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City of Port Phillip will this week indicate that it has sufficient reason to object to two pending projects in Port Melbourne.

17 Rocklea Drive and 365-391 Plummer Street are both within the Wirraway Precinct of Fishermans Bend, and both projects are under the authority of the Minister for Planning. Nonetheless it has been recommended by internal planners that City of Port Phillip denies support for either application in their respective current forms.

The two proposals are controlled by separate entities, although it's been <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/third-street-plans-135b-in-fishermans-bend-projects-20170314-guxsae">reported </a>that Malvern-based Third Street is the developer of both projects, with Elenberg Fraser the common architect. The duo collaborated for Third Street's first Fishermans Bend project, dubbed <a href="/buildings/pm-port-melbourne-320-plummer-street-port-melbourne">PM Port Melbourne</a> which is approaching a construction start.

<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/image52_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elenberg Fraser's Plummer Street scheme."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image52_5.jpg?itok=bLqf0x0X" title="Elenberg Fraser's Plummer Street scheme." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elenberg Fraser's Plummer Street scheme.</figcaption></figure>In its current guise, 365-391 Plummer Street consists of 1,188 apartments backed by 985 car parks over three separate towers. A restaurant, café, sensory retreat, numerous retail spaces and supermarket support the residences; although there has been no provision for an affordable housing component.

Almost half the apartments are designated as single bedroom abodes (582), with the balance consisting of 494 dual bedroom and 112 triple bedroom dwellings.

Plans for the 19,410 square metre site nominates a new through block of 2,673 square metres as the development's public open space.

With 18 storeys above three ‘mezzanine’ storeys, 17 Rocklea Drive has a considerably smaller number of apartments planned. SoHo office/dwellings and apartments amount to 224, split between 131 single bedroom, 66 dual bedroom and  27 triple bedroom dwellings.

A cinema, health club, yoga room, oversized dining room, garden lounge, communal landscaped terrace, sky lounge, library, business club, meeting room, skyline pool, jacuzzi, and rooftop landscaped outdoor area headline the project's considerable amenities.

365-391 Plummer Street's Floor Area Ratio stands at 6.94:1, whilst 17 Rocklea Drive's is lower at 5.66:1.

<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/image53_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elenberg Fraser have conceived Rockley Drive."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="475" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image53_4.jpg?itok=vzrsKO01" title="Elenberg Fraser have conceived Rockley Drive." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elenberg Fraser have conceived Rockley Drive.</figcaption></figure>Although nominally against both projects in their current forms, City of Port Phillip have included a set of draft conditions for both in the likelihood that they will eventually gain approval.

For the Plummer Street development, Council has cited concerns in relation to "the amenity of dwellings including daylight access and outlook, lack of affordable housing and 3 bedroom dwellings, parking provision and design, loading and waste collection, bike parking provision and design, and sustainability."

City of Port Phillip has attached standard draft conditions to their report in order to assist VCAT should they determine to approve the proposal; these conditions are primarily focused on the inclusion of an affordable housing aspect. Beyond that Council has chosen to refrain from other conditions, citing the complexity of the application.

A number of issues surrounding Rocklea Drive pertain to "building height exceeding the mandatory maximum number of storeys, car park design...lack of diversity in housing types and sizes, wind impacts adjacent to and within the site, lack of affordable housing." Council also believes these issues can be ameliorated by conditions which would see the proposal modified.
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silvermb

CoPP provides limited joy for two Fishermans Bend proposals

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When a site spans 19,280 square metres, it becomes a 'district'. That's the case according to the development team behind the Jam Factory's pending overhaul.

Reporting on the project to date has focused on the close to 60,000 square metres of new commercial space that is earmarked for the site, but more importantly from a layperson's perspective is the extensive new public realm that is planned as part of the development.

<blockquote>
Our vision for the new Jam Factory is to create a highly permeable site, an extension to its context - a district defined through an ensemble of buildings that embodies and reflects the site’s rich character and establishes a new district, a breathing space, a destination of shopping, eating, working.

