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It is a sign of the current segmented apartment market that many of Melbourne's entrenched apartment developers have sought to tap into the luxury top tier of the market in favour of further rolling out larger projects.

Indeed there is something of a crush for the premuim buyer as developers seek to differentiate their projects in what is a smaller yet more lucrative and prestigious sector. Enter Perri Projects who have sought to instill a new level of innovative design within their new project dubbed The Englefield.

Urban.com.au recently spoke with Perri Projects'  ‎Managing Director David Scalzo on what it takes to lure luxury buyers, and on the future intent of the developer which has greatly expanded its property portfolio over recent years.

In the face of stiff competition within the premium apartment market, Perri Projects have initiated Tailored Living Solutions (TLS); applied to The Englefield the developer expects that it will provide a point of difference in the marketplace. Targeted at high-end owner-occupiers, TLS centres around the relationship between technology and service.

Created after a period of research on high-end apartment buildings both locally and overseas, David Scalzo believes that TLS is most appropriate for small, high-end residences where a concierge is not cost effective. This is the case for The Englefield with only seven oversized apartments on offer.

<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/image51_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Woods Bagot have created The Englefield"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="378" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image51_3.jpg?itok=SyafIu8d" title="Woods Bagot have created The Englefield" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Woods Bagot have created The Englefield</figcaption></figure>Whilst not new in its fundamentals, TLS is unique in how it packages a variety high-end mod-cons together with a valet service.

Essentially each apartment will have valet access where the technology inside each dwelling allows the occupant to organise valet services such as dry cleaning, item delivery or the like. This is achieved via a valet cabinet where service providers are given a one-time code which unlocks the valet cabinet.

David Scalzo believes that the TLS system provides residents with ease of convenience, yet without the ongoing costs of a permanent concierge that are not justified in a project of limited apartment numbers. 

Hand in hand with the valet service is the implementation of technology control to all apartments. Heating, cooling and lighting are controlled by remote access, whilst also being capable of interfacing with other areas of the building, allowing for state-of-the-art automation which affords residents the ability to create a perfectly attuned environment.

It's the considered implementation of the finer points which David Scalzo believes discerns one luxury project from the other, and shrewd prospective buyers are well aware of this.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image50_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="West Melbourne shapes as a future project"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="461" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image50_0.jpg?itok=tmdbNzcK" title="West Melbourne shapes as a future project" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>West Melbourne shapes as a future project</figcaption></figure>Asked if Tailored Living Solutions would be applied to all future projects, David Scalzo states it will be but in varying degrees. 

West Melbourne Waterfront is a pending development which will have a high amount of retail and the tailored living concept will be altered to fit accordingly. Residents will in all likelihood have the ability to interface with the development's tenancies allowing for the ordering of goods and services. 
Also on the radar is another project within South Yarra and a proposed hotel located on Moray Street, South Melbourne. Along with numerous Brisbane apartment projects, the expected 4.5 Star boutique 80 South Melbourne room hotel forms the backbone of Perri Projects' future development pipeline.
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silvermb

In the pursuit of luxury: Urban.com.au talks to Perri Projects

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The Federation Square of Melbourne's east? When put in those terms City of Casey's Bunjil Place takes on a project of strong social significance for both the municipality and Melbourne at large.

With as many as 12 individual spaces within the Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp-designed civic project, the construction process is naturally as intricate as the building itself. Under the guidance of Brookfield Multiplex construction has hit full stride a second tower crane recently installed.

Additionally, the <a href="http://bunjilplace.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Construction-update-May-2016-WEB.pdf">official May project update</a> shows that the concrete structure for a large part of the site has reached ground level.

<blockquote>
Next up we’ll be pouring the studio slab, first level of the theatre seating and first suspended slab, including the function centre, kitchen and part of the City of Casey Customer Service Centre. Work is also being undertaken to prepare for the below ground substation and tank room slabs and the first of the pre-cast panels for the fly tower are being installed.
<cite><a href="http://bunjilplace.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Construction-update-May-2016-WEB.pdf">Bunjil Place Construction Update 05</a></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/img_4155.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bunjil Place under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="407" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4155.jpg?itok=kFbum3TK" title="Bunjil Place under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bunjil Place under construction</figcaption></figure>According to Root Projects which is acting as project manager and superintendent, spaces and services slated for $125 million Bunjil Place include:

<ul>
<li>An 800 seat performing arts centre covering 3,500sqm with associated front of house and foyer, green rooms, fly tower, orchestra pit, rehearsal and technical services.</li>
	<li>500sqm art gallery and 500sqm multi-purpose studio.</li>
	<li>Community library and meeting rooms and civic customer service centre covering 1950sqm.</li>
	<li>Cafe and kitchen.</li>
	<li>Basement and at-grade car parks, loading docks, service areas and storage.</li>
	<li>Council service area incorporating reception service desk, call centre, meeting booths, meeting rooms and foyer.</li>
	<li>Council office accommodation.</li>
	<li>Council function venue and support spaces capable of seating 350 people.</li>
	<li>5000sqm open space are and community plaza.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/fjmt.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of a completed Bunjil Place. Image: Architecture AU"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fjmt.jpg?itok=EpA8p-cN" title="Artist's impression of a completed Bunjil Place. Image: Architecture AU" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of a completed Bunjil Place. Image: Architecture AU</figcaption></figure>As part of a AECOM event held yesterday outlining timber construction applications, Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp Principal Geoff Croker outlined the extensive role that timber will play in the final appearance of Bunjil Place.

Most prominent is the continuous timber lamella that will span the building's ground level ceiling with the project's foyer also framed by the dipping structure. The lamella shapes as a feat of engineering with a Swiss firm also involved in the design and engineering of the prefabricated structure which will be assembled onsite.

With timber and steel prominent externally, the building will also employ a curved glass façade allowing for a high degree of transparency.

A community plaza will be the centrepiece of Bunjil Place's external 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/image4_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bunjil Place under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="237" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_6.jpg?itok=AKYXqZGA" title="Bunjil Place under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bunjil Place under construction</figcaption></figure><a href="http://www.brookfieldmultiplex.com/bunjil-place-ready-to-rise-with-brookfield-multiplex/">Brookfield Multiplex</a> expect the 24,500sqm building to create more than 1,200 job opportunities while at construction and inject approximately $83.5 million into the regional economy plus $151.8 million into the Victorian economy.

Bunjil Place is due for completion in late 2017 and will reportedly attract in excess of 1 million visitors per annum.

The civic precinct is not the only project of note under construction in Casey with the nearby $120 million St John of God Berwick Hospital also sporting dual tower cranes in addition to those of Bunjil Place's; a rare sight indeed for the municipality which is 50 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD.
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The Federation Square of Melbourne's east takes shape

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In the truest sense it may not be a skyscraper yet a revised proposal located at 696-708 Elizabeth Street most definitely fulfills the 'squeezy' criteria.

<a href="/news/at-arms-length-696-708-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Previously covered by Urban.com.au in its initial guise,</a> the proposed residential building was and remains remarkable for its proximity to a neighbouring residential building currently under construction. Whilst the initial version fell short of both Council and VCAT's expectations, a revised design by ARM Architecture is seeking planning approval.

Located on a gateway site fronting Haymarket roundabout with sight lines directly down Flemington Road, ARM Architecture's response to the initial ruling has been to refine the building's exterior with the intention of creating a landmark project.

<h2>696-708 Elizabeth Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image6_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 696-708 Elizabeth. Planning image: ARM Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="305" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_7.jpg?itok=0UiqGC2l" title="Artist's impression of 696-708 Elizabeth. Planning image: ARM Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 696-708 Elizabeth. Planning image: ARM Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current use: two storey heritage building utilised as commercial space spread over a 380sqm site</li>
	<li>Proposed: 22 level residential tower at 75 metres</li>
	<li>Restoration of 708 Elizabeth </li>
	<li>80 apartments: 61 x 1BR, 19 x 2BR</li>
	<li>Ground: 48sqm café &amp; 148sqm office space</li>
	<li>Zero car parking and provision for 25 bicycles</li>
	<li>Anticipated project value: $15 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>VCAT provides hope</h2>

In its ruling on the initial design which was submitted during September 2014 for prospective developer Jobs Australia Pty Ltd, VCAT did leave the door ajar for site development acknowledging 696-708 Elizabeth Street as “a unique opportunity to make a valuable contribution to one of Melbourne’s gateways, building on the role played by the heritage building and the emerging built form character.”

