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Local developer PDG Corporation is in the process of replenishing its development pipeline, with two apartment projects currently at planning.

The two new residential projects are located in two heavily influential suburbs in terms of apartment activity, namely West Melbourne and Brunswick. These two have hit advertising with their respective councils at a time when PDG Corporation's two current apartment projects are nearing construction completion.

The West Melbourne endeavour at 17-37 Abbotsford Street is the larger of the two expected projects, encompassing a sprawling 4,795sqm island site adjacent to North Melbourne Station. Pushing $60 million in terms of construction value, PDG Corporation are hoping to add 200 dwellings to the West Melbourne landscape, including a sizeable number of lofts.

<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/image27_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="West Melbourne's landscape will be further changed. Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_7.jpg?itok=f1-1kxFj" title="West Melbourne's landscape will be further changed. Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>West Melbourne's landscape will be further changed. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>The overall apartment breakdown sees 113 dual bedroom apartments, supplemented by 44 single and 43 triple bedroom dwellings. Retail and commercial spaces are also found over lower levels.

DKO Architecture have been tasked with the West Melbourne design, whilst Formium acts as landscape architects. The J.Gadsen building which fronts Abbotsford Street and Ireland Street will be incorporated into the development, flanked by either a public piazza or an Abbotsford Street oriented pocket park.

Although a similar height to PDG Corporation's West Melbourne intentions, Brunswick's 311-315 Barkly Street encompasses 69 apartments in total across 10 floors.

Covering a 1,393sqm plot and in proximity to the soon-to-be revamped Jewell Station Precinct, the Barkly Street scheme by Disegno Australia further pushes the trend of higher density urban renewal around rail stations that flank Sydney Road.

<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/image25_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Barkly Street may soon have a new addition. Planning image: Disegno Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="479" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_6.jpg?itok=htIzyaVS" title="Barkly Street may soon have a new addition. Planning image: Disegno Australia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Barkly Street may soon have a new addition. Planning image: Disegno Australia</figcaption></figure>18 single, 47 double and four triple bed apartments constitute the living options within the proposed building, with extensive bicycle parking and a 425sqm commercial/retail space defining the project's ground level plane.

The brick-clad 311-315 Barkly Street shapes as PDG Corporation's fourth consecutive project north of the CBD, after having focused on the CBD/Southbank apartment market for many years. Construction for the firms Arden Park project is well advanced, whilst the Haymarket Roundabout precinct has gained another unique design by way of Royal Elizabeth.

Ostensibly complete, work on internals for the Elenberg Fraser-designed bronze and green tower continues, before it's imminent settlement which has been nominated for March.

PDG Corporation is also Melbourne City Council's developer of choice for the Munro site opposite Queen Victoria Market at 151 Therry Street, Melbourne. Whilst various development outcomes including a 200m residential tower have been touted for the site, the project's final composition is still unknown.

<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_3309.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Royal Elizabeth is approaching completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="711" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3309.jpg?itok=cjfcMU82" title="Royal Elizabeth is approaching completion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Royal Elizabeth is approaching completion</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

PDG Corporation usher in its next wave of apartment projects

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In a low key process held mostly over the summer break, land owners and developers have had the chance to offload their prime Fishermans Bend holdings to a blue chip buyer, with The Victorian School Building Authority, Department of Education and Training and the Fishermans Bend Taskforce jointly on the prowl for additional sites capable of accommodating further education facilities.

An <a href="http://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/Pages/Fishermans-Bend-EOI.aspx">Expressions of Interest</a> campaign is currently drawing to a close, requesting private landowners and developers to sell or lease land located within one of Fishermans Bend's four major precincts: Montague, Lorimer, Sandridge and Wirraway.

Parameters for the Expressions of Interest campaign include a site ideally no less than 4,000 square metres and with multiple street frontages.

The eventual site or sites will likely mirror South Melbourne Primary School's <a href="/news/hayballs-south-melbourne-vertical-school-wins-on-an-international-scale">internationally award-winning design</a>, with that project's construction beginning in earnest after the festive break.

<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/image17fbv.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="South Melbourne Primary School. Image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17fbv.jpg?itok=sTFUqJh0" title="South Melbourne Primary School. Image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>South Melbourne Primary School. Image: Hayball</figcaption></figure>Appointed builder ADCO Constructions will deliver the new multi-level, Hayball-designed campus alongside expansive community spaces, with the intent of effectively integrating the new school with its Montague Precinct surrounds. The main school building is expected to begin rising above ground during April, after onsite excavation is complete.

