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Cbus Property is set to kick off construction on arguably its two most prized Melbourne developments.

447 Collins Street has landed builder Brookfield Multiplex in an early contractor involvement role, with works to begin during September. Usurping 447 Collins Street with an August construction start will be Classic East Melbourne, with the ultra high-end residential development looking to take advantage of strong demand for luxury apartment living.

Prompting 447 Collins Street's move to construction is news that law firm King &amp; Wood Mallesons will anchor the commercial aspect of the development by taking 8,300sqm or 20% of the 49,000sqm of leasable commercial space available. 

<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/image97_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Arch edges closer to reality"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="281" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image97_0.jpg?itok=6NZ_RKrn" title="Collins Arch edges closer to reality" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Arch edges closer to reality</figcaption></figure>The development team will push for the project to become Melbourne's first <a href="https://www.wellcertified.com/well">WELL Building Standard</a>-rated commercial tower. A WELL rating pertains to a given building's built environment health with behavior, operations and design taken into account. With a 2019 completion date set, King &amp; Wood Mallesons staff will be among the many white collar workers within 447 Collins Street which will also sport extensive end of trip facilities.

With 447 Collins Street locked into construction Cbus Property and agent Colliers International will focus on leasing the balance of commercial space still available, whilst also preparing to launch the residential aspect of the project which will be known as Collins Arch. Marketing for the 205 luxury apartments will begin during September.

Meanwhile construction works are to commence next month on Cbus Property's Classic East Melbourne apartment project. The ultra-luxury development valued at $160 million is a joint venture with global property player Brookfield, finally realising plans to develop sites either side of the Pullman Hotel on East Melbourne's Wellington Parade.

Brookfield's entry into the Melbourne apartment market follows on from its acquisition of Thakral Holdings which initiated plans to develop the land holding the best part of a decade ago.

<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/cbus9196_east_melbourne_apartments_e01_mosspenoch_hero-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mosspenoch and 22 Clarendon in view. Image: CBUS Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbus9196_east_melbourne_apartments_e01_mosspenoch_hero-1.jpg?itok=fuPv6Ne8" title="Mosspenoch and 22 Clarendon in view. Image: CBUS Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mosspenoch and 22 Clarendon in view. Image: CBUS Property</figcaption></figure>Aimed squarely at the higher end buyer, apartments within the tri-building project will be priced between $1.4 million and $6.5 million.

Lovell Chen have devised apartments within the 1882 Mosspenoch building. Originally designed by Charles Webb, the grand home will now be refashioned into six three bedroom apartments of between 167 to 273sqm. Modern additions are by Bates Smart and take the form of a seven level building at 22 Clarendon Street and a fourteen level build dubbed Parade fronting Wellington Parade.

Dwellings within 22 Clarendon Street maintain average internals of over 200sqm whilst Parade with 49 apartments included, is topped with a garden penthouse holding 306sqm of internal living space.

Overall Classic East Melbourne will encompass 67 apartments with project completion set for early 2018.

<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/cbus9196_east_melbourne_apartments_in04_cs_type_n3_living_view_01-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Room with a view. Image: CBUS Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbus9196_east_melbourne_apartments_in04_cs_type_n3_living_view_01-1.jpg?itok=NkXMuQdM" title="Room with a view. Image: CBUS Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Room with a view. Image: CBUS Property</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Cbus Property firms construction dates for its two premier projects

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The brisk rate of development immediately north of Melbourne's CBD has received another boost by way of a freshly submitted planning application for a sleek metal-clad tower fronting Haymarket roundabout.

City North as it's known is realising the aims of the 2012 City North Structure Plan, rapidly becoming a mid-rise extension of Melbourne's CBD. 1 Flemington Road now looks to become a more prominent member of this emerging skyline with plans submitted for a substantial student accommodation tower set over 22 levels.

1 Flemington Road also represents Brisbane-based Blue Sky Funds second dip into the Melbourne student accommodation sector, having gained approval last month for <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">42-50 La Trobe Street</a> which includes 783 beds over 43 levels.

<h2>1-3 Flemington Road 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/image83_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elizabeth Street perspective. Planning image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image83_1.jpg?itok=_KALco8q" title="Elizabeth Street perspective. Planning image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elizabeth Street perspective. Planning image: Hayball</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current use: Turf Club Hotel</li>
	<li>Site area: 1,011sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 22 level student accommodation tower at 68 metres</li>
	<li>453 student beds over 389 apartments: 325 x studio, 90 x 2bed, 38 x cluster</li>
	<li>595sqm of internal communal space</li>
	<li>418sqm of external open space</li>
	<li>47sqm cafe &amp; 133sqm retail space</li>
	<li>104 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>GFA: 13,599sqm</li>
	<li>Estimated project cost: $40 million</li>
</ul>
The Hayball-designed tower involves an exterior consisting of standard modular panels that undulate with a variance of up to 300mm, resulting in a wave-like pattern that is repeated every 7.2 meters horizontally. Each panel's exterior consists of a charcoal anodised brushed aluminium finish that maintains a reflectivity of between 15% to 20%.

