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Here's the first planning application Apartments.com.au will look at emanating from Fishermans Bend, in what will seemingly become a steady flow of applications from the area. 123-125 Montague St South Melbourne is located within the Montague sub-precinct, accordingly project architect Peddle Thorp have taken into account the Montague Precinct Structure Plan prepared by the City of Port Phillip even though the State government will be the deciding body.

 

<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/246to4y.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Suburb overview as per Peddle Thorp submission"><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/246to4y.jpg?itok=YF-SxNma" title="Suburb overview as per Peddle Thorp submission" typeof="Image"></a>

Prepared for developer Austpac Group, the planning application consists of three towers above a five level common podium and one basement level. Catering for 746 vehicles, the carpark podium is hidden from view by an activated wrap to three street frontages consisting of apartments and office spaces convertible to residential use if required. 705 apartments in total are proposed with the taller tower standing at 36 levels and 111.5m to roof or 116m to maximum height, a crown involving angular solar panels. Both lesser towers are 28 levels and 87.5m to roof, or 92m to feature. Facilities available in the podium included a gymnasium, pool, business centre, barbeque area and extensive landscaping.

 

Heavy with blue glazing the complex does carry some typical Peddle Thorp traits particularly through the podium, defined by its shallow box features. Varied elements such as Ironbark timber cladding, Rheinzink cladding, folded aluminium panels and industrial framed glazing feature heavily over the podium in order to break the buildings form at street level and provide points of interest.

 

<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/2qtlm5v.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Peddle Thorp architects"><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/2qtlm5v.jpg?itok=UqwOOthV" title="Image © Peddle Thorp architects" typeof="Image"></a>

 

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rbig7c.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Thistlethwaite St aspect © Peddle Thorp architects"><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/rbig7c.jpg?itok=Qm_wTSdq" title="Thistlethwaite St aspect © Peddle Thorp architects" typeof="Image"></a>

Images above and below show a heavily activated streetscape. An anchor supermarket of 1752sqm will be surrounded by 14 retail spaces and two cafes. Future adjoining development sites have been considered with Ann St that currently runs north-south through the development site removed, in its place a public thoroughfare. This thoroughfare will provide a pedestrian link between Rosherville Place / Buckhurst St to the north and Thistlethwaite St / Akling Alley to the south. No doubt both architect and developer envisage this thoroughfare as being key to funnelling foot traffic in from surrounding areas to service the large number of retail spaces at ground level throughout the complex.

 

Thistlethwaite St will be rebirthed as "A shared space zone prioritising pedestrian and bicycle movements over vehicle traffic." Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles are included, with strategic lighting and increased street activity designed make the area safer for users. Further the <a href="/news/port-phillips-montague-structure-plan" target="_blank">Montague Precinct Structure Plan</a> shows Thistlethwaite St to be a Green Street Corridor. 123-125 Montague Street will attempt to adhere to the Green Street Corridor principles by harnessing:

<ul>
<li>capture and treatment of rainwater from podium and street level to reuse on site with excess possibly used for toilet flushing</li>
	<li>40km speed limit &amp; lessened on-street parking</li>
	<li>heavy tree planting and seamless level streetscape - no kerbs</li>
	<li>paving to replace asphalt</li>
	<li>integrating bike lanes to within shared space zones</li>
	<li>an urban art program</li>
</ul>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2s9t1et.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground landscape plan with ground floor uses © Peddle Thorp architects"><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/2s9t1et.jpg?itok=cOzCIMZx" title="Ground landscape plan with ground floor uses © Peddle Thorp architects" typeof="Image"></a>

Submitted for assessment during February, it's a fair assumption 123-125 Montague St is still some time off a planning decision. Given such extensive detail has been directed to street level interaction and activation, one hopes this to be a sign that all future submitted planning applications for Fishermans Bend adhere to the streetscape policies as laid out by the Montague Precinct Structure Plan. If this occurs, Fishermans Bend will go a long way to avoiding some of the disjointed urban outcomes that have occurred in Docklands.