The Victorian School Building Authority's push into vertical campuses across the inner city and the requested Fishermand Bend site of 4,000 square metres plus suggests that additional open space is also on the agenda, side by side with new vertical education facilities.

The benefits of Integrating community into the design of new schools is outlined by Hayball’s Sydney Studio Director David Tordoff, <a href="http://www.educatoronline.com.au/news/opinion-integrate-community-into-the-design-of-schools-229649.aspx">within this article</a>.

As was <a href="/news/vertical-schools-to-feature-at-australian-smart-skyscrapers-summit-2017">outlined last week</a>, vertical schools will also be on the agenda for the upcoming Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit which will be held next month in Melbourne.

<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/image18fb.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The first, with more to follow within Fishermans Bend. Image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18fb.jpg?itok=ZW4s3N8f" title="The first, with more to follow within Fishermans Bend. Image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The first, with more to follow within Fishermans Bend. Image: Hayball</figcaption></figure>
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First one, now more schools on the agenda for Fishermans Bend

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It seems many of inner Melbourne's pubs are in trouble. Times have changed, but more specifically the core demographic, entertainment options and the city itself have changed.

Long gone are the days where the corner pub was the staple (and in some cases the only) option of previous generations; Melbourne is now a 24 hour city with a multitude of entertainment options. And so in this respect it should come as no great surprise that many of inner Melbourne's pubs are under pressure in terms of remaining viable businesses.

The list of pubs under threat in recent times has ballooned. Apartments.com.au first broke the news that <a href="/new-apartments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">Port Melbourne's</a> London Hotel and <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne's</a> Palmerston Hotel were both subject to apartment-based developments.

In recent times the CBD's Great Western and St Kilda's Greyhound Hotel have been added to the list, whilst the latest endangered venue is <a href="/new-apartments/kensington-vic-3031">Kensington's</a> The Quiet Man - a pub with heritage dating back to the 1880's.

<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/image7_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Quiet Man's new purpose? Planning image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_12.jpg?itok=4dGHVyG_" title="The Quiet Man's new purpose? Planning image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Quiet Man's new purpose? Planning image: <a href="/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architecture</a></figcaption></figure>The Quiet Man's planning application would see the structure, which has been augmented at various times over its existence, demolished completely for a 9 level apartment building containing 46 dwellings and ground floor retail.

<h2>The why</h2>

So why has the pub scene across Melbourne declined to the point where many of this city's well known venues are struggling, or have conceded? In the broader sense, Australians are drinking less alcohol overall than any time in the previous 50 years, as per this <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/latestProducts/4307.0.55.001Media%20Release12013-14">ABS media release</a> and this <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-06/craft-beer-australia-changing-drinking-habits/7677250">ABC news article</a>.

Whilst top end consumption is lessening, the humble pub is also under attack from the bottom end, aka the microbrewery.

Evolving drinking habits are backed by current planning trends; planning applications for genuine 'pubs' are few and far between, but not so the humble microbrewery.

Melbourne City Council for instance are currently handling at leash three planning applications for new small-scale breweries/bars, namely 38-44 Barrett Street Kensington, 40-48 Stubbs Street Kensington and 22-24 Bennetts Lane Melbourne. The latter replaces a mid-rise apartment proposal for the narrow CBD site.

In this sense people are not necessarily turning away from the enjoyment of alcohol, but increasingly heading down a different avenue - an avenue which shuns 'old school' pubs' or at least pubs which haven't moved with the times.

Whilst the increasing popularity of microbreweries is merely a more recent contributing factor to many a pubs woes, it along with a gradual cultural shift away from the humble pub has led to the rash of closures and development.

<h2>The how</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/bsubq3u.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Great Western Hotel no more? Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bsubq3u.jpg?itok=qFLJNMjX" title="Great Western Hotel no more? Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Great Western Hotel no more? Planning image: <a href="/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a></figcaption></figure>So how is it that many of inner Melbourne's grand pub venues can be bowled over for development? Pubs are no more or less important than many of Melbourne's heritage structures that have fallen in recent years, but they represent a very tangible link to Melbourne's past for many people - memories and first-hand experience go a long way. Just ask the masses who fought to save The Palace on Bourke Street.

Emotional attachment aside, Melbourne stands to lose some historic buildings, a loss that is detrimental to this city's urban fabric. The Stork, Duke of Kent, Footscray's Belgravia Hotel and The Corkman Irish Pub fiasco are but a few examples.

