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Site purchase and demolition for one of Footscray's key renewal sites occurred during 2012. Thereafter the Binks Ford site has seen precious little activity.

But now plans are afoot for an intensive redevelopment of the 9,047sqm plot which abuts the Footscray rail corridor.  Developer AVIC Developments Pty Ltd is seeking the green light for 412 dwellings across four separate residential buildings, with the tallest maxing out at 10 levels.

Dubbed 'Cowper Village' within the application, 34 Cowper Street was sold some years ago by Places Victoria. In a push to regenerate the massive land holding, AVIC Developments Pty Ltd has teamed with architects ClarkeHopkinsClarke. 

<h2>34 Cowper 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/image55_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The proposed development's northerly aspect. Planning image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="564" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_6.jpg?itok=P0SBVfgG" title="The proposed development's northerly aspect. Planning image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The proposed development's northerly aspect. Planning image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Vacant 9,047sqm site with 166.7m street frontage</li>
	<li>Proposed residential development of 412 dwellings across 4 separate buildings</li>
	<li>16 x townhouses, 192 x 1BR, 194 x 2BR, 10 x SOHO</li>
	<li>Maximum building height: 10 storeys or 31.7m</li>
	<li>4 retail tenancies: total of 518sqm available</li>
	<li>Provision for 196 vehicles and 84 bicycles</li>
	<li>Cost of development estimated at $100 million</li>
	<li>Ground, Level 1 and rooftop green spaces</li>
</ul>
Current plans for 34 Cowper Street are modest from a height perspective, relative to a number of earlier site-specific designs created (as seen below), and relative to the scale of development throughout the adjacent Joseph Road Precinct.

Indeed ClarkeHopkinsClarke's initial submission for 34 Cowper Street was significantly higher; 7 levels have been lopped from earlier plans in order to comply with preferred building heights under local built form guidelines. The loss of 7 levels hasn't demonstrably affected to total project apartment yield, with 33 less dwellings across the project.

Further design changes following Maribyrnong City Council's initial feedback also see a reworked open space plaza, enhanced pedestrian connectivity and amendments to the internal laneway.

<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/image57_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site concepts by Plus Architecture and Peddle Thorp Architects which advanced no further."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image57_6.jpg?itok=Tr2gGNiU" title="Site concepts by Plus Architecture and Peddle Thorp Architects which advanced no further." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site concepts by Plus Architecture and Peddle Thorp Architects which advanced no further.</figcaption></figure>With Jospeh Road Precinct all but accounted for, and the Kinnears site <a href="/news/rf-property-australias-first-melbourne-project-enters-the-starting-gates">ready for its sales launch</a>, 34 Cowper Street is the last of Footscray's 'super sites' to enter planning. Beyond the Binks Ford redevelopment, smaller-scale blocks such as Ryco at 11-19 Whitehall Street and the 501 Receptions site at <a href="/new-apartments/495-507-barkly-street-footscray">501 Barkly Street</a> represent the next largest development sites in the pipeline.

The additions of 34 Cowper Street to the Apartments.com.au Project Database boosts the overall number of apartments monitored by Apartments.com.au within Footscray to an impressive 7,400. This figure is spread across 37 separate projects, with the majority of apartments found within Joseph Road Precinct.

Of those 7,400 plus apartments under 500 are at construction, alluding to the massive growth in Footscray's population that awaits.

<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/image56_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A broadside development perspective. Planning image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="270" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image56_4.jpg?itok=DNs5j1ul" title="A broadside development perspective. Planning image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A broadside development perspective. Planning image: ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure><h2>34 Cowper Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: AVIC Development Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect &amp; Urban Context: ClarkeHopkinsClarke</li>
	<li>Planning: Hellier McFarland</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Sustainable Management Plan: F2 Design</li>
	<li>Environmental Noise Assessment: Marshall Day</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment : MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape Plan: MDG Landscape Architects</li>
	<li>Statement of Environmental Audit: Golder Associates</li>
	<li>Social Impact Assessment: Ratio Consultants</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

Footscray's Binks Ford site finally in line for development

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The large-scale redevelopment of Richmond's former Jaques engineering complex has been marked by an number of onsite dedications.

Dating back to 1885 and with frontages to Palmer, Coppin, Dyer and Griffiths Streets, the 9,945sqm site's engineering heritage has been permanently embossed across the site. Planning Minister Richard Wynne and Riverlee Group's Clement Lee were recently onsite to unveil plaques dedicated to the Jaques family; these are in addition to the many original engineering sketches and blueprints dotted throughout the build.

