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Best known as the home of GTV-9 for a good part of half a century, the first stage of <a href="http://www.lendlease.com/site-settings/splashpage.aspx">Lend Lease</a>'s <a href="http://www.studioninerichmond.com.au/">Studio Nine</a> development on Bendigo Street in Richmond has been completed, with residents recently moving in. Designed by <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/">Kerstin Thompson Architects</a> (KTA) the project involved the adaptive re-use of the former Wertheim Piano Factory building into 34 Heritage Apartments, a yet to be fitted out City of Yarra community centre (due to open in late 2014) and a couple of retail offerings - one of which is accessed via a new breezeway space linking Bendigo Street with the new internal Studio Square.

Having worked on the project for a good part of three years while at KTA, I was fortunate enough to see the project through from inception to just before completion and as the title of this article suggests - I believe it was worth the effort.

<h2>Brief history</h2>

The Heritage listed, Federation Free-style Wertheim Piano Factory was designed by architect Nahum Barnet for German-born Hugo Wertheim in 1909, becoming the first piano factory to be constructed in Victoria and the largest in Australia, employing 300 workers and producing 2,000 pianos per annum. Its construction was part of the movement away from the importation of goods with local manufacturing favoured, which in turn led to Wertheim's reputation for producing fine pianos. The foundation stone laid by then Prime Minister, Alfred Deakin on the 21st of October 1908 is still visible from Bendigo Street.

The red brick building features rendered mouldings and detailing, a terracotta roof and dual double storey turrets flanking a single storey spine topped by a gabled roof. A rendered curved parapet once adorned by the names Wertheim and Heinz today carries Studio Nine Richmond.

In March 1935 the building became the new domicile of Heinz, retrofitted to become a tinned food factory. Initially employing 75 workers and beginning with production of bottled horse radish, by 1948 Heinz was producing over 13 million cans a year at the facility. Despite adding further floorspace and equipment Heinz had ultimately outgrown the site and in October 1955 sold the Bendigo Street site to GTV-9.

Occupying the facility from 1957 to 2011, it soon became known as 'Television City'. Television productions such as The Graham Kennedy Show, The Don Lane Show, Nine News, In Melbourne Tonight, Hey, Hey It's Saturday, The Footy Show (AFL) and many more were filmed, adding to the site's already rich history.

For more information on the significance of the Wertheim Piano Factory see the following: <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/reports/report_place/4454">http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/reports/report_place/4454</a>.

<img alt="" height="621" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/pictures/article-images/wertheim_0.jpg" title=" KTA" width="930">

<h2>Design methodology</h2>

<blockquote>
We started by looking at the building - what key aspects needed to be retained, conserved and restored, what needed to be transformed.
Inside, in the courtyard, we had more latitude for dramatic changes. They are still changes that are subtle, but retain the key attributes of the original building. Some apartments will have upgraded steel-framed windows … it was about making the building work thermally and acoustically. Looked at from the outside, every apartment has its own variation, is not uniform. Each apartment has its little quirks.
<cite>Kerstin Thompson.</cite>
</blockquote>

The strategies employed consisted of addition, subtraction and restoration. The primary facades along Jago, Bendigo and Khartoum Streets were restored with as few new architectural interventions as possible. These were limited to new decks, fences, privacy screens and A/C enclosures. The turrets and Bendigo Street mezzanine apartments all feature steel windows - the remainder being powdercoated aluminium frames.

Additions and subtractions were made to secondary facades facing Studio Square which had been altered over the course of the building's life - openings re-instated, new openings made and new structures added. These were designed to contrast and compliment rather than imitate or compete with the existing fabric.

To allow for the provision of a new vehicular thoroughfare to the western side of the heritage precinct about 20m of the southern wing once housing Studio 01 was demolished as well as a number of the roof trusses which over time had become compromised structurally. The new western facade to the south wing was recessed to signify that it was once a longer structure.

The restoration process involved demolition of ancillary and non-significant structures, layers of paint were stripped away, hard plaster cleaned and repaired, brick piers rebuilt, brick work re-pointed and restored while new terracotta roof tiles and roof sheeting were laid. Paint colours were picked in consultation with Bryce Raworth and Heritage Victoria but for the most, concrete mouldings, cappings and ornaments were left unfinished save for a lick of sealant.

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Client: <a href="http://www.lendlease.com/Australia/Sectors/apartments.aspx" target="_blank">Lend Lease Apartments</a>
</li>
<li>Contractor:<a href="http://www.lendlease.com/worldwide/capabilities/project-management-and-construction" target="_blank"> Lend Lease Project Management &amp; Construction</a>
</li>
<li>Architect: <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/" target="_blank">Kerstin Thompson Architects</a>
</li>
<li>Landscape Architect: <a href="http://www.oculus.info/" target="_blank">Oculus</a>
</li>
<li>Heritage Consultant: <a href="http://bryceraworth.com.au/" target="_blank">Bryce Raworth</a>
</li>
<li>Structural Engineer: <a href="http://www.robertbird.com/" target="_blank">Robert Bird Group</a>
</li>
<li>Traffic &amp; Civil: <a href="http://www.cardno.com/en-us/Locations/Pages/Australasia.aspx" target="_blank">Cardno</a>
</li>
<li>Services Engineer: <a href="http://murchie.com.au/" target="_blank">Murchie Consulting</a>
</li>
<li>Acoustics: <a href="http://www.renzotonin.com.au/" target="_blank">Renzo Tonin &amp; Associates</a>
</li>
<li>Fire Services: <a href="http://jpfire.com.au/" target="_blank">JP Fire</a>
</li>
<li>Building Surveyor: <a href="http://www.philipchun.com.au/" target="_blank">Philip Chun &amp; Associates</a>
</li>
<li>Planning Consultant: <a href="http://www.contour.net.au/" target="_blank">Contour</a>
</li>
</ul>
Please enjoy the photos from my walk around in the slideshow below.
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Laurence Dragomir