The right to development exists, but at what cost? Is it the failure of successive councils to adequately protect of heritage? Undoubtedly some Apartments.com.au members would argue yes, and emphatically. So many of Melbourne's historic pubs are disappearing for the sake of development, when in many cases the heritage structure could be incorporated into the development.

When lamenting the loss or likely loss of many of Melbourne's historic pub venues, Prahran's Station Hotel comes to mind. An equitable outcome of both development and heritage...if only it were more commonplace!

<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/croppedimage1200640-ec150302-ecp7852-web.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Prahran's Station Hotel: a blend of old and new. Image: Figurehead"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/croppedimage1200640-ec150302-ecp7852-web.jpg?itok=5GzC0Mek" title="Prahran's Station Hotel: a blend of old and new. Image: Figurehead" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Prahran's Station Hotel: a blend of old and new. Image: Figurehead</figcaption></figure>
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Rise of the microbrewery, fall of the pub and the demise of Melbourne's historic built form

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The march of apartment living into Melbourne's outer east has gained pace over recent years, with suburbs not generally accustomed to apartment living now attaining their own share of the expanding apartment market pie.

The latest suburb to enter the fray is <a href="/new-apartments/bayswater-vic-3153">Bayswater</a>, with a nine level residential building slated for <a href="/new-apartments/711-717-mountain-highway-bayswater">711-717 Mountain Highway</a>. The prospective apartment project represents Bayswater's first entry into the Apartments.com.au Project Database, and enforces the growing presence of apartment projects in areas that were until a short time ago the exclusive domain of detached housing.

Hudson Bond Commercial handled 711-717 Mountain Highway's sale last year, with development entity NewLee Pty Ltd now pushing through with plans for the 1,252 sqm site. Moull Murray is the architect in charge, with the project put before City of Knox during December.

<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/image31_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Moull Murray's new take on Bayswater"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="534" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image31_3.jpg?itok=7VmFZWc8" title="Moull Murray's new take on Bayswater" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Moull Murray's new take on Bayswater</figcaption></figure>At the time of 711-717 Mountain Highway's sale last year, Hudson Bond Commercial billed the site as capable of accommodating a 5 storey built form encapsulating 900sqm of retail space and 45 apartments.

The advent of 711-717 Mountain Highway now sees Bayswater join the likes of <a href="/new-apartments/rowville-vic-3178">Rowville</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/wantirna-south-vic-3152">Wantirna South</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/chirnside-park-vic-3116">Chirnside Park</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/croydon-vic-3136">Croydon</a> as suburbs which were formally the sole territory of detached housing, but are now receiving an increased share of higher density living options. Croydon for example is now home to the James Kerr building, with the Erfanian Developments project adding 56 apartments to the heart of Croydon during 2016.

As one of the eastern suburbs more prominent developers, Eefanian Developments will this year embark upon another Croydon apartment project at <a href="/buildings/orphic-176-mt-dandenong-road-croydon">176 Mt Dandenong Road</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/image33art.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Orion International Group have grand intentions for Ringwood"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33art.jpg?itok=QXBA6Fga" title="Orion International Group have grand intentions for Ringwood" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Orion International Group have grand intentions for Ringwood</figcaption></figure>Of course, the outer east's rise cannot be overviewed without mentioning <a href="/new-apartments/ringwood-vic-3134">Ringwood</a>.

Whereas suburbs such as Bayswater and the like are spoken of in dozens of apartments, Ringwood can be spoken of in the thousands as much larger apartment developments enter the suburb. An established Activity Centre with a strong although predominantly low-rise apartment market, Ringwood can expect some change in the near future.

Leading the charge is <a href="/developers/orion-international-group">Orion International Group</a>'s latest version of their pending development adjoining Eastlink (seen above) which has been dubbed The Ring.

Whilst surrounding suburbs are unlikely to reach the height of Ringwood, the general upswing of apartment projects demonstrates that there is a market for the product in the leafy outer east.
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Eastbound and down for the apartment high life 

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Having heard of the importance of street setbacks and tower separation over the previous two years as part of the Government's push for better tower design outcomes, somewhat of a built form quirk is emerging on Southbank's Coventry Street.

Should the recently submitted 31 Coventry Street gain approval, it would allow four towers to be built wall to wall, with the quartet each spanning approximately 20 levels. With no street or tower setbacks involved, the result would be a solid build form that stretches roughly 90 metres on the horizontal plane.

