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Drawing parallels to Monty Python's character The Black Knight, it seems some developments just don't know how to give up. 57-61 City Road fits the bill as the developer is seeking altered planning approval once more, after first surfacing during 2010.

Following a drawn out approvals process in which Melbourne City Council ultimately rejected the tower in its presented form, the proponents of the time took the application to VCAT for a more palatable outcome. Consequently at the behest of VCAT, an order was issued to Melbourne City Council mandating approval for the intended tower during April 2011.

As is generally the way with first time developers, the site was listed for sale thereafter with a reported asking price of near $12 million for site and endorsed plans.

<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/Image1_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="57-61 City Road. Image © Artisan Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_1.jpg?itok=5vSyOq76" title="57-61 City Road. Image © Artisan Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>57-61 City Road. Image © Artisan Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>The proposal</h2>

Currently Artisan Architects website carries the following description of 57-61 City Road:

<blockquote>
The design of this new 37 level building of 246 Apartments and 110 car spaces was inspired by its context and its intended users. The building presents itself as a series of “boxes of technology”, giving this striking tower a unique presence in its urban context. Along with many ESD initiatives, the planning of this new tower also takes advantage of its long vista back to the Yarra River and Flinders Street Station.
<cite><a href="http://www.artisanarchitects.com.au/">Artisan Architects</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Artisan Architects along with client Tapil Pty Ltd submitted the revised planning documents late 2013, which essentially carries the same design externally, yet with a number of changes to the podium's internal configuration. Chief amongst these is the deletion of traditional ramped car parking access in favour of a dual car lift system. Consequently the improved access now sees 115 car parks included with access via Fawkner Street, nestled behind City Road.

The revised scheme still expects a yield of 246 apartments, split equally between one and two bedroom apartments. Office space of 120 square metres is also included within the podium while a total of 210 square metres of retail space is spread over the ground floor.

<h2>Key design initatives</h2>

As with most contemporary residential planning applications, sustainability initiatives play an ever increasing role in project viability/marketability/livability etc. Key design initiatives included within 57-61 City Road as outlined by engineering consultancy firm <a href="http://www.adpconsulting.com.au/">ADP Consulting</a> include:

<ul>
<li>An average apartment energy rating of at least 6.0 stars for the development</li>
	<li>Natural ventilation to all apartments</li>
	<li>2 kW solar photovoltaic system</li>
	<li>Car park ventilation controlled by CO sensors</li>
	<li>High levels of daylight to all living and bedroom areas</li>
	<li>Central solar gas-boosted hot water system delivering 25% annual hot water contribution</li>
	<li>A 20,000 litre rainwater tank for toilet flushing and irrigation</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/Image1_46.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A compilation of Artisan projects. Images © Artisan Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="645" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_46.jpg?itok=cALbem09" title="A compilation of Artisan projects. Images © Artisan Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A compilation of Artisan projects. Images © Artisan Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Artisan Architects seek the elusive skyscraper</h2>

An active 57-61 City Road application means it joins a cluster of high-rise residential towers designed by Artisan Architects which have yet to come to fruition, including 10 in Fishermans Bend alone!

Granted those Fishermans Bend towers like all others in the designated Urban Renewal Area have yet to receive approval (owing to a pending release of a final masterplan) but nonetheless a number of other high-rise projects in areas such as South Melbourne and Footscray have yet to reach construction for a variety of reasons.

No doubt Artisan Architects would dearly like to see at least one if not more of the above projects realised in a style of architecture that is certainly their own. One could surmise it would be reward for toil given the expanding body of work credited to the architecture firm.

And if 57-61 City Road is not realised? 'Tis but a scratch' according to The Black Knight, for perseverance surely pays... or does it?
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silvermb

57-61 City Road resubmitted and revisited

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Lost to many over the holiday period was the news that Moonee Valley Racing Club's lengthy battle to win approval for the Moonee Valley Racecourse redevelopment has been given the green light by the State appointed Special Advisory Committee. Racing Victoria released the following statement days prior to Christmas.

<blockquote>
The planned redevelopment of the Moonee Valley racecourse was yesterday given the tick of approval by the State Government. The Advisory Committee, appointed by the State Minister for Planning Matthew Guy, released a 188-page comprehensive document yesterday which Moonee Valley Racing Club CEO Michael Browell said was a significant step forward for the club. “The main elements of our plan, the new grandstand and new horse areas have been approved,” Browell told the Herald Sun

“It’s a great outcome for the club. The master plan has been endorsed and, as a result, so has the long-term future of the club. “At one stage we thought we may have to compromise but it’s close to what we wanted.” Browell said he hoped the redevelopment could begin as early as the second half of 2014 and if things went to plan the 2020 Cox Plate would be held on the new track.

The new racetrack will be completely redesigned, with a 315m home straight, state-of-the-art grandstand and facilities to now be moved to the northern side of the course. The redevelopment would mean the track will have the ability to hold races over a greater range of distances.

The next step is for the recommendations to be sent to the Moonee Valley City Council, who next meet on January 28.
<cite><a href="http://www.racingvictoria.net.au/news/rvl/n_Moonee_Valley_redevelopment_endorsed.aspx">Racing Victoria: Moonee Valley redevelopment endorsed</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/MVRC%20new%20grandstand%20fronting%20Wilson%20Street%20West.JPG" rel="gallery-all" title="The new Grandstand from Wilson Street. Image courtesy Thoroughbred News"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="379" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/MVRC%20new%20grandstand%20fronting%20Wilson%20Street%20West.JPG?itok=LAeWtqNn" title="The new Grandstand from Wilson Street. Image courtesy Thoroughbred News" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The new Grandstand from Wilson Street. Image courtesy Thoroughbred News</figcaption></figure>As outlined by a <a href="/news/moonee-valley-racecourse-master-plan-kicks-again" target="_blank">previous article</a>, the development's major features will include a new northern grandstand fronting Wilson Street as seen above, a new realigned race track and approximately 2000 new dwellings spread over a multitude of buildings. Following approval by the Special Advisory Committee, residential towers of up to 25 levels are now able to be included within the scheme, with separate land parcels requiring individual planning applications.

