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This week I catch up with a really good friend and former colleague of mine, Isaac Mortimer who is a senior CGI Artist at FKD Studio. We chat about his transition from architecture into the world of CGI visualisation, how it came about, what he finds so interesting about it and his advice for anyone looking to take it up as a career. We also discuss The Meg, a bit of Star Wars and Isaac's dogs' instagram account.

You can listen to Apartments.com.au's Podcast with FKD Studio directors Ben Rappell and Nick King from earlier in the year <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-39-fkds-isaac-mortimer-talks-cgi">here</a>.

You can follow Isaac on instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mortimerisaac/">@mortimerisaac</a>

Or his two mini dachshunds Fritz and Lenny:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/fritz_lenny/">@fritz_lenny</a>

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/530671044&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=true&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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Laurence Dragomir

Weekly Podcast: Episode 39 - FKD's Isaac Mortimer talks CGI

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Ecodynamics has announced the merger of its sub-brands – WeBlow, Aquaseeding and Mossrock – under its Ecodynamics brand for its operations in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.

Australia’s largest landscaping products and services company reached a record annual turnover this year of $35 million. With 125 staff across three states, the amalgamation of the brands bolsters the company’s position as a market leader and one-stop shop in the landscaping services and products industry.

Ecodynamics' turnover is expected to rise to $40 million by 2022, on the back of anticipated exponential growth. This reflects the burgeoning infrastructure projects planned across Australia, and the shift towards creating more sustainable, greener futures.

The vertically integrated company will now consist of four divisions spanning landscaping, services, mulch and a nursery division representing the company’s social enterprise that aims to offset climate change and land degradation through community initiatives.

<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/ecodynamics-group-tanderrum-bridge_small.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tanderrum Bridge. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ecodynamics-group-tanderrum-bridge_small.jpg?itok=z4qZHpf1" title="Tanderrum Bridge. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tanderrum Bridge. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Three trusted brand names are coming together to give customers a more cohesive and comprehensive offering of products and services in one place. Ecodynamics is made up of experts and innovators in the industry and we have recognised an opportunity to unite our businesses to meet the demands of both the industry and our customers.

The new branding and tagline reflects our commitment to improving and nurturing communities through landscapes.

The partnership aligns with our company ethos and the work we do in greening and nurturing communities. We look forward to working closely with AILA and its member base over the next year to share our expertise in delivering quality projects across Australia.

 - Nick Somes, Ecodynamics managing director
</blockquote>

Ecodynamics has provided landscape solutions to the civil construction industry for 30 years and during this time saw the acquisition of Mossrock 15 years ago, Aquaseeding in 2015 and WeBlow in 2016.

Well-known in the industry, Ecodynamics has built a reputation for delivering many of Australia’s most iconic green spaces, some of which include Eastlink and Birrarung Marr in Victoria, the Northern and Southern Expressways in South Australia, and Burrill Lake in New South Wales.

Along with the new branding, Ecodynamics has announced it will be the Principal Partner for the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Victorian Chapter to directly engage with and support the state’s design and landscaping community.

<h2>Case Studies </h2>

Eastlink

<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/eastlink-aerial-commercial-landscaping-ecodynamics.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/eastlink-aerial-commercial-landscaping-ecodynamics.jpg?itok=Q9_gw92J" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure>The landscaping requirements for Eastlink were unprecedented in scale, with the scope detailing 4.7 million plants to be installed in garden beds, 200 hectares of grassing, and the construction of 70 wetlands. A project of this 
magnitude required all the resources of Ecodynamics’ divisions, precipitating significant growth in the business. Nursery capacity was more than doubled, and timber processing capacity was significantly increased to meet the needs of the project.

Delivered over a two year period, strict project deadlines meant Ecodynamics had to maintain a workforce of over 100 team members on site at any given time. The labour requirements meant that the Ecodynamics business had to be innovative in sourcing labour, to meet the demands of the project. As a result, the business engaged a number of people from agricultural backgrounds, including a large contingent of people of Cambodian heritage. Many of the Cambodian’s employed on Eastlink have worked with Ecodynamics ever since, having consolidated themselves as a key part of the highly skilled workforce.

Eastlink was constructed during the millennial drought, which necessitated planting through summer to meet construction deadlines. The landscaping crew were installing 50,000 plants per day, requiring up to 6 water carts running to ensure the survival of the plants in temperatures averaging 38 degrees Celsius. Despite the difficult conditions, the planting was successful with over 95% of all plants surviving

Fleurieu Aquatics Centre

<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/commercial-landscaping-south-australia-fleurieu-aquatic-centre-ecodynamics-hames-sharley-31516-rac21.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/commercial-landscaping-south-australia-fleurieu-aquatic-centre-ecodynamics-hames-sharley-31516-rac21.jpg?itok=Gy-dl70D" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure>Ecodynamics’ South Australian team were engaged to construct both hard and soft landscapes for the award nominated leisure facility, Fleurieu Aquatic Centre.