This seems to fly in the face of what has been drummed into all and sundry in recent years. But of course it's not a black and white matter when considering equitable development opportunities, discretionary design controls which veil the site/surrounds and existing built form precedents.

It could be argued that having this solid wall of towers is a poor design outcome, yet at the same time why should 31 Coventry Street be treated any differently than the towers which have been approved before it over recent times.

<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/image3cov.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elenberg Fraser's initial renders for 31 Coventry Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="299" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3cov.jpg?itok=JDFhyyRZ" title="Elenberg Fraser's initial renders for 31 Coventry Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elenberg Fraser's initial renders for 31 Coventry Street</figcaption></figure>In isolation, 31 Coventry Street is one of two apartment developments for Headland Properties which are currently at planning.

With precinct-specific design controls in a state of change, the developer has taken the opportunity to push through with the project which is the amalgamation of the Coventry Street plot and 22-24 Wells Place. The latter southern facing site did hold approval for a slim Pandolfini Architects-designed residential tower.

The amalgamation of the Wells Place and Coventry Street plots has allowed for an increased apartment yield, which totals 120. This sum is split between 40 single and 80 dual bedroom options, with premier two bed, two bath layouts facing Coventry Street.

Assisting the proposed tower is basement car parking for 94 vehicles, a ground floor showroom and rooftop 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/image16cov.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pandolfini Architects' superseded Wells Place design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="444" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16cov.jpg?itok=zQ7rtLWC" title="Pandolfini Architects' superseded Wells Place design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pandolfini Architects' superseded Wells Place design and Elenberg Fraser's equivalent</figcaption></figure>Project architect Elenberg Fraser describes the design as follows:

<blockquote>
The Wells place facade references a New York style masonry brick facade. This treatment wraps around to the Eastern and Western facades to provide privacy screening to the adjacent properties. Additionally this facade treatnent acts as an effective solar shading device.

The proposed design for the 31 Coventry sheet facade is an architectural screening element. This provides the opportunity to set the buildings glazing line back from the sites northern title boundary.
<cite>Elenberg Fraser</cite>
</blockquote>

The remaining trio joining Elenberg Fraser's vision for Coventry Street are at different stages of delivery.

Evolve Development has seen the completion of The Guilfoyle at 39 Coventry Street come and go, with the developer also poised to begin construction on Botanic Melbourne at 25-29 Coventry Street which includes 288 apartments over 20 levels. The project has an end value of $190 million and has a targeted 2019 completion date.

Botanic Melbourne is also noteworthy in that Evolve Development control the adjoining 23 Coventry Street, thus preventing development of that site in order to preserve views and amenity from their pending tower.

Rounding out the quartet that combine to create the 'Wall of Southbank' is Coventry Haus, with Hamilton Marino Builders progressing the build that will eventually see 68 apartments within the slim 20 level tower.

<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_4442.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="31 Coventry Street in the foreground with 33 Coventry under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4442.jpg?itok=w8ah089q" title="31 Coventry Street in the foreground with 33 Coventry under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>31 Coventry Street in the foreground with 33 Coventry under construction</figcaption></figure>
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Hitting the wall on Southbank

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Prominent builder Hickory Group has added a third Melbourne project that will utilise the Hickory Building System (HBS). A proponent of prefabricated construction methods, Hickory Group's latest HBS-driven project will be Brisbane outfit Blue Sky Funds' 42-50 La Trobe Street.

In addition to residential projects La Trobe Tower and Collins House which have/will utilise HBS, 42-50 La Trobe Street is the first student accommodation project to do so. Hickory Group expect the build to become one of the world’s tallest student accommodation projects delivered via non-traditional construction methods.

Floor slabs, facades and Hickory’s Sync bathroom pod system will be manufactured offsite, and subsequently trucked to 42-50 La Trobe Street for final assembly.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image5_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="42-50 La Trobe Street's modified heritage frontage. Image: Hickory"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="530" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_10.jpg?itok=_MY7KyWg" title="42-50 La Trobe Street's modified heritage frontage. Image: Hickory" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>42-50 La Trobe Street's modified heritage frontage. Image: Hickory</figcaption></figure>First entering Apartments.com.au's project database during late 2015, 42-50 La Trobe Street has seen a number of design adaptations to this point, with architecture firm Hayball the design lead.

Chief of which is the facade retention of 50 La Trobe Street, which was to have been demolished along with its neighbour under initial plans. Dated 1862, 50 La Trobe Street's retained facade will now serve as an entry point to the student accommodation project, with a public through link to connect La Trobe Street and Bell Place.