Jam Factory shapes as  far more than just a commercial reworking of the existing complex. A genuine gesture to the people.
</blockquote>

The opportunity to create this grand gesture has fallen to Bates Smart and Nottingham-based Leonard Design Architects. Their challenge as set down by developer Newmark Capital was to create Australia’s premiere mixed-use district.

<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/image49_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green rooftop expanses. Image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image49_7.jpg?itok=XyCSagm-" title="Green rooftop expanses. Image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green rooftop expanses. Image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>A highlight of the reworked Jam Factory's design is the publicly accessible network of green terraces and passages that will sit atop level 3.

<blockquote>
The spaces feature direct access from ground level from a number of locations and will be highly activated throughout the day due to the location of the commercial lobbies on these levels.

In addition, the proposed garden terrace located along the northern edge of the site will receive high exposure to direct northern sun throughout the day due to abutting rail reserve which prevents the interface from being ‘built out’.
</blockquote>

The multiple access points will join with a network of activated roads and laneways at ground level.

In the application now with City of Stonnington, Newmark Capital's stated goal is to revitalise the current complex so that it reflects the needs of the whole community.

<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/image45_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Chapel Street permeability. Image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_7.jpg?itok=t7EENNpy" title="Chapel Street permeability. Image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Chapel Street permeability. Image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>According to planning documents, key features of the proposed ground floor treatment include: 

<ul>
<li>A new north facing dining terrace with extensive greenery and public realm opened up. Vertical links to the level three elevated garden terrace will also be incorporated.</li>
	<li>A new laneway entry from Garden Street aligned with Bray Street to the south. This new laneway physically and visually reconnects the site to the southern road network and offers unique opportunities for walkable and pedestrian-scaled ground plane treatments.</li>
	<li>Re-opening the existing original façade on Garden Street to introduce a variety of smaller scaled retail and dining formats will activate Garden Street from a moribund vacant street to a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly street.</li>
	<li>The proposed design ‘opens up’ new access points from Chapel Street by reinstating Turnbull Street lanes and a new open plaza on Chapel Street to the north of the site.</li>
	<li>Internal privately managed, publicly accessible spaces, laneways and streets feature different widths, lengths and overall design which creates a series of different spaces with different identities, character and ‘feel’ similar to what would be expected across a typical city block.</li>
	<li>Depending on their purpose, the width of each internal laneway has been modelled on analysis of successful outcomes within Melbourne – Bank Place, Degraves Street, the Causeway within the central city have informed this aspect of the proposal.</li>
	<li>A new ‘Jam Factory Square’ similar in scale to QV Square in Melbourne. Designed with a number of events in mind (normal day, small events, larger events).</li>
	<li>The courtyard is north facing and will allow light to filter through the space and define the proposed series of streets and lanes.</li>
</ul>
Submitted during October, the cost of construction for the project exceeds $400 million, making it one of Melbourne's largest pending projects.

<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/image48_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A green view toward South Yarra's Capitol Grand building. Image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="684" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_8.jpg?itok=AGz1Z3ZR" title="A green view toward South Yarra's Capitol Grand building. Image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A green view toward South Yarra's Capitol Grand building. Image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>
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South Yarra's Jam Factory redevelopment a public realm bonanza

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Journal Student Living's move on 500 Swanston Street headlines a fresh drive of student accommodation projects looking to call Carlton home.

The $60m build would be Journal's second Melbourne project after 18-32 Leicester Street which is in the hands of Icon Construction. Journal Student Living is backed by South African company Redefine Properties.

500 Swanston Street as the current home of the CFMEU accounts for a 1,388sqm land plot and finds itself in the midst of a handful of student accommodations buildings. METIER3 have designed the newest member of the pack to include 710 student beds across 18 levels.

Spanning 57 metres in height, the development will also include heavily activated lower levels and roughly 1,700 square metres of student communal space.

<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/image43_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Three distinct volumes constitute the new 500 Swanston Street. Planning image: METIER3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="439" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_7.jpg?itok=4vQhi4g0" title="Three distinct volumes constitute the new 500 Swanston Street. Planning image: METIER3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Three distinct volumes constitute the new 500 Swanston Street. Planning image: METIER3</figcaption></figure>METIER's first student accommodation design enters the Apartments.com.au Project Database just as Urbanest has been confirmed for the Carlton Connect Initiative, which will account for the former Royal Women's Hospital further north along Swanston Street.