Project review > Werth the wait @ Studio Nine Richmond

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It's that time of year again when the Grand Slam of the Asia-Pacific region rolls into town bringing with it hot weather, tourists and the world's best players to the blue Plexicushion hard courts of Melbourne Park.  The city is abuzz as it's engulfed by a carnival-like atmosphere whilst work places are full of bleary eyed employees who were up until the early hours of the day watching their heroes battle it out. 
The slogan for this year's tournament is 'Get Court Up' so as a first year Australian Open member and all-round sports enthusiast I decided to do just that.  My last visit to the Open was back in 2012 - before Stage 1 redevelopment works on Melbourne Park had even commenced so I was pretty keen to check out the new facilities and obviously catch the odd bit of tennis.
Interestingly prior to the commencement of this year's tournament  - as seems to be the tradition - Premier Denis Napthine was joined by world no.16 (and honorary Melburnian) Ana Ivanovic where he announced details of the $338M Stage 2 of the Melbourne Park redevelopment to begin following Australian Open 2015.
<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/751486-0873f5fc-79a1-11e3-abd3-ac86fade2183.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New central terrace with roof structure. Image © motp.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/751486-0873f5fc-79a1-11e3-abd3-ac86fade2183.jpg?itok=yj-tDiJF" title="New central terrace with roof structure. Image © motp.com.au" width="580"></a>
<blockquote>
	This $338 million upgrade to Melbourne Park is critical to continue attracting global sporting, music and other cultural events such as the Australian Open. There is no doubt this work will keep Melbourne Park as the best grand slam venue in the world and further cement Melbourne and Victoria as the global sporting capital - Premier Denis Napthine.
</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/b_mca_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial overview of Stage 2 of the Melbourne Park redevelopment. Image © motp.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/b_mca_01.jpg?itok=t-CMKdJA" title="Aerial overview of Stage 2 of the Melbourne Park redevelopment. Image © motp.com.au" width="580"></a>
Stage 2 will involve:
<ul>
<li class="rtejustify">
		A new western entrance with a bridge over Batman Ave from Birrarung Marr</li>
	<li class="rtejustify">
		A major refurbishment to Rod Laver Arena including a new eastern entrance and improved DDA access</li>
	<li class="rtejustify">
		A new outdoor 5,000 seat showcourt</li>
	<li class="rtejustify">
		A new media and administration centre</li>
	<li class="rtejustify">
		New and improved 'Garden Square'</li>
	<li class="rtejustify">
		New semi covered central terrace with roof structure overhead</li>
</ul>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MAxWCnJzcIo" width="100%"></iframe>
Urban.com.au will revisit the redevelopment as designs for the various elements are finalised, but at first glance it looks like it will enhance the Australian Open experience for visitors and spectators.  This will be achieved via improved access to the precinct, visual and physical permeability to existing structures with emphasis on a far more active experience.  The major plus for mine is definitely the new central terrace with what has the potential to be a really interesting piece of architecture in the way of a new roof structure/super sized pergola, although it would have been handy during the first week of the tournament's heat wave.
For now please enjoy my photos of the action both on and off the court including progress shots of Margaret Court Arena. 
For more information on the Melbourne Park Redevelopment visit <a href="http://www.majorprojects.vic.gov.au/our-projects/our-current-projects/melbourne-park">Major Projects Victoria</a>
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Get Court Up! Australian Open 2014 and expansion plans beyond

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Following a five year hiatus, the trouble plagued <a href="http://www.melbournestar.com/">Melbourne Star Observation Wheel</a> (not Ferris Wheel) re-opened on the 23rd December 2013 to very little fanfare.  During the course of my summer break I wandered down to Waterfront City on a warm and blustery day to take the wheel for a spin and a few days later once more on a warm, pleasant Melbourne evening.  
Now I don't frequent Harbour Town often but I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the number of people shopping, dining or meandering around the precinct which considering the amount of criticism Docklands attracts was fantastic to see.
<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/DPP_0041_0.JPG" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Star as seen from Victoria Harbour"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/DPP_0041_0.JPG?itok=8JXR-1wu" title="Melbourne Star as seen from Victoria Harbour" typeof="Image"></a>
What many may not realise is that an incarnation of the Melbourne Star (albeit proposed by a different consortium), called the 'Melbourne Eye' was once one of the short-listed proposals for the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/04/05/1017206261265">Sandridge Bridge across the Yarra</a>.  Originally intended to straddle the bridge itself, the wheel was later moved to the northbank of the Yarra parallel to Flinders Street Station.  The bidding process eventually fell through with no successful bidder announced and Sandridge Bridge became the pedestrian and cycling thoroughfare we know today.
The reason I bring this up is personally I feel that Sandridge Bridge in terms of accessibility, way finding and the potential views it would have afforded would have made it a superior location.  The Melbourne Star's 30 minute rotation includes a narrative of various local landmarks - the vast majority of which aren't visible from Docklands but can be viewed on the map you are provided with when you purchase your tickets.
I applaud the operators for attempting to provide a more interactive experience however I believe it is to the detriment of Harbour Town and Docklands as a whole - you have made the effort to visit Docklands but the voice in your cabin is essentially telling you to hightail it out of there and check out the MCG, Fed Square, the Queen Vic Market or a whole host of other CBD attractions for example.  Once again I believe such a strategy would have made more sense had the wheel been built at Sandridge Bridge. In saying that aesthetically Melbourne Star is visually more interesting than what the 'Melbourne Eye' was proposed to be.
<img alt="" height="656" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/pictures/article-images/Image4_25.jpg" title="'Melbourne Eye' proposal straddling Sandridge Bridge. Source: Herald Sun" width="1354">
A general admission adult ticket @ $32 allows you a 30 minute ride on the wheel during the course of the day it was purchased but online GA tickets can be booked for any day of the week but not a specific time.  For an additional $8 (total $40) you can purchase an encore flight which is valid for a period of 30 days from date of purchase, much better value for money if you intend on visiting again, possibly at night - which is exactly what I did.
<img alt="" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/pictures/article-images/Melbourne%20Star%20ticket.jpg">
 
The views over Docklands and towards the city are pretty amazing and I'm a sucker for shipping containers and port infrastructure, but the views north or west might not be everyone's cup of tea and this isn't likely to change until the E-Gate precinct gets underway or the Footscray skyline begins to mature.
While I enjoyed the experience, overall and think it's definitely worth checking out at least once (you can ignore all the negative media) yet  I probably won't be taking a ride on the wheel again for sometime when for a fraction of the price I could go to the Eureka Skydeck, Vue de Monde/Lui Bar @ the Rialto or even the loos on level 35 of Sofitel.  But enough talk, as always please enjoy the images below taken over the course of two days.  Peace out.
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Twinkle, Twinkle Melbourne Star

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Today's piece is a follow up to Alastair's article last week titled <a href="/news/avi-friedmans-outside-the-box-thinking-on-affordable-housing">Avi Friedman's outside the box thinking on affordable housing</a>.  I unfortunately missed Avi's public lecture at the University of Melbourne but was fortunate enough to be invited to come along on a morning walking tour to three contemporary social housing projects across Melbourne.

It was a great opportunity to gain insight from someone with Avi's wealth of experience and knowledge, whilst in return being able to provide him with a brief history of Melbourne and background on the evolution of Melbourne's housing, particularly social housing.  I look forward to catching up again with Avi either on a return visit to Melbourne or in Montreal sometime in the near future to further explore the changing methods and attitudes toward social housing.

The three projects we visited were McIntyre Drive, K2 Apartments and Horace Petty Estate; each of which demonstrates in its own manner the changes in mindset toward social housing design.  Gone are the cumbersome, monotonous commission housing blocks synonymous that still define Melbourne's inner city skyline, in their place smaller, dynamic designs which enhances their immediate surrounds.