The recent event signified completion of the $290 million redevelopment backed by Riverlee Group and Macquarie Real Estate Equity Funds, and which has been delivered in stages. Overall the Fender Katsalidis-designed complex includes 377 apartments and 17 townhouses, car parking provisions, two landscaped courtyards, a rooftop terrace and four retail tenancies.

2,530sqm or 30% of the site is provided for amenity, underpinned by Dyer Street, who's unveiling was marked by Yarra City Council's Lord Major Amanda Stone and Jack Dyer Jr.

<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/jaques_unveiling_of_historical_panels-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Commemorating Jaques' place in Richmond's history. Image:supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="704" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jaques_unveiling_of_historical_panels-1.jpg?itok=m6bRyEqP" title="Commemorating Jaques' place in Richmond's history. Image:supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Commemorating Jaques' place in Richmond's history. Image: supplied</figcaption></figure>After picking up the Jaques site during 1997, Riverlee Group and Fender Katsalidis reworked initial plans for the site to provide a heightened design outcome.

Works began an Stage One during 2012, with this month's event heralding the completion of the entire project which includes three separate buildings. Following on from Stage One's Boiler Shop Building &amp; Hammermill Apartments, and Stage Two's 5 Tonne Apartments &amp; Iron Works Building, Palmer Street was completed earlier this year.

Palmer Street includes 22 one bedroom, 23 two bedroom and 10 three bedroom apartments in a highly articulated building designed to be the precinct's most luxurious offering.

<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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Differing aspects of the now completed Jaques development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="436" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image44_0.jpg?itok=YsEAxaGb" title="Differing aspects of the now completed Jaques development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Differing aspects of the now completed Jaques development</figcaption></figure>Architect Karl Fender of Fender Katsalidis was on hand to walk Apartments.com.au through the completed project, paying much attention to the project's street-level interface along the way.

Upon taking on the project, Fender Katsalidis effectively scrapped the existing development scheme which Karl Fender described as being highly unsympathetic to the surrounding low-rise street character. Under the new design, Stage One saw the retention of the existing brick facade which was worked into the development, with higher levels set well back.

The scaled brick theme continues across Stage Two's lower levels, with Stage Three/Palmer Street a nod to modern design. Copper panels, white polished pre-cast framing, metal features and copper framing provide the building with a modern character.

Dyer Street is a cross-site link that includes the retail tenancies at ground level. Set on a skewed axis, it's expected that Dyer Street will link up with a new pedestrian link to be created on the opposite vacant site that will soon be home to the new <a href="http://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/Pages/Schools/Richmond-High-School.aspx">Richmond High School and community-based Multi-Purpose Facility</a>.

On the corner of Palmer and Dyer streets the original main visitors entry from the original industrial building has been retained, with viewable displays charting the site’s history and paying tribute to Richmond icon Jack Dyer.

<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_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jaques Stage 1. Image:supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="352" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_5.jpg?itok=-ydSGr8L" title="Jaques Stage 1. Image:supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jaques Stage 1. Image:supplied</figcaption></figure>Jaques Richmond was the initial project between architect and developer, and has since spawned further projects.

<a href="http://riverlee.com.au/projects/108-flinders-street">108 Flinders Street</a> was completed during 2014 and features a Tract Landscape Architects-designed internal courtyard and 190 apartments. The <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">Northbank Goods Shed</a> is next on the duo's agenda, with Fender Katsalidis preparing plans for a mixed-use tower containing apartments and hotel suites.
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Karl Fender provides insight as Jaques Richmond reaches completion

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Yarra continues to rack up substantial commercial planning applications, solidifying a <a href="/news/city-of-yarras-commercial-prospects-boosted-by-100-000sqm">recent spate of office projects</a> within the municipality as highlighted by Apartments.com.au earlier in the year.

Latest to enter the fray is 57 Balmain Street, seeking partial demolition of the existing heritage form which in years gone by was part of the historic Rosella complex. A seven storey commercial building above three basement levels is planned, with a cafe at ground level.

Valued at $30 million, the scheme was lodged with City of Yarra last month.

Rothelowman's website carries fresh images of what shapes as the likely design for 57 Balmain Street, with the following description: 

<blockquote>
Balmain Road’s proposed design restores the iconic Rosella facade while boldly juxtaposing old and new to create a modern mixed-use commercial space for a top-tier international tenant.