<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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Facade perspectives. Planning image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image86_0.jpg?itok=2r_Il_4A" title="Facade perspectives. Planning image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Facade perspectives. Planning image: Hayball</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The sinuous footprint and undulating form combine into a facade of modular darkened metallic panels, their reflectivity catching light, shadow and colour for subtle temporal animation.

Through their composition and faceting, the façade modules reflect back the forms of the immediate locality, while seasonal weather patterns and changing light conditions colour and animate the façade.
<cite>Application design response: Hayball</cite>
</blockquote>

1 Flemington Road adds to the surge of projects gravitating to the Haymarket roundabout. Dominated by the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Haymarket roundabout in particular is shaping as a focal point with a handful of atypically designed towers emerging.

In the wider context City North is dominated by pending residential and student accommodation projects which could see new thousands of additional dwellings added in the short to medium term.

While accommodation generally rules the roost in City North, commercial and institutional projects also get a look in. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation’s new mixed-use 15,722sqm headquarters at 535 Elizabeth Street is under construction and is set for completion during September 2017.

<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_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="City North and a selection of current projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="254" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image88_3.jpg?itok=MYfyOGjN" title="City North and a selection of current projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>City North and a selection of current projects</figcaption></figure><h2>1-3 Flemington Road development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Blue Sky Private Real Estate Projects Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: Hayball</li>
	<li>Town planning: Tract Consultants</li>
	<li>Traffic engineer: TTM Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Sustainability: LUCID</li>
	<li>Wind Engineer: VIPAC</li>
	<li>Aviation consultant: TGCS Thompson</li>
</ul>
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City North's latest entrant a metal monolith

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It has been more than a lively week in terms of development as news continues to filter through on a swag of large inner city projects.

Earlier in the week The State Government announced in excess of $2 billion in planning applications had been approved. 460 Collins, 447 Collins, 280 Queen Street, 334-344 City Road and 4 Hopkins Street were all given the green light, amounting to in excess of 2000 apartments, 300 plus serviced apartments, hotel and office accommodation.

Further to the above, three separate projects have also had further information come to light this week:

<h2>303 La Trobe Street</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/image38_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="303 La Trobe Street. Image: iaumeca.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1056" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_3.jpg?itok=eiVY0jO8" title="303 La Trobe Street. Image: iaumeca.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>303 La Trobe Street. Image: iaumeca.com</figcaption></figure>Earlier this week Apartments.com.au mused that the <a href="/news/figtrees-melbourne-foray-293-303-la-trobe-street-melbourne">initial proposal for the former Duke of Ken</a>t was dead and buried. Indeed the proposed 66 level, 213 metre tower is no more, but in its place has arrived another design at roughly 60 levels.

And further, the project has gone to early sales, featuring on Chinese-based property websites. Singaporean firm Figtree Asia was behind the initial development application and barring any off-market transactions still shapes as the driving force behind the project. The 503sqm site was secured by Figtree during 2014 for $14.08 million.

At 60 levels and near on 200 metres the project simply dubbed 303 La Trobe looks likely to become the tallest of all recent towers fronting La Trobe Street between Elizabeth Street and Queen Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image39_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Intended ground level and marketing material. Image: iaumeca.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="216" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_3.jpg?itok=ASBC6a67" title="Intended ground level and marketing material. Image: iaumeca.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Intended ground level and marketing material. Image: iaumeca.com</figcaption></figure><h2>640 Bourke Street</h2>

First outlined on Apartments.com.au during March 2015 as part of <a href="/news/besgate-group-readies-their-surge-into-the-melbourne-apartment-market">Besgate Group's push into Melbourne</a>, 640 Bourke Street has met with opposition from City of Melbourne planners.

Valued at $234 million and proposed at a height of 273.3 metres to Bourke Street, the RotheLowman creation would also maintain a 173.4 metre height to Little Bourke Street. Overall 640 Bourke Street would, if approved, consist of 980 dwellings, 1,101sqm of leasable commercial space, 330sqm of retail space, a 942sqm child care centre and art gallery.

According to City of Melbourne planners, "the Council objects to the proposed development as it is an overdevelopment of the site by way of inadequate setbacks and inappropriate height to Little Bourke Street, plot ratio and the extent of demolition of heritage fabric."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image42_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="640 Bourke Street. Image: ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image42_0.jpg?itok=VXITBJQ_" title="640 Bourke Street. Image: ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>640 Bourke Street. Image: ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Height, setbacks, massing, plot ratio, heritage and the amenity of apartments are cited as key points within the <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/743/13387/JUL16%20FMC1%20AGENDA%20ITEM%206.6%20640%20Bourke%20Street,%20Melbourne.pdf">planning report</a>, with a Bourke Street plot ratio of 35:1.