While <a href="http://www.plusarchitecture.com.au/" target="_blank">Plus Architecture</a> was responsible for the masterplan which went before the Special Advisory Committee, it's unsure whether they will be the lead architect as the project moves into the next stage.

<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/Image2_25.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yes beats no! Images courtesy Save Moonee Ponds and Herald Sun"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="226" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2_25.jpg?itok=EKyKgQ7U" title="Yes beats no! Images courtesy Save Moonee Ponds and Herald Sun" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Yes beats no! Images courtesy Save Moonee Ponds and Herald Sun</figcaption></figure>Cold comfort to the many local residents who saw it fit to attach protest placards to their properties, but the approved masterplan will carry 20 percent less dwellings than what was initially called for by the development team. In addition increased open space, fewer taller towers and diversified uses will be incorporated into the project that will span well over a decade.

Conversely both Moonee Valley Council and local residents action group Save Moonee Ponds have expressed pleasure with the increased heritage overlay that the Special Advisory Committee placed over parts of the racecourse. Retained will be the secretary's house and garden, the main tote, main gate and stable area - areas which will find a new lease on life in another role to their previous existence.

<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/Image3_25.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Caulfield Racecourse ready to go. Image © Beck Corporation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3_25.jpg?itok=2qyEplgd" title="Caulfield Racecourse ready to go. Image © Beck Corporation" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Caulfield Racecourse ready to go. Image © Beck Corporation</figcaption></figure>While the Moonee Valley Racecourse development has maintained a high media profile over a number of years, it's not the only Melbourne racecourse seeking financial security via the sell-off of land parcels. Both Flemington and Caulfiled Racecourses will begin their own apartment-led transformations in the not too distant future, with the Beck Probuild Consortium already taking registrations for the $1 Billion dollar plus <a href="http://caulfieldneighbourhood.com.au/" target="_blank">Caulfiled Village</a> project.

As to whether Moonee Valley gets the jump out of the barriers with a proposed mid 2014 commencement, interested punters will just have to wait and see.
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Moonee Valley redevelopment draws the inside barrier

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Having walked through Fitzroy now a number of times with the intent of capturing street art amongst other topics, it seems a fairly pointless exercise trying to catalogue all the epic pieces of street art in one article.  Therefore today's piece focuses on an area south of Johnston Street, essentially bound by Nicholson Street, Smith Street, Chapel/Victoria Street and of course Johnston Street - and bisected by Brunswick Street of course.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/IMG_1075.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A typical laneway found around Johnston Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" height="468" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/IMG_1075.jpg?itok=GL2R9K61" title="A typical laneway found around Johnston Street" width="702"></a>
Best summed as a split between tight, maze-like laneways and typically open street scenes, this pocket of Fitzroy really does warrant some time for the individual to explore and appreciate its many idiosyncrasies, of which street art is but one.  In a general perspective hats off to Yarra City Council for maintaining and encouraging the urban fabric of Fitzroy.  A snippet of Yarra City Council's Public Art Policy reads a s follows:
Council’s aim is to provide more opportunities for local artists to create works that can be displayed in public and for increased community access to public art and design.  Most public art projects supported by Council in recent years have been delivered on an ad-hoc basis. The aim of a Public Art Policy is to present a framework that can, among other things, recommend how public art projects are developed, funded and located.  The policy could also provide the scope for art to be considered, identified and integrated into the earliest planning stages of Council’s civic works projects, allowing for the design and function to influence the art and vice versa.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/IMG_1064.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Abito Apartments compliments the streetscape"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" height="468" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/IMG_1064.jpg?itok=xCWjZ-b5" title="Abito Apartments compliments the streetscape" width="702"></a>
Chapel Street, Fitzroy is the point of origin for this article, itself a microcosm for select factors that make Fitzroy what it is - disparate cafes, heritage design and of course street art. From Chapel Street it's a westerly journey toward Nicholson Street in this narrow corridor of artwork.
Enjoy the images.
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South of Johnston

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Call this an opinion piece, a policy piece, a design piece, and environment piece... it doesn't particularly matter what category it falls under.  What does matter is the completely inept finish and total lack of respect shown to the surrounds in the image above.

For readers unaware, one of Melbourne's unheralded gems can be found mid block and bound by Elizabeth, La Trobe, Queen and Little Lonsdale.  This historic red brick warehouse precinct is exemplary and provides a genuine glimpse into Melbourne's past, yet with the most recent incursion of development into the area, concerning signs have emerged that the human scale and character of the area is being eroded.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_4301.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Morning light enhances a stunning view"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_4301.jpg?itok=1derKPZk" title="Morning light enhances a stunning view" width="580"></a>

<a href="http://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/arts-and-entertainment/article/guildford-lane-art-precinct" target="_blank">Broadsheet</a> describes the area's heart, Guildford Lane (symptomatic of the entire area) as follows:

<blockquote>
Guildford Lane is a collection of two-story buildings reminiscent of the Melbourne of yore with a sprinkling of the urban contemporary added for good measure. Quaint buildings decorated with haphazard graffiti offer very little indication of visual arts treasures that hide behind their red-brick facade. Towering skyscrapers menace overhead as an ode to the varying layers of history – past and present – that reside there. It’s almost as though some inception-style architect has manufactured the view. Old-world it may be, but it is also fast becoming the nucleus for Melbourne’s visual arts. Here’s a rundown of the galleries you may encounter should you decide to take a trip down this charming side street.
</blockquote>

I feel a skerrick of discomfort highlighting the impending plight of this area over others such as The Palace redevelopment or neighbouring Windsor Hotel, yet I do traverse the are quite often; as much a relaxing break from the excesses of the CBD as a shortcut from A to B.  Having said that I am pro development so readers may argue an element of hypocrisy is present in this article - regardless this one precast wall has raised my ire, for it may be representative if what is in store.