Responding to its local architectural context and landmarks such as the Nylex Clock, Balmain Road’s design explores the relationship between framing and structure and extroverted and introverted space. 
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image1ros.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1ros.jpg?itok=5fy4PKwT" title="Image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Whilst the above has yet to reach advertising, a duo of new commercial projects has.

111-115 Bridge Road, Richmond sees an already approved commercial scheme expanded to include the neighbouring property. The result is an enlarged footprint behind existing shopfronts that holds 1,274sqm of commercial space across 6 levels.

Whilst Bridge Road is a relatively modest development, established residential developer Alpha 14 Property Group's first foray into the commercial sphere is far more substantial. 71-93 Gipps Street is a Hayball-designed project spanning 11 storeys across a 1,579sqm site.

Carrying a development value of $19 million, Net Leasable Area for the project spans 8,873sqm with end of trip facilities and 2 basement levels for 87 vehicles included.

<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/image4_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Commercial projects slated for Bridge Road and Gipps Street. Images: 8 Property Investments &amp; Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="246" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_13.jpg?itok=TTwsSgFN" title="Commercial projects slated for Bridge Road and Gipps Street. Images: 8 Property Investments &amp; Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Commercial projects slated for Bridge Road and Gipps Street. Images: 8 Property Investments &amp; Hayball</figcaption></figure>In further planning news, 345 Swan Street was granted a Notice of Decision last month for the development of a seven storey office building.

Designed by Jackson Clements Burrows for Periphery Pty Ltd, the building can now expect to add a further 2,702sqm of offices and two retail tenancies to the local streetscape. Already at construction is 96-102 Cubitt Street within Cremorne, which continues the trend of boutique commercial developments in the immediate area.

Project Group are handling construction of the building which absorbs all of its modest 476sqm site footprint.

Finally, Alfasi Property are planning a grand gesture for 510 Church Street. COX have been installed as project architect, with the end result a total lettable area of approximately 20,000sqm across the 3,070sqm site.

<blockquote>
510 Church Street will set a new benchmark for Architecture &amp; Workplace design in Richmond’s Church Street commercial precinct.

510 Church Street will be a building of timeless architecture, appealing to a wide range of tenant types, especially tech firms and creatives, moving beyond the current ‘warehouse’, ‘business park’ or ‘corporate CBD’ typologies.
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image6_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Swan, Church and Cubitt. Images: JCB, Cox &amp; Project Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="233" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_13.jpg?itok=kIwIEbmb" title="Swan, Church and Cubitt. Images: JCB, Cox &amp; Project Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Swan, Church and Cubitt. Images: JCB, COX &amp; Project Group</figcaption></figure>
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Yarra's commercial prospects reloaded

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Straddling Brunswick East and Fitzroy North, Nicholson Street is in the midst of a development boom. Apartments.com.au is keeping tabs on approximately 1,000 new apartments currently in development toward the northern end of the increasingly popular thoroughfare. 

Due to the increasingly limited number of development sites along <a href="/buildings/east-brunswick-village-3-bluestone-way-brunswick-east">Nicholson Street</a>, and particularly those with a large footprint capable of handling hundreds of apartments, Nicholson Street is currently at the zenith of its development potential. 10 separate apartment projects are now in play, with the majority at sales or under construction.

By far the largest project is Banco Group's East Brunswick Village, which is a large-scale urban renewal project on the site of the former Tontine Pillow Factory. 

Hand in hand with the recent commencement of piling onsite is the project's reconfiguration of Lots 1 and 2. This initial stage of East Brunswick Village will see a slight increase in apartments to 307 (split between 218 x 1BR and 81 x 2BR), increased retail space equating to 4,254sqm, and an increase in both car parking and bicycle spaces.

<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/image95_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An early East Brunswick Village render along with current piling works onsite"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="214" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image95_1.jpg?itok=1Rmz4UDz" title="An early East Brunswick Village render along with current piling works onsite" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An early East Brunswick Village render along with current piling works onsite</figcaption></figure>The overall development includes seven separate buildings with total apartments around the 600 mark. Whilst technically under construction, East Brunswick Village has yet to see its sales campaign formally launched. The same cannot be said for a handful of other projects along Nicholson Street.

Victory House with its 102 apartments is fresh to construction, with builder Element Five's signage freshly across the corner site. Fellow projects in their construction infancy include MiaMia and Fitz &amp; Co, whilst NYKO and 88-90 Nicholson Street are further into their construction cycle.