 

All images above © Peddle Thorp Architects

 
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silvermb

Planning Application > 123-125 Montague St, South Melbourne

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7 Florence St, aka The Commons is a development of 24 apartments over five levels abutting Anstey Station, Brunswick. Designed by Brunswick firm Breathe Architects for developer Small Giants, it carries a list of ESD features as long as it is impressive, they include:

<ul>
<li>An incredible 8-star energy rating.</li>
	<li>Solar power &amp; solar hot water.</li>
	<li>Hydronic heating system.</li>
	<li>Rooftop garden and communal vegetable patch, acting as insulation for the building.</li>
	<li>Natural ventilation (no airconditioners installed).</li>
	<li>Extensive use of recycled building products, including recycled timber floors.</li>
	<li>First zero-car residential development outside the CBD, GoGet Car Share available.</li>
	<li>Yearly Myki card included.</li>
	<li>Vertical vegetation over northern facade, acting as sun shade.</li>
	<li>Double-glazed windows.</li>
	<li>Shared laundry room to minimise space and waste.</li>
	<li>Chrome and aluminium replaced by copper, brass and mild steel, providing a better enviornmental outcome.</li>
	<li>Use of cafe by residents as a communal area after business hours.</li>
	<li>Extensive bike parking located internally &amp; externally, including parking within the ground floor cafe.</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/Image21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Commons, front and rear. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image21.jpg?itok=nHwvNSP6" title="The Commons, front and rear. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons, front and rear. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Rooftop3-1024x870_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vegetable garden. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Rooftop3-1024x870_0.jpg?itok=RXGGxtoW" title="Vegetable garden. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia"></a>

<figcaption>Vegetable garden. Image courtesy Eco Citizen Australia</figcaption></figure>Incorrect skyline graphic aside, the rooftop area (above) is designed to be more than a typical communal area that are generally underutilised areas in far too many apartment buildings. Seemingly designed to be functional rather than elegant, the communal vegetable garden in particular should lead to this area being a well used, rather than wasted space.

Currently Kubic Construction are well along the path to completion. Salvaged brickwork from the factory which used to stand on site is due to be making an appearance throughout the ground level soon. Held onsite, these bricks represent increased efficiency while lowering waste. Those readers who understand the area will know that many of these bricks as with many others in the area are sporting extensive street art and graffiti tags, so when reconstructed the brick walls should carry an ecclectic colour pattern, adding visual interest.

<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/Img_1651.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Commons - construction progressing nicely"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_1651.jpg?itok=7T879lBg" title="The Commons - construction progressing nicely"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons - construction progressing nicely</figcaption></figure>Upon completion Dead Man Espresso will move into the cafe space, this being their third Melbourne outlet following those in South Melbourne and Seddon. At that point they will where possible source produce from the rooftop garden, enforcing the notion of a self-sustaining building while residents can access the street via a stair well entry inside Dead Man Espresso fostering the notion of a communal hub. Also included throughout the ground floor will be three artist spaces.

So there you have it, an apartment building that's ideally situated and sized, ticks all the ESD boxes, is visually enjoyable and symapthtic to its history and surrounds - a strong enough case to make the most ardent higher density living / apartment critic sit up and take note. What becomes more difficult is scaleability, that being taking the ethos and features of a building such as The Commons and applying them to a 50 level apartment tower, not an easy prospect. Something else to consider, why don't more apartment buildings of similar size to The Commons carry similar ESD features? A question for planning authorities and responsible legislative bodies I suspect.

To answer my initial question, is this Melbourne's best new residential development? I say absolutely!
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Is this Melbourne's best new residential development?

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During 2011 developer MAB Corporation purchased the ING Real Estate owned and developed Waterfront City land parcel immediately fronting Victoria Harbour. Struggling with poor public perceptions and a lack of foot traffic brought on in part by delays to the Southern Star observation wheel, MAB stepped in with plans to redevelop the area considered by some to be poorly planned, windswept and unappealing. Media releases at the time carried a master-planned concept by DKO Architects, such as that below, showing five towers surrounding a new central park, one such tower - a waterfront hotel designed to provide a buffer against prevailing southerly winter winds. At the time a MAB spokesperson stated “The scheme will revitalise the existing retail, community and public realm by creating a major public park, residential buildings and an international hotel.”