Aside from University of Melbourne's new School of Engineering, office space and a mass of retail space, the project jointly designed by Hayball and Woods Bagot will also take on 528 student beds across 274 rooms. Urbanest will manage the new wing of the development which spans 15 levels.

The project at 700 Swanston Street adds to Urbanest's two existing campuses and two further campuses in development.

Reports on 700 Swanston Street were handed down last night; the expected outcome being City of Melbourne's support final for the project.

<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/image42_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Urbanest's latest located at the Carlton Connect Initiative. Planning image: Hayball/Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="481" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image42_4.jpg?itok=e9MBKrdi" title="Urbanest's latest located at the Carlton Connect Initiative. Planning image: Hayball/Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Urbanest's latest located at the Carlton Connect Initiative. Planning image: Hayball/Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Also on the City of Melbourne's agenda last night was Cedar Pacific's bid to transform Carlton's 123-135 Bouverie Street into one of the city's larger student accommodation projects.

The nettletontribe-designed project has gone through design alterations, which includes an increased setback above the onsite heritage building, a reduce the number of student rooms to 579 and an increase in communal space as a result of internal rearrangements. 123-135 Bouverie Street too has been recommended for approval, subject to conditions. 

There are currently a dozen student accommodation projects within Carlton under development.

<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/image44_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bouverie Street's likely addition. Planning image: nettletontribe"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image44_3.jpg?itok=OFqXIoev" title="Bouverie Street's likely addition. Planning image: nettletontribe" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bouverie Street's likely addition. Planning image: nettletontribe</figcaption></figure>
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Carlton's magnetic appeal for student accommodation strengthens

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Apartments have seemingly taken a back seat in South Yarra as developers look to cash in on Melbourne's buoyant hotel sector.

Latest to the trend is LK Property Group who are seeking to usurp their already approved residential tower scheme on Claremont Street with a 294-room hotel tower. If successful 35-41 Claremont Street would join three other prospective hotels within South Yarra, which combined could add as many as 711 new hotel suites to the suburb.

LK Property Group's about-face for the 1,446 square metre site follows on from the previous <a href="http://artisanarchitects.com.au/projects/claremont-street">Artisan Architects-designed scheme</a> gaining approval during December 2016. It was to have included 121 apartments.

The developer pulled the trigger on the redesign mid-year, enlisting Rothelowman for the new hotel's design. Submitted during August, the project carries a build value of $65 million.

Expected is a twenty-two storey hotel building above a single basement level encompassing 20,083 square metres of gross floor area. A lounge, meeting rooms, restaurant, gym and rooftop bar are among the design's listed amenities.

<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/image15_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exterior finishes. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="228" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_13.jpg?itok=zojjQuCq" title="Exterior finishes. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exterior finishes. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>In advancing plans for a hotel, LK Property Group will for the first time move away from a residential outcome.

The unveiling of a new 35-41 Claremont Street follows hot on the heels of two new hotels announcing themselves over recent weeks. Most recently Argo Group has listed 230 Toorak Road for sale, complete with approval for 93 hotel suites.

Designed by Woods Bagot, the scheme replaces developer Cranecorp's earlier plans for <a href="https://www.hassellstudio.com/en/cms-projects/detail/toorak-road">25 luxury apartments</a> across the site.

Alfasi Property Development has also entered the fray, planning a 150-room, 4.5-star international hotel at 2-10 River Street. JLL Metropolitan Sales handled the sale of the 2,116 square metre site recently, resulting in Alfasi rolling out their first hotel development.

Carr Design Group have handled the project's architecture, describing the outcome as "consisting of a two-level podium which creates a dramatic contrast. Clad in a dark metallic materiality with a structural form defined by sheer blades and articulated planes, the effect is of solidity, strength and rigorous detailing forming the base from which the suites sit lightly above."

Rounding out South Yarra's quartet of hotels in waiting is Starwood Hotel and Resort's commitment to 402 Chapel Street. Expected to open during 2019 as part of a larger mixed-use development, Starwood will brand the 176-room hotel component under its Aloft banner.