Located in the seaside area of Victor Harbor, the Fleurieu Aquatic Centre opened its doors to the community in March 2017, providing the region’s rapidly growing population with a new community focus for recreation, fitness and leisure. The $21 million centre includes lap, multi-use and rehabilitation pools, an outdoor splash pad, fitness facilities, a café and family focused BBQ and picnic areas.

The concept for the Fleurieu Aquatic Centre is inspired by the local indigenous story of Kondili the whale. In this story, four friends are attacked and retreat to the sea to become four sea creatures. This is manifested in the pool by way of four key spaces (pool hall, warm water pool, community facilities / multipurpose and administration/services spine) representing each of the creatures.

Ecodynamics was engaged by head contractor Kennett Builders to construct the hard and soft scapes for the centre. Soft scaping elements included 2,600 sqm of instant turf, 4,500 sqm of irrigated garden beds and the planting of 17,000 plants. The team also constructed hardscaping elements such as timber logs and boulders for the playground, and rock lined bioswales to filter and improve the quality of storm water run-off.
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Ecodynamics amalgamates its brands under a single banner

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While Victoria was preparing for the Melbourne Cup last week, the Queensland State Government announced it had approved a Master Plan for The Star Gold Coast valued at over $2 billion, providing a massive boost for tourism across South East Queensland (SEQ) and creating 10,000 jobs in the region. 

In approving the Master Plan concept, The Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said the proposal by The Star Entertainment Group and its partners Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, provided a platform for further investment at the Broadbeach Island integrated resort site.

The Master Plan approves the construction of four new towers, each with the potential to generate up to 1,800 jobs during construction. A further 3,000 ongoing operational jobs would be created between the towers, restaurants, bars, days spas and other facilities.  Along with the four additional towers, the $2 billion-plus Master Plan includes the following:

<ul>
<li>Significant new restaurant and bar precincts</li>
	<li>Increased entertainment and retail options </li>
	<li>Lush new resort facilities</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/the_star_gc_master_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved $2bn Master Plan will feature an additional four towers. Image: The Star Entertainment Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="892" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_star_gc_master_plan.jpg?itok=iBHQ4eEz" title="The approved $2bn Master Plan will feature an additional four towers. Image: The Star Entertainment Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved $2bn Master Plan will feature an additional four towers. Image: The Star Entertainment Group</figcaption></figure>The approval of The Star's Master Plan follows a series of major milestones as part of an initial $850 million redevelopment including:

<ul>
<li>the opening of the luxury hotel The Darling</li>
	<li>the redevelopment of The Star Grand</li>
	<li>the purchase of The Sheraton Grand Mirage and;</li>
	<li>the start of construction of the Dorsett hotel and apartments tower.</li>
</ul>
The Star was the first official partner of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, the host venue for the Logies in July, and will host the Queensland Tourism Awards this month.The Star has also committed to delivering these tourism investments with no extra poker machines.

The first phase of the overall Master Plan’s five new towers  - dubbed 'The Star Residences' - was approved in December 2016 and is currently under construction. The 53-storey tower has been designed by DBI Design and Cottee Parker and will include a 316 room Dorsett hotel in addition to 423 residential apartments with an expected completion date of 2022. 

A phased approach is proposed for the development of the additional four towers and facilities. According to The Star Entertainment Group, the latest segment of the Master Plan is over and above the already-committed multi-billion dollar investments from the consortium partners into SEQ.

<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/slider-star-gc-01-2000x1125.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The now under construction Star Residences represents the first phase of the new Master Plan. Image: Far East Consortium"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/slider-star-gc-01-2000x1125.jpg?itok=x1-2m3Fq" title="The now under construction Star Residences represents the first phase of the new Master Plan. Image: Far East Consortium" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The now under construction Star Residences represents the first phase of the new Master Plan. Image: Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
This approval gives The Star and its partners the opportunity to lift The Star's profile with international tourists to even greater heights. Over the past four years Star has demonstrated its confidence in Queensland’s tourism outlook by making significant investments to drive economic growth and job creation on the Gold Coast.

The Star Entertainment Group is driving a massive injection of private sector funding into Queensland’s tourism industry, creating thousands of construction and operational jobs and opening up countless new supply opportunities for Queensland businesses.

On completion of The Star Gold Coast and its $3.6 billion Queens Wharf Brisbane development, the consortium will have created up to 10 hotels, with almost 3,000 rooms between them, and up to 100 restaurants and bars. This translates into some 15,000 new jobs for Queenslanders.