Let's explore why the monotone precast street level facade located to the rear of the recently finished Melbourne Sky development is totally abysmal.  I'd contend development in this area is reasonable given it's bound to the perimeter of the block, leaving the heart of the precinct unblemished - but this is no reason to deliver half-arsed public realm outcomes in such a sensitive area.  Externals to both Little Lonsdale and La Trobe are entitled to present in a modern manner, yet the inward facing (particularly street level) facades should respect their surrounds - surely a reasonable assumption?

Not only is there a total lack of respect relative to the immediate surrounds via a black precast wall, there's also total inactivation and a complete lack of imagination - it is in every way disappointing!  

So who can be attributed with this blunder?  From the outside it seems an abject failure in planning for ultimate responsibility and enforcement lies here.  Architects and developers do what they do, yet both local and state planning bodies missed a trick here by not requesting the rear of Melbourne Sky be improved.  At the very least a simple wrap of recycled brickwork over the site's precast derriere facing Sutherland Street and McLean Alley would have been a cheap, innocuous outcome that would have at least attempted to meld with its heritage 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/Image1_51.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" title="Intended art wall. Image © Rothe Lowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_51.jpg?itok=E9fnFBCo" title="Intended art wall. Image © Rothe Lowman" width="580"></a>

Am I overreacting to this one precast wall - possibly, but consider the four upcoming developments fronting La Trobe Street;  <a href="/buildings/eporo-tower-279-la-trobe-street-melbourne" target="_blank">Eporo Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/the-carlson-321-la-trobe-street-melbourne" target="_blank">321 La Trobe Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/la-trobe-tower-323-la-trobe-street-melbourne" target="_blank">323 La Trobe Street </a>and <a href="/buildings/paragon-318-queen-street-melbourne">Celtic Tower</a> all also back onto the warehouse precinct.  Granted early designs for 321 La Trobe Street included an art wall at the sites rear (seen above), but the prospect of having the finer grain of this precinct repeatedly punctuated by average planning and even worst street level facades is evidently very real.  

Areas such as this intricate warehouse precinct are not a dime a dozen through Melbourne's CBD and therefore are worthy of respect and much thought when approving new developments within its realm.  Based on the initial outcome, it can only get better...

 

Not familiar with the area?  Open the images below to gain a greater understanding of the precinct
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Setting a disturbing precedent

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Today's article is a follow-up piece to a news item from earlier this week titled <a href="/news/is-this-frankstons-time-to-shine" target="_blank">'Is it Frankston's time to shine?'</a> in which Apartments.com.au highlighted the growing number of medium and high-rise developments jockeying for position within the bayside suburb.

In focus today is 446-450 Nepean Highway, an 11 storey mixed-use development which is currently toward the tail end of the approval process as Frankston City Council has indicated that the development will receive the green light.  Located directly opposite the revamped Peninsula Centre, 446-450 Nepean Highway is expected to form part of a wall of mid and high-rise buildings on the western flank of Nepean Highway. 

<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/Image1_48.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site in question. Image © Google Maps"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_48.jpg?itok=DXDzFQKj" style="height:263px; width:580px" title="The site in question. Image © Google Maps"></a>

Responsible for this scheme, <a href="http://www.doigarchitecture.com.au/" target="_blank">Doig Architecture</a> are also in the process of devising a residential building of some 300 apartments on the neighbouring 444 Nepean Highway site.  Whilst these are separate developments, both will abut one another and appear as five separate buildings over a 200 plus metre stretch.  Capable of being constructed in stages to meet market demand, both developments are designed to be visually discernable in their components, acting as a 'city wall' according to Doig.

At 44.1 metres tall, 446-450 Nepean Highway would carry approximately 10,500 m² of office accommodation over upper floors.  A mezzanine ground floor and two podium levels will host a select number of apartments facing Kananook Creek and the Bay beyond while a total of approximately 600 m² of lettable retail space will activate both Nepean Highway and Kananook Creek Boulevard.

It's also expected that near 200 m² of additional space will front a new pedestrian laneway, linking the main north-south aligned thoroughfares that flank the site.  Servicing the tower will be 367 car parking positions accompanied 48 bicycle bays and 31 motorbike bays, distributed over five levels, both above and below ground with entry via Kananook Creek Boulevard.

<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/20934Nepean03.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="446-450 Nepean Highway. Image © Doig Architecture"><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/20934Nepean03.jpg?itok=va32U7wt" title="446-450 Nepean Highway. Image © Doig Architecture"></a>

The materials schedule is best described as monumental with no less than 18 separate forms of metal, timber, glass and concrete employed to create 446-450 Nepean Highway's exterior.  Prominent will be blue and grey glass over the tower's Nepean Highway frontage, punctuated silver glass in a seemingly haphazard fashion. Clear glaze will define the streetscape while perforated patterned mesh screens will cloak above ground car park levels and feature beach and nature motifs.