<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/image18_21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2-10 River Street, Aloft Chapel Street and 230 Toorak Road."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="403" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_21.jpg?itok=XVw8LWT6" title="2-10 River Street, Aloft Chapel Street and 230 Toorak Road." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2-10 River Street, Aloft Chapel Street and 230 Toorak Road.</figcaption></figure>
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South Yarra's fourth hotel in development unveiled

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Lendlease conceived 888 Collins Street as Victoria Harbour's stand out residential tower, and that aim has been recognised at this year’s Victorian Urban Development Institute of Australia’s Awards for Excellence.

In facilitating the project located on the corner of Bourke and Collins streets, Lendlease enlisted architects Woods Bagot to conjure the design. Now the auspiciously addressed 888 Collins Street has been recognised as the state's premier residential tower, securing a win in the High Density Development (above 10 storeys) category.

A field of eight projects was considered for the category, with the judging based upon "urban form, community creation, innovation features and environmental and engineering considerations, highlighting quality and innovation across the urban development industry."

<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/image2vic.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="888 Collins Street. Image: Trevor Mein"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="933" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2vic.jpg?itok=1a2RNrjy" title="888 Collins Street. Image: Trevor Mein" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>888 Collins Street. Image: Trevor Mein</figcaption></figure>888 Collins Street's grandest public gesture is the Light House installation by artist Bruce Ramus which covers the lower 15 storey tower's entire facade.

Light House was conceived as a real-time weather display that responds to data from the Bureau of Meteorology by illuminating the building’s façade each night. The project also scored a 5-Star Green Star design rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, plus an average 7.2 Star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme rating.

The project's 578 apartments across two towers are serviced by amenities such as a sky-high golf putting green, pool, gym, spa, business lounge, library and communal rooftop garden.

<blockquote>
888 Collins Street sits among Lendlease’s newest collection of premium harbour-side apartment buildings and represents a blend of innovation in technology, architectural excellence, public interaction and sustainability, while enhancing the precinct’s nearby public amenity.

The tower’s design and orientation gives residents the opportunity to take full advantage of Victoria Harbour’s public spaces, offering waterfront views on the doorstep of Melbourne’s CBD.
<cite>Lendlease Head of Apartments for Urban Regeneration: Ben Christie</cite>
</blockquote>

888 Collins Street's construction coincided with Lendlease's delivery of 889 and 883 Collins Street directly opposite, representing Sydney-based Koichi Takada Architects' first Melbourne project.

<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/image3md.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="888 Collins Street in sight. Image: Melbourne Dream"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="669" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3md.jpg?itok=TfDXvhRH" title="888 Collins Street in sight. Image: Melbourne Dream" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>888 Collins Street with 883 &amp; 889 Collins in the foreground. Image: Melbourne Dream</figcaption></figure>The Urban Development Institute of Australia’s Awards for Excellence also bore fruit for a number of other high-density residential projects.

Woods Bagot scooped the Consultant's Award on both 888 Collins Street and Promenade Aqui in the adjoining Newquay precinct. Riverlee Group secured the Urban Renewal category for Jaques Richmond which transformed a former industrial rock crushing business into an apartment complex, whilst Caulfield's Cantala apartment and townhouse project was awarded the Medium Density Development category.

To see the full list of winners, click <a href="https://www.udiavic.com.au/Awards/2017-UDIA-Awards-for-Excellence">here</a>.
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888 Collins Street scores big at Victoria's UDIA awards

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The swirl of development activity in Footscray has found another gear as new projects are submitted for approval, or are on the verge of beginning construction.

Two separate planning applications have been advertised by Maribyrnong City Council; their subsequent addition to the Apartments.com.au Project Database has seen the overall number of apartment developments within Footscray in development swell to 40. These 40 projects represent approximately 7,350 new dwellings for postcode 3011.

Latest to the database is a proposal spanning multiple residential lots across 108-120 Cowper Street and 10 Parker Street, Footscray. FJP PTY LTD and RLWL PTY LTD hope to secure approval for the  2,414 square metre corner site.