<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/social%20housing%20header.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/social%20housing%20header.jpg?itok=bvvrIN26" typeof="Image"></a>

McIntyre Drive Social Housing in Altona by <a href="http://www.mgsarchitects.com.au/">McGuaran Giannini Soon</a>

<div class="rtejustify">Quoting the Architecture AU <a href="http://architectureau.com/articles/2013-national-architecture-awards-frederick-romberg-award/" target="_blank">article</a> " McIntyre Drive Social Housing inserts high-density living into a suburban environment with the verve, skill and serious social commitment - sixty-nine apartments provide independent living for residents with disabilities, along with communal spaces and gardens.  The result is an inventive, exploratory engagement with a complex set of conditions, which makes welcoming, comfortable spaces for living."  Nominated for the Frederick Romberg Award for residential architecture, McIntyre Drive demonstrates the need for quality design when considering social housing.</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<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/DPP_0010.JPG" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/DPP_0010.JPG?itok=FNh0sdEU" typeof="Image"></a>

K2 Apartments in Windsor (2007) by <a href="http://www.designinc.com.au/">Design Inc</a>

"The K2 apartments are the most environmentally sustainable public housing development in Australia. In recognition of the K2 Apartments' sustainability and socially responsible design, the development has won numerous awards."  With no less than ten awards including the 2007 Excellence in construction award and the 2008 Australian Institute if Architects (Vic) Award for Sustainable Architecture, K2 Apartments led the way for a swag of subsequent social housing projects which sought to emulate its success.

<h3 id="content-heading-2" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, sans-serif; color: rgb(51, 50, 46); background-color: rgb(248, 247, 245);"><a href="http://www.designinc.com.au/projects/k2-apartments" style="text-align: justify; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" target="_blank" title="http://www.designinc.com.au/projects/k2-apartments
Ctrl+Click to follow link">http://www.designinc.com.au/projects/k2-apartments</a></h3>

<a href="http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/plans,-programs-and-projects/projects-and-initiatives/housing-and-accommodation/k2-apartments" target="_blank" title="http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/plans,-programs-and-projects/projects-and-initiatives/housing-and-accommodation/k2-apartments
Ctrl+Click to follow link">http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/plans,-programs-and-projects/projects-and-initiatives/housing-and-accommodation/k2-apartments</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/DPP_0021_0.JPG" rel="gallery-all" title="K2 Apartments by Design Inc. Photo taken by me."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/DPP_0021_0.JPG?itok=HnEd9t-A" title="K2 Apartments by Design Inc. Photo taken by me." typeof="Image"></a>

Horace Petty Estate in Prahran (1967, 2013) by <a href="http://www.hassellstudio.com/">Hassell</a>  

Built by Kane Constructions, the revamped Horace Petty Estate involved "188 new apartments designed to meet high levels of demand for affordable rental housing in the inner city. The project includes a major new landscaped area running north from Malvern Road.  Environmental features include rainwater collection and reuse, thermally glazed windows, hydronic heating, gas-boosted solar hot water, bicycle storage and a rooftop garden. These features improve liveability while helping residents save on heating and cooling costs."

<a href="http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/plans,-programs-and-projects/projects-and-initiatives/housing-and-accommodation/prahran-estate-renewal/stage-one-development" title="http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/plans,-programs-and-projects/projects-and-initiatives/housing-and-accommodation/prahran-estate-renewal/stage-one-development
Ctrl+Click to follow link">http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/plans,-programs-and-projects/projects-and-initiatives/housing-and-accommodation/prahran-estate-renewal/stage-one-development</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/DPP_0047_0.JPG" rel="gallery-all" title="Horace Petty new build by Hassell. Photo taken by me."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/DPP_0047_0.JPG?itok=oUmywwRT" title="Horace Petty new build by Hassell. Photo taken by me." typeof="Image"></a>

And to round out proceedings an article on denser housing in Melbourne - <a href="http://architectureau.com/articles/the-rise-and-rise-of-higher-density-living/" title="http://architectureau.com/articles/the-rise-and-rise-of-higher-density-living/
Ctrl+Click to follow link">http://architectureau.com/articles/the-rise-and-rise-of-higher-density-living/</a>

See a host of images from the three social housing projects below and as always please enjoy the photos. Until 2014, happy holidays, stay safe and peace out! 
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Picture this - A walking tour with Avi Friedman

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Hot on the heels of articles by <a href="/news/the-fahrenheit-tower-a-closer-look-at-127-141-abeckett-street">Ryan</a> &amp; <a href="/news/talking-the-talk-386-412-william-street-melbourne">Mark</a> in recent days, today's article continues the focus on Melbourne's in-demand architecture firm, <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a>. Before I continue however, I'd like to start off by apologising. The name Elenberg Fraser doesn't really lend itself to the sort of witty article names everyone has probably become accustomed to me providing. 'Tip of the Elenberg', 'Set Frasers to Stun' and even 'Set Frasers to stun, this is just the tip of the Elenberg' were considered but ultimately didn't make a hell of a lot of sense.

As some readers would already know Malaysian-based property heavyweight <a href="/developers/uem-sunrise">UEM Sunrise</a> recently ran a limited design competition, inviting three local architects to produce schemes for their two flagship Melbourne projects at <a href="/news/the-answer-224-252-la-trobe-street-melbourne">224-252 LaTrobe St</a> and <a href="/buildings/conservatory-9-23-mackenzie-street-melbourne">9-23 Mackenzie Street</a>. It came as little surprise that one of the firms invited to submit designs for the sites, and ultimately the architect of choice for the LaTrobe Street project was of course Elenberg Fraser. Accustomed to producing designs for high-rise residential towers throughout Melbourne, the firm roughly accounts for an incredible <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/#!/about/services">10% of all apartments going up in Melbourne</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/EF%20towers%20render%202.png" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of Elenberg Fraser projects sees 386-412 William Street, 452 Elizabeth Street, Abode 318 and Tower Melbourne depicted together. Image © Blockhead "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/EF%20towers%20render%202.png?itok=mka61VNi" title="A selection of Elenberg Fraser projects sees 386-412 William Street, 452 Elizabeth Street, Abode 318 and Tower Melbourne depicted together. Image © Blockhead " typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

So how did Elenberg Fraser, once renowned (at least in the eyes of peers) for only sharing interest in the design of 'facades' rather than a holistic approach to a sum of parts, become the in-vogue Melbourne high-rise apartment specialists - the Asian developer's go to architect that we have come to know today? Well for one, it didn't happen overnight and is the result of some hard work and getting their foot in the door early by having and making the right connections. Established by Zahava Elenberg and Callum Fraser in 1998, following the successful commission of the $50m <a href="http://architectureau.com/articles/liberty-tower/">Liberty Tower</a> (with documentation services provided by <a href="http://www.designinc.com.au/">Design Inc</a>) on Spencer Street for Morry Schwartz's Pan Urban, the practice has since gone on to develop an impressive body of work in all sectors including apartments, interiors, ski resorts, restaurant fit-outs, master plans both locally and abroad and even a designer <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/#!/project/design-o-pizza">pizza</a>.