 

<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/promenade_01_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © DKO Architects"><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/promenade_01_0.jpg?itok=mwZpJi86" title="Image © DKO Architects" typeof="Image"></a>

February 2013 saw MAB release limited images of the first two towers, with the initial Cool Silver residential tower to have its public sales launch in early April. Designed by Woods Bagot Architects, Cool Silver along with its larger bronze sibling are the first two of the five planned buildings to launch.

 

<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/main_bg2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Silver and bronze residential towers. Image © newquaypromenade.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/main_bg2.jpg?itok=R5fVOptX" title="Silver and bronze residential towers. Image © newquaypromenade.com.au" typeof="Image"></a>

Further, the images below show for the first time the next phase of Newquay Promenade highlighted by the waterfront hotel. Designed by en vogue architects McBride Charles Ryan, the building is impressive when viewed from the south, but downright incredible when viewed from the north. Although the model images below aren't spectacular, they do give a clear indication that when built it has the potential to become an iconic Melbourne building. Defined by its sloping semi-circle form, the waterfront hotel will be a truly impressive sight to behold and very much a unique shape on the Melbourne skyline.

 

<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_2410_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="South view with Newquay hotel taking centre stage"><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/Img_2410_1.jpg?itok=GJqQtwnv" title="South view with Newquay hotel taking centre stage" typeof="Image"></a>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image2_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Model of Newquay Promenade with the unique hotel taking centre stage"><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_6.jpg?itok=B9Mglxek" title="Model of Newquay Promenade with the unique hotel taking centre stage" typeof="Image"></a>

Equal to any notable towers are the open spaces and active frontages that this development will produce. The current complex is a malaise of average looking shopfronts with what I think is a poorly placed circus tent located mid plaza stifling sight lines. At the time ING Real Estate Developments CEO Greg Boyd said: “This scheme will provide a green, north-sun-facing public park to the south boundary of Harbour Town and also connect, as one, the currently-severed east and west NewQuay precincts.” Thankfully that plan has been adhered to with one of the largest green spaces in Docklands to be created, part of which is seen below. With both trams 70 and 86 terminating in the area, pedestrians will have the ability to step off directly into the park - a far more palatable prospect than what is there at the moment.

 

<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_2406.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © MAB Corporation"><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/Img_2406.jpg?itok=PeZCKdM0" title="Image © MAB Corporation" typeof="Image"></a>

MAB Corporation feel they have struck the right mixture in this development, finally ensuring the success of a site that to date has been an abject failure. Whilst this article has been more overview than analysis, Apartments.com.au will in coming days and weeks provide more details on all proposed MAB Newquay buildings including the last two towers of Newquay Promenade and McBride Charles Ryan's hotel. As for now, McBride Charles Ryan's current offering is powering ahead at Newquay further east toward the city. 

 

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/IMG_9018.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Photographer - Ryan Seychell"><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/IMG_9018.jpg?itok=31ipuF5q" title="Photographer - Ryan Seychell" typeof="Image"></a>

Click <a href="/news">here</a> so see additional images of the highly impressive and colourful Quays residential complex under construction.

 
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The Quays to success

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Following <a href="/news/272-queen-street-in-depth" target="_blank">Ryan's article</a> this morning on 272 Queen St, I thought it best to highlight an unknown aspect of the site itself.

Mundane in appearance, the existing building holds a generally unknown little gem by way of a private lane off Little Lonsdale Street. Endorsed by Melbourne City Council, the lane is adorned with some impressive street art.