Onsite demolition is freshly completed, meaning Hickory will soon take control of the site in order to deliver the 43 level tower, with a smaller 7 level building to the rear of the site; combined they will house 783 student beds.

In line with Apartments.com.au's <a href="/news/blue-skys-ambitious-student-accommodation-project-42-50-la-trobe-street">overview of the initial planning application</a>, the current build will also include a ground floor café, numerous communal spaces, terraces and collaborative learning spaces, in addition to the public access 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/img_9474.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hickory Building System's first Melbourne endeavour: La Trobe Tower"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9474.jpg?itok=0W-Ya0Jt" title="Hickory Building System's first Melbourne endeavour: La Trobe Tower" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hickory Building System's first Melbourne endeavour: La Trobe Tower</figcaption></figure>Key to the HBS construction method is the speed at which any given tower can be completed.

42-50 La Trobe Street with a gross floor area approaching 25,000sqm is slated to be delivered 8 months faster than traditional construction methods would allow, resulting in a 30% saving over conventional construction methods.

Similar to La Trobe Tower, 42-50 La Trobe Street will employ an electric crane to lift the modules into place outside of traditional work hours, minimising traffic disruption and site congestion. This will allow shotcreting during normal work hours, with the high-velocity concrete spray work essentially binding the modules together.

Between 42-50 La Trobe Street and Collins House (which will be a HBS structure above level 14), Hickory Group's innovative construction method has found its niche in the Melbourne construction landscape.
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Hickory Building System scores another major Melbourne skyscraper

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City of Yarra's recent commercial planning application at 370-374 Swan Street has gone a long way to solidifying the municipality's push toward becoming the most active office sector behind those of the CBD and Docklands.

Increasing in both number and size, City of Yarra's prospective commercial developments have the combined ability to add in excess of 100,000sqm of new office space across the municipalities four major commercial nodes; Richmond, Burnley, Cremorne and Collingwood.

Many of these proposals are still at planning, meaning that City of Yarra is in many ways its own master in terms of how actively it chooses to push the commercial credentials of the municipality. At a point where many other municipalities around Melbourne are so heavily dominated by apartment developments, City of Yarra's wave of commercial proposals shapes as something of an oddity.

370-374 Swan Street becomes City of Yarra's 13th commercial entry within the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

Combined City of Yarra's development pipeline could yield an additional 80,000sqm plus, with prospective projects such as the <a href="/news/yarra-receives-a-commercial-boost-including-plans-for-fitzroys-tallest-office-building">Victoria Cross commercial tower</a> pushing that figure beyond 100,000sqm.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image1_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Swan Street's latest commercial prospect. Planning image: Bruce Henderson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_7.jpg?itok=maRjP6Hd" title="Swan Street's latest commercial prospect. Planning image: Bruce Henderson Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Swan Street's latest commercial prospect. Planning image: Bruce Henderson Architects</figcaption></figure><a href="/developments/richmond-vic-3121">370-374 Swan Street</a> is very much symptomatic of the larger format commercial proposals before City of Yarra.

Currently occupied by a two storey showroom/office building, and with Zuster and Agnews Fireplaces as tenants, the site is a short distance to Burnley Station and sits directly north of the rail corridor. Zoned Commercial 2, the preferred built form for this sub-precinct is for 7-10 storeys, although this is subject to further investigation.

Looking to capitalise upon the area's growing popularity, entity 370 Swan Street Pty Ltd enlisted Bruce Henderson Architects to create a 14 storey office building with a gross leasable area of 14,804sqm. Of that, two ground floor retail premises account for 580sqm, with the balance cast as new office space.

Weighing in as one of Yarra's largest commercial proposals, 370-374 Swan Street is supplemented by 245 basement car parking spaces and 111 bicycle parking 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/image6_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Grocon's prospective view from Wellington Street. Image: Grocon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_11.jpg?itok=sFLsuE9V" title="Grocon's prospective view from Wellington Street. Image: Grocon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Grocon's prospective view from Wellington Street. Image: Grocon</figcaption></figure>Other large commercial projects looking for the nod of approval include Grocon's <a href="/buildings/2-16-northumberland-street-collingwood">Northumberland Street</a> tower which encompasses 15,000sqm, <a href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">80-90 Johnston Street</a> with close to 8,000sqm and <a href="/developments/fitzroy-vic-3065">423-425 Smith Street</a> which includes 7,500sqm of prospective commercial space.