Not bad considering Zahava and Callum designed Liberty Tower whilst in the midst of completing their studies at RMIT University - how many architectural graduates can lay claim to that? I certainly can't. The practice has continued to grow from around 18 employees in 2003 when the office was still based in <a href="/new-apartments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy</a> to well over 50 following its move in to swanky new digs on Queen St, which bear all the hallmarks of an Elenberg Fraser designed interior. Visually and tactically stimulating - a black shell fitted with neon tube artwork, echo panel pinboard walls, an integrated reception desk and waiting seat plus latex covered counters which I may have been overly eager to get a feel for during an invited visit to the office some years ago - drawing a look of concern from practice manager Karen McWilliam.

Zahava has since gone on to establish <a href="http://www.move-in.com.au/">Move-In</a>, a home furnishing service for owner-occupiers and investors and claimed the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/25/1066974368674">Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year Award</a> in 2003 whilst in the process taking somewhat of a back seat in the general operation of the office. Callum, on the other hand has become the public face of the firm, appearing in marketing videos for the office's residential projects and spruiking the benefits of high-rise living in the media, in particular <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/tall-and-thin-the-new-fashion-for-city-developers-20120408-1wjp0">tall thin towers</a> - a "move (away) from the Mid-West USA city model to a new urban model of pencil thin skyscrapers".

The firm draws inspiration for their work from a number of sources, some best described as left of field, from Princess Leia's dress in Return of the Jedi to a <a href="/news/the-fahrenheit-tower-a-closer-look-at-127-141-abeckett-street">bottle of Dior Fahrenheit</a> to wind and solar modelling in deriving form, materiality and texturally - while producing site responsive design interventions, best summarised by the office's design process below:

<blockquote>
Invention excites us. We address the needs of our clients, building users and community by identifying the specific needs of each project. We ask the right questions without imposing pre-determined solutions and then we use our process to take us to the invention stage. This process has opened people's eyes to impossible realities. Who knew buildings could be both design-driven and market-driven?

Rather than applying a house style, our buildings are conceived in their own right, responding to their specific site, location and purpose. We don't generalise across projects either - our job is to uncover and express the unique identity of each project, through built form.
</blockquote>

The second paragraph in particular is worth exploring. It could be argued that since their jump up in scale with <a href="/buildings/abode-318-318-russell-street-melbourne">Abode318</a>, the practice's projects seem to have developed a DNA based on scale and location, but with multiple permutations, parameters and possibilities - the larger city towers in particular feature variations of a fluid rippling or wave - a metamorphosis across their facades driven by a desire to mitigate the forces of wind (working together with <a href="http://www.vipac.com.au/">Vipac</a>) while simultaneously setting the scene for the firm's <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/high-rise-by-assembly-line-20121007-2777r">leap into modular construction</a> with the <a href="http://klikaustralia.com.au/">Klik</a> building system. This continuing theme is evident in <a href="/new-apartments/150-queen-street-melbourne">Tower Melbourne</a>, <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">450 Elizabeth Street</a>, <a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Hanover House development</a>, King Tower Southbank, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">378-412 William Street</a> and to a lesser extent <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">127 A'beckett Street</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/EF%20Towers_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="191" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/EF%20Towers_0.jpg?itok=tHpBacuL" width="580"></a></figure>The mid-rise stock of buildings produced by Elenberg Fraser in <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a> and St Kilda Road offer a more varied building form and facade strategy - still for the most part maintaining a sinuous visual language but with a simpler articulation, whether in the form of a fluid balustrade wrap treatment or a vertical screening element across the elevation of the building - with a focus on reduction of solar gain, glare to apartments and privacy for residents.

It has to be said that while Elenberg Fraser's taller buildings have become variations of the one idea or theme, I question whether that is a) necessarily a bad thing or b) any different to any other architectural practice working at this scale. Is the city at risk of becoming known for bronze pencil thin, wavy towers? I don't think so. They have identified that one of the most important factors when designing tall towers on sites that don't allow for a podium with setback tower typology is comfort to residents and pedestrians, and consequently have developed responses in building form which disperse the wind and negate downbursts to the street. The by-product of this is tall, striking towers.

Take a moment, to consider the alternative. Where other architects (who shan't be named) produce generic 'cookie-cutter' buildings which appear void of any real design nous or intent beside making their client a quick buck, Elenberg Fraser, in my opinion, at least provide visually engaging buildings that whilst static have very kinetic qualities about them. They are sculptural, masculine, feminine and have a real character about them beyond 'just another apartment building'.

Together with the growing trend toward high-rise living and a saturated apartment market, quality, location and amenity are becoming more and more important. Considering the influx of foreign investment as giant Asian developers jostle for prime Melbourne sites, this new wave of Elenberg Fraser designed high-rises seems likely to endure for quite some time. With return clients such as Morry Schwartz (so what if he's Zahava's step-father), <a href="/developers/cel-australia">CEL Australia</a> (with 170 Victoria Street), and a new Asian-based client almost every other week (or so it seems), those who head and work for this firm are seemingly at the height of their powers.

I for one welcome the invasion of Elenberg Fraser buildings across the cityscape as their buildings don't just occupy the site, they engage the site and make it noteworthy. They are also strong believers "in embracing our new urban destiny". We at Apartments.com.au couldn't agree more and always look forward to what they'll come up with next.

<h2>My pick of Elenberg Fraser projects to watch out for</h2>

<ul>
<li>
<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">386-412 William Street - 50 &amp; 30-storeys</a> (client: <a href="/developers/mit-australia">MIT Australia</a>).</li>
	<li>
<a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">224-252 La Trobe Street - 78 &amp; 50-storeys</a> (client: <a href="/developers/uem-sunrise">UEM Sunrise</a>).</li>
	<li>
<a href="/buildings/380-melbourne-380-lonsdale-street-melbourne">380 Lonsdale Street - 56 &amp; 52-storeys</a> (client: <a href="/developers/hiap-hoe">Hiap Hoe</a>).</li>
	<li>
<a href="/news">170 Victoria Street - 66-storeys</a> (client: <a href="/developers/cel-australia">CEL Australia</a>).</li>
</ul>
In due course I'll also be producing a host of renders focusing on Melbourne's northern CBD highlighting the above and other projects in the development pipeline, naturally dependent upon when planning applications are lodged. In the meantime enjoy the Elenberg Fraser projects below.
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EF'ing spectacular! Elenberg Fraser make their mark

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Just when you thought you had seen it all, along comes a scheme of epic proportions relative to anything previously seen in Melbourne; it simply leaves you gobsmacked!

Following on from their successful <a href="http://www.upperwestside.com.au/">Upper West Side</a> multi-tower project on the former Lonsdale Street Power Station site, developer <a href="/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> has once again engaged <a href="/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>. The architecture firm has recently lodged an Application for Modification to Master Plan for the 1.2ha site at <a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">250 Spencer Street</a> - directly opposite Upper West Side and formerly home to The Age newspaper. The proposal continues the current trend of tall, slender towers appearing within Melbourne's CBD and Southbank, while simultaneously taking urban density to a whole new level - 2,853 apartments and 488 hotel suites in total.