Once 272 Queen St commences these artworks will be lost and hopefully another laneway will be chosen to take its place. Ultimately you win some, you lose some.
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272 Queen Street collateral damage

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It seems Australia 108 may not be the only new hotel to grace Southbank in the near future. Melbourne City Council <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/BuildingandPlanning/Planning/Pages/Planningregisteronlinesearchresults.aspx?permit=TP-2012-439">recently approved</a> a 16 level hotel tower at 167-169 City Road, wedged between two existing apartment towers.
Southern Capital Corporation engaged Peddle Thorp Architects to design the $20 million dollar building highlighted by a diagrid facade that changes shape, adhering to the slanted form toward the crown. Currently home to Melbourne Towing Service, the small site offered some challenges according to the architect.
<blockquote>
167 City Road is a project that has been in the system for quite some time. The current design is continually being challenged by the DDO’s, alleviating a greater developmental opportunity. 
Setbacks and street activation are the main design considerations from an urban planning perspective whilst reducing the impact on amenity of our neighbours and proving quality apartments in our proposal is looking to be the constant wrestle of the design process.
<cite>Peddle Thorp Architects</cite>
</blockquote>
Aesthetically pleasing, sympathetic to its neighbours by way of setbacks (as much as can be) and well sized relative to its immediate environment; a good result all round.
<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/167city-aerial_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As seen on the architects website. Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/167city-aerial_0.jpg?itok=1m7UJRW7" title="As seen on the architects website. Image © Peddle Thorp" typeof="Image"></a>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image1ff.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial concept (left), superseded by the current diagrid design. Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1ff.jpg?itok=Kvy-QPv8" title="Initial concept (left), superseded by the current diagrid design. Image © Peddle Thorp" typeof="Image"></a>
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167-169 City Road, Southbank gains planning approval

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Following a recent article highlighting the proposed tower at <a href="/news/planning-application-256-260-city-rd" target="_blank">256-260 City Road</a>, these two images have recently appeared on Carabott Holt Turnicov's website simply labelled <a href="http://chtarchitects.com.au/projects-3/multiresidential/city-road-southbank/" target="_blank">'City Road'</a>. Although not willing to say much to Apartments.com.au, a picture as they say, is worth a thousand words.

Taking into account the surrounding block form and lowrise buildings, CHT's concept is located at 268-270 City Rd, or abutting the aforementioned 256-260 City Rd. With nine glazed lower levels maintaining a higher floor to floor span than the levels above, I'll make the assumption that they consist of office space. Above these sit 40 levels of apartments with both the southern and northern facades sporting an interesting, engaging tetris-like pattern achieved by the use of irregular protruding floorplates. Add two plant levels and this tower sits at roughly 160-170 metres above City Rd.

Irrespective of height, street level activation fronting City Rd seems minimal based upon the image below - individuals interact with built form most commonly at street level and the inactive street frontage suggests a poor urban outcome.

<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/cht22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="City Road tower. © CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/cht22.jpg?itok=srdGkwlE" title="City Road tower. © CHT Architects" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>City Road tower. © CHT Architects</figcaption></figure>Pretty patterns aside, the render below shows recessed balconies and light windows running the height of the western flank. The initial thought that came to mind was a potential stoush that would eventuate if the adjoining site to the west were to be developed to the boundary, much like that which has <a href="http://theage.domain.com.au/residents-balconies-would-be-enclosed-in-100m-hole-20120227-1tyxr" target="_blank">plagued the proposed 17-23 Wills St</a> in Melbourne's CBD. Windows and balconies along shared property boundaries can be dicey prospect.

This would be an issue for planning, but ultimately the above is merely speculation until an official planning application is lodged. Nonetheless this scheme has some unique, redeeming features should it ever come to fruition.

<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/cht0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Varied elements in this close-up. © CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/cht0.jpg?itok=hpKmuul9" title="Varied elements in this close-up. © CHT Architects" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>Varied elements in this close-up. © CHT Architects</figcaption></figure>Even if this is nothing more than a concept design, we've asked our in-house graphic guru Laurence Dragomir to render both buildings together for the sole purpose of illustrating the potential for a poor outcome - the copyright to the design of both 256-260 and 268-270 City Road remains with the respective architects. Two development sites with a common property boundary are generally expected to design precast concrete walls abutting one another, negating a number of planning concerns. In its current form before planning authorities, the centre tower below at 256-260 City Rd has a setback of 5 metres from its western boundary which faces 268-270 City Rd.