Queensland is pivotal to The Star Entertainment Group’s approach and it continues to proudly support and host major events in Australia’s events capital of the Gold Coast. As a top 100 ASX company, The Star Entertainment Group, also plans to relocate its corporate office to Brisbane, which is another salute to Queensland.

- Annastacia Palaszczuk, Queensland Premier
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
The Master Plan in its entirety would see The Star Gold Coast boast more tourism accommodation than any other resort in Australia. The 3000 hotel rooms and apartments would also exceed what the world-renowned Marina Bay Sands in Singapore offers, and be on a scale to compare with the largest integrated resorts in Las Vegas.

Once the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane transformation is complete, and if The Star Gold Coast Master Plan is rolled out in full, we will have tourism assets across SEQ worth around $9 billion. This includes the original assets on the Gold Coast and Brisbane, and the considerable and ongoing investments we have made in both those destinations.

We are delighted to receive the State Government’s approval of our expanded Master Plan. Our site at Broadbeach is the perfect location for continued development of tourism assets that will deliver to the Gold Coast an integrated resort capable of competing with the best on a domestic, regional and global basis.

This would be a project of incredible scale, delivering substantial economic benefit to the State from jobs and increased tourism visitation. In addition to The Star Grand, The Darling and The Dorsett hotel tower, our expanded Master Plan provides the opportunity for another four towers and world-class facilities.

They would include a stunning recreational deck, water features and hero pools, a quality day spa, new dining precincts, more bars and cafes, exciting entertainment facilities, plus a nightclub where international acts can be showcased.

The Master Plan also looks at ways to enhance the connection of Broadbeach Island with Pacific Fair, the Gold Coast Convention Centre and the surrounding Broadbeach precinct.

-  Matt Bekier, Managing Director and CEO of The Star Entertainment Group
</blockquote>
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The Star Gold Coast receives State approval for Massive $2 billion Master Plan

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Following on from Apartments.com.au's piece looking at the <a href="/news/urbans-top-5-for-october-most-viewed-architects">Top 5 Most Viewed Architects</a>, today we look at the Top 5 Most Viewed Suburbs. Once again these will be favoured heavily towards Melbourne due to the site's history as Apartments.com.au.

As the database and Apartments.com.au's presence continues to expand into the other Australian cities no doubt these will change. But for now here are the Top 5 and their respective development pipelines;

<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/top_suburbs_oct.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="209" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/top_suburbs_oct.png?itok=uHeMnblK" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure><h2><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">1. Melbourne</a></h2>

The Victorian capital is experiencing an unprecedented level of population growth as it races towards becoming Australia’s largest city by 2030. This is being reflected in Melbourne’s strong development pipeline and investment in key infrastructure projects at state and local level, to ensure it remains among the world’s most liveable cities.

While the residential development pipeline appears to be winding down, the likes of West Side Place, Queens Place, Premier Tower, and By The Gardens are just beginning. In other words: the flurry of cranes that have been a permanent fixture on the Melbourne skyline for the last decade are set to remain for quite some time.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">2. Southbank</a></h2>

Southbank will continue its transformation over the next five years as it reaches for the sky, but also turns its focus to improving the quality of the public realm.

Significant developments include some of Australia's tallest buildings, with Australia 108 (317m), One Queensbridge Street (323m), and Southbank by Beulah (356m) joining Eureka Tower (297m) to produce a dramatic cluster of buildings.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/southbank-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">3. South Melbourne</a></h2>

Having experienced a steady rate of residential development over the last few years, South Melbourne doesn’t appear to be showing any signs of slowing down. A number of apartments are planned for Albert Road, Eastern Road, and Dorcas Street, exploiting views of Albert Park Lake, the Bay, and the Melbourne skyline.

South Melbourne is also experiencing an increase in commercial development around the South Melbourne Market precinct and along Moray Street, reinforcing the suburb’s status as an emerging office precinct of low to mid-rise developments.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/south-melbourne-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">4. Footscray</a></h2>

Best remembered in the 90s for Franco Cozzo’s furniture store and iconic ads, Footscray will soon become synonymous with high-rise living as the suburb fulfils its potential as an activity centre and employment cluster, with support from the State Government and Maribyrnong City Council.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/footscray-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">5. West Melbourne</a></h2>

Acting as a gateway into the Melbourne CBD, West Melbourne is expected to see considerable development activity, with support from the Council to transform the industrial suburb into a village.

The City of Melbourne has developed a new structure plan for the area including the extension of trams down Spencer Street which would be re-imagined as a ‘high street.’

<iframe frameborder="0" height="420px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/west-melbourne-vic?embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

Keep an eye out for the Top 5 Most Viewed Local Government Areas tomorrow.
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Urban's Top 5 for October -  Most Viewed Suburbs

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Here at Apartments.com.au we're suckers for data. We compile it. We analyse it. We publish it. It provides us with a good snapshot of the behaviours and interests of those who visit the site. It also makes for good article content. And so with that in mind, today we look at the Top 5 Most Viewed Architects on Apartments.com.au.