Combined these 5 projects which have successfully attained necessary presales, will yield approximately 220 dwellings which puts into perspective the massive nature of East Brunswick Village.

Next in line is Lt Miller and Mr Nichols; both having begun their marketing campaigns. The very swish 38 Nicholson Street designed by Hachem is also sitting on approval.

<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/image94_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The stylish lines of 38 Nicholson Street. Image: Hachem"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image94_1.jpg?itok=6v0Tljmj" title="The stylish lines of 38 Nicholson Street. Image: Hachem" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The stylish lines of 38 Nicholson Street. Image: Hachem</figcaption></figure>Nicholson Street's dearth of pending projects at planning hints towards the diminishing number of sites available for future development.

77-83 Nicholson Street presents as the only noteworthy current planning application. Home to cafe and eatery Pope Joan, 77-83 Nicholson Street is subject to a 6-7 level development over two basement levels, with intentions for 6 retail tenancies and 73 dwellings.

With 29m of frontage to Nicholson Street and an area of 2,250sqm, the site was sold mid last year by Vinci Carbone.

Putting Nicholson Street's current apartment boom into perspective, the only recent major completion along its northern stretch has been TreViso at 91-93 Nicholson Street which added 31 apartments to the strip.
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Nicholson Street's apartment activity slips into top gear

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Melbourne's dynamic hotel sector continues to see new deals done, further expanding the lengthy queue of short stay accommodation projects in development around the city.

After opening their first Melbourne outlet in Docklands at the turn of 2016, Peppers will take on a new Southbank tower as part of parent company Mantra Group's <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://thehotelconversation.com.au/news/2016/11/30/mantra-group-secures-five-new-hotels/1480459707">aggressive expansion plan throughout Australian and New Zealand</a>. The plan sees Peppers Southbank as one of five new hotels for Mantra Group in the region, with 900 new rooms in total planned.

Peppers Southbank will be sited at 64-68 Clerendon Street, currently a two level commercial building across a 412sqm site. In anticipation of a late 2018 opening date, preliminary demolition has begun onsite.

<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/image84_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Peppers Southbank. Image: Point Polaris"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_5.jpg?itok=dL5HSdH_" title="Peppers Southbank. Image: Point Polaris" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Peppers Southbank. Image: Point Polaris</figcaption></figure>Although <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/property-information/planning-building-registers/Pages/town-planning-permits-register-search-results.aspx?appid=227857">garnering 63 objections</a> during the planning process, 64-68 Clarendon Street received approval during late 2015 for a residential hotel tower. The building's overall appearance has been altered from earlier images, with a cleaner facade, defined podium to Clarendon Street and additional floors added, slightly boosting the overall room count to 165.

Point Polaris are also involved at a <a href="http://www.pointpolaris.com.au/experience/peppers-southbank/">project management level</a>, with Peppers Southbank's development value slated as $60 million.

To the opposite side of the Yarra, and prolific developer Caydon have availed themselves as the driving force behind 1 Queen Street. Formerly home to Fletcher Jones, approval was sought and won by then entity Creative Wealth (Aust) Pty Ltd for a K2LD Architects-designed 26 storey tower above the historic edifice.

<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/image86_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1 Queen Street. Image: Caydon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image86_3.jpg?itok=MRp6kmFU" title="1 Queen Street. Image: Caydon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Queen Street. Image: Caydon</figcaption></figure>Gone is the plan for 117 residential apartments, with Caydon via its website confirming TOGA Group as the new operator of the now hotel development, under their Vibe brand. 1 Queen Street is in addition to Vibe Hotel Carlton and Vibe Savoy Hotel, also in Melbourne's CBD.

Caydon describes the project as a 23 level, boutique 4.5-star hotel, which is expected to start construction this year for an anticipated completion during early 2019. The building will include 204 hotel rooms, plus an indoor heated pool, gym facilities and retail spaces to street level.

Based on the image below, 1 Queen Street's development will also see the historic Fletcher Jones Queen Street frontage reinstated.

<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/image88_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1 Queen Street. Image: Caydon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image88_4.jpg?itok=h2LJV-J-" title="1 Queen Street. Image: Caydon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Queen Street. Image: Caydon</figcaption></figure>
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Peppers and Vibe land new Melbourne addresses

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The long-dormant Kinnears site fronting Ballarat Road is all but ready to begin its transformation into one of Footscray's largest apartment-driven urban renewal projects.