Furthermore the western flank is completely glazed meaning notionally floor to ceiling windows would face a blank concrete wall no more than 5 metres away for the entire height of the building, clearly an unacceptible outcome. The logical outcome would see planning authorities ask that 256-260 City Rd architects Hayball go back to the drawing board to avoid such an outcome by bringing the tower out to the western site boundary and implementing a precast wall.

<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/CHT%20city%20rd%2002-watermarked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/CHT%20city%20rd%2002-watermarked.jpg?itok=0cpqaLNl" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/CHT%20city%20rd%2003-watermarked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/CHT%20city%20rd%2003-watermarked.jpg?itok=7ZdvtumM" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/CHT%20city%20rd-watermarked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/CHT%20city%20rd-watermarked.jpg?itok=g2aVpVWM" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT</figcaption></figure>
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The next big thing on Southbank?

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Apartments.com.au in due course will devote much time to many a topic, least of which is the interaction between humans and built form - that which we create. Street art  has the ability to turn an otherwise sterile blank form into a point of interest, to appeal to people's senses, engage, provoke and delight. To my way of thinking the belief that street art is found in and generally inspired by its built enviornment, can only be a positive. A stroll down many of inner Melbourne's laneways will attest to this.
 
Many Melburnians would have at one point or another eyeballed a particular style of street art below, large paste-ups of mostly feminine figures in near ethereal poses. The responsible artist, <a href="http://babyguerrilla.com/" target="_blank">Baby Guerrilla</a>, has been prolific over a growing number of inner Melbourne suburbs - generally in the north and west. For a detailed interview with the artist, <a href="http://melbourne.concreteplayground.com.au/news/94767/concrete-playground-talks-to-street-artist-baby-gu.htm" target="_blank">visit concrete playground</a>. Below are but four from the artist's portfilio.
 
<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_4286.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="McLean Alley, Melbourne CBD"><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/Img_4286.jpg?itok=0pk-J4xJ" title="McLean Alley, Melbourne CBD" typeof="Image"></a>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_2308.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brunswick Rd, Brunswick"><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/Img_2308.jpg?itok=gSKcT0pW" title="Brunswick Rd, Brunswick" typeof="Image"></a>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_2305.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gusto on Barkly, West Footscray"><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/Img_2305.jpg?itok=nLV-XanN" title="Gusto on Barkly, West Footscray" typeof="Image"></a>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_9966.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Donald St &amp; Barkly St, Footscray"><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/Img_9966.jpg?itok=s8L21S72" title="Donald St &amp; Barkly St, Footscray" typeof="Image"></a>
So when Apartments.com.au caught wind that the artist was currently showing, I was lucky enough to pay a visit. From March 1-17,  West Footscray gallery Post Industrial Design is hosting a Baby Guerrilla exhibition, covering a variety of mediums such as canvas paintings, sketches and inked acrylics backed onto plywood. Apartments.com.au visited Post Industrial Design in recent days - if time permits get yourself down there and visit this great venue, the Baby Guerrilla exhibit may be drawing to a close but there's no shortage of events and atypical retail offerings to keep any visitor engaged.
 
<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_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-half-width-351px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_half_width_351px/public/pictures/article-images/Image11_1.jpg?itok=6QbstVi7" typeof="Image"></a>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_2275.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Post Industrial Design shopfront"><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/Img_2275.jpg?itok=3bgThmq8" title="Post Industrial Design shopfront" typeof="Image"></a>
Apartments.com.au's profound thanks to Mary - to keep up with Post Industrial Design's exhibition and events calendar, check out their website and facebook links below. As always - enjoy.
 
http://www.postindustrialdesign.com.au/
 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Post-Industrial-Design/178472495529056
 
Find below an assortment of images of the Baby Guerrilla exhibition at Post Industrial Design's West Footscray gallery.
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Baby Guerrilla @ Post Industrial Design

<html><body>For those unaware Yarra's Edge is the southernmost precinct of Docklands. Essentialy a long, thin residential peninsula, it's bound by Bolte Bridge, the Yarra, and West Gate Freeway to the south. This isolation leads to the precinct at times lacking the character and bustle of Melbourne's CBD, or even other areas of Docklands. So with a an hour or so to burn and camera in hand i decided to sit back and watch the world go by. While the area does lack foot traffic developer Mirvac is in the process of formulating Bolte Precinct, the final westerly land parcel of Yarra's Edge with a number of features they believe will bring increased human traffic through the area; but that is a story for another day.</body></html>