What does this mean exactly? The data is based on the number of project page views, with each project being associated with an architect, developer, suburb or builder. To be clear, this doesn't represent the architect with the most projects on our database and the data will be heavily Melbourne-centric as a legacy from our Apartments.com.au days. The most prominent architects in the Apartments.com.au database will be the subject of a future series article.

We've also been working on a new embeddable widget of our project database map (and list) which we can include within the body of our articles (such as this one) or on other sites. The widget allows us to filter the project map and list by any criteria from Architect or Builder to Local Government Authority. 

So without further a adieu, here are the Top 5:

<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/urban_top_5_architects_oct.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="280" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/urban_top_5_architects_oct.png?itok=fSwdYgh3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure><h2><a href="/developments?architect=Fender%20Katsalidis%20Architects">1. Fender Katsalidis</a></h2>

Having designed the likes of Eureka Tower, Republic Tower, World Tower and the currently under construction Australia108, and with 49 projects in the database, it's no surprise that Fender Katsalidis tops the list.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="460px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments?architect=Fender%20Katsalidis%20Architects&amp;embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

 

<h2><a href="/developments?architect=elenberg%20fraser">2. Elenberg Fraser</a></h2>

In second place is Elenberg Fraser, who have been responsible for the design of the majority of Melbourne's high-rises in the last 5 years and have 53 projects listed in the database. The tallest of these, Aurora Melbourne Central recently topped out.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="460px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments?architect=elenberg%20fraser&amp;embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

 

<h2><a href="/developments?architect=Rothelowman">3. Rothelowman</a></h2>

In third is Rothelowman which has always had a consistent project pipeline of projects with 89 in total and previously topped the <a href="/news/the-top-15-architecture-practices-referenced-on-the-urban-com-au-project-database">Urban.com.au Top 15 architect's list.</a> Rothelowman are also the architects behind the Hawthorn Park project, featuring a unique 'Sky Pool'.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="460px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments?architect=Rothelowman&amp;embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments?architect=Hayball">4. Hayball</a></h2>

In fourth is Hayball, which currently has 57 projects in the database across Melbourne and South East Queensland. The office is currently involved in the Nightingale Village ensemble in Brunswick.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="460px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments?architect=Hayball&amp;embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2><a href="/developments?architect=DKO%20Architecture">5. DKO </a></h2>

With a presence across Melbourne and Sydney and 64 projects listed in total, DKO rounds out the top 5. 

<iframe frameborder="0" height="460px" src="https://www.urban.com.au/developments?architect=DKO%20Architecture&amp;embeddable=map" width="100%"></iframe>

Look out tomorrow for the next article in the series: the Top 5 Most Viewed Suburbs.
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Urban's Top 5 for October -  Most Viewed Architects

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Members of Mirvac’s design team have claimed the top prize in the 2018 Urban Innovation Ideas Competition, organised by the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Bohan Jones, HJ Yoon, Will Cai and Linda Lin who conceived the winning scheme - dubbed 'Reflective Lane' - received $2,000 for their efforts and will travel to Shanghai to present their proposal at the ULI 2019 Asia Pacific Conference.

The 2018 Competition sought innovative ideas from students and young professionals within the industry which enhanced the streetscapes within the north-west corner of Melbourne CBD, bound by La Trobe, William, Bourke and Spencer streets. The Competition received 42 entries.

The area has experienced significant development with the completion of the Upper West Side development on the site of the former Lonsdale Street powerstation, and the neighbouring West Side Place across the road. Other projects include <a href="/new-apartments/204-king-street-melbourne">Amber</a>, <a href="/buildings/aspire-melbourne-301-king-st-melbourne">Aspire</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/melbourne-grand-560-lonsdale-street-melbourne">556-558 Lonsdale 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/site_area_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The Competition site in Melbourne's CBD. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="462" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/site_area_2.png?itok=qaILqgH8" title="The Competition site in Melbourne's CBD. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Competition site in Melbourne's CBD. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Reflective Lane proposes a public arts program in selected laneways that would seek to enrich them and unite members of various communities together by showcasing local stories and artistic responses across a range of social, cultural and ecological themes. 

According to the Competition Jury, Reflective Lane was awarded first place due to its ability to impact the area, which currently lacks activity and vibrancy, through new experiences, but also embodied the ethos of the competition and the organisation, which focuses on boldness, innovation and the sharing of new concepts. Further it also highlighted the importance of ideas and innovation from younger generations.