Proposed is a five storey building of 68 apartments designed by Turco and Associates. 7 x 1 bedroom apartments, 57 x 2 bedroom apartments and 4 x 3 bedroom apartments constitute the living mix, with a café and basement parking for 69 vehicles also present.

Outdoor seating is associated with the café whilst a large landscaped atrium at the centre of the development adds to the project's amenity.

<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/image9_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Cowper Street interpretation. Planning image: Turco and Associates"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="268" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_19.jpg?itok=IN1e73_b" title="A new Cowper Street interpretation. Planning image: Turco and Associates" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Cowper Street interpretation. Image: Turco and Associates</figcaption></figure>Keystone Property Group also has another Footscray apartment project at planning, this time adjoining their near complete development at 90 Buckley Street.

The vacant block at 94-104 Buckley Street has been earmarked for a 10 storey mixed-use building comprising 4 retail tenancies over 326 square metres and 121 residential apartments. Holding a build value of $24 million, the project encompasses a 2,770 square metre tract of land which backs onto the Footscray rail corridor.

The apartment mix sees 44 x 1 bedroom, 73 x 2 bedroom and 4 x 3 bedroom apartments. 130 car spaces and 70 bicycle spaces, a swimming pool, seating areas and BBQ facilities are provided within the scheme created by Kavellaris Urban Design.

<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/image8bark.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Buckley Street continues to garner residential attention. Planning image: KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8bark.jpg?itok=kURUXoSm" title="Buckley Street continues to garner residential attention. Planning image: KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Buckley Street continues to garner residential attention. Planning image: KUD</figcaption></figure>Nearby and construction starts are on the agenda within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct, as two more projects prepare to break ground within the formerly industrial precinct which spans 7 hectares.

Stage One of Growland's Victoria Square project is at tender and is expected to carry a build value in excess of $100 million. Towers 3 and 4 of the six tower project will be constructed along with the podium building for a grand sum of 455 apartments and 8 commercial tenancies.

11 apartments are through the podium, whilst Tower 3 accommodates 276 apartments and Tower 4 houses 168.

Directly east of Victoria Square, Blue Earth Group have moved to initiate works at <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2 Hopkins Street</a>, with a piling rig indicating construction should begin shortly. River One and Boat House are the initial two releases within the development, consisting of hundreds of new apartments on the banks of the Maribyrnong River.

If history repeats itself, Hamilton Marino Builders will construct Blue Earth Group's multi-tower project.

<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/image4vicsqu.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Square above Footscray. Image: Growland"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="222" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4vicsqu.jpg?itok=EXrktRoy" title="Victoria Square above Footscray. Image: Growland" width="580"></a>

<figcaption><a href="/buildings/victoria-square-8-hopkins-street-footscray">Victoria Square</a> above Footscray. Image: Growland</figcaption></figure>
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Footscray's churning apartment pipeline reaches 40 separate projects

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More than 8,000 square metres of land in Wheelers Hill has been given the development green light by Monash City Council.

At the turn of December Council chose to endorse an application to develop vacant land at 161-169 Jells Road for a multi-level aged care facility. As part of the CHT Architects-designed development, an existing aged care facility located at 171 Jells Road will also be refurbished.

The site had previously been marketed as an apartment complex backed by Ammache Architects. With that project failing to break ground, the prominent corner site was handed to CBRE City Sales during 2016 and was subsequently sold to Lifeview Residential Care.

<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/image50_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Freshly approved. Planning image: CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="221" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image50_1.jpg?itok=vureNtEO" title="Freshly approved. Planning image: CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Freshly approved. Planning image: CHT Architects</figcaption></figure>The care provider can now add a further 206 bedsit rooms with ensuites to their existing adjoining facility. The new complex is split into three wings with four and five storeys the built outcome.

108 car parks are expected across the lower ground and ground floors with the main entrance to the new building fronting Ferntree Gully Road.  Amenities such as a café/bar, corner store, hair salon and function space are included, with bedsits within the building broken into clusters of 12 which are supported by a kitchen, dining and living area, laundry and study area.

The $40 million development now holds a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit, with final approval subject to conditions but a formality. 