<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/250%20spencer.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The revised 250 Spencer Street concept. Image © Cottee Parker"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/250%20spencer.jpg?itok=azlFq_U1" title="The revised 250 Spencer Street concept. Image © Cottee Parker"></a>

Cottee Parker have once more employed the podium and tower typology - considered standard practice in the CBD - to create a vertical village comprising 4 residential towers ranging in height from a minimum 205 metres to a maximum of 300 metres, potentially usurping Eureka Tower to become Melbourne's tallest building given that other towers seeking the crown have stumbled. The individual tower envelopes present as a series of extruded irregular floor plates, defined by sculpted crystalline shards at their pinnacles. The two tallest towers are located to Spencer Street with the 295-300 metre Tower 1 occupying the prominent corner with Lonsdale Street.

Previously held by <a href="/developers/ispt" target="_blank">ISPT Super Property</a> who in turn gained planning approval for a <a href="/architects/bates-smart" target="_blank">Bates Smart</a> designed, six tower master plan, it emerged mid year that 250 Spencer Street had been sold to Far East Consortium.

<h2>Master plan changes</h2>

Changes to ISPT's endorsed master plan are listed in the application and are as follows:

<ul>
<li>A proposal for four towers above a podium. The endorsed scheme has six towers. With four towers there is greater amenity internally with increased setbacks between the towers.</li>
	<li>A proposal for higher towers to maintain a similar density of apartments. Towers range from 62 to 85 storeys. Towers in the endorsed scheme range from 39 to 78 storeys.</li>
	<li>The potential inclusion of two hotels occupying opposite corners of the development.</li>
	<li>Greater activation of the ground plane due to minimal penetration of the building face for vehicular access.</li>
	<li>Additional retail and hotel facilities at Level 1 above ground.</li>
	<li>All loading and delivery facilities are below ground in Basement 1 accessed via a vehicular ramp off Little Lonsdale Street. The endorsed scheme has all servicing at ground level off a service road through the site.</li>
	<li>Inclusion of a central open landscaped spine running north/south through the site. This is principally a pedestrian zone, but part of it is shared with a one way vehicular route for drop-off to hotels and residential buildings. A proposed park area will be integrated into the northern part of the open space with frontage along Little Lonsdale Street. The endorsed scheme does not allow this level of amenity.</li>
	<li>Additional implementation of east/west pedestrian access through the site to enhance activation and connectivity to the north/south spine.</li>
	<li>A reduction of the number of car spaces above grade by providing basement parking. The endorsed scheme has no basements and provides all car spaces above grade. The proposed scheme has 4 levels of basement with the balance of car spaces above grade.</li>
	<li>Greater activation of the podium by providing more apartments to the perimeter face extending to the top of the podium. The endorsed scheme has apartments to level 3 and open (screened) car parking levels beyond.</li>
	<li>The development will be designed and delivered as a wholistic precinct. There is no intention of selling off separate development lots. The endorsed scheme was planned for 6 individual lots to be sold separately.</li>
	<li>Residential traffic is separated from service vehicle traffic with vehicular access consolidated to 2 entrances, one up to podium levels and one down to basements, from Merriman Lane.</li>
	<li>There is active frontage of various uses to all faces at ground.</li>
	<li>There is active frontage to the majority of the podium form from Level 1 to the podium roof top.</li>
	<li>Where podium car-parking levels are proposed these floors are used to help ameliorate wind issues. Car-parking is screened or hidden from street view.</li>
	<li>The proposed scheme has podium heights from 8 to 11 storeys. The endorsed scheme has podium heights from 9 to 10 storeys.</li>
</ul>
Overall the modifications and variations result in positive outcomes for potentially dwellers via fewer but taller towers with greater separation between them (10m setback), allowing increased natural light penetration. Cottee Parker's scheme also provides what should be an exceptional experience to the pedestrian at street level - a huge improvement over the endorsed scheme which offered a fairly mediocre pedestrian experience internally by way of provision of a network of laneways which acted as vehicular thoroughfares, only because it was easier to carve up and sell the site.

Luckily that didn't eventuate and a superior response has been developed. Varied heights suggest that hopefully depending upon the facade strategy employed, the towers will read as individual elements rather than one great wall which is one of Upper West Side's shortcomings.

<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/Image2_21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground floor plane. Image © Cottee Parker"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2_21.jpg?itok=GeX7_W2P" title="Ground floor plane. Image © Cottee Parker"></a>

<h2>Features of the master plan</h2>

<ul>
<li>4 levels of basement parking, with 1816 spaces in total</li>
	<li>The ground floor plane will be activated by foyers for apartment towers, separate foyers for both hotels, retail tenancies and a 1,350 sqm internal plaza featuring a food court</li>
	<li>Active uses to podium frontages in the form of hotel rooms, function areas, apartments, a ball room and retail tenancies.</li>
	<li>Tower 1, corner of Spencer Street &amp; Lonsdale Street : 85-storeys (295-300m) tower featuring a 228 suite, 5-star hotel, hotel facilities and amenities such as bar and restaurant facilities, a spa centre, pool, gymnasium occupying the top 14 floors. A sky lobby check-in tops it all off on level 84 with the balance of floor space dedicated to 750 apartments. There is provision for 465 resident parking spaces and 30 for the hotel.</li>
	<li>Tower 2, corner of Little Lonsdale Street and Spencer Street : 74-storeys (235-240m) - 805 apartments and 500 parking spaces.</li>
	<li>Tower 3, corner of Merriman Lane and Little Lonsdale Street: 62-storeys (205-210m) - a 260 suite, 3-4 star hotel within the podium levels and lower levels of the tower with 520 apartments above and 321 parking spaces overall.</li>
	<li>Tower 4, corner of Lonsdale Street and Merriman Lane: 68-storeys (225-230m) - 778 apartments.</li>
	<li>The widening of Merriman Lane increasing the overall area to 380 sqm.</li>
	<li>A 450 sqm north facing park in addition to the landscaped podium rooftops.</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/Podium%20levels1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium level activity. Image © Cottee Parker"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Podium%20levels1.jpg?itok=yzCrfJ2n" title="Podium level activity. Image © Cottee Parker"></a>