Watching the world go by @ Yarra's Edge

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As one office expansion at AMP Square (535 &amp; 555 Bourke St) nears completion, another directly opposite, is due to begin. EstimateOne recently listed four builders as vying for the construction rights to deliver a revamped 570 Bourke St; they being Brookfield Multiplex, Watpac, Built and Probuild Constructions. Known as Marland House, the tower was completed during 1972 and is currently owned by Charter Hall.
Standing at 121m with 31 levels of A-grade office space the Hassell-designed expansion consists of a new 12 level wing over the Bourke St forecourt, while also adding a dozen levels at the rear of the tower above the existing 645-bay Secure Parking facility facing Little Bourke St. According to project manager PDS Group, these new additions which are valued at approximately $70 million will employ the maximum site area while adding 15,620sqm of net lettable area to the complex.

<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_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group."><img alt="570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group." class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_6.jpg?itok=vC9rbvMG" typeof="Image"></a>
<figcaption>570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group.</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image3_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group."><img alt="570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group." class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3_3.jpg?itok=r_EFkrFV" title="Images of 570 Bourke St expansion" typeof="Image"></a>
<figcaption>570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group.</figcaption></figure>555 Bourke St on the other hand is in the final stages of it's regeneration. Backed by owner Juilliard Group and designed by Metier 3 architects, its expansion seeks to completely overhaul the 1969 landmark building designed by US firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. After nearly two years builder Construction Engineering has essentially completed all works with a variety of extensions added to the original tower at 535 Bourke and the L-shaped St James building.
The $120 million expansion includes three additional levels atop St James, characterised by overhung floorplates, angled blades and a glass facade with etched L-shapes; taking inspiration from the shape of the building. Photos of the expanded 555 Bourke St are found below

<h2>Project details</h2>
Further details for 555 Bourke as per <a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-melbourne-500420731" target="_blank">realcommercial.com.au</a>:

<ul>
<li>Large Efficient Floor Plates</li>
	<li>Centrally Located to all public transport with Southern Cross station 400 metres away</li>
	<li>100% Full Fresh Air Distribution System with LTVAV (Low Temperature Variable Air Volume)</li>
	<li>Up to 14,000 sqm of Office Space available</li>
	<li>Excellent Natural Light</li>
	<li>Innovative &amp; Unique Design</li>
	<li>Abundant End Of Trip Facilities and tenant amenities including bike storage for 200 Bicycles and 20 customized shower facilities.</li>
	<li>4.5 star NABERS Energy Rating (Target)</li>
	<li>Meeting &amp; Conference facilities</li>
	<li>Substantial on-site retail and public space amenity</li>
</ul>
<h2>Comment</h2>

Although a moot point now, a case may have been made for retaining AMP Square as was, given its design by a world renowned architecture firm: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. The age, character, appeal and interest associated with the complex may have let to AMP Square being considered as a place of local significance and a potential heritage listing. Everyone will have their own opinions on this matter. Regardless from my perspective the new AMP Tower, St James development is generally a good outcome.


While I may have misgivings regarding the etched facade applied to the St James extension, the general size and scope of the revamp is quite good. One of the key aspects of any aged building regeneration is increasing human interaction. Once up and running AMP Square will feature massively expanded retail offerings, active street frontages as opposed to blank walls and a covered internal area heavily weighted towards user amenity and retail purposes which in turn enhances social interaction. That is always a good result.
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Regenerating office buildings on Bourke