<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/image48_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site's failed apartment development. Image: Ammache Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_7.jpg?itok=fSW597BT" title="The site's failed apartment development. Image: Ammache Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site's failed apartment development. Image: Ammache Architects</figcaption></figure>Lifeview Residential Care's 161-169 Jells Road success reinforces the wave of aged care projects appearing across Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs.

Builder Cockram recently delivered Baptcare's The Orchards Community Retirement Living at 107 Andersons Creek Road, Doncaster East. It consists of 224 beds, whilst the builder has just begun works on the considerably larger <a href="/developments/blackburn-south-vic-3130">Regis Inala</a> aged care complex at 220 Middleborough Road, Blackburn South.

Buxton Construction is working on BlueCross Box Hill which will see a further  221 beds created, whilst Ringwood's Olivet Aged Care Development is approaching a construction start. Further to the above, 62-94 Jacksons Road, Mulgrave is also being considered for 179 independent living apartments, 108 aged care beds and 72 assisted living apartments.

<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/image54_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="CHT Architects' Orchards Doncaster East &amp; Buxton Construction's BlueCross Box Hill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="219" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image54_5.jpg?itok=O88vlwbv" title="CHT Architects' Orchards Doncaster East &amp; Buxton Construction's BlueCross Box Hill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CHT Architects' Orchards Doncaster East &amp; Buxton Construction's BlueCross Box Hill</figcaption></figure>
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Wheelers Hill's premier development site gets the green light

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The Jackalope Group is eyeing its first inner city hotel at 175-181 Flinders Lane. 

Following on from Jackalope Mornington Peninsula which currently holds a swag domestic and international awards, the group is looking to rebirth the Maria George building on Flinders Lane. Headed by Melbourne-based entrepreneur Louis Li, "The Jackalope Group champions a conceptual approach to art, design, dining, and storytelling, delivering a delicate interplay between the ideal and the surreal."

It is this divergent approach which has facilitated a number of unique design features for the proposed mixed-use tower onsite; art, design, dining and storytelling will play a key role in the creation of Jackalope Flinders Lane.

Spanning a miserly 338 square metres, the site of the proposed hotel also maintains a frontage to Rutledge Lane to its rear. Dated 1911, the historically significant Maria George building is for now dedicated to retail, showroom and office accommodation.

<h2>Building programme</h2>

MARCH studio has taken on the challenge of creating a new purpose for the Maria George building.

A 'destination' restaurant sits below the main entry/lobby area, followed by further restaurants in the immediate floors above. Over the lower floors, a sculpture will be incorporated into the facade.

Key to the hotel's public benefit credentials is the 'rain room' which will be accessed via Rutledge Lane. 

The balance of the tower sees 32 luxury accommodation suites and a built form capped by a cloud-shaped rooftop bar. All in all the proposal spans 16 levels or 60 metres above street level.

<h2>All about the cloud</h2>

Taking centre stage from a design perspective is the Cloud Bar. 10mm electropolished stainless steel wire is fashioned into a cloud shape and has the ability to take on the colour of the sky during sunrise, sunset etc, effectively camouflaging itself into the sky.

In a section of Melbourne's skyline which is framed by St Paul's Cathedral from various angles, the bar would bring a completely new design aspect. According to MARCH studio's urban design brief, The Cloud Bar will serve hotel guests during the day and the general public in the evenings.

<h2>Small hotel, big impact</h2>

Although Jackalope Flinders Lane's 32 suites are inconsequential in Melbourne's grander hotel accommodation boom, they are relevant in the immediate context. Steps away from the Adelphi Hotel and Westin Melbourne, the addition of Jackalope Flinders Lane would reinforce the immediate area's hotel credentials. 

An expected build area of 4,242 square metres over the 338 square metre site yields a plot ratio of 11.6.

Flinders Lane's perpetually strong dining and entertainment scene stands to be strengthened by Jackalope Flinders Lane. A restaurant space of 88 seats has been incorporated into the development, in addition to Flaggerdoot which will have the capacity for another 65 patrons; Flaggerdoot is the incumbent bar within Jackalope Mornington Peninsula.