<h2>Brief timeline</h2>

<ul>
<li>
<a href="/developers/ispt">ISPT</a> and JV partner at the time, Perth-based <a href="http://www.axiompl.com.au/">Axiom Properties</a> purchased the site in 2008 for $66.1m. After an invited competition <a href="/architects/hassell-studio">Hassell</a> were engaged to prepare a master plan for the 1.52ha site.</li>
	<li>The development partners then sought approval for a Hassell-designed twin-tower scheme of 52 &amp; 40-storeys respectively, on the eastern most portion, including the retention and adaptive re-use of the Reidy's building with retail spilling out onto Elliot and Merriman Lanes.</li>
	<li>Upon gaining approval the JV partners promptly put the site with Planning Permit on the market before it was snapped up by <a href="/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> for $17m who engaged <a href="/architects/doig-architecture">Doig Architecture</a> to devise a new two tower scheme, the first stage of which is open to registrations</li>
	<li>After 40 years, The Age vacated 250 Spencer Street in October 2009 - relocating to their shiny new digs down the road at Media House, thus releasing the remainder of the site for development. Axiom sells it's share of the site to ISPT.</li>
	<li>ISPT received approval for the <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> conceived residential master plan - comprising approximately 3,000 apartments across 6 towers ranging in height from 135-220m - in January 2013 before putting the site up for sale.</li>
	<li>
<a href="/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> snapped up the site mid-year with anticipated settlement in 2014.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Far East Consortium</li>
	<li>Architects: Cottee Parker</li>
	<li>Structural Engineers: Winward Structures</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: Cardno</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant: Wood &amp; Grieve</li>
	<li>Services, Fire &amp; Lift: Wood &amp; Grieve</li>
	<li>Hydraulics: Hydrautech</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Philip Chun</li>
	<li>Town Planner: Fulcrum Planning</li>
	<li>Wind Engineer: Melconsultants</li>
	<li>Facade Engineer: BG &amp; E Consulting</li>
</ul>
It will be intriguing to see how the mainstream media approaches the revised 250 Spencer Street submission. Will they rail against the towers increased height or will they acknowledge that at face value, Cottee Parker's scheme seems to have numerous public realm benefits over the previously approved master plan while maintaining a similar number of apartments. We can't answer that but one things for sure, you read it on <a href="/">Apartments.com.au</a> first.
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The Dawn of a New Age... and Melbourne's new tallest building?

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Developers Shangyi Development Pty Ltd &amp; Highbury Venture Pty Ltd along with their chosen architect <a href="http://www.kud.com.au/">Kavellaris Urban Design</a> will be hoping it's third time lucky with the latest incarnation of their project at 17-23 Wills Street currently under consideration. Once dubbed 'Skypark' due to the provision of a recreational park wedged between apartments on the uppermost levels, the development was first proposed during 2011.

Drawing immediate negative media attention, the initial proposal highlighted the pitfalls and potential problems residents face when they buy into a development which is built flush to the site boundary with recessed windows/balconies, or the provision of a 'light shaft' adjacent to a site that will in all likelihood be developed in the future.

This is precisely what occurred as 17-23 Wills Street proponents sought to build to their site boundary which would cover the southern 'light well' of the existing Wills Court apartment tower at 25 Wills Street. If nothing else cases such as 17-23 Wills Street serve to highlight potential inadequacies within the planning system where apartment dwellers with external windows/balconies could essentially find themselves cast into perpetual darkness. Residents of Wills Court naturally considered this a somewhat gung-ho approach which compromises quality of life for inhabitants in favour of quantity, and which in turn would set a precedent for other developments to follow suit.

In due course 17-23 Wills Street was sent back to the drawing board by planning officials and while a second altered version of the tower failed to carry favour with VCAT, a third planning application was submitted late September 2013.

<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/Wills%20before%20%26%20after_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The initial versus current versions of 17-23 Wills Street, Melbourne. Images © Kavellaris Urban Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Wills%20before%20%26%20after_0.jpg?itok=qYOE3xw_" title="The initial versus current versions of 17-23 Wills Street, Melbourne. Images © Kavellaris Urban Design" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
<figcaption>The initial versus current versions of 17-23 Wills Street, Melbourne. Images © Kavellaris Urban Design</figcaption></figure>The current proposal sees the unfortunate removal of the Skypark concept from the original scheme in favour of a tower with a greater setback from its immediate neighbour at 25 Wills Street, a compromise it would seem to ensure the viability of the project and maintain a comfortable level of amenity to adjacent apartments. Planning approval is now sought for a six metre setback from 25 Wills Street, providing existing residents with a compromise.

Originally proposed to extend to the common boundary shared with 25 Wills Street, resulting in the creation 100m tall light shaft would have severely negated the only source of light and ventilation for existing apartments, the 17-23 Wills Street team at one stage <a href="http://theage.domain.com.au/developer-wants-to-let-the-sunshine-in-and-it-will-all-be-done-with-mirrors-20121031-28kc0" target="_blank">investigated the installation</a> of heliostats (giant mirrors) on the side of the proposed 35-storey tower to reflect daylight into the shaft between it and 25 Wills Street, first employed in Australia on the underside of Jean Nouvel's Central Park One apartment buildings in Sydney as seen below.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/one-central-park2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Central Park One. Image © Frasers Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/one-central-park2.jpg?itok=Md8cTj6q" title="Central Park One. Image © Frasers Property" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
<figcaption>Central Park One. Image © Frasers Property</figcaption></figure>The 700 m² site is currently occupied by a two-storey 1930's art deco building that will be retained, restored and incorporated into the design. All alterations are generally cosmetic and in keeping with the existing fabric of the building. It will feature 4 commercial tenancies of various sizes at ground level with the floors above offering office space. A visual 'break' or 'shadow line' between tower and base is employed, housing a restaurant as well as a landscaped rooftop - a departure from the tower and podium typology that is usually desired due to the size of the site.

The 35-storey tower, containing 224 apartments overall, is supported by a series of columns which penetrate through the above expressed as a tall slender mass consisting of 4 repetitive sequences of 8 different floor types which read as stacked, interlocking, folded concrete bands. The facade is then punctured with a series of horizontal and vertical glazed elements, following a 'serpentine path' and in combination with a series of colourful aluminium and glazed pods enclosing the balconies and providing visual depth - a process of pattern making. Finally the tower is adorned by what appears to be a child's interpretation of a 'crown' - a literal formal gesture which screens the roof top plant.

Overall the development has a playfulness to it and provides a welcome visual relief to the otherwise monotone grey towers which surround it.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/design%20process.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design strategy diagram"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/design%20process.jpg?itok=xNbgqzta" typeof="Image" title="Design strategy diagram"></a>
<figcaption>Design strategy diagram</figcaption></figure>Most interesting however, is the provision within the basement level for 114 bicycle spaces, 8 dedicated motorcycle spaces and surprisingly no car parking with the remaining space given over to change and shower facilities and the required services. A step in the right direction particularly for tighter sites such as this which would otherwise present an inactive facade once access and service requirements were met, making the provision of a wrap of apartments or offices highly unlikely. Although I think in this instance the developer's and their architects' hands were tied by the need to retain the art deco building.

The previous design while sharing a similar DNA strain, offered with the exception of the Skypark concept, a fairly monotonous, singular visual expression to all elevations. The new version of 17-23 Wills Street which as mentioned now carries a setback of between 6 and 6.2 metres from the common boundary with 25 Wills Street, will no longer deprive the residence to the west of the only source of natural light and ventilation available, while also providing an elevation which no longer comprises a blank sheer concrete wall. Overall these changes have resulted in an improved outcome for the public domain and the residents of 25 Wills Street, a compromise which if approved will lead to a more favorable outcome for all involved.