Two versions of the tower were proposed, one which adheres to the Obstacle Limitation Surface height of 215.147 metres and the taller version outlined above. City of Melbourne planners state within the report that the tower should be height limited to the 215 metre outcome.

<h2>38 Freshwater Place</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/image46_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="38 Freashwater Place as approved. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_5.jpg?itok=6Ki1H_Fm" title="38 Freashwater Place as approved. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>38 Freashwater Place as approved. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>The Metier 3-designed 38 Freshwater Place has gone back to planning, seeking amendments to what is one of Melbourne largest approved skyscrapers.

At 273 metres the project was put to market by M&amp;L Hospitality Group and consequently found a new buyer earlier in 2016. Set over a 3,096sqm site the mixed-use tower which has approval for both apartments and a hotel, netted M&amp;L Hospitality Group a <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/michael-kum-to-sell-38-freshwater-place-20160204-gmlbpa">reported $60 million upon its sale</a>.

While the new owners have yet to be revealed, the movement of the project back to planning indicates that 38 Freshwater Place will be rejigged in its layout, and also hints toward the project becoming a reality in the medium term.
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News on three further skyscrapers rounds out an eventful week

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It's not just the inner city which is benefitting from a general upswing in new hotels developments, as the Hume growth corridor looks to accommodate its first genuine hotel.

Located at 650 Hume Highway Craigieburn, developer JTX International is looking to create a 4 star business hotel within their broader Humex development. Spanning 32 hectares and valued at $1.7 billion, Humex is a mixed-use development principally created by Crosier Scott Architects that will see a new hotel anchor the development.

According to the project's freshly released <a href="http://www.jtx.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Humex-IM-Download.pdf">information memorandum</a>, Brookfiled Multiplex is the joint venture build partner, with Probuild and Watpac acting as supporting construction partners.

<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/image29_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Various perspectives of the proposed hotel. Image: JTX International"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_5.jpg?itok=qQLRXkk0" title="Various perspectives of the proposed hotel. Image: JTX International" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Various perspectives of the proposed hotel. Image: JTX International</figcaption></figure>Spanning 12 levels the hotel is aimed at major hotel chains and serviced apartment providers.

Ground floor would see a function room, dining area and bar/lounge support the 285 4.0 star suites set above. 14,780sqm of NLA is expected within the hotel which will be clad in a distinctive bronze exterior.

Humex's information memorandum expects a mix of both international and regional visitors to utilise the hotel. Adjacent to Humex's various other uses, the hotel will absorb their needs as well as servicing the greater northern region of 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/image30_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A medical centre is also envisaged. Image: JTX International"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_7.jpg?itok=oGLSDxS8" title="A medical centre is also envisaged. Image: JTX International" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A medical centre is also envisaged. Image: JTX International</figcaption></figure>The overall Humex development will see a swag of mostly smaller retail and warehouse tenancies built, although there are two other intended buildings of note which the hotel will support.

Dubbed the Elle Chic Medical Centre, a new complex spanning four levels and 4,642sqm of NLA will create a state-of-the-art medical and wellness hub. Specialist medical services, a chemotherapy centre, allied health spaces and a child care centre form the backbone of the project which will act as a quasi-hospital for the surrounding region.

Also slated for Humex is the Building Materials Display Centre. Covering five levels, the mammoth build will be the largest of its kind in the Southern hemisphere for home fixtures &amp; fittings, furniture, interior &amp; exterior finishes and materials. It is expected to include 56,307sqm of NLA.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image32_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hyatt Place is well into construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="235" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_4.jpg?itok=0hW70HJv" title="Hyatt Place is well into construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hyatt Place is well into construction</figcaption></figure>Also seeking to leverage off proximity to Melbourne Airport and of course Essendon Airport is the new Hyatt Place Hotel within Essendon Fields.

With construction underway, the project will deliver Australia’s First Hyatt Place Hotel and an associated Events Centre that are both expected to be operational during early 2017. Meeting, conference and event opportunities will be a key fundamental for the development.

160 rooms are expected within the golden coloured hotel, with 1,700sqm of event space and capacity for 1,000 seats in a conference style format bolstering the facilities capabilities.

Hyatt Place Hotel and the Events Centre can expect to create an annual economic benefit to Victoria of approximately $20 million.
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Melbourne's northern suburbs set for another major hotel

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One of the batch of large planning applications still active yet submitted prior to the current Government's implementation of interim planning controls looks to have gained approval.