The announcement of the winner marks the end of Stage Two of the Competition which ran for the duration of October. As part of the Stage Two process <a href="/news/urban-innovation-ideas-competition-shortlist-announced-voting-now-open">the three shortlisted finalists</a> were required to further develop and refine their schemes. The two other finalists were ‘Welcome to Melbourne’ – Fabian Culican, Kavita Sonar, Shelley Black and Simon Zhao from Tract Consultants and ‘Mixed Collectivo’ – Lindy Huang, a student at University of Melbourne; and Marc Schmailz, a student at Technical University of Munich.

The submission ‘Mixed Collectivo’ was awarded the prize for best student entry at the conclusion of Stage 1 of the Competition in late September. The popular vote winner was also announced, as decided by the public, and was awarded to ‘Celebration: Park, Street, Laneway’ comprising University of Hong Kong students Wong Lap Man, Kam Destiny and Kwong Yuk Chun.

<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/example_-_visions_of_japan.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Reflective Lanes was the winner of the 2018 Competition. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/example_-_visions_of_japan.png?itok=dqMx9iCD" title="Reflective Lanes was the winner of the 2018 Competition. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Reflective Lanes was the winner of the 2018 Competition. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say....</h2>

<blockquote>
The jury saw design-based propositions from the majority of entrants, but the winners took an experienced-based approach to enliven and enrich through stories and connections.

This submission stood out because it shows a singular cultural and creative approach to changing the experience and perception of this area. It recognised the power of creative activity, supporting artists’ place in their own communities and building international connectivity through the process.

The concept of Reflective Lane would uplift the community and create value to the urban fabric, highlighting the positive impact of arts and culture on cities and precincts. The ULI is about people who want to come together and share for the collective benefit of the cities in which we live.

The winning proposal stood out in emphasising that change was not just affected by urban design and built form but by the programming and activation you can apply within the built form.

- David McCracken, ULI Australia Executive Director and Jury Chair
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Through the competition we are interested in thought and the idea that something could actually happen. Deep critical thinking to us is the real essence of where the future may go and we are really proud of everyone’s efforts in the competition.

- Roger Nelson, NH Architecture (Competition sponsor)
</blockquote>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hl1ZyjgYN9A" width="560"></iframe>
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Winner announced for Urban Innovation Ideas Competition

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A long dormant project is set to finally be realised after it was announced late last year that ISPT has partnered with Victoria University and the Victorian Department of Education and Training to develop a new 32-storey vertical campus in the at <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">364-378 Little Lonsdale Street</a> in Melbourne's CBD. The Jackson Architecture-designed project <a href="/news/vu-queen-st-set-for-expansion">was covered all the way back in March of 2013</a> when Urban was first launched, and was also one of the first projects added to the Project Database.

The 24,000 sqm vertical campus will be developed by ISPT and will incorporate office and teaching space for key academic activities, to be leased back to the University, consolidating its city campuses into a single new precinct. Victoria University hopes the new precinct and the University’s greater presence on the western edge of the Hoddle Grid will assist the University in forming better connections to its nearby campuses across the west of Melbourne.

ISPT says the Victoria University Precinct project represents a prime example of the company's strategy to "pursue true development opportunities in partnership with customers to unlock development returns for our Investors." As part of the tender ISPT will also acquire two heritage-listed properties from Victoria University; the Former Records Office at 287-295 Queen Street and the Land Titles Office at 247-283 Queen Street.

<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/vu-1_1530x2500_acf_cropped.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ISPT will deliver a new 32-storey vertical campus for Victoria University. Image: ISPT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="948" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vu-1_1530x2500_acf_cropped.jpg?itok=eFh_y2-M" title="ISPT will deliver a new 32-storey vertical campus for Victoria University. Image: ISPT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ISPT will deliver a new 32-storey vertical campus for Victoria University. Image: ISPT</figcaption></figure>Further details of the new development:

<ul>
<li>The new City West Precinct will provide space for students from VU Polytechnic, as well as VU’s Business School, College of Law and Justice, and College of Health and Biomedicine, and the VU College</li>
	<li>VU Research centres will also have an important presence within the new precinct, as will the VU Law School, which will continue to operate in its current building, as well as benefiting from the new spaces within the precinct.</li>
</ul>
According to Victoria University, State Government approval for the deal was provided on the basis that “the University establishes a ‘New Infrastructure Fund’ in its accounts that holds the proceeds of sale for reinvestment in new infrastructure.”

Work on the 32-storey tower is set to commence next year with completion slated for 2021.  Students are expected to begin studying in the new precinct in the first semester of 2022.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
The new City West Precinct will revitalise this iconic part of the city, restoring the historic Land Titles Office, while also improving the local amenity and spawning a reborn urban experience in the western parts of the Melbourne CBD.

We are fortunate to be partnering with ISPT on this project which will help us to create a world-class precinct for our students in the CBD, while also establishing an infrastructure fund to enable exciting investment opportunities for our campuses in our heartland throughout the west of Melbourne.