An onsite display suite that will cater for the multiple towers to be developed over the life of the project is now complete, and ready to be swung into action once developer R&amp;F Property Australia launches the first phase of the project. And Kinnears' first stage looks to be a 15 level apartment tower at the eastern end of the sprawling site.

Kinnears which is addressed 124-188 Ballarat Road is R&amp;F Property Australia's first major development in Melbourne. 

Kinnears' rebirth first came to prominence <a href="/news/rf-properties-advance-plans-for-kinnears-footscray-redevelopment">during late 2015</a>, with Elenberg Fraser enlisted by the developer to create a new masterplanned residential enclave. In doing so, limited demolition and adaptation of existing heritage buildings spread over the site has been worked into the overall masterplan, which also includes provisions for 1,400 plus new dwellings.

The display suite model depicting the entire project is very much in line with the 2015 site plan, and sees a number of new north-south pedestrian and vehicle links dividing the site.

<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/image2kinn.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Kinnears site masterplan."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2kinn.jpg?itok=cXhqcWcX" title="The Kinnears site masterplan." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Kinnears site masterplan.</figcaption></figure>Information within the display also elaborates on the project's public features. Shops and a supermarket will be set around a plaza, with communal facilities such as a childcare centre, kindergarden, maternal and child health centre also in the mix. Offices, a gym and further medical-based spaces add the the development's mixed-use nature.

R&amp;F Property Australia, part of Guangzhou-based R&amp;F Properties, has been trying to gain a foothold in Melbourne for some years.

At one stage the developer was primed to secure Fishermans Bend's <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/fishermans-bend-renewal-area/60-82-johnson-street-south-melbourne">60-82 Johnson Street</a>, but that deal <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/developer-mcnee-makes-a-30-million-killing-on-south-melbourne-apartments-site-20170124-gtxnkd">failed to materialise</a>, with local developer Salvo Property Group subsequently securing the approved site. R&amp;F Property Australia's next move was for Kinnears, successfully acquiring the site from <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/residential/richard-gu-nets-60m-for-footscray-development-site-20140722-jjllw">AXF Group for $60 million during 2014</a>, with development plans already in motion at that stage.

Based in Melbourne, R&amp;F Property Australia's first successful move on the national development scene was in Brisbane. Dubbed <a href="http://www.rfaustralia.com.au/project/brisbane-1/">Brisbane 1</a>, the project sees 600 plus apartments in development over multiple buildings on a 4,661sqm plot in South Brisbane.

With the imminent launch of Kinnears, R&amp;F Property Australia also now has a Melbourne-based apartment project that will be rolled out in stages over coming years. Imagery for subsequent stages of the Kinnears development can be seen <a href="http://www.starweekly.com.au/news/plans-lodged-for-first-stage-of-kinnears-rope-factory-redevelopment/pub/maribyrnong_hobsons_bay/">here</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image77_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="R &amp; F Properties first Australian project. Image: brisbane1towers.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="724" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image77_1.jpg?itok=sb9vAKmn" title="R &amp; F Properties first Australian project. Image: brisbane1towers.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>R &amp; F Properties first Australian project. Image: brisbane1towers.com.au</figcaption></figure>
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R&F Property Australia's first Melbourne project enters the starting gates 

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The planning equivalent of a 'Days of our Lives' episode may be on the verge of a development resolution.

<a href="/developers/action-group-australia">Action Group Australia's</a> very long and public bid to redevelop a prime slice of land opposite Station Pier has entered its latest phase, with plans now on display for a new design seeking grace the defunct site. Since development plans for <a href="/new-apartments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">1-7 Waterfront Place</a> first surfaced early this decade, it has been subject to a local resident backlash, <a href="http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/waterfront-place-development.htm">Council bids to protect the site</a> from overdevelopment, VCAT hearings and <a href="http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/amendment-C104-Waterfront-Place.htm">Ministerial intervention</a>.

During 2015, the Minister for Planning approved site specific amendments to the Port Phillip Planning Scheme, which ushered in new policy and planning controls. Among them were a mandatory 35m maximum height limit, in addition to podium, setback and overshadowing requirements.

Via entity Waterfront Place Pty Ltd, Action Group Australia and long serving project architect <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a> have come back with revised plans for a substantial residential project featuring a mass of resident amenities.