According to the State Government's <a href="https://planning-permits.delwp.vic.gov.au/greenlightExt/public/main.aspx?frm=uc_applicationDisplay_CompleteApplication.ascx&amp;appTypeId=1&amp;mId=103&amp;AppId=75">Greenlight online permit manager</a> a large residential tower at 272-282 Queen Street received approval on the 15th of June. Brady Property Group is behind the project with the tower now joining 380 Lonsdale Street as pending CBD projects for the prolific developer.

Submitted during late 2014 and designed by Peddle Thorp Architects, the project contains near on 600 apartments and spans 80 levels or 255 metres. Barring any indication that the tower has changed considerably since its submission, the approval of 272-282 Queen Street is significant in that the project would have contravened interim planning controls if submitted post their implementation.

<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/image22_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="272-282 Queen Street as submitted. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="464" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_5.jpg?itok=MkrvRXx1" title="272-282 Queen Street as submitted. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>272-282 Queen Street as submitted. Planning image: Peddle Thorp Architects</figcaption></figure>272-282 Queen Street's apparent approval poses a wider question; which notable planning applications submitted prior to the interim controls which took hold during September last year and have yet to receive a planning outcome? 

Given the State Government's Greenlight online permit manager is best described as hit and miss, here is Apartments.com.au's best assertion as to which of the 'old guard' have yet to reach a planning outcome. Keep in mind that projects shown below are limited to Melbourne's CBD and Southbank, as only they are subject to interim controls, and soon permanent controls which will make the below projects nigh on impossible in many contemporary scenarios.

The vast majority of outstanding applications are centred in the CBD, more so along the CBD's western and northern flank. Eight major submissions dated prior to the interim planning controls are still in play according to Greenlight, with more than 4,400 apartments and an associated hotel still in the air.

Projects such as 111-125 A'Beckett Street, 183-189 A'Beckett Street, 478-488 Elizabeth and 441-451 Elizabeth are seeking to call the northern reaches of the CBD home whilst 640 Bourke Street, 140 king Street and 556-558 Lonsdale Street are looking for a western CBD presence.

This leaves DEXUS Property Group's 32-44 Flinders Street as the sole pre-interim planning control application in the CBD's eastern end.

Should some or all of these projects gain the nod, they will likely contribute to Melbourne's CBD becoming the densest in Australia, <a href="/news/melbourne-cbd-on-course-to-be-the-most-densely-populated-area-in-australia">in line with this article</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/image27_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="A'Beckett, Bourke and Flinders Street towers in the offing" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_2.jpg?itok=Y5r4y3Gs" title="A'Beckett, Bourke and Flinders Street towers in the offing" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A'Beckett, Bourke and Flinders Street towers in the offing</figcaption></figure>To Southbank and Central Equity have submissions over two sites at 71-87 City Road and 268-274 City Road, with both comfortably pushing beyond the 200 metre mark in their initial submission. Both were submitted during June 2015 and if the duo receive approval, Central Equity can expect to take another 1,300 plus apartments to market.

Another project under scrutiny south of the river is 135 Sturt Street with the Hayball-designed 41 level tower seeking approval for 300 plus apartments set above a highly active podium.

Less clear is the outcome of 295 City Road. According to Greenlight the project has yet to reach a planning outcome although project lead Crone Architects have the 70 level development as holding town planning approval on their website.

<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/image24_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="295 City Road. Image: Crone Architects" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image24_1.jpg?itok=bp-GPV5o" title="295 City Road. Image: Crone Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>295 City Road. Image: Crone Architects</figcaption></figure>Projects that have seemingly fallen by the wayside include 293-303 La Trobe Street and 63 Exhibition street, whilst redesigned projects such as 158 City Road and 334-344 City Road have yet to be seen publicly.

Whether on not all of the above receive planning approval remains to be seen, but the confirmation of 272-282 Queen Street suggests that there is scope for the batch of 'old guard' applications to receive approval.

 A full list of active major applications submitted prior to the implementation of interim planning controls is seen below. Feel free to comment should any of those seen below be incorrect.
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280 Queen Street gains approval, but who of the 'old guard' are left?

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Victoria's Metropolitan Planning Authority (MPA) is readying two additional National Employment Clusters that will look to build upon the already robust local economies surrounding both La Trobe University and Sunshine.

Both Clusters maintain a mixed-use employment base underpinned by health, manufacturing, services and education. Designated National Employment Clusters, the MPA intends to allow for the creation of new employment opportunities within both Clusters via enhanced policies, amenities and transport links.

La Trobe Cluster which is the more advanced of the two includes the business and industrial areas surrounding Heidelberg, Bundoora and Preston. Key areas earmarked for change include La Trobe University, the Heidelberg/Austin Hospital medical precinct, Heidelberg West industrial precinct and the Northland Urban Renewal Precinct.