Doig Architecture's website carries the following summary of 446-450 Nepean Highway. "This 6,500sqm parcel of land between Nepean Highway and the Kananook Creek corridor offers a unique opportunity for the creation of a new High Street and public realm for the City of Frankston. With the opening of the Frankston Bypass, Nepean Highway is to be downgraded and two lanes of traffic removed. This section of the street could and should be developed with greater height and a more urban form, generous footpaths and planting of canopy trees and include uses such as Office, Residential and service retail, and potentially Student Accommodation and Education."

<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_24.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kananook Creek frontage. Image © Doig Architecture"><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/Image2_24.jpg?itok=R-dzzjzO" title="Kananook Creek frontage. Image © Doig Architecture"></a>

Although Council resolved to grant a planning permit during July 2013, the planning application was taken to VCAT as a number of objectors raised issues such as non-compliance to state and local planning policy, loading and road access provisions, design response and overdevelopment.  Subsequently a VCAT mediation session yielded an in-principal agreement  whereby increased privacy measures such as aluminium aerofoils (as seen above) will be incorporated into the design.

As of December 2013 446-450 Nepean Highway has found provisional approval from both Frankston City Council and VCAT, paving the way for final approval during the new year.
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Planning Application > 446-450 Nepean Highway, Frankston

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So long considered the 'derriere' of Melbourne, Frankston is quietly going about the process of regeneration and reinvigoration as a host of new developments eye off the Bayside locale. Far from the gaze of mainstream CBD developers and media for that matter, Frankston in the eyes of many has yet to shrug the 'Bayside Bogan' tag; and somewhat unfairly many would argue!

Under the guise of the <a href="http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/plansandpolicies/centralactivitiesareas/frankston" target="_blank">Frankston Activities Area</a>, the renewal of the area's city centre is central to facilitating <q>Changes to land uses, building size and design and public spaces, and inform the location and types of housing, businesses, community facilities, transport and infrastructure that people want to see in Frankston.</q> Although the process of determining a suitable Structure Plan is continuing, a number of projects over all stages are in the pipeline, with the regeneration of the Peninsula Centre a development beachhead.

<h2>377 Nepean Highway</h2>

<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/f5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Peninsula Centre rebirthed as Quest on the Bay Frankston. Images courtesy lastminute.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/f5.jpg?itok=trAuEw-4" title="The Peninsula Centre rebirthed as Quest on the Bay Frankston. Images courtesy lastminute.com.au" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Fake palm trees aside, <a href="http://www.asianpacificgroup.com.au/" target="_blank">Asian Pacific Group</a>'s regeneration of the infamous Peninsula Centre seems to have acted as a catalyst of sorts for further development in Frankston. Derided by many, including Barry Humphries as <q>The worst building in Australia</q> once upon a time, the complex reopened during 2013 as a Quest franchise and is formally known as Peninsula on the Bay. The 10 level structure that was near inexplicably tied to Frankston's negative connotation now lives on as a residential, commercial and retail hub, drawing people into the Frankston CBD.

<h2>10-12 Davey Street</h2>

<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/f3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Above all others. Image © airio.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/f3.jpg?itok=uEXh7A81" title="Above all others. Image © airio.com.au" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Currently at sales, Airio Frankston according to Property Subdivisions was <q>Prepared by <a href="http://www.dentoncorkermarshall.com/">Denton Corker Marshall</a> Architects, for a multi storey mixed use development comprising a café and health club at ground level, 89 residential apartments within floors 1 -13 and associated basement car parking. The development adopts a contemporary form with a key design philosophy to incorporate a ‘floating’ element above the ground level podium in response to the existing buildings that are subject to a Heritage Overlay (HO49), whilst the levels above are designed to maximise premium views towards the bay and the central Melbourne city skyline to the north west and views towards the bay and Port Phillip Heads to the south west. At ground level the public realm is activated via the introduction of a café within 10 Davey Street and associated alfresco terrace, whilst a health club is proposed within 12 Davey Street.</q>

<h2>73 Wells Street</h2>

<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/SEW_FINAL_DESIGN.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="South East Water's new digs. Image © BVN Donovan Hill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/SEW_FINAL_DESIGN.jpg?itok=n2F0GTem" title="South East Water's new digs. Image © BVN Donovan Hill" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Fronting Kananook Creek, Probuild has commenced construction on South East Water's new headquarters. Designed by <a href="http://www.donovanhill.com.au/" target="_blank">BVN Donovan Hill</a>, the complex will eventually accommodate 700 South East Water employees currently worked across three sites in Heatherton, Lynbrook and Dandenong South. At the time Water Minister Peter Walsh was quoted as saying <q>The consolidation, which had been in planning for 18 months, would also provide a boost to the Frankston economy... Frankston was chosen as the most appropriate site for South East Water's head office because it is the most central location for their business, which services Melbourne's south-east suburbs, Pakenham, Bunyip and the Mornington Peninsula.</q>

<h2>16 Clyde Street</h2>

<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/f2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="DCA's Clyde Street proposal. Images © Design Consortia Australia &amp; Google Maps"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/f2.jpg?itok=cA8lc061" title="DCA's Clyde Street proposal. Images © Design Consortia Australia &amp; Google Maps" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

An upcoming ten level residential complex of 177 apartments, the development if built will activate Clyde Street between Balmoral Street and Station Street whilst providing additional serviced apartments to Frankston's CBD. <a href="http://www.designconsortia.com.au/" target="_blank">Design Consortia Australia</a> describe the project as being <q>Adjacent to the food court entry at Bayside Shopping Centre, this is an island site fronting a paved pedestrian mall. Designed as a serviced apartment development of 125 apartments of 1 and 2-Bedroom apartments in the lower levels, it also comprises 52 upper level 2 and 3-Bedroom apartments which capture the panoramic bayside views offered by the location.</q>

<h2>451-455 Nepean Highway</h2>

<img alt="" height="422" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/pictures/article-images/f1.jpg" title="K2Ld's Nepean Highway tower. Image © K2Ld" width="1152">

The work of Singaporean architecture firm <a href="http://www.k2ld.com/">K2Ld</a>, 451-455 Nepean Highway is the tallest and most interesting of all potential developments for Frankston. The 18 level complex is defined by a bust of Rodin's The Thinker - an interesting, unique activation of podium space and in somewhat of an oddity the original Thinker. <q>When conceived in 1880 in its original size (approx. 70 cm) as the crowning element of The Gates of Hell</q> according to Museum Rodin... and some would say how appropriate for Frankson no doubt. Not yet a planning application, a design of this quality would do wonders for Frankston.