<h2>
<a href="/new-apartments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">1-7 Waterfront Place</a> 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/image39wp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A broadside perspective of the proposed development. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="307" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39wp.jpg?itok=Lgr8z1qc" title="A broadside perspective of the proposed development. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A broadside perspective of the proposed development. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 5,487sqm</li>
	<li>Currently a vacant amenities complex for the immediate area</li>
	<li>Proposed: 10 level residential building spanning 38.5m to plant level</li>
	<li>175 dwellings: 31 x 1BR, 8 x 1BR townhouse, 103 x 2BR, 14 x 2BR townhouse, 17 x 3BR, 1 x Penthouse</li>
	<li>Provisions for 244 car spaces across 2 basement levels</li>
	<li>184sqm of ground floor retail space</li>
	<li>A publicly accessible plaza and north-south laneway</li>
	<li>Amenities include: golf simulator, fitness studio, lounge, lap pool, library, business room, dining and events room.</li>
</ul>
Two retail tenancies opposite the Port Melbourne railway station frame a proposed western plaza that continues through the development at ground level. A large northern courtyard also breaks the building's form to Beach Street.

The Waterfront Place frontage is dominated by townhouses across the building's podium, whilst public artwork is also set to feature at ground 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/image41_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Development at the human scale. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_2.jpg?itok=FSGgs6Lx" title="Development at the human scale. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Development at the human scale. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>1-7 Waterfront Place has spawned a number of designs over the years, with the most notable being an early wave-shaped tower that was also the largest proposal seen for the site. Subsequently, following designs have been more modest in height, with the latest version being the shortest.

On the current scheme, planning consultancy <a href="/developers/urbis">Urbis</a> asserts "DDO23 is a site-specific overlay that has taken into account the strategic location and objectives for the site. Accordingly, this report assesses the planning permits of the proposal, primarily in regard to the objectives and requirements of DDO23 but also the relevant sections of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme."

All things being in accordance with the regulatory formwork, it now looks like one of this city's longest planning sagas will find resolution soon enough.

<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/image47_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Designs for Waterfront place that have been consigned to history"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="471" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_4.jpg?itok=mSOnV1B_" title="Designs for Waterfront place that have been consigned to history" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Designs for Waterfront place that have been consigned to history</figcaption></figure><h2>1-7 Waterfront Place development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Waterfront Place Pty Ltd (Action Group Australia)</li>
	<li>Architecture and Urban Context Report: Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: Norman Disney &amp; Young</li>
	<li>Traffic Impact Assessment: Cardno</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Salt</li>
	<li>Landscape Plan and Landscape Report: Tract</li>
	<li>Acoustic Assessment: Acoustic Logic</li>
</ul>
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Port Melbourne's long running Waterfront Place saga enters a new phase

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One of the northern CBD's new breed of skyscrapers reached a monumental construction marker last week. Hengyi Australia's <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Light House</a> apartment development appeared sans jump form, signifying the termination of the tower at 69 levels above Elizabeth Street.

Using Light House's milestone as a nominal halfway point of development for the current crop, it's an opportune time to provide an update on the progress of the many towers that are transforming the CBD's northern fringe into a much taller, denser environment.

<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/image60_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light House and Empire will go no higher"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60_1.jpg?itok=ue1c0L0n" title="Light House and Empire will go no higher" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light House and Empire will go no higher</figcaption></figure>Light House has been joined by <a href="/buildings/empire-melbourne-398-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Empire</a> in having its jump form removed, with the latter terminating at 62 levels. Also along the north-south Elizabeth Street axis, the distinctly green <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a> is approaching the 200m mark, on its way to an eventual floor count of 75 and the mantle of Elizabeth Street's tallest building.

A'Beckett Street's <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">Avant</a> is shaping as the precinct's most daring tower in terms of facade treatment, defined by its vibrant purple facade and stretched diagrid exterior; the project has approximately 35 floor left prior to its topping out.

<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/image61_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Avant, Aurora and Scape Swanston. Images: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image61_0.jpg?itok=vzQwBskb" title="Avant, Aurora and Scape Swanston. Images: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Avant, Aurora and Scape Swanston. Images: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Avant's purple exterior is matched by that of another Elenberg Fraser-designed tower nearby, with the curving <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">EQ Tower</a> all but complete.

At 63 levels, the tower reached its significant marker during December, with a <a href="/news/three-years-on-eq-tower-tops-out">topping out ceremony held onsite</a>. According to developer ICD Property, the balance of apartments are due to settle during April.