The latter site overlaps with Darebin City Council's earlier plans to <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/darebin-council-plans-highrise-housing-and-job-hub-for-east-preston/story-fnglenug-1226704903995%5C">create a high-rise residential zone abutting Northland</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/image6mpa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The La Trobe Cluster. Image: Metropolitan Planning Authority"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="469" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6mpa.jpg?itok=WanRb0H3" title="The La Trobe Cluster. Image: Metropolitan Planning Authority" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The La Trobe Cluster. Image: Metropolitan Planning Authority</figcaption></figure>Key ideas behind the La Trobe Cluster include modernising employment areas, providing a ‘turn-up-go’ bus service for people to get around the cluster, attracting additional allied health services to the precinct and rezoning current industrial land for future mixed-use developments, including a diverse range of housing. 

Whilst controversial at the time of its approval, Bundoora's Parc Vue development seen below looks to be the template for many higher density developments that will invariably call La Trobe Cluster home in the future.  

<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/v10_-_park_vue_stage_3_-_v10_aerial_-_final_2000_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Parc Vue presents as the first of many. Image: Future Estate"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v10_-_park_vue_stage_3_-_v10_aerial_-_final_2000_1.jpg?itok=7CD7WaoR" title="Parc Vue presents as the first of many. Image: Future Estate" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Parc Vue presents as the first of many. Image: Future Estate</figcaption></figure>To Melbourne's west and the Sunshine National Employment Cluster is taking shape. Including neighbouring St Albans, the Sunshine Cluster is set to receive a massive boost in jobs, following on from the recent $2 billion in investment in the area.

Among recent projects are the Sunshine Station upgrade through Regional Rail Link, the creation of the Victoria University Construction Futures facility and what shapes as the $200 million Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital. These are in addition to projects such as ABD Group's Foundry complex which has given Sunshine its first taste of high density living and the new $52 million Brimbank Community and Civic Centre.

The MPA has been working with Council to create a series of key ideas that will underpin the Sunshine Cluster. Rezoning sites to promote commercial uses, greening the suburb and increased services are all on the agenda.

The MPA will now initiate a period of community feedback in order to create the principles that will underpin the Sunshine Cluster.

<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/image4su.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Foundry and the Joan Kirner Women's and Children's Hospital. Images: ABD Group and Western Health"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="231" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4su.jpg?itok=d6nUNCrY" title="Foundry and the Joan Kirner Women's and Children's Hospital. Images: ABD Group and Western Health" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Foundry and the Joan Kirner Women's and Children's Hospital. Images: ABD Group and Western Health</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We are confident the Sunshine Cluster has and will continue to attract significant development and be a focus of healthcare services, research, education, transport business and retail services for Melbourne’s West.

Brimbank City Council looks forward to continuing to work with the Metropolitan Planning Authority and the State Government on this important project.
<cite>Chair of Brimbank Administrators, John Watson</cite>
</blockquote>

Both the La Trobe and Sunshine Clusters follow in the footsteps of the <a href="/news/consultation-begins-for-the-monash-employment-cluster">Monash National Employment Cluster</a> which was outlined previously on Apartments.com.au. Visit <a href="http://shapevictoria.vic.gov.au/">Shape Victoria</a> to view further information on the Clusters and provide feedback.
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MPA initiates two further National Employment Clusters

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In welcome news that will go some way to placating Southbank residents and pedestrians, Melbourne City Council last week endorsed a seven-year capital works plan that will transform City Road.

Long considered an afterthought, Southbank's street level activation has lagged behind the rapid rate of development within the suburb, with City Road the prime example. After seeking public feedback and releasing a <a href="/news/city-of-melbourne-releases-draft-city-road-master-plan">City Road master plan during 2015</a>, Council has paved the way for $38.5 million in funding to flow into City Road's barren landscape.

Both City of Melbourne and VicRoads have been involved in the process to date, with the statutory body in full support of City Road's overhaul. Detailed design will begin in the latter stages of this year, with individual projects to be considered by Council as part of its annual budget and planning processes.

<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/city_connector_montage_low-res.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A revamped City Road beckons. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="128" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/city_connector_montage_low-res.jpg?itok=baBbSdhl" title="A revamped City Road beckons. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A revamped City Road beckons. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Highlights of Council’s plan for City Road's overhaul include:

<ul>
<li>Improved intersections and pedestrians crossings</li>
	<li>Upgraded footpaths</li>
	<li>New street furniture street furniture</li>
	<li>A new bicycle route through Southbank catering to the growing number of people riding to and from the area for work and recreation</li>
	<li>Extensive tree planting and better water management including permeable paving to reduce flooding and runoff to the Yarra</li>
	<li>Transformation of unused spaces in and around the Kings Way Undercroft to provide more usable community space</li>
</ul>
<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
The City Road Master Plan delivers $38.5 million in funding for capital works projects that will better connect Southbank to the city’s Arts Precinct, the Yarra River and our much-loved gardens.