<h2>1 Balmoral Street</h2>

<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/Image8_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Old and new. Image © Property Subdivision"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image8_14.jpg?itok=8Ymk9I8P" title="Old and new. Image © Property Subdivision" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Not every upcoming Frankston project is of a large scale, with a likely redevelopment of 1 Balmoral Street in the offing. Whether it eventuates or not, a redevelopment demonstrates that equally important to new buildings breathing life into the city centre is the regeneration of existing stock.

<h2>444 Nepean Highway</h2>

<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/f4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The anticipated 444 Nepean Highway development. Images © Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/f4.jpg?itok=OWb2Mev6" title="The anticipated 444 Nepean Highway development. Images © Doig Architecture" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Quoting <a href="http://www.doigarchitecture.com.au/" target="_blank">Doig Architecture</a>, <q>Located on Nepean Highway and overlooking the Kananook Creek and Port Phillip Bay, this site offered an exceptional opportunity to raise the quality of apartments on offer in the city. The design envisaged a mixed use complex providing three tower forms above a four level podium. A new urban courtyard links Nepean Highway to the Kananook Creek precinct and provides an address for Retail, Commercial Office and Apartment entries. The full complement of 300 apartments in 1 and 2 bedroom formats would be delivered in stages, over the podium which offers 4,000sqm of retail and commercial office space. Parking provisions for 350 cars is provided in basements beneath the Nepean Highway level.</q>

Unfortunately no crystal ball exists as to if and when these projects will be delivered but it seems that Frankston won't miss out on the consolidated, higher density and vertical way of living that is now prevalent throughout City of Melbourne and surrounds. In coming days Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/planning-application-446-450-nepean-highway-frankston">will look at a current planning application</a> that will further augment Frankston City into a high-rise enclave.
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Is this Frankston's time to shine?

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With 2013 drawing to a close it's a opportune time to extend a sincere thank you to all readers out there that have taken the time to view Apartments.com.au and contribute valuable input by way of comments, emails and content.
Having developed the idea for Apartments.com.au well over a year ago and have it come to fruition during March 2013, we are ecstatic at the growth of the website throughout 2013 and feel that the work of many people has been vindicated.  To that end special thanks goes to those members who have provided their time to write articles purely borne out of dedication to, and interest in the one topic we hold in common - magnificent Melbourne and its progression.  Further a massive thank you to those people who have utilised and posted comments on our forum, showing a willingness to contribute on the most basic (and most important) level.
One of the driving forces behind Apartments.com.au was and is the desire to provide a platform for Melbourne's development and associated industries to interact.  Whilst most of this occurs off website, the response has been so overwhelming that prior to Apartments.com.au's first anniversary we will roll out a brand new website with increased usability and a massively expanded content base - and we can't wait!
Unless an event worthy of coverage occurs over the holiday season, Apartments.com.au will resume an enhanced content cycle beginning Monday 13th January 2014.  From everyone at Apartments.com.au enjoy the holiday period and we'll be back bigger and better for 2014!
<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/1-Melbourne%20at%20Night%20166.JPG" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Town Hall looking the part. Image courtesy melsnaps.blogspot.com.au"><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/1-Melbourne%20at%20Night%20166.JPG?itok=8tMPf2fT" title="Melbourne Town Hall looking the part. Image courtesy melsnaps.blogspot.com.au" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
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What has gone and what will be for 2014