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Proponent: Shangyi Pty Ltd &amp; Highbury Venture Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: <a href="http://www.kud.com.au/">Kavellaris Urban Design</a>
</li>
	<li>Planning Consultant: <a href="http://www.erm.com/">ERM (Melbourne)</a>
</li>
	<li>Lighting Engineer: <a href="http://www.arup.com/Services/Lighting_Design.aspx">ARUP</a>
</li>
	<li>3D Visualisation: <a href="http://www.scharp.com.au/" target="_blank">Scharp Design</a>
</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: <a href="http://www.traffixgroup.com.au/">Traffix Group</a>
</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: <a href="http://bryceraworth.com.au/">Bryce Raworth</a>
</li>
	<li>Surveyor: <a href="http://www.terrainconsulting.com.au/">Terrain Consulting Group</a>
</li>
</ul>
Below is a selection of images for the original Skypark Tower at 17-23 Wills Street.
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Seeing the light > The revised 17-23 Wills Street development

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As part of Apartments.com.au's forum on 'Guiding Melbourne's Urban Growth' for Melbourne Knowledge Week, I was invited to do a presentation on Fishermans Bend which involved modelling and rendering all bar two of the 29 proposals lodged with the Department of Planning Transport and Local Infrastructure.  Whilst two proposals lie within Sandridge Precinct,  the vast majority of projects are sited within what is known as Montague 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/VIEW%2004.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/VIEW%2004.jpg?itok=bQScok1O" typeof="Image"></a>

Below is a tabulated summary of all projects that are situated within Montague Precinct, with a number of additions.  I've included <a href="http://www.architecton.com.au/34556/1408291/select-projects/ferrars-street-south-melbourne" target="_blank">120-132 Ferrars Street</a> which is merely a concept but just might be indicative of what can eventually be expected within the area unlimited by height restraints.  <a href="/new-apartments/400-430-city-road-southbank">400-430 City Road</a> is also included as it represents the westernmost approved development scheme within Southbank - visually it demonstrates that Montague Precinct will in part be a continuation of Southbank and its many tall towers.

It's also worth noting that a number of the below proposals will invariably change given the uncertainty of the State Government's draft structure plan for the area which has yet to be ratified.  For instance <a href="/new-apartments/125-133-thistlethwaite-street-south-melbourne">125-133 Thistlethwaite</a> has been suspended only a short time after being submitted for assessment - a direct response to the planning uncertainly revolving around the area at the moment.  Regardless the list reads as follows;

<img alt="" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/pictures/article-images/montague%20development%20summary_0.jpg">

Part of the reason why Apartments.com.au has decided to do this is to give the public a visual representation of what the area might look like beyond diagrams and pages of text - and subsequently form an opinion on how the area should be developed. Keep in mind most of the proposals were lodged prior to the release of the Fishermans Bend Draft Vision and Interim Design Guidelines in September so are subject to change, but hopefully the images provide everyone with some food for thought.

Apartments.com.au now has a stable of renders which we can alter as Montague Precinct and Fishermans Bend in general evolves.  As always please click on the renders below to expand them for full resolution, enjoy the images and let us know what you think. 

 
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The Full Monty - Montague Precinct in all its glory

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Recently, Apartments.com.au wandered down to <a href="http://www.lendlease.com/en/australia/projects/batmans-hill">Lend Lease</a>'s Public Information Session at <a href="http://lifestyleworkingcollinsstreet.net/">838 Collins Street</a> for their latest Docklands project, dubbed (for the time being at least) Batman's Hill Collins Street. It was a good opportunity to provide our two bob's worth and get an insight into the development and some of the key ideas which make up the scheme, from Lend Lease's project team, led by project director Brian Herlihy.

The 2.5ha site at 701 Collins Street is located at a critical juncture where the Melbourne CBD and Docklands meet - diagonally across from Southern Cross Station includes frontages to Flinders Street and partial air rights over Wurundjeri Way. The $1.6 billion precinct will go some way to completing Collins Street and strengthening the connection between Docklands and the CBD, with the introduction of commercial buildings, apartments, two significant public spaces and a network of pedestrian and cycling paths. 

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Batmans%20Hill.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Batmans%20Hill.jpg?itok=k3LrxMmc" typeof="Image"></a>

A brief history of the site:

The 2.5ha site formed part of what was to be the 560m <a href="/news/grollo-tower-one-mans-vision-unrealised">Grollo Tower project</a> and has also seen schemes developed over the years by 'starchitects' <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/architect-to-transform-docklands/2007/08/01/1185647977807">Zaha Hadid</a> (in partnership with local firm <a href="http://www.a-r-m.com.au/">ARM</a>) and Norman Foster, for clients SAMA Dubai, whom had entered into exclusive negotiations for the site with VicUrban. These eventually fell through when SAMA couldn't  guarantee work would commence on site within 2 years, due to financial pressures which arose as a result of the Global Financial Crisis and in 2011 the site was put out to tender once more, attracting competition from property heavy weights Grocon+Mirvac, Equiset + Australand, Lend Lease and Leightons.

After a solid year of rumours circulating around the industry that Lend Lease had won development rights to Parcels 5b, 6 &amp; 6a, it was finally made official on August 1st 2013. Lend Lease's project team consists of Master Plan Architects <a href="http://www.dentoncorkermarshall.com/">DCM</a> (Commercial), <a href="http://www.fkaustralia.com/">FKA</a> (Residential) with landscape architecture by <a href="http://aspect.net.au/">Aspect Studios</a>.

The plans for the precinct include the following:

<ul>
<li>Approx.110,000sqm of NLA distributed across 4 commercial buildings to Collins Street providing space for approx. 10,000 workers, and targeting a 6-Star Green Star rating, ranging in height from 93-160m</li>
	<li>Approx. 600 apartments to Flinders Street housing 1,000 residents with the potential for a hotel in-lieu of one of the apartment towers and targeting a 5-Star Green Star rating, ranging in height from 53-137m</li>
	<li>2 strata office buildings ranging in height from 20-45m</li>
	<li>1,000sqm of community space throughout the site</li>
	<li>Approximately 4,000sqm of retail </li>
	<li>Minor relocation of Bruce Armstrong's  'Bunjil' sculpture</li>
	<li>'The City Room', a major new public space, protected from the elements and flanked by a new 600sqm community building and the commercial towers offering views of 'Bunjil'</li>
	<li>Batman's Square a new pocket park nestled amongst the residential towers</li>
	<li>A new CBD-style north-south laneway connecting Collins and Flinders Streets </li>
	<li>The introduction of Flinders Lane into Docklands along with other minor laneways</li>
	<li>Wurundjeri Steps connecting the lower public realm to the upper ground plane</li>
	<li>New public art which responds to and reinterprets the history of the site</li>
	<li>1,000 parking spaces below Collins Street.</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/1415_LL_BH_Website_Images_Lrg.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/1415_LL_BH_Website_Images_Lrg.jpg?itok=5t4uczIH" typeof="Image"></a>