<h2>Jackalope Flinders Lane development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Client: Jackalope Group</li>
	<li>Architect &amp; rendering: March Studio</li>
	<li>Development Management: Medley Property Group</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Urban Design Consultant: Message Consultants</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Grimbos Building Surveyors</li>
	<li>Structural, Electrical &amp; Hydraulic Engineer: Wood and Grieve Engineers</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Irwin Consult</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: One Mile Grid</li>
	<li>Land Surveying: Calibre Consulting</li>
</ul>
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Jackalope's ethereal entrance into the CBD hotel sector

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During 2015 Apartments.com.au highlighted the <a href="/news/essendons-high-density-development-a-model-example">model example</a> unfolding across Essendon's Mt Alexander Road and Keilor Road, where higher density developments were flourishing along the established transport corridor.

At that time there were six apartment projects in development, with the ClarkeHopkinsClarke-designed Alexa at 1050 Mt Alexander Road fresh into demolition. Construction proper commenced during December 2015 and near on two years later Alexa is now complete.

Developed for Accord Property Group, the project includes 89 one, two and three-bedroom apartments over seven levels and is topped with two expansive penthouses.

ClarkeHopkinsClarke describe Alexa as one of Essendon’s most "significant multi-residential projects which injects a bold, gold-rush era inspired contemporary aesthetic to the surrounding streetscape. The project is defined by smooth flowing forms, offering a high level of design that is distinct against Essendon’s established Edwardian and Art Deco character."

It should also be noted Alexa's form is very much distinct from contemporary higher density counterparts which have also sprung up along Mt Alexander Road. Whilst the majority carry a design nous that is less than inspiring, Alexa does, in fact, deliver on design aesthetics.

<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_6089.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alexa in context."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6089.jpg?itok=f202tCy-" title="Alexa in context." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Alexa in context.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Mount Alexander Road was originally a route to the gold fields and, as the Alexa site is on top of a hill, our design response is about stratification and the layering of rock, which we referenced with the building’s gold coloured screening.

The perforated metal has a distinct quality in that it changes its tone depending on the sunlight. This contrasts with the sculptural massing of the other elements.
<cite>ClarkeHopkinsClarke partner Toby Lauchlan</cite>
</blockquote>

Alexa's gold metal bands are prominent from all visible frontages, and as outlined above takes inspiration from the site’s connection to Melbourne’s gold rush era. This golden visual 'top' flows down to ground level across the projects southern frontage.

Below the gold banding, residential levels are defined by continuous white bands, "tying the design to the movement of the street, while the building’s curved forms work to soften the mass of the development."

Almost triangular in nature, Alexa's footprint provides it with sight lines over Mt Alexander Road and the CBD beyond, whilst eastern facing apartments overlook, and have direct access to Cliff Allison Park. The penthouse level is set well back from the dominant form, resulting in it being barely visible from street level.

<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_6083.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sturt Street outlook."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6083.jpg?itok=DyYGp-4W" title="Sturt Street outlook." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sturt Street outlook.</figcaption></figure>Internally metallic gold fixtures compliment Alexa's golden highlights.

<blockquote>
The interiors are contemporary and understated. We wanted to provide a neutral canvas that would allow buyers to make their own mark through the addition of artworks or interior decoration.

Within this minimalist palette we put a lot of effort into the detailing and joinery. Providing plenty of well-designed storage as well as ample desk spaces was an important point of difference both for us and the developers.

<cite>ClarkeHopkinsClarke partner Toby Lauchlan</cite>
</blockquote>

Contractor Buildcorp Commercial successfully delivered Alexa on schedule, leaving one current residential project in Essendon attributed to ClarkeHopkinsClarke.

165-169 Keilor Road is a product of the firm and sees approval in place for a seven-level development which includes 121 large apartments and 923 square metres of retail space. Sited on a 3,548 square metre corner plot, the development site was offered for sale mid this year under the guidance of agent Colliers.

<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/image34_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="165-169 Keilor Road. Image: Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_13.jpg?itok=ScEqlHAb" title="165-169 Keilor Road. Image: Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>165-169 Keilor Road. Image: Colliers</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Alexa provides Essendon with a design focal point

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7,000 square metres of prime yet underutilised Brunswick real estate is heading down the path of urban regeneration.