<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/7da108d5216cf984792a95fd23e84767.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="EQ Tower standing tall. Images: Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/7da108d5216cf984792a95fd23e84767.jpg?itok=w5Dzp1b8" title="EQ Tower standing tall. Images: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>EQ Tower standing tall. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> as the area's biggest build is progressing well, with the podium structure for the 88 level goliath at its mid point. Also marching along is Scape Student Living's first Melbourne project at <a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">393 Swanston Street</a>. Regular floor plates and a precast exterior which is installed with windows in situ has allowed construction on the 42 storey building to rocket along.

Further toward the CBD's north-east corner, both <a href="/buildings/conservatory-9-23-mackenzie-street-melbourne">Conservatory</a> and <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">42-50 La Trobe Street</a> are at early stages of their construction life, with both projects being undertaken by builder Hickory Group.

<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/melbourne_model_02_18082016_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Laurence Dragomir's 2016 depiction of Melbourne's CBD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="270" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_model_02_18082016_0.png?itok=k6eHUeKj" title="Laurence Dragomir's 2016 depiction of Melbourne's CBD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Laurence Dragomir's 2016 depiction of Melbourne's CBD</figcaption></figure>As the area's unprecedented construction growth changes the northern CBD's environs, it's far from a completed product. Various high-rise projects have yet to make their mark on the skyline, including some very tall buildings.

308 Exhibition Street, Queens Place, 111 A'Beckett Street, RMIT's new mixed-use A'Beckett Street tower and Scape Student Living's reworked 97 Franklin Street are but a few of the projects that can be expected in coming years. Add a raft of smaller skyscrapers that are either at planning or hold approval, in addition to Victoria Market's mooted high-rise buildings, and the built form transformation in the area has many towers yet to come.

<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/image58_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="308 Exhibition Street, Scape CUB and 111 A'Beckett Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image58_4.jpg?itok=gxyemCpA" title="308 Exhibition Street, Scape CUB and 111 A'Beckett Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>308 Exhibition Street, Scape CUB and 111 A'Beckett Street</figcaption></figure>
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Where the tall ones are: a construction snapshot of the CBD's northern talls

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Box Hill continues to rack up significant planning applications, with the eastern hub showing no sign of slowing in its skyward progression. Three significant proposals are in the works, potentially adding hundreds of new apartments to the Box Hill market, which has well and truly blossomed over recent years.

Ausgood Development Pty Ltd is proposing a 14 level tower directly opposite Box Hill Hospital, the first time that a tower of that magnitude has ventured that far north within the Hospital and Western TAFE precinct. At 17-19 Arnold Street, Desyne Developments have conceived the proposal which includes 119 apartments above 4 medical suites.

Well away from Box Hill's Whitehorse Road spine, the proposal is more significant in size than any of the contemporary apartment developments adjacent to it.

<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/image8_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Arnold Street's potential new outlook. Planning image: Desyne Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_9.jpg?itok=PL0jYLJY" title="Arnold Street's potential new outlook. Planning image: Desyne Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Arnold Street's potential new outlook. Planning image: Desyne Developments</figcaption></figure>More grandiose in its nature is 517-521 Station Street; the latest prospect for Golden Age Group.

Plans are afoot to rezone the land parcel acquired by the developer during 2016 from Public Use Zone to a Mixed Use Zone. If successful, the 7,344sqm site which cost Golden Age $51.8 million will be transformed into multiple residential towers.

Preliminary plans by DKO Architecture shows the site hosting dual 18 level towers, supplemented by a smaller 6 level building. In addition to 429 apartments, the scheme also calls for 6,638sqm of retail space, 77 serviced apartments, 1,950sqm of office space, a gym, 400sqm medical centre and a child care centre with capacity for 107.

Whitehorse City Council have provided support for the development, with the rezoning subject to a final nod from the Minister for Planning.

<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/image19_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Golden Age's latest Box Hill project. Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_13.jpg?itok=jrzauCTh" title="Golden Age's latest Box Hill project. Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Golden Age's latest Box Hill project. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>Among some of the other more prominent planning applications for Box Hill within recent months is that of 34-36 Prospect Street. Sought is approval for the development of a 30 storey mixed use building for the 1,208sqm plot.

Last year Apartments.com.au speculated that a <a href="/news/is-this-box-hills-next-big-tower">current design for the site</a> by Taouk Architects may be the design which is at planning. Whilst that remains to be seen, what is black and white is Box Hill's position now as Melbourne's dominant suburban apartment market.

After the addition of 17-19 Arnold Street and 517-521 Station Street, Apartments.com.au's Project Database is now keeping tabs on 4,150 apartments across 34 projects which are currently in the <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">development</a> pipeline across Box Hill.