A number of existing planning applications have been adjusted to include commercial office space, with <a href="/developments/abbotsford-vic-3067">344 Johnston Street</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/314-320-swan-street-richmond">314-320 Swan Street</a> notable examples: the latter bumping its commercial floor space up to 5,400sqm. The remaining projects are smaller in nature, with Cobild's <a href="/developments/cremorne-vic-3121">9-11 Cremorne Street</a> and <a href="/developments/richmond-vic-3121">345 Swan Street</a> the standouts.

City of Yarra's commercial surge is put into perspective relative to its commercial projects which are at leasing or under construction; only three projects rate a mention. <a href="/developments/burnley-vic-3121">East Edge Botanicca</a> with 16,000sqm has long been offered for lease, whilst <a href="/developments/richmond-vic-3121">110 Church Street</a> and 13 Cremorne Street are at construction have a combined yield of near on 6,000sqm.

As mentioned earlier, City of Yarra's largest project on the radar is Angelo Property Group and Pulitano Group's Victoria Cross development at 151-159 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy. The 1,684sqm corner block is envisaged as a 16 level commercial tower which would boast the area's largest commercial footprint.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image2_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Cross. Image: Angelo Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="436" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_9.jpg?itok=cFNFF4oz" title="Victoria Cross. Image: Angelo Property Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria Cross. Image: Angelo Property Group</figcaption></figure>
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City of Yarra's commercial prospects boosted by 100,000sqm

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A rush of planning applications either side of the festive break are cumulatively seeking to add to South Melbourne's robust development scene, with four major apartment projects lodged.

City of Port Phillip will now assess the respective merits of the fresh applications, along with a handful of other noteworthy towers already at planning that when combined, would provide the popular suburb with thousands of new apartments.

Most recent to planning was 9-13 Park Street, landing with Council in the new year. The current low-rise commercial complex spanning the site is expected to make way for a multi-storey apartment building.

The arrival of 9-13 Park Street follows on from December's lodgement of plans for the adjoining 5-7 Park Street, with that application landing at Council four days prior to Christmas. Located next to Sol Sapir-designed Hallmark which spans 19 levels and includes 155 apartments, the prime 5-7 Park Street plot is currently occupied by a nondescript house that is home to brothel Cherry Blossoms.

Expected to replace the venue is a 20 storey mixed-use building set above basement car parking.

<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/image39_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="5-7 Park Street's days look to be numbered. Image: Google"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_4.jpg?itok=ylawX-Ur" title="5-7 Park Street's days look to be numbered. Image: Google" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>5-7 Park Street's days look to be numbered. Image: Google</figcaption></figure>41-49 Bank Street also entered planning last month, with developer Guangdong Carrington Real Estate Group seeking the right to deliver a 19 level residential tower comprising 174 apartments.

Having secured the 1,441sqm site during late 2015 for over $15 million, Guangdong elected not to proceed with an approved scheme which at a point was known as Aero Apartments during its failed marketing campaign.

Rounding out the quartet is 1-13 Cobden Street which has been subject to development overtones for some years. Agent Lemon Baxter handled the site's sale during 2014, with the plot now subject to a mixed use building containing 229 dwellings and retail spaces 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/image38_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artisan Architects' revised design for 200-204 Wells Street."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="648" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_7.jpg?itok=-efyGqcT" title="Artisan Architects' revised design for 200-204 Wells Street." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artisan Architects' revised design for 200-204 Wells Street.</figcaption></figure>With this South Melbourne pocket underpinned by Park Street and Albert Road perennially popular with developers and soon to boast its <a href="http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/locations/domain">own metro station</a>, Apartments.com.au is tracking 7 additional projects with 14 levels and above in the immediate area.

Projects that have yet to reach a planning outcome, or have yet to begin construction include Australian Unity's <a href="/buildings/the-grace-114-130-albert-road-south-melbourne">114-130 Albert Road</a>, Milbex's <a href="/buildings/park-ave-39-park-street-south-melbourne">37-43 Park Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">Niche at 33 Park Street</a>, the combined <a href="/new-apartments/13-21-palmerston-crescent-south-melbourne">13-21 Palmerston Crescent</a> / <a href="/new-apartments/first-light-28-albert-road-south-melbourne">28-32 Albert Road</a> and <a href="/buildings/200-204-wells-street-south-melbourne">200-204 Wells Street</a>.