342-348 Victoria Street had for generations been the home of Australian Licorice Company. Whilst production onsite may have ceased during 1985 the operation's redundant chimney takes pride of place over the site, so much so it is considered of "historic, social, architectural and scientific importance to the State of Victoria" by the Victorian Heritage Database.

With this in mind Fieldwork Architects have gone about creating a commercial, residential and retail precinct for the site that will see the chimney and associated firebox retained.

Carlton-based Australian Licorice Company Pty Ltd has instigated the site's redevelopment.

<h2>342-348 Victoria Street application summary</h2>

<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/image32_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Commercial component. Image: Fieldwork Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="430" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_11.jpg?itok=_KyDd8WD" title="Commercial component. Image: Fieldwork Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Commercial component. Image: Fieldwork Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Submitted October 2017</li>
	<li>Cost of development: $82 million</li>
	<li>4 differing buildings from 3 to 11 levels in height or 36.7 metres</li>
	<li>Commercial space: 6,494 square metres</li>
	<li>177 dwellings: 67 x 1BR, 78 x 2BR, 6 x 3BR, 26 x townhouses</li>
	<li>8 retail tenancies covering 1,693 square metres</li>
	<li>2 basement levels: 10 motorbikes, 335 vehicles, 286 bicycles</li>
	<li>1,400 square metre public open plaza</li>
	<li>Communal areas</li>
</ul>
Accessibility to the adjoining Brunswick Railway Station will also be enhanced by way of new pedestrian links and expanded open space. The proposed development's demolition plans also requests the removal of kerb and street car parks along Rosser Street and Wilkinson Street, resulting in both streets becoming shared zones.

An expanded Upfield Bike Path also connects to the proposed development's public open plaza, promoting pedestrian traffic through the site to Victoria Street and Rosser Street. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image33_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Typical Fieldwork finishes on show. Image: Fieldwork Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_12.jpg?itok=mhizIoW9" title="Typical Fieldwork finishes on show. Image: Fieldwork Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Typical Fieldwork finishes on show. Image: Fieldwork Architects</figcaption></figure>Visually 342-348 Victoria Street looks to be the aggregation of a number of previous Fieldwork Architects projects.

Aspects of the development mirrors the practice's <a href="http://www.fieldworkprojects.com.au/projects/249-queens-parade">249 Queens Parade</a>, and to a lesser extent 808 Sydney Road and <a href="/buildings/patch-fitzroy-north-243-queens-parade-fitzroy-north">243 Queens Parade</a>. The uniform 'veil' finish of Fieldworks Architects' <a href="http://www.fieldworkprojects.com.au/projects/cremorne-offices">Cremorne office design</a> is also reprised over certain elevations within 342-348 Victoria Street.

342-348 Victoria Street is the most recent, and largest, of three current Brunswick projects for Fieldworks Architects. The aforementioned 808 Sydney Road for PACE Development Group is well into construction whilst <a href="/buildings/one-wilson-avenue">1-7 Wilson Avenue</a> is at planning and consists of 61 apartments across 8 levels for Neometro.

<h2>Comment</h2>

<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/image34_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level expectations. Image: Fieldwork Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="234" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_12.jpg?itok=XaeRvBb4" title="Ground level expectations. Image: Fieldwork Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level expectations. Image: Fieldwork Architects</figcaption></figure>City of Moreland is not short on large former industrial sites that have over time been redeveloped for residential purposes. Apartments.com.au has in the past highlighted the Tip Top Brunswick East as a prime example of what a large site can achieve at street level.

Conversely Ettaro Apartments also in Brunswick East is at the other end of the scale, in terms of a less than ideal street level character and activation outcome.

As per the early renders, 342-348 Victoria Street may well insert itself at the very pointy in that it could provide an exponentially superior finer grain outcome relative to most projects across Moreland and greater Melbourne for that matter. Scale, greenery, earthy materials (particularly brick), green spaces, heritage retention for adaptive reuse, enhanced transport links and pedestrian permeability; it sounds like the quintessential contemporary Melbourne urban regeneration development.

If the renders are a true indication, Brunswick is in line for a benchmark project.
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Urban regeneration grips Brunswick's massive Licorice Factory site

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" dir="auto">
The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

Mark Baljak

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