storey Premium Grade commercial tower offering 47,500m2 (NLA) of office space. The office space will be supplemented by up to 1,200m2 of retail space, stronger connections between the Goods Shed and Collins Street via a new set of public stairs,  a new laneway and public plaza.

The development is aiming for a minimum 5-Star Green Star Design &amp; As Built, and a minimum 5-Star NABERS.

<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/710%20Collins%20Street_tower%20views.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/710%20Collins%20Street_tower%20views.jpg?itok=jTfQ566S" width="580"></a>

The proposed tower presents as a crystalline element on the skyline "whilst providing a glimpse of the overall super structure within."  Hassell's scheme employs a largely homogenous glazed skin raised above a brick plinth that suggests an erosion of form, with openings 'carved in' to allow views from within and out, with the stair cascading down from Collins Street to the new lobby below.  

While the Goods Shed and proposed tower never physically come into contact, a number of visual relationships are intimated through the timber-lined,  vaulted underbelly of the tower.  Generated from the profile of the goods shed and enhanced via the angled facade to the lower levels of the tower - the skyscrapers highly reflective glazing is designed to capture the Goods Shed in an almost ethereal reflection of what was once a much longer continuous structure. 

The benefit of the proposed development is two fold - it frees up the Goods Shed from any new architectural intervention thus providing the public with a greater viewing opportunity of its interior and structure, allowing  for an enhanced pedestrian experience.  Additionally a new view is opened up through to the Goods Shed below and Stadium Precinct beyond (including another Hassell tower at 720 Bourke), framed by the vaulted ceiling above. 

<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/Public%20Stair.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Public stair with vaulted ceiling above and view beyond."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="413" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Public%20Stair.jpg?itok=AS2DSOGX" title="Public stair with vaulted ceiling above and view beyond." width="580"></a>

The ground floor area of the development is largely permeable with retail offerings flanking the new east-west laneway and activity spilling out on to it which should also go someway to activating both Aurora Lane and Village Street.  The proposed treatment to these areas is a timber decking - a softer contrast to the robust brick plinth. Minimal car parking of only 8 spaces is included with an entry off Village Street; extremely low by any measure but particularly so for a commercial complex.

Cyclist facilities are proposed within the Goods Shed via Village Street with visitor bicycle spaces externally. 

<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/new%20laneway.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New laneway between tower and Goods Shed."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/new%20laneway.jpg?itok=qqAOs8xS" title="New laneway between tower and Goods Shed." width="580"></a>

An area that could do with a bit more refinement is the westerly wall of the brick plinth, flanking the stairs and housing the substation.  Currently it presents to the street and pedestrian as a blank brick wall save for the car park entry - now I love my brick but I would like to see a bit more articulation whether through the feathering of the brick, manipulation of the brick to create some sort of visual relief, or artwork or even a great big 710 Collins Street sign.

One of the aims of the development is to "re-establish and reconnect Batman's Hill to the traditional city of Melbourne by strengthening the CBD built form from Docklands."   This begins to become evident when 710 Collins Street is viewed in the context of future development at Batman's Hill, namely the new 145m KPMG headquarters at Collins Square and the mammoth 701 Collins Street development - ten buildings ranging in height from 20m to 160m.  

Batman's Hill was always envisioned as being the transitional threshold between the CBD and Docklands, yet visually this is only just beginning to become apparent. 

<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/710C%2001_EDIT_1.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="239" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/710C%2001_EDIT_1.png?itok=detFpOu_" width="580"></a>

One thing that is highlighted is an imbalance in the Batman's Hill precinct - with a taller, denser core towards the south of the precinct.  Buildings such as 750 Collins Street, 700 Collins Street and 737 Bourke Street seem aesthetically and at a macro scale rather transitory, as if it's only a matter of time before they too are replaced by something taller and architecturally more adventurous.

As Docklands continues to mature I expect we will see more and more first generation (or G1 as I like to call them) commercial buildings replaced with taller, more striking buildings and 710 Collins is just the beginning of the next phase of Docklands evolution.  While the partial demolition of Goods Shed North is unfortunate I believe the benefits to the public realm far outweigh the negatives. The employing of timber and masonry as more natural counter elements to the glazed steel structured tower is a huge positive for mine, resulting in a less sterile environment.

Overall I believe Hassell have designed an excellent scheme which strikes a good balance between the commercial requirements of their client, heritage concerns and benefits to the public realm.   
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Coming up with the Goods - 710 Collins Street Docklands

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Laurence Dragomir

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