The latter, seen above, is a recent candidate for approval and consists of an Artisan Architects-designed 20 level tower with 201 apartments.

Set on a 1,543sqm plot, the scheme for 15 Park Street Pty Ltd includes 75 single and 126 dual bedroom apartments.

Lead image: Bob Mical, Flickr
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South Melbourne a magnet for new residential tower applications

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PACE Development Group has rounded out a successful 2016 by unveiling 181 Fitzroy Street. Residents will this week begin moving in to the freshly completed residential project which may just contain the best views of any apartment project in Melbourne.

181 Fitzroy Street spans 10 levels and includes 151 one, two and three bedroom apartments. Designed by SJB, the project has achieved an average energy rating of 7.2 and in an Australian first, PACE has partnered with Origin Energy to provide an integrated energy outcome across the project, featuring solar, EV charger and a communal PHEV (plug in hybrid vehicle) solutions.

The result is substantial energy savings and the generation of power that will, in part, illuminate the project's common areas.

<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/image250.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="181 Fitzroy Street upon completion. Image: PACE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="406" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image250.jpg?itok=KYKBhwTL" title="181 Fitzroy Street upon completion. Image: PACE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>181 Fitzroy Street upon completion. Image: PACE</figcaption></figure>181 Fitzroy Street is PACE's latest project in the pocket surrounding the ever popular St Kilda Junction, with recent completions nearby including Allure, Henry Windsor, George Windsor and The Icon which has made a name for itself as one of Melbourne's most unique buildings.

With final touches applied over the weekend, residents can now begin to enjoy the impressive views, with all north facing apartments and the top floor communal area aligning with Albert Park and Lake, Southbank and the CBD beyond.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
The settlement of 181 Fitzroy, which was sold primarily to the local market (83.5%), marks the end of PACE’s most successful year to date.

Despite murmurings of a downturn in the market, 2016 has been incredibly successful year for PACE with 86 at Archer settled in May, 48 settled at George Windsor in October, 86 at Brunswick sold-out in 7 months, Northcote 75% sold in 4 months, Doncaster East selling well and now the completion of 151 luxury apartments at 181 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda.

For 181, the immaculate architectural work of SJB is complimented by the expert hand of interior designer, Sue Carr whose impeccable eye has touched upon every internal element at 181 Fitzroy Street, bringing a level of refinement to the project, reminiscent of the finest contemporary European hotels.

Having undergone an extremely smooth settlement &amp; valuations process, with 95% of apartments valued at or above purchase price, the settlement of the project marks an appropriate end to 2016 for PACE and aptly sets the tone for what is expected to be an even stronger 2017.
<cite>Shane Wilkinson, Managing Director, PACE Development Group</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image256.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Top floor terrace, infinity pool and views. Image: PACE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="155" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image256.jpg?itok=26CrkbLa" title="Top floor terrace, infinity pool and views. Image: PACE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Top floor terrace, infinity pool and views. Image: PACE</figcaption></figure>And PACE's <a href="/developments">2017's pipeline</a> is evident within the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

Yesterday, <a href="/buildings/pace-of-northcote-5-beavers-road-northcote">Pace of Northcote</a>'s tower crane was erected; it joins <a href="/buildings/ode-16-grey-street-st-kilda">Ode</a> and 808 Sydney Road at construction, with the latter currently seeing the commencement of piling works onsite. Together these three projects will see roughly 240 additional dwellings added to PACE's development portfolio.

<a href="/buildings/pace-of-doncaster-east-3-mitchell-street-doncaster-east">Pace of Doncaster East</a> is also at sales, having begun its campaign recently. Included within the project are 82 apartments split between one, two and three-bedroom options.

City of Yarra is set to host PACE's next wave of apartment developments. <a href="/buildings/pace-of-collingwood-75-wellington-street-collingwood">73-77 Wellington Street</a> will see a display suite take shape shortly, following on from the project's approval. The remaining project on PACE's immediate agenda and the only project of theirs currently at planning is <a href="/buildings/pace-of-abbotsford-247-johnston-street-abbotsford">247-249 Johnston Street, Abbotsford</a>.

Spanning 13 levels, the project may net PACE another 148 apartments set behind the historic St. Crispin House facade.

<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/image259.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of upcoming PACE projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image259.jpg?itok=y1h8rbSZ" title="A selection of upcoming PACE projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of upcoming PACE projects</figcaption></figure>
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181 Fitzroy Street rounds out 2016 as PACE shapes up for an active 2017

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With links onsite that span back to the 1890's, St Vincent's Private Hospital is now pursuing a new phase of expansion in order to keep pace with Melbourne's growing population.