- Professor Peter Dawkins.​​​​​​, Victoria University Vice-Chancellor and President
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We look forward to working collaboratively with Victoria University to ensure we deliver a new campus and educational environment that meets the current and future needs of staff and students, while creating an architectural statement befitting the prominence of the site in a CBD context.

The transaction demonstrates the long-term capital alignment of industry superannuation funds with the tertiary education sector.

This project is a key addition to our development pipeline and represents an important milestone in our participation into the education sector. Education is a major services export contributor, critical to the economy over the medium to long term, and this project will diversify our exposure and that of our Investors to this important sector.

- Daryl Browning, ISPT CEO
</blockquote>
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ISPT set to deliver Victoria University's new vertical city campus

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A Woolworths Metro has officially opened as the anchor tenant of Greenland Australia’s $320 million Omnia apartment building in Potts Point, which is in the final stages of completion after Probuild topped out the structure in February 2018.

The result of a design competition, the 20-storey tower features a striking hour glass form that was conceived by architects Durbach Block Jaggers, with interiors by SJB. Omnia's dynamic architectural expression was achieved by progressively reducing the floor slab length by 180mm across 10 levels and then increasing again.

<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/kk_print_003.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Woolworths Metro is located within level one of Omnia's podium. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kk_print_003.jpg?itok=65e01JJl" title="The Woolworths Metro is located within level one of Omnia's podium. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Woolworths Metro is located within level one of Omnia's podium. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Omnia comprises 132 high-end apartments with sweeping Sydney CBD skyline views to the west and harbour views over Elizabeth Bay, Watsons Bay and North and South Heads to the east.

The Woolworths Metro in Omnia offers an expansive fresh food section, barista made coffee, sushi made on site, hot roast chickens, an in-store bakery and a quick and easy ready meal section. The Woolworths Metro is located on level one of Omnia’s podium level, and forms part of a retail offering that will consist of ​seven​ other retail spaces on the ground floor, which are currently available for lease.

According to Greenland Australia, the Woolworths Metro store further strengthens one of Omnia’s key points of difference – convenience. The Woolworths Metro will be open from 6am until midnight seven days a week.

<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/kk_print_013.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The interior of the Woolworths at Omnia has employed a pared back industrial aesthetic. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kk_print_013.jpg?itok=aUxeQR7R" title="The interior of the Woolworths at Omnia has employed a pared back industrial aesthetic. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The interior of the Woolworths at Omnia has employed a pared back industrial aesthetic. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Having the Woolworths Metro store on the podium level really is the icing on the cake for our residents. We are also targeting premium bar and restaurant operators for the ground floor retail tenancies, so Omnia will provide an immense level of lifestyle convenience all within the building itself.

Omnia offers the ultimate in convenience on a number of fronts. Firstly, it’s in an exemplary position, ideally located between Victoria Street and Darlinghurst Road, adjacent to the iconic Coca-Cola sign, right in the centre of all the action, you can’t get much better. It’s also a stone’s throw from the CBD.

From a lifestyle point of view, it has a myriad of top-notch restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues within a short walk in Potts Point and Woolloomooloo. It also has landmark destinations including The Royal Botanic Garden, Hyde Park, Woolloomooloo Wharf and the CBD, within a fifteen-minute walk, not to mention designer boutiques and a range of sophisticated fine dining options.

-  Sherwood Luo, Greenland Australia’s Managing Director
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Our customers are looking for food they can either eat now on the go, or later, along with a convenient grocery shop. This store has been designed to cater to the area’s high volume of pedestrian traffic, which includes busy city workers and local residents, who are looking for quick and easy 'grab and go' shopping options.

Residents who are heading home for the evening and are looking for healthy meal options that are freshly prepared and ready to cook or reheat, will have all this on their doorstep with this Woolworths Metro store.

- Justin Nolan, General Manager – Metro, Woolworths
</blockquote>

 
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Greenland Australia's Omnia welcomes Wooloworths Metro as first tenant in retail podium

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The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) has provided a response to Planning Minister Richard Wynne’s <a href="/news/alp-unveil-planning-related-policies-including-banning-embedded-networks-in-new-apartment-developments">announcement late last week</a> that a re-elected Andrews Labor Government would introduce new reforms to the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria.

<blockquote>
The UDIA Victoria welcomes Minister Wynne’s announcement this morning that the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria will be reviewed if an Andrews Government is re-elected.

Victoria continues to experience unprecedented population growth, and apartments are a preferred form of housing for a broadening range of households. We simply must be able to increase the housing stock across our city. Prescriptive design requirements minimise product diversity and stifle innovation.

It is essential that any review has a clearer focus on good design outcomes, allowing space for innovative product, rather than prescriptive structural outcomes that create an unnecessary burden on permit applicants in what is an already tight market.

