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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 

Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Mark Baljak

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