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Fittingly the final planning application to be highlighted by Apartments.com.au for 2013 is 8 Hopkins Street, Footscray.  Fitting in that the project has been sanctioned by <a href="http://www.places.vic.gov.au/cs/Satellite?pagename=Places" target="_blank">Places Victoria</a>, the state's peak body for urban renewal.  One would hope then that 8 Hopkins Street encapsulates many of the principles and design outcomes that Places Victoria would hold central to any of their urban redevelopment projects, given they're in the business of "Enhancing the liveability and resilience of communities throughout Victoria by delivering great places to live, work and visit."
Formerly home to the LeMans Toyota dealership, 8 Hopkins Street finds itself central to the Hopkins Street Precinct urban renewal area which will eventually host dozens of high-rise residential projects on the banks of the Maribyrnong River.  Rather than tower-specific plans being included as part of the planning application, a site master plan was submitted for assessment  initially during April 2013, with a revised master plan dated August 2013 having recently been made available online via Maribyrnong City Council's website.
The master plan aims to "Guide future site development and ensure that the development is coordinated and integrated with the wider precinct. The master plan is a flexible document that aims to direct the development of the site over a period of six to ten years. The master plan provides an indicative layout including the number and types of tenancies and an indication of height and location of buildings."  It's worth noting that as a master plan, no detailed elevations and floor plans have been included within the document, nonetheless Places Victoria via architecture firm <a href="http://www.hayball.com.au/" target="_blank">Hayball</a> have asserted their stamp of authority as to the direction that the Hopkins Street Precinct should take.
<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/Image1main.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The included indicative street level render. Image © Hayball"><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/Image1main.jpg?itok=hau1X7FM" title="The included indicative street level render. Image © Hayball" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
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		Prior to outlining the differences between this Places Victoria backed development and others within the Joseph Street Precinct, a brief summary as seen within the planning document seeks:</div>
	<ul>
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			A staged development of the land for eight mixed use buildings with heights ranging from a minimum of six storey’s for Building D and a maximum height of 24 storeys for Building F.</li>
		<li class="rtejustify">
			A total of 795 dwellings, comprising 54 studios, 145 one bedroom (including Shop Office Home Offices (SOHOs)), 457 two bedrooms (including SOHO’s), 129 three bedrooms (including townhouses) and 10 lofts/shells. A total of 4,083 square metres of commercial uses including shops, restaurants and cafes, showrooms, recreation, community and work studios.</li>
		<li class="rtejustify">
			A total of 6,427 square metres of shared communal use including storage facilities, communal gardens and residential amenities.</li>
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			The provision of 744 car spaces of which 670 will be allocated for residents and 74 for non-residential uses.</li>
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			The development will be undertaken in five stages. The construction of Warde Street will be undertaken in two separate stages.</li>
	</ul>
So what are the factors that one could argue make 8 Hopkins Street in its master planned form markedly different to other projects within the Hopkins Street Precinct?  
	The most immediate number that leaps out is the 6,427 square metres dedicated toward shared communal use.  Considering the total site area holds approximately 13,179 square metres, 8 Hopkins Street dedicates a proportionally massive amount of space to amenity and public interaction.  Where surrounding approved developments carry proportionally far less communal/recreational space which is generally elevated (atop the podium), 8 Hopkins Street with its 460 metres of street frontage seeks to enhance interaction and connectivity, with the majority of communal space located at grade.
	With so much space dedicated toward communal use it allows a far more considered, finer grain of design to be implemented for the benefit of both residents and the public alike.  High facade activation and street level transparency, cloaking above ground car parks with attractive, active multi-use facades, consideration of scale, diverse use of open spaces and integrated sustainability are but a few of the design principles resonating throughout the master plan.
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	<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/Image8_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected layout. Image © Hayball"><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/Image8_13.jpg?itok=ydqyVuRl" title="Expected layout. Image © Hayball" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
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	Enhancing already strong ground level activation is a linked vertical network of green spaces.  According to Hayball's master plan "As a new urban typology, the series of stacked open areas offer accessible, attractive and connected landscape amenity for all across the development to enjoy.  The linked collection of spaces act and function in a similar way to the streets, lanes, front and backyards of many traditional housing typologies albeit re-visioned in a vertical living format to draw people together and guide them to common spaces, uses and activities."  The purpose of such a plan is to make the project's public spaces more intimate by breaking down the bulk of what may ultimately be an eight building development.</div>
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	Seen below is the 'Communal Green' located at the heart of the site.  Although preliminary, it forms part of the 4,056 square metres of communal landscape available within the master plan.  Surrounding developments do carry landscaped areas for residents, but the scope and scale of open space and public amenity included within this development is key to it being appreciably different in a positive manner.</div>
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<div class="rtejustify">
	It's also worth noting the large number of three bedroom dwellings as envisaged within the development, with 129 of the type large in both sheer number and percentile terms.  Generally aimed toward the family unit, the high number of three bed apartments might suggest Places Victoria/Hayball's willingness to address what is considered a shortcoming of many developments which tend to stack their project with one and two bedroom options without necessarily catering toward an established family unit.</div>
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	<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/Image7_21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The envisaged Communal Green area. Image © Hayball"><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/Image7_21.jpg?itok=AaQmfjo0" title="The envisaged Communal Green area. Image © Hayball" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
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	As has been the want of Maribyrnong City Council with all planning applications within the Joseph Street Precinct to date, they have indicated a lack of support for 8 Hopkins Street in its current form based on a number of factors which include</div>
<div class="rtejustify">
	<ul>
<li>
			The master planning process is considered unnecessary, will result in unreasonable post permit approvals for fundamental issues that would usually be resolved at planning permit stage, and uncertainty for the future development of the site.</li>
		<li>
			Insufficient information has been provided with the application to allow the application to be carefully assessed. The PDZ2 includes a requirement for certain information to be included as part of an application. The information submitted does not comply with this requirement.</li>
		<li>
			The heights, setbacks, provision of open space, mix of uses, subdivision and staging boundaries have not been adequately resolved, and as such it is premature to approve any development on the site.</li>
	</ul>
<div>
		Whilst Maribyrnong City Council has voiced its displeasure, ultimately the Jopseh Road Precinct falls within the jurisdiction of State department <a href="http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">DTPLI</a> and as such Planning Minister Matthew Guy maintains responsible authority.  Whilst no final decision has been made regarding 8 Hopkins Street, Places Victoria has seen it fit to sell the site via an expressions of interest campaign which closed mid June 2013, yet failed to attract a suitable buyer.  The 8 Hopkins Street <a href="http://www.8hopkins.com.au/" target="_blank">website</a> associated with the land sale campaign is still active and provides a video which includes an interesting 3D fly through of the Joseph Street Precinct.</div>
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		 </div>
	<div>
		What will be of future interest is whether the eventual purchaser of the site (if any) deems it appropriate to follow the path and design as charted out by Places Victoria and Hayball, or will 8 Hopkins Street succumb to 'economic reality' and become subject to a heavily amended future planning application with more apartments and less consideration toward the urban realm - time will tell.</div>
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Places Victoria and 8 Hopkins Street, Footscray

The <a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a> development scene is at present an interesting beast. Full of promise and potential yet short on results, Footscray - one would think - will eventually mirror <a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a> in fully embracing to the high-rise model.