UDIA will consult with our members, and put forward a detailed submission to the Victorian Government on behalf of the industry.

-  Danni Addison, UDIA CEO for Victoria
</blockquote>

According to the UDIA's residential index report:

<ul>
<li>The residential development sector is a significant driver of the Victorian economy. In FY16/17 the construction of new dwellings made a contribution to the Victorian economy of more than $20 billion. This contribution is expected to increase to over $22.9 billion in FY17/18.</li>
	<li>The residential development sector sustained over 162,000 jobs in Victoria in FY16/17. This figure includes jobs sustained directly in the sector as well as in support industries such as property and business services, financial services, transport and distribution, manufacturing and other sectors. This is expected to increase to almost 185,000 full time, part time and casual jobs across the Victorian economy in FY17/18.</li>
</ul>
The Andrews Government has outlined the following reforms, should it be re-elected next month:

<ul>
<li>Increased apartment setbacks from neighbouring properties to improve privacy, natural light, airflow and to stop streets being turned into cold, dark wind tunnels</li>
	<li>Introduce minimum green space standards</li>
	<li>Ensure apartment exteriors are made from natural, durable and safe materials, such as brick, timber, concrete, metal, stone or non-combustible cladding</li>
	<li>Put in place mandatory construction management plans to put an end to residents being disturbed by noise from construction workers or rubbish removalists outside reasonable hours</li>
</ul>
The Andrews Government had previously introduced blanket bans on certain materials in Victoria, in addition to forming a taskforce to oversee the removal of dangerous cladding from buildings. $4 million will also be invested towards enabling Victoria’s architects to collaborate with the Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA) to produce better apartment layouts and developments which demonstrate global leadership in design, sustainability and liveability. 

The Victorian State Election will be held on Saturday 24th November. The electoral roll closes on November 6th at 8pm.  If you are in Victoria and need to update your enrolment, see <a href="https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/elections/2018StateElection">vec.vic.gov.au</a>

<ul></ul>
Lead image: Escala Apartments NewQuay Docklands
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UDIA responds to Andrews Government's proposed reforms to the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria

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Construction has commenced on the University of Melbourne's Melbourne Connect - a pedestrian friendly innovation precinct located on the site of the former Royal Women’s Hospital, and connecting Carlton with the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus. This follows the demolition of the existing structures on the site and ground works.

Developed by the University of Melbourne in partnership with a consortium led by Lendlease, the precinct will provide facilities where university staff and students, researchers, local and international businesses, government and start-up companies are encouraged to connect, collaborate and execute breakthrough new ideas. Woods Bagot have designed the precinct in collaboration with Hayball and ASPECT Studios, with the aim of establishing a new benchmark in industry collaboration upon completion in late 2020.

The design features a 3,260 sqm ‘Superfloor’ on the mezzanine level which Woods Bagot says "embodies the value of collaboration in a very physical sense." The Superfloor connects the buildings that comprise Melbourne Connect, forming the interior 'heart' of the project and providing a contiguous, physical space for tenant partners and visitors to congregate and exchange ideas.

<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/130395_n30_printhicmyk.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The ensemble of buildings are arranged around a central 'Oculus.' Images: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/130395_n30_printhicmyk.jpg?itok=_sJEGtBX" title="The ensemble of buildings are arranged around a central 'Oculus.' Images: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The ensemble of buildings are arranged around a central 'Oculus.' Images: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Woods Bagot says it is committed to ensuring the project continues to be an exemplar of design and sustainability, highlighting this as a key driver since the consortium won the design competition in 2016. This intent is expressed in the mass timber structure of the smallest building in the precinct ensemble. According to Woods Bagot, the use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) demonstrates the aspirational, future-focussed nature of the project. 

Designed to be bright and open, the building will play host to pitch nights, hackathons and masterclasses, workshops – providing opportunities to actively engage with government and industry. Childcare facilities will span the upper floors to the rooftop terrace. The lower levels of the CLT building form a centre dedicated to enriching the culture of entrepreneurship within the university and creating the future’s leading entrepreneurs.

The precinct will provide public spaces, retail, cafes, accommodation for more than 500 students and visiting academics, a childcare centre, a co-working and commercial office space, a fabrication laboratory and Science Gallery Melbourne, which will deliver cutting-edge exhibitions, events and experiences. The public realm is enhanced by a range of fixed and loose outdoor furniture elements, power outlets and WI-FI to support working and studying outdoors.

The ensemble of buildings are arranged around a central and publicly-accessible open space known as the 'Oculus', which has been designed by ASPECT Studio in conjunction with Hayball and Woods Bagot. The Oculus features vertical green “living louvres” that connect with the upper floors of the buildings as part of the visually identifiable ESD features within the precinct. 