This Master Plan recognises that Southbank is one of the highest-density and fastest changing areas in Australia, but that City Road must evolve with it. The City of Melbourne recognises that now is the time to invest in the transformation of City Road to meet the community’s requirements now and into the future.
<cite>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We’ve consulted with the community about their experiences and expectations of City Road, and I believe our plans reflect the community’s needs into the future.

'he master plan, with its focus on encouraging more people to walk, cycle and take public transport, is consistent with Council’s Transport Strategy 2012.
<cite>Councillor Cathy Oke, Portfolio Chair for Transport</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/boyd_street_montage_low-res.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A refashioned City Road with the Boyd Community Hub. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/boyd_street_montage_low-res.jpg?itok=ZXMaUsb4" title="A refashioned City Road with the Boyd Community Hub. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A refashioned City Road with the Boyd Community Hub. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Whilst City Road's pending facelift comes as welcome news, Southbank Residents Association are actively lobbying City of Melbourne in order to create a park on what was the site of the failed Regent Square apartment development behind the Boyd Community Hub at 207 City Road.

According to Southbank Residents Association President Tony Penna, City of Melbourne recently revoked the permit for the 250-apartment development backed by Mackie Group. It's expected that Council will this week consider the fate of the site, with one option being retendering the plot with future development in mind.

Tony Penna offered Apartments.com.au the following thoughts on the best use of 207 City Road:

<blockquote>
The developers failure to develop this site in the time required is an opportunistic windfall to this Council (who inherited the Regent Square development plan) and also the residents.

The City of Melbourne (CoM) have their own target of 20sqm/resident of open space; Southbank barely scrapes in with 2.5sqm.

Our current population of around 15,000 is estimated to be around 25,000 in the not too distant future. In the absence of any realistic plan to provide open space for a growing population, this is a prime opportunity for the CoM to contribute to their open space strategy on land they already own.

This densely populated residential block doesn’t have access to green open space within reasonable walking distance (as defined in the CoM open space strategy) but moreover it would share the block with the community centre, thereby making this an absolutely ideal location.
</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/image4rsqu.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The failed Regent Square proposal. Image: regentsquare.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="503" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4rsqu.jpg?itok=Pc0gu-69" title="The failed Regent Square proposal. Image: regentsquare.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The failed Regent Square proposal. Image: regentsquare.com.au</figcaption></figure>
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City Road set for a green overhaul, but will 207 City Road follow suit?

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St Vincent de Paul Society's VincentCare has proposed a major inner city development that will go some way to meeting the needs of <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">inner city Melbourne's</a> most disadvantaged individuals.

The care provider has proposed a large-scale redevelopment of 179-191 Flemington Road, located opposite Melbourne's hospitals precinct. Under the plan, VincentCare's rebuilt facility would lead to expanded crisis accommodation capacity and a relocation of its Community Centre to the Flemington Road portion of the development.

According to Tract Consultants, the co-located accommodation and service platform will be a Victorian first.

<h2>179-191 Flemington Road North Melbourne 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/image53_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Chapman Street perspective of the new development. Planning image: MGS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image53_1.jpg?itok=MWBkL8on" title="Chapman Street perspective of the new development. Planning image: MGS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Chapman Street perspective of the new development. Planning image: MGS Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged June 2016</li>
	<li>Existing use: Ozanam House &amp; Bailly House over 2-3 levels</li>
	<li>Proposed: 11 level Homeless Resource Centre and Accommodation at 38.53 metres</li>
	<li>134 dwellings: 60 x 1BR short stay, 48 x 1BR medium stay and 26 x 1BR long stay apartments</li>
	<li>45 staff to service the Homeless Resource Centre and Accommodation building</li>
	<li>22 car parking spaces within a basement level</li>
	<li>Proposed: 20 townhouses to Chapman Street</li>
	<li>14 x 2BR and 6 x 3BR townhouses with 40 car spaces</li>
	<li>Expected project cost: $49.5 million</li>
</ul>
Tract Consultants and <a href="/architects/mgs-architects">MGS Architects</a> form the spearhead of the development team, and have sought feedback from a number of parties including the City of Melbourne and the Department of Health and Human Services.

The feedback has influenced the design of the intended development which has been labelled a project of State significance. According to the town planning report, City of Melbourne are "highly supportive of the development concept and the sophisticated proposition for an exciting typology / programme."

In light of the recent kerfuffle surrounding approved built form and flight paths being hindered, Air Ambulance expect no impact on the helicopter flight paths into or out of the Royal Children's Hospital.