Indeed just like South Yarra&#39;s successful <a href="http://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/residents-and-services/planning/strategic-planning-projects/forrest-hill-precinct-south-yarra---streetscape-masterplan/">Forrest Hill Precinct</a>, Footscray has the <a href="http://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.aspx?Page_id=2220">Joseph Road Precinct</a> which in due course will host dozens of apartment towers (a number of which have been approved to 30 levels), eventually making an indelible mark upon Melbourne&#39;s skyline. <a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">8 Hopkins Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/12-moreland-street-footscray">10 Moreland Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/liberty-one-1-warde-street-footscray">1 Warde</a><a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray"> Street</a> are just a sample of what is in store for the Joseph Road Precinct, yet to date little has materialised by way of construction. Sites 8 Hopkins Street with potentially 795 apartments and <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">18 Hopkins Street</a> which carries approval for 1000 apartments have yet to gain buyers even though both sites have been on the market for some time, while other projects have seemingly vanished post approval.

Hopkins Street precinct is not alone with multiple other sites congregating around the soon to be completed Footscray Station revamp gearing up for a high-rise rebirth, although only two major projects are currently under construction at <a href="http://18albert.com/">18 Albert Street</a> and <a href="http://www.footscraylife.com.au/2012/08/the-development-of-mcnab-avenue-footscray/">1 Mc Nab Avenue</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/Image6_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The current design accompanying a site sales campaign. Image © multifieldgroup.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image6_15.jpg?itok=oXg2PNEi" title="The current design accompanying a site sales campaign. Image © multifieldgroup.com.au" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>The current design accompanying a site sales campaign. Image &copy; multifieldgroup.com.au</figcaption>
</figure>

If only a true &#39;gateway&#39; site were available and consequently developed that would announce to one and all the worth of Footscray in a design sense, while also heralding a new high-rise chapter for the locality. Well that site exists at 69-73 Hopkins Street with the scheme above which seeing a large residential building covering the triangular 2241 square metre site, currently the home of Footscray Market. Consider the parcel of land most capable of holding a tall skyscraper and fronting Footscray Station plus Footscray&#39;s main intersection if traveling by road from <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne&#39;s CBD</a>, the site fits the bill.

In the past 69-73 Hopkins Street has been subject to an expressions of interest campaign with the above design paraded as part of the marketing material. Also visible on construction firm <a href="/developers/multifield-group">Multifield Group</a>&#39;s webpage, the 29 level twisting design gives a fair indication as to what can be expected at some point down the track, yet with its hopelessly inactive podium and heavy use of precast panels it&#39;s not quite the stupendous statement worthy of such a site.

Enter a sinuous and stunning concept named The Wave Footscray. Very little is known about the scheme - released late 2012 and potentially nothing more than an expression of the creators skill, it matters little for The Wave is precisely the quality of functional design that should be encouraged for this particular site. Characterised by sweeping curves and outdoor terraces, the lower floors and podium rooftop near mimic Vivo City Singapore in both aesthetics and function, with the inclusion of a water feature and treed landscapes.

While the podium would house a rejuvenated Footscray Market, the tower would carry retail space, parking facilities, a gym and commercial space. With a rooftop green area and LED lighting the complex covers the basics - immaculate design, heavy activation to all frontages, multiple uses attracting a varied custom and green initiatives. Team The Wave Footscray with <a href="/architects/point-architects">Point Architects&#39;</a> concept for a <a href="http://www.pointarchitects.com.au/apartments/irving-st-footscray/">green apartment tower</a> abutting the The Wave at Irving Street and Leeds Street and that would make for an impressive one-two design punch!

<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/Image5_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images taken from the YouTube video. Image © Roy Zhao"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="173" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5_17.jpg?itok=OHE6hql9" title="Images taken from the YouTube video. Image © Roy Zhao" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Images taken from the YouTube video. Image &copy; Roy Zhao</figcaption>
</figure>

In due course many apartment buildings and commercial towers will appear throughout Footscray with vast numbers of new residents and workers to follow, my only wish is that a high calibre project such as The Wave Footscray would lead the charge.

Rather than wax lyrical, see the following video clip.

<figure><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="398" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bV8dreSTNec" width="100%"></iframe>

<figcaption><a href="/youtu.be/bV8dreSTNec">The Wave Footscray on YouTube</a></figcaption>
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The Wave Footscray - yes please!

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It has of late almost become the <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/">Elenberg Fraser</a> show on Apartments.com.au, such is the quantity and quality of designs the ubiquitous architecture firm have produced during 2013. With a multitude of projects spearheaded by Elenberg Fraser either approved or before the relevant body seeking approval, none may be quite as impressive as 386-412 William Street, a project which 'talks' to its surrounds in a diverse manner that few other contemporary Melbourne developments could.

Client <a href="http://www.mitgh.com/index">MIT Australia</a> has pressed ahead to facilitate "A mixed use development comprising of two towers above a podium base. One tower houses only multi-unit residential apartments over 50 levels and the other houses both a hotel and multi-unit residential apartments over 30 levels." Identified as a gateway site to Melbourne's northern CBD, Elenberg Fraser have endeavoured to design an iconic building befitting of the location.

<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/Image7_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Leading the charge, 386-412 William Street will hold a prime position. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image7_20.jpg?itok=uALqypAW" title="Leading the charge, 386-412 William Street will hold a prime position. Image © Elenberg Fraser" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

So how does this project 'talk' to its surrounds? Location plays a major role as seldom few sites around Melbourne hold such a quality, open position; Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and multiple transport options all metres away. With the 'iconic gateway' theme envoked, 386-412 William Street has been designed to maximise interaction within the immediate environment and no better example than the intended public bicycle hub facility that will front Franklin Street.