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Strange things can happen when local Council's have no coherent height structure plans to deal with Melbourne's burgeoning apartment building boom. Yarra City Council's website states "Council has deferred consideration of the Swan Street Structure Plan to allow further detailed work to be undertaken on it." The initial consultation began during 2010 and carries on with no end in sight.
During this period a local developer lodged plans for a remarkable (in both location and scale) 33 level apartment building at 381 Punt Road in Richmond, which was to hold 326 apartments. Following Council refusal, 2011 saw the arrival of a smaller proposed tower at 12 levels seen below. Yarra City Council resolved to reject the 12 level complex, partly due to the 89 objections that were received but also due to concerns over height, bulk and maintaining neighbourhood character.
<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/2uihzbp_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © A Genser &amp; Associates "><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/2uihzbp_0.jpg?itok=QQ9L4A2g" title="Image © A Genser &amp; Associates " typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
Again project architect A Genser &amp; Associates returned with a revised scheme, this time an eight level complex consisting of 490sqm office space and 91 units &amp; townhouses with space for 118 bicycles and 119 vehicles through the basement. The proposal maintained a 55m frontage to both Punt Road &amp; Huckerby Street.
The above scheme was taken to VCAT during 2012 and ultimately gained approval albeit at 6 levels due to concerns over bulk and height. Recently, property development firm Austpac have <a href="http://www.austpachotels.com/properties/punt-road-hotel-melbourne/" target="_blank">added the 6 level complex to their website</a>, which reads as follows "Currently in development, this proposed apartment style hotel is situated on the edge of Melbourne’s premier sporting arenas; this new development will become the ideal base for those looking for a little luxury. Austpac Hotels and Resorts are the consultants to the developer and owner of this property on design, operation and forecasts."
<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/Punt-Road-Hotel1-300x185.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Austpac"><img alt="" class="image-article-half-width-351px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_half_width_351px/public/pictures/article-images/Punt-Road-Hotel1-300x185.png" title="Image courtesy Austpac" typeof="Image"></a>
Further Yarra City Council's website also shows two additional towers immediately surrounding Richmond Station as recently being refused. 63-65 Swan Street (below left) by CK Designworks was to be a 13 level tower containing a cafe and 43 serviced apartments while 9-13 Stewart Street by Plus Architecture (below right) was to contain 80 apartments also over 13 levels.
<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_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="63-65 Swan St left, image © CK Designworks &amp; 9-13 Stewart St right, image © Plus 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_12.jpg?itok=rf5OYsfV" title="63-65 Swan St left, image © CK Designworks &amp; 9-13 Stewart St right, image © Plus Architecture" typeof="Image"></a>
Good policy and common sense suggests it would be in Yarra City Council's interest to expedite its Swan Street Structure Plan, given they have a track record of rejecting ambitious proposals around the area.  If nothing else I'm sure local rate payers would appreciate their Council rates not being subsumed by VCAT, for if a binding Structure Plan (read height limit) were in place developers would have a clear understanding of what could be expected.
Would this not be beneficial for both Council and developers by minimising the cost and tedium of repeated planning applications for the same site?
Further to this Yarra City Council now has the added concern of the impending Richmond Station redevelopment, loosely based around GHD Engineering's <a href="http://www.ghd.com/global/projects/zero-concept/" target="_blank">Zero Concept</a> and expected to yield towers of 20 levels. Council having successfully opposed the Stewart Street proposal principally on height at VCAT now faces the prospect of towers nearly twice its size only meters away.
Some time after the announcement of Richmond Station's redevelopment by Matthew Guy, then Yarra Major Geoff Barbour <a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/News/media-releases-2012/state-government-throws-open-the-door-to-developers-in-richmond/" target="_blank">expressed his disappointment</a> at his Council being left out of negotiations. Understandably so one would think, but if Council cannot produce a coherent, clear, all-encompassing Swan Street Structure Plan after three years, why should the State Government afford them a seat at the discussion table?
<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/s_n07_21146728_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Going nowhere fast. Image courtesy washingtonpost.com"><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/s_n07_21146728_0.jpg?itok=3b15ac6b" title="Going nowhere fast. Image courtesy washingtonpost.com" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
In terms of its handling of the Swan Street Structure Plan, I can't help but equate Yarra City Council to the oldfangled hand-car shown above, ever so slowly making its way into Richmond Station.
Problem is a fast train by the name of Matthew Guy is quickly approaching from behind; this seemingly will end very poorly for one of the two.
 
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A head-on at Richmond Station?

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.
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Mark Baljak

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