<h2>Design basis</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/image54_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MGS Architects' previous award-winning projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="210" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image54_4.jpg?itok=R1PIPl3x" title="MGS Architects' previous award-winning projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MGS Architects' previous award-winning projects</figcaption></figure>Whilst the associated Urban Design Report goes into great detail about the various national and international projects which informed the design, certain MGS Architects traits are apparent within 179-191 Flemington Road's design.

Seen above are existing award-winning MGS Architects designs for Chapel Street Community Housing and the CBD's Drill Hall Community Hub and Housing projects. The use of varied colours (particularly green) and brick is apparent across all three designs, with the possible intent of breaking up the built form of each project.

Regardless, 179-191 Flemington Road's expected finishes include red and grey brick, precast panels, glazing, green and grey metal screens and timber cladding.

<h2>Covering the needs of the vulnerable</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_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="660 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Image: Montlaur"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_5.jpg?itok=zuVCeySp" title="660 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Image: Montlaur" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>660 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Image: Montlaur</figcaption></figure><a href="http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/ourhousingstories/history-of-public-housing">The history of Melbourne's evolving public housing</a> needs took a leap forward during 2010 with the completion of Common Ground at 660 Elizabeth Street. Victoria’s first supportive housing development included 131 affordable apartments in addition to " coordinated support for people who had experienced long-term homelessness or who were at risk of homelessness."

Purposely built for Melbourne's homeless, Common Ground was a partnership project between Yarra Community Housing, Home Ground and the Department of Human Services.

Whilst 179-191 Flemington Road is expected to be delivered under the guidance of VincentCare, it represents the next step in the process of catering toward the needs of Melbourne's most vulnerable.

<h2>179-191 Flemington Road North Melbourne development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: VincentCare </li>
	<li>Architect: MGS Architects</li>
	<li>Town Planner: Tract Consultants</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: Lovell Chen</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: Cardno  </li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: SALT</li>
	<li>Sustainability Consultant: Irwin</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect: Outlines </li>
</ul>
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VincentCare's Flemington Road project a boost for homeless housing

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The Apartments.com.au Project Database has reached 1,200 entries for the first time.

Now encompassing 1,200 current developments up to and including construction phase, the Project Database allows for an unparalleled glimpse into metropolitan Melbourne's ever changing face.

While many recent projects have left the database owing to their completion, a general upswing in application submissions (particularly for small and medium sized residential projects) has allowed the overall number to expand. With the CBD burdened by a plethora of large-scale apartment projects, much of the recent inner city planning activity has centred around fringe suburbs.

<a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">Fishermans Bend</a>, South Melbourne and East Melbourne have seen projects added, with the latter seeing a return of 494-502 Albert Street. The Denton Corker Marshall-designed apartment/serviced apartment project re-enters planning albeit minus a few levels.

Elsewhere and the wraps are off another Fishermans Bend project as prolific developer Blue Earth Group looks to gain another footprint in the Urban Renewal Area. <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">245-251 Normanby Road</a> is their latest project with the 41 level apartment tower looking to accommodate in excess of 500 dwellings.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="245-251 Normanby Road tower is at planning"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_2.jpg?itok=KHJfvdNR" title="245-251 Normanby Road tower is at planning" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>245-251 Normanby Road tower is at planning</figcaption></figure>Commercial also features with two new substantial projects entered into the database. ISPT hope to secure approval for <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">269-271 Spring Street</a>; the smaller sequel to Urban Workshop which was completed a decade ago.

Grocon is also seeking approval for a Collingwood office tower that would be sited above an existing Telstra exchange. At 13 levels the proposal is addressed <a href="/buildings/2-16-northumberland-street-collingwood">2-16 Northumberland Street</a> would lead to a substantial influx of commercial space for Collingwood which has in recent years been almost exclusively the domain of new apartment developments.

John Wardle Architects are responsible for both designs with the Northumberland creation targeting a 6-star Green Star rating according to Grocon, in addition to contributing to the Homes for Homeless scheme via the project's future ongoing returns.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ISPT and Grocon have commercial gains in mind"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="283" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_2.jpg?itok=C3BT2uuL" title="ISPT and Grocon have commercial gains in mind" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ISPT and Grocon have commercial gains in mind</figcaption></figure>New additions to the Project Database further confirms the surge of apartment projects into Melbourne's middle and outer ring suburbs. Fresh to City of Moonee Valley's planning department is Growland Group's residential pursuit at 343-349 Ascot Vale Road Moonee Ponds.

The substantial project is joined by other new entries in locations such as Ringwood, Preston, Carnegie, Footscray an <a href="/new-apartments/87-91-main-road-west-st-albans">St Albans</a>.