Recognising the worth of such a prime location, a staggering total of 988 bicycle bays will be accommodated with 372 of those for public use with shower, gym and locker facilities available. Potentially run as another Melbourne City Council <a href="https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/general/bikes-and-riding/93690/">Parkiteer</a> facility, it's envisaged the facility will run jointly with a car sharing service and be defined by a public artwork marking its entrance akin to artist Ai WeiWei's work below right.

Five sub levels are dedicated to car parking and services with two levels available as a public car park. While most readers will agree that fewer cars within Melbourne's CBD would result in a more liveable CBD, 386-412 William Street along with the sinking of Queen Victoria Market's at grade car park as part of its overhaul, would lead to fewer cars clogging Queen Victoria Market and surrounds with more scope for urban realm enhancement and enjoyment. Sitting above the car park and within the retained existing facade facing both William Street and Franklin Street will be substantial retail/commercial space by way of a sizeable cafe and multiple tenancies including terraced double height retail offerings facing Flagstaff Gardens.

The notion of opening the existing building up to its surrounds is evident throughout the planning application, providing the opportunity to capture diversified pedestrian traffic. Compare 386-412 William Street to the rash of contemporary apartment buildings nearby, particularly along A'Beckett Street, which are quite insular in their relationship to the streetscape and it becomes evident this particular planning application seeks to 'talk' (insert embrace, involve or interact) with its 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/Image12_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Catering for all, including a possible Parkiteer facility. 386-412 William Street. Image © Elenberg Fraser &amp; bikerumor.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image12_7.jpg?itok=oio1pk6Z" title="Catering for all, including a possible Parkiteer facility. 386-412 William Street. Image © Elenberg Fraser &amp; bikerumor.com" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

One of the main catalysts of such a large and varied podium is the anticipated inclusion of a 12 level hotel within the shorter eastern tower. Provisionally involving 210 rooms, the "Boutique hotel is proposed for the development as a major state tourism attractor that also provides an ongoing employment base for the site. The hotel recognises and contributes to the nationally significant tourist attraction that is the Queen Victoria Market, one of Melbourne and Victoria’s true icons." Such is the upwards demand for new hotel accommodation in Melbourne, the planning application also includes an expression of interest on behalf of the <a href="http://www.acehotel.com/">Ace Hotel Group</a> indicating their willingness to anchor the hotel component as their first southern hemisphere venture.

Continuing a trend whereby architects cite valuable stones or gems as inspiration for their designs, according to Elenberg Fraser the two towers:

<blockquote>
Yet another jewel in the crown of Melbourne’s city skyline. The crystalline structure of this precious jewel is created through its fragmented façade articulation. It brings alive Melbourne’s skyline from this northern gateway by reflecting and refracting the golden hues of the afternoon sun back through the Market precinct and Flagstaff Gardens with kaleidoscopic effect. Like the changing lighting of the Capitol Theatre ceiling, this new urban sculpture is ever changing as it picks up &amp; re-radiates the sun’s rays throughout the day, and through the changing seasons year round.
<cite>Elenberg Fraser</cite>
</blockquote>

Fractured, repetitive and modular in nature, the external facade is typical Elenberg Fraser in that it does what is practically required (sunshading, wind dispersion, maximised privacy, shadow minimisation) while doing it in an efficient and aesthetically pleasing nature.

Vital statstics for the project sees the taller tower at 161 metres house 493 apartments, while the 98 metre eastern tower carries 116 apartments in addition to the aforementioned 210 hotel suites, bringing the total to 819 habitable dwellings over a site of 3916 square metres. Of the 609 private apartments, 219 will be one bedroom, 373 are slated to hold dual bedrooms while 17 will involve three bedrooms. Supporting these apartments will be private 223 car spaces and 616 private bicycle bays in additional the the car/bike faclities made available to the public.

<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/Image11_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero image of 386-412 William Street. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image11_8.jpg?itok=29xr66Br" title="Hero image of 386-412 William Street. Image © Elenberg Fraser" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

The podium rooftop will see a pool hug the Franklin Street boundary whilst accompanying landscaping will likely include outdoor barbecue area, raised and sunken timer decking, a sun deck and various plantings. The podium will also flow into both towers with residential facilities and dining spaces maintaining direct access to the outdoor area. Planting will also appear along the podium perimeter, in effect cascading down toward an enhanced street level which will feature bluestone paving, a realigned bus stop and street furniture.

ESD principles also feature heavily with <a href="http://www.ark-resources.com.au/">Ark Resources</a> preparing a report which:

<blockquote>
Demonstrates that the proposed development achieves a Best Practice environmental design standard and is consistent with the City of Melbourne’s Eco City goals... A combination of sustainable design initiatives, fixtures, systems and appliances will be integrated into the building in order to achieve a 5 star Green Star Multi-Residential rating.
<cite>Ark Resources</cite>
</blockquote>

Amongst 386-412 William Street's ESD features are rainwater harvesting, a cogeneration plant and a solar photovoltaic system at roof level.

With 386-412 William Street submitted late October, and final decision via state planning body DTPLI is likely to be announced into 2014.

<h2>Project Team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Client: MIT Australia</li>
	<li>Architect: Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>Town Planner: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Landscape Consultant: Urbis</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant: Ark Resources</li>
	<li>Shadow Analyst: Orbit Solutions</li>
	<li>Wind Engineer: VIPAC</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: Bryce Raworth</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Talking the talk > 386-412 William Street, Melbourne 

The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

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>

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.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

Mark Baljak

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