Taking into account the difficulties the site presents in that is required to 'bridge' over a portion of Wurundjeri Way (but not completely) and negotiating the changes in level between 'upper' Docklands and 'lower' Docklands plus the commercial realities of realising such a project, the master plan is a generally solid and competent response and Lend Lease should be commended for the strong focus on the public realm and creating activated spaces via a good mix of surrounding uses but as always there's some room for improvement, in my opinion. For example:

<ul>
<li>Batman's Square while generally protected from traffic and rail by buildings doesn't look like it will receive very much sunlight particularly around lunch time but unfortunately there aren't too many alternatives.</li>
	<li>The development rights for the site should have included air rights above the full extent of Wurundjeri Way allowing for a reconfiguration of the Wurundjri Way/Flinders Street intersection to improve pedestrian access and amenity. I believe this would free-up the site much more for development, while also potentially addressing the point above re: Batman's Square - it could then be located on top of the deck south of 'The City Room' with 'Bunjil' as its centrepiece. </li>
	<li>Some more variation in building height's by redistributing it towards the east so the site steps down in height from the CBD to Collins Square (With Collins Square Tower 4D sitting at 145m there's the risk for the two developments to appear as a big blob). I'd like to see C4 &amp; at least 200m tall, making it Docklands' tallest building which might mean that C3 is perhaps reduced to 120m.  </li>
	<li>Similarly I believe R1 should be the taller of the residential buildings (perhaps combine with a hotel component - the plan allows for hotel) and aim for about 180m. Reduce the height of R3 to improve solar access to Batman's Square.</li>
	<li>The site should aim for a high quality architectural response. The engagement of DCM and FKA should go someway to achieving this however I think some (if not all) buildings should be the result of design competitions, particularly for such an important and visible site.</li>
</ul>
Lend Lease intends to submit a Development Plan, following completion of the community consultation process, for approval this year before proceeding with Planning Applications for individual towers. Construction is due to begin on Building C1 in 2015 with completion of the entire project forecast for 2025. 

See below further images of the proposed plan plus various unrealised schemes for the site.

Until next time... Peace out.

For further information and to have your say on how Batmans Hill should be developed please visit: <a href="http://www.batmanshillcollinsstreet.com.au/about">http://www.batmanshillcollinsstreet.com.au/about</a>
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Batman's Hill Collins Street - The missing piece of the Docklands jigsaw?

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Following on from <a href="/news/matthew-guy-on-the-mpa-transport-advice-and-pans-ops">Alastair's article on Monday</a>, Apartments.com.au continues its coverage of the Plan Melbourne Strategy by today taking a look at the Reformed Zones, particularly the new Residential Zones - setting the scene for what is effectively Part 2 of our interview with Planning Minister Matthew Guy.

July 1st 2013 saw the introduction of five new zones across the state - Residential Growth Zone, General Residential Zone, Neighbourhood Residential Zone, Commercial 1 Zone and Commercial 2 Zone. Replacing the nine previous zones, in an effort to streamline the planning process and encourage and enable ..."a broader mix of new businesses nearer to existing services and where people choose to live. The reformed residential zones also aim to better manage growth and protect liveability and neighbourhood character."

The strategy behind the new residential zones is best summarised by the following paragraphs, taken from Plan Melbourne:

<blockquote>
Reformed residential zones were introduced across Victoria on 1 July 2013 to better manage growth and protect liveability and neighbourhood character. The certainty provided by the reformed residential zones enables local governments to clearly determine the scale and location of new unit, townhouse and apartment development, and greatly improves local governments’ ability to plan for this type of development with confidence that the zones will influence outcomes on the ground.
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The new zones are the Residential Growth Zone, General Residential Zone and Neighbourhood Residential Zone. The Reformed Zones Advisory Committee has suggested that metropolitan local governments seek to apply each of the zones together, to provide a balance between protecting local attributes and addressing ongoing housing needs. In locations where the community is seeking to promote housing diversity and housing supply, it might apply the Residential Growth Zone. Alternatively, for locations where the community is seeking to limit housing change and population growth, it might apply the Neighbourhood Residential Zone. It is challenging for communities to clearly define locations for housing growth and locations for protection from change. However, the reformed residential zones will ensure that change will occur according to community expectations.
</blockquote>

<div class="rtejustify">See table below for a summary of each new zone.</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify"><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/Reformed%20Zones%20Table.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Reformed%20Zones%20Table.jpg?itok=Xu03Mw_0" typeof="Image"></a></div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">And a look at how these zones may be applied, for example, to Dandenong:</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify"><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/Dandenong%20Zones.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Dandenong%20Zones.jpg?itok=rl9Id4WS" typeof="Image"></a></div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">And now a word from the Minister:</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">UM: One of the issues with Melbourne 2030 is basically that it had the same broad aims of reducing development in suburban streets away from transport and concentrating development within activity centres. One of the things that happened was councils said we don't need development in backstreets so we'll discourage that but also they used the structure planning process to introduce controls that were so harsh that they were basically saying they don't want growth in activity centres and also don't really want growth anywhere. So we're not sure whether with the new zones some councils will try and propose very low or no growth areas. Can you explain how the new zones will be implemented?</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">MG: The new zones, in particular the C1 (Commercial 1) zone, is like (the) Capital City Zone throughout every Municipality. The C1 is very flexible and it is a zone that encourages growth within it. Someone in the development industry said to me "well why do you allow Glen Eira to put 76% of their residential areas into Neighbourhood Residential (Zone)? You've locked the whole place up!". Well I say to them you've got to view it within the context of all the zone structure within the municipality. They've got a decent amount of C1, which again, residential has a right of use, the ability to build in that area is strong. There's the urban renewal precinct in Caulfield, then there's two sites down south which are quite significant and you look at the population trends in there,and you look at the Bureau of Statistics forecasts and they can almost get 60% more dwelling numbers (than) what they need to the year 2030 in the areas that they've got than they would under the current system. They can get it through the C1, through the Urban Renewal Precincts and they can get it through the General Residential Zone. So it's about looking at all the zones in the municipality rather than just bits of it.</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">I was in Banyule today and the council there is again saying that they'll probably only have a third of the municipality that they'll ask for Neighbourhood (Residential Zone), most will be in General (Residential Zone) and they'll tweak the General - there'll be a General Plus if you like, and a General Minus. So a general with a little less development and a general with a bit of a development focus to it and they'll use the (Residential) Growth Zone in a number of strategic sites and they're saying in the Structure, in terms of estimates on dwellings vastly exceed what we've been told to (provide) even under previous Governments and they've dropped off. So it's just about making sure they've got the right...not just the right mix but the right ability to get supply... and they do but it's in the defined areas which the C1 has helped enormously.</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">Look out for Nicholas Harrison's conclusion to Apartments.com.au's epic "Conversations with Matthew Guy" Trilogy in the coming days. Peace out.</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div> </div>
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Conversations with Matthew Guy, Episode II - In the Zone

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

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

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