Falling under the Box Hill Structure Plan, although technically within Mont Albert, it's worth noting that 813-823 Whitehorse Road is also at planning. The high profile vacant corner site is subject to a Bruce Henderson Architects-designed 18 level apartment tower encapsulating 96 apartments.
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Box Hill bubbles along with multiple new towers at planning

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Historic buildings on Southbank are as rare as proverbial hen's teeth. Yet one of the few that has not been subject to development thus far is in line for a major new addition, with plans afoot for a hotel and high-end apartments.

The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/1037">Robur Tea Building</a> or Tea House at 28 Clarendon Street is included on the Victorian Heritage Register for its scientific, historical and architectural significance, and dates back to 1887. Developer RJ International hopes that in addition to bringing the Tea House back to its past glory, the State Government will find their plans for a 39 storey tower satisfactory.

Geelong-based architecture firm CLWA and heritage architects Lovell Chen have undertaken design work on the the elliptical tower. 

In addition to pre-application discussions with various governing bodies, the project team have also met with the Department of Justice, which owns the adjoining Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and CitiPower who maintain a caveat affecting the site; both have given in-principle support for the redevelopment.

<h2>28 Clarendon 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/image17_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered perspective of the tower's podium . Image: OCD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_8.jpg?itok=8XCZ0N5O" title="Rendered perspective of the tower's podium . Image: OCD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered perspective of the tower's podium . Image: OCD</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>2,948sqm site occupied in part by the Tea House</li>
	<li>Proposed 39 level tower at 145m</li>
	<li>Gross Floor Area: 35,035sqm including the Tea House</li>
	<li>Floor Area Ratio: 1:11.9</li>
	<li>312 hotel suites across levels 1-23</li>
	<li>38 apartments: 30 x 3BR, 6 x 4BR, 2 x 5BR</li>
	<li>Provision for 105 car parking bays and 23 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>1 retail space at ground level facing Clarendon Street: 100sqm</li>
	<li>Amenities include a restaurant, gym, pool, conference and function centre</li>
</ul>
<h2>Tea House modifications</h2>

In addition to the tower, the intended development will include a refurbishment of the Tea House, with the southern lift core to be demolished and the original facade reinstated. The refurbishment will also see Tea House altered from a commercial building to a multi-purpose structure, encapsulating a retail space to Clarendon Street, hotel lobby, restaurant, function centre and hotel suites within the existing structure.

The intended tower abuts a section of the Tea House's southern facade, in order to provide passage between old and new structures. The tower's ground level is set back 13m to 20m from Clarendon Street, with a landscaped forecourt accounting for the remaining space. The existing northern car park will be reworked but maintained for the hotel's principal drop-off zone.

The tower's lower levels will be predominantly clad in tessellated and perforated masonry and concrete screening, effectively shrouding vehicle parking within the podium structure. Amenities crown the podium with further hotel suites and apartments behind black curtain glazing thereafter.

<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/image78.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tea House's southern addition will receive the chop. Image: Victorian Heritage Database"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image78.jpg?itok=Lh0cVFME" title="Tea House's southern addition will receive the chop. Image: Victorian Heritage Database" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tea House's southern addition will receive the chop. Image: Victorian Heritage Database</figcaption></figure><h2> Clarendon Street on a hotel hot streak</h2>

Melbourne's appetite for further hotel and serviced apartment suites is on show along Clarendon Street.

In addition to 28 Clarendon Street's 312 hotel suites, Yang Clarendon Pty Ltd has a mixed-use tower at 56 Clarendon Street under planning consideration. Along with hundreds of new apartments within the 48 storey mixed-use tower, 128 serviced apartment suites have been included over the design's lower levels.

<a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">64-68 Clarendon Street</a> is also in the pipeline, with construction nearing commencement for a new Peppers Southbank hotel which is approved to yield a further 165 rooms over a 412sqm site.

<h2>28 Clarendon Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: RJ International (Aust) Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: CLWA</li>
	<li>Urban Context Report: The OCD</li>
	<li>Transport Impact Assessment: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>ESD Statement: Murchie Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design </li>
	<li>Structural Considerations and Design: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Building Regulations Compliance Report: PLP Building Surveyors &amp; Consultants</li>
	<li>DDA Compliance Statement: Before Compliance </li>
	<li>Geotechnical Report: Black Geotechnical Pty Ltd</li>
</ul>
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Tea for two: Southbank's historic Tea House up for a towering addition

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

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

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

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

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

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

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

Mark Baljak

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