The Oculus is supported by three laneways and a plaza which connect pedestrians and cyclists through to Swanston, Grattan and Cardigan streets. Public urban furniture is dispersed throughput these public spaces and form part of the precinct-wide way finding strategy.

ASPECT Studio's design approach for the public realm sought the adaptive reuse of materials from the former Women’s Hospital. This strategy was adopted to provide a visual reference to the history of the site in an innovative and environmentally sustainable manner.

The consortium delivering Melbourne Connect comprises Lendlease as developer, builder, co-investor and investment manager of the commercial space; GIC the major co-investor in the commercial space; Spotless as the facilities manager; and Urbanest as investor and manager of the student accommodation. The Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre and Science Gallery Melbourne will each be located at Melbourne Connect, with the Melbourne School of Engineering co-located in the precinct.

<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/130395_n32_printhicmyk.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Connect will transform the streetscape when completed in 2020. Images: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/130395_n32_printhicmyk.jpg?itok=ik4MKMZs" title="Melbourne Connect will transform the streetscape when completed in 2020. Images: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Connect will transform the streetscape when completed in 2020. Images: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
CLT stands out for its sustainability, versatility, strength and aesthetic. Long championed by Lendlease, its benefits translate to safer working environments, improved quality and faster construction time on site due to prefabrication. It’s inspiring to use a technologically innovative product in an equally ground-breaking project.

Connected to the other buildings via a bridge link in the Superfloor, the building has been designed to maximise wellbeing by welcoming as much sunlight inside as possible. As inviting and innovative as the young entrepreneurs that will occupy it, it looks outward over the green space and creates a visually permeable environment that encourages spontaneous networking and alliance

- Hazel Porter, Principal and Project Architect, Woods Bagot
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
An extension of the workplace for meeting, workshopping, socialising, exhibiting and hosting events, the Superfloor sits at the heart of Melbourne Connect. Taking cues from the central Oculus space below, the interior spaces create an interior ‘landscape’ that allows for serendipitous peer-to-peer meetings and promotes innovation and knowledge exchange for the whole precinct.

The Superfloor ensures that visitors can easily and naturally move between a variety of enclosed and open spaces in a way that encourages connection with others via permeability, visual connection and prioritising human comfort. The flexible spaces have been designed in a way that considers how the area will be occupied at different times throughout the year –focussing on how people meet and like to work together.

- Sue Fenton, Senior Associate and Interior Design lead, Woods Bagot
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
The laneways create moments of curiosity, discovery, warmth, contemplation and occupation for those coming to Carlton Connect. We designed with the pedestrian at the forefront of our mind. Comprehensive site studies of wind and light ensure that the space is welcoming, social and inviting.

Carlton Connect is a great example of cutting edge collaborative design where our advice and input as landscape architects is integral to the precinct as a whole. We’re informing a lot of the decisions. Our design for the public realm is responsible to every person using it; not just one user group.

- Terrence Stapleton, landscape architect, ASPECT Studios
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
We’re thrilled to be involved in this flagship initiative, to develop Australia’s leading innovation precinct to facilitate the connection between researchers, industry, government bodies and community.

What’s exciting about this precinct is that it’s not just offering a post-graduate living quarter – it’s a completely integrated, mixed-use offering that combines spaces for industry, research and development, academics, public showcase and community facilities like childcare and retail all in one.

Students are part of a world-class academic precinct, a hub where everything is happening on their doorstep. It’s innovation immersion at another level.

Hayball is leading the design for the student accommodation offering at the precinct, working in partnership with Urbanest as the developer and operator of this space and as part of the Lendlease-led consortium to develop the precinct. One of the biggest design considerations was ensuring the 527 beds and communal spaces cater to the post-graduate market and visiting academics, while bringing the enthused and active academic culture into the common spaces.

Because of this, it was important to create spacious rooms that go above and beyond, homes that are equipped with amenities and offer plenty of breathing space. Likewise, with the communal spaces, there was a strong emphasis on creating a mix of meaningful spaces that are open, welcoming and inclusive to encourage students to mix with others, as well as have opportunity for quiet reflection.

- Thomas Gilbert , Principal at Hayball 
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Melbourne Connect is a project that will make a significant contribution to the city’s reputation as an international research and innovation leader. The precinct will make a real difference, delivering innovative solutions to major societal challenges.

- Duncan Maskell, Vice-Chancellor, University of Melbourne  
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Melbourne Connect brings together university led research, industry and elite thinking in a purpose-built innovation precinct, and demonstrates how the combined expertise of industry and academia can be harnessed to achieve great outcomes.

- John Burton, Managing Director Urban Regeneration, Lendlease
</blockquote>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C_B0TuoYkwc" width="560"></iframe>
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Construction commences on University of Melbourne's Melbourne Connect

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

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

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

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

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

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

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

Laurence Dragomir

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