St Vincent's Private is now considered at capacity, with plans afoot to create an 11 storey building across 59-61 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy. With the development's anticipated construction cost approaching $60 million, the overall value of the expansion weighs in at $94 million.

Included in the proposal before City of Yarra is provision for new consulting suites, 91 new multi-day beds for patients, 12 new same-day beds, additional operating rooms and pre/post operation stations.

Set above a new podium to both Victoria Parade and Brunswick Street, the building's overall height is pencilled in at 43.36 metres.

<h2>A need for expansion</h2>

<blockquote>
It is now vital for St Vincent's Health Australia to undertake a major expansion project at this flagship private hospital, including an additional 91 net beds and eight (8) operating theatres, to ensure that it will have the capacity to meet future demand and compete within key market segments. No major footprint expansion of SVPHF has occurred over the past 44 years.
Frequently during the working week SVPHF faces 'bed block' and non-elective or urgent private patients are redirected to other hospitals. In addition all private consulting suite space at SVPHF is fully occupied. Additional private consulting rooms and theatres are vital to the future of SVPHF and improved healthcare to the community.
<cite>Planning report, Meinhardt</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image229.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="St Vincent's Plaza perspective. Image: BLP"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="323" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image229.jpg?itok=e7lUY_jx" title="St Vincent's Plaza perspective. Image: BLP" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>St Vincent's Plaza perspective. Image: BLP</figcaption></figure>To facilitate the proposed expansion, demolition is required across a number of sensitive buildings.

The existing hospital at 59-61 Victoria Parade would partially make way for the new development, as would 77 Victoria Parade, a.k.a. the former Eastern Hill Hotel. The latter is on the Victorian Heritage Register, with the development team seeking removal of its western wing to the rear of the building.

Partial demolition of Edensor House is also proposed, and mainly confined to the Victorian Heritage Register-listed building's rear. Full demolition is sought for 63-71 Victoria Parade (the former Easthill House), with the building considered to be Individually Significant from a heritage perspective.

<h2>Building design</h2>

Shades of natural and midnight copper cladding would provide the design highlight over the east and north facades, with the balance a clad consisting of compressed fibre cement sheet cladding in a banded finish.

The southern facade is predominantly glazed, with elements of purple, charcoal and white, and its angular nature suggesting that it lends in some small way from the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre which was completed earlier in 2016.

<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/image228_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brunswick Street perspective. Image: BLP"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image228_0.jpg?itok=kkcOuz_7" title="Brunswick Street perspective. Image: BLP" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brunswick Street perspective. Image: BLP</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The proposed new building complements the existing building in terms of height and form but contrasts in colour and material to express it as a contemporary insertion into the existing fabric. Together the existing and the new hospital form a pair of buildings that create a distinct identity to the hospital and an appropriate backdrop to the scale of St. Vincent's plaza.

The proposed podium facade along Victoria Pde complements the fenestration of both the three storey heritage building as well as the existing hospital podium and acts as a transition element in terms of both distribution of openings as well as parapet height

The proposed materiality of the podium responds to both the glazed brickwork of existing hospital and the painted and render brick facade of the East Hill Hotel by utilising a porcelain stone clad finish to complement the existing heavy materiality of the streetscape 

<cite>Urban context report, Billard Leece Partnership</cite>
</blockquote>

Also in the works is an expansion of the existing multi-storey car park at 93-99 Victoria Parade.

Of more interest from a design perspective than in terms of what benefits it could provide to the larger community, an expansion would see the already colourful structure capped with three new levels of parking. 185 additional car parking spaces would be added if approved.

The new levels would be finished in metal screens, accentuated by rectangular openings featuring small planter boxes.

<blockquote>
The design intention is to mimic balconies of an apartment building making reference to the many examples in Melbourne of residential and commercial spaces sitting on top of multi deck carparks. The screen consists of closely spaced vertical steel angles powder coated in multiple colours. The colours ranges change as the screen presents itself to different solar orientations.
<cite>Urban context report, Billard Leece Partnership</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image230.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An expanded 93-99 Victoria Parade. Image: BLP"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image230.jpg?itok=OJkFLsLg" title="An expanded 93-99 Victoria Parade. Image: BLP" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An expanded 93-99 Victoria Parade. Image: BLP</figcaption></figure>
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St Vincent's substantial expansion plans unveiled

<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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