Also noteworthy is a current application for <a href="/new-townhouses/waverley-place-mulgrave-149-hansworth-street-mulgrave-vic-3170">149 Hansworth Street Mulgrave</a> with the Yellow Woods Architects-designed residential project of up to 10 levels and 167 dwellings poised to create a new height precedent for the area should it gain approval via City of Monash.

<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/image36_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Growland's Moonee Ponds intent with Ripponlea and Mulgrave also present"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image36_1.jpg?itok=pPYtIBpl" title="Growland's Moonee Ponds intent with Ripponlea and Mulgrave also present" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Growland's Moonee Ponds intent with Ripponlea and Mulgrave also present</figcaption></figure>New entries to the Project Database aside, a swag of projects have also seen their respective construction works kick off during the month of June.

Piling works are underway across a host of new projects throughout metropolitan Melbourne, ushering in a new wave of development. Approximately 15 projects have begun within the last calendar month; <a href="/buildings/noir-8-garden-street-south-yarra">Noir South Yarra</a>, Doncaster's <a href="/buildings/nest-at-the-hill-642-doncaster-road-doncaster">Nest at the Hill</a>, <a href="/buildings/evelyn-92-maroondah-highway-ringwood">Evelyn Ringwood</a>, <a href="/buildings/light-edge-34-elizabeth-street-richmond">Light Edge</a> Richmond and <a href="/buildings/881-armadale-881-high-street-armadale">881 Armadale</a> are but a few.

Another fresh starter is <a href="/buildings/the-international-61-haig-street-southbank">The International</a> located on Southbank, seeing Hamilton Marino Builders team once more with developer Blue Earth Group. The 40 level CHT Architects-designed tower is the tallest of this month's crop to begin construction.

<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/image35_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The International and Noir South Yarra are recent construction starters"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_3.jpg?itok=jphhb8ai" title="The International and Noir South Yarra are recent construction starters" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The International and Noir South Yarra are recent construction starters</figcaption></figure>
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The Urban.com.au Project Database hits 1,200!

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Local councils have contributed some intriguing projects to Melbourne's suburban streetscape in recent years, and another is taking shape in Greensborough with Banyule City Council overseeing a project dubbed One Flintoff.

The Peddle Thorp-designed addition is set above the existing WaterMarc aquatic centre, and will see the creation of new Council staff accommodation and community facilities. ADCO Constructions is acting as head contractor, beginning works during October 2015 with an eye toward completing the facility before an early 2017 opening.

Four levels will be added with the project at a cost of $31 million. According to Banyule City Council's website $23m is dedicated toward new staff accommodation and community facilities whilst $8 million of the project's cost is set toward 2,200sqm of commercial office space on top of WaterMarc, which will be leased for long term returns to Council.

<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_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of One Flintoff. Image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="222" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_1.jpg?itok=iJuusdMT" title="Artist's impression of One Flintoff. Image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of One Flintoff. Image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
When complete, the office project will support BCC’s vision for an engaged, sustainable, healthy, connected and effective workplace that attracts, retains and develops the best talent. The design response will be a leading example of how office workplace design can contribute to success.

A predominantly open plan office supports varying work modes, meeting/social spaces and empowers staff to work flexibly, in a suitable setting for their needs.
<cite>Peddle Thorp Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

The environmentally sustainable building will consolidate 320 Council staff together from three separate office locations in Ivanhoe, Rosanna and Greensborough, resulting in an estimated $1 million in annual ongoing savings in net operating costs and improved productivity by collocating staff.

Over the construction life of the project, 335 jobs with 244 in Banyule are set to be created.

One Flintoff forms phase two of Banyule City Council's Greensborough Project which had its origins in the Greensborough Principal Activity Centre Plan which was created during 2006. WaterMarc, a new town square and the associated Greensborough Walk have all been delivered thus far with One Flintoff the final stage.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_4829.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Construction progress"><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_4829.jpg?itok=75yYoNie" title="Construction progress" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Construction progress</figcaption></figure>Melbourne's municipal council's penchant for creating mixed-use community inclusive projects is on the rise, as witnessed by other projects currently at construction around greater Melbourne.

Brimbank City Council is not far from gaining control of their new Community and Civic Centre with the building set to come online next month. At $52 million the new facility delivered by Kane Constructions will include a new Sunshine Library, new Sunshine Customer Service Centre, a range of community meeting spaces and exhibition spaces in addition to Council offices.

Urban.com.au last month also highlighted the <a href="http://v">progress of City of Casey's Bunjil Place</a> which is an under construction $125 million mixed-use facility of Casey and the wider public.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image48_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brimbank's new Community and Civic Centre is nearing completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="589" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_4.jpg?itok=m1FUMLP5" title="Brimbank's new Community and Civic Centre is nearing completion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brimbank's new Community and Civic Centre is nearing completion</figcaption></figure>
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One Flintoff adds to Melbourne's council-driven projects

<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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