According to VCAT two key factors led to the rejection of the application:

<ul>
<li>The integration of the proposed tower building with the retained sections of the bank did not produce an acceptable heritage outcome</li>
	<li>The relationship between the proposed development and the Royal Elizabeth apartment building was not an acceptable urban design response as the two buildings “appear to be attached.”</li>
</ul>
Conversely, VCAT in its ruling made reference to the growing number of projects within the ‘City North’ precinct, citing 696-708 Elizabeth Street as a site capable of development whilst enhancing the heritage elements of the current structure onsite.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image5_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The tyranny of distance. Planning image: ARM Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="300" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_6.jpg?itok=e6bwe6tZ" title="The tyranny of distance. Planning image: ARM Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The tyranny of distance. Planning image: ARM Architecture</figcaption></figure><h2>Design highlights</h2>

With a revised planning application currently under consideration, projects highlights as defined within planning documents include:

<ul>
<li>Architecturally designed wind amelioration structure to skirt the bottom of level 5 of the building, above a heritage setting.</li>
	<li>The podium levels have an active presence to Elizabeth Street and Pelham Street with office space and retail </li>
	<li>The façade of the existing heritage building will be retained and restored, with a significant ‘gap’ between the heritage building ensuring that the tower form is separated from the heritage building element</li>
	<li>Services have been located within the roof of the building which will ensure no adverse impacts on the streetscape. </li>
</ul>
Externally the building would see a metal diagrid weave employed over a curved tower form, designed to mimic the form of the nearby Haymarket roundabout.

<h2>Heritage considerations</h2>

Revised plans for the project have sought to better amplify the presence of the existing Commercial Bank of Australia heritage building relative to the initial development proposal.

A more pronounced difference between the existing and proposed built form appears by way of an apron set above the existing building. The form of the proposed tower is also setback further in order to aid in visual separation.

"The proposal seeks to reinforce the prominence of this 19th century corner building which is an important part of the overall design response. The design has sought to locate the residential lobby towards Elizabeth Street, effectively opening up the building to this main street and surrounding public spaces." 

Along with a revised tower shape and external appearance, the development team hopes to gain a different planning outcome on their second attempt.

<h2>696-708 Elizabeth Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Jobs Australia Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: ARM Architecture</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Wastech</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment: Vipac Engineers &amp; Scientists</li>
	<li>Environmentally Sustainable Design: Simpson Kotzman</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering Assessment: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Heritage Advice: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Environmental Site Assessment: Kleinfelder</li>
</ul>
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Elizabeth Street's squeezy scraper returns to planning

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Australian Catholic University (ACU) have begun the process of major renewal for their Fitzroy campus by way of seeking development plan approval for a comprehensive overhaul that will cater for expanding student and staff numbers.

Currently before Yarra City Council and created in conjunction with architecture firm Lyons, the development plan is set to act as a guide for future planning permit applications covering approximately half the sprawling site which has principal frontages to both Victoria Street and Brunswick Street.

115 Victoria Street which also fronts Napier Street encompasses the first stage of the campus development, with a new multi-level building set to replace a current at-grade car park.

<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/image1acu.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aeriaql perspective of ACU's Fiztroy campus. Planning image: ACU"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="639" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1acu.jpg?itok=63iP6rtS" title="Aeriaql perspective of ACU's Fiztroy campus. Planning image: ACU" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aeriaql perspective of ACU's Fiztroy campus. Planning image: ACU</figcaption></figure>Up to seven basement car park levels will replace the existing 50 car parking spaces onsite, with 15 levels expected above. The lower floors of the tower will be dedicated toward teaching and learning purposes, with office and conference absorbing the remaining space.

115 Victoria Street is also expected to be linked to the adjoining Mary Gowery Building, with 5 additional levels to that building also in the works. Also on the agenda is an air bridge that will connect the revamped Mary Gowery Building with ACU's most recent build, the <a href="http://ttthinc.com.au/projects/australian-catholic-university/">Daniel Mannix Building</a> which was completed during 2012.

A low-rise building fronting Young Street and Little Napier Street is also slated for construction as part of the development plan.

Outlined in the above aerial but not covered in the current development plan is 81-89 Victoria Parade which currently sees modular tutorial rooms in place. The prime site on the corner of Brunswick and Victoria site is also expected to eventually hold a tower, with previous approval in place for a 14 level mixed-use development which was never acted upon.

<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/image2acu.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected massing for 115 Victoria Street. Planning image: ACU"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="215" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2acu.jpg?itok=hYLGp-Ty" title="Expected massing for 115 Victoria Street. Planning image: ACU" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Expected massing for 115 Victoria Street. Planning image: ACU</figcaption></figure>Hand in hand with ACU's new built form will be a fundamental change to the precinct's ground level format in order to facilitate a better public realm experience.

Vehicle access may be altered to both Young Street and Napier Street while a new internal campus hub will be created at ground level within the precinct, in order to facilitate improved pedestrian movements around the campus and link the campus together and to the surrounding street network. ACU expects this will provide a safer and more inviting environment.

The campus hub will be at the intersection of north-south and east-west spines which will act as pedestrians thoroughfares. A comprehensive landscape master plan has also been created for the campus.

It's expected that changes to ACU's Fiztroy campus are to be implemented over the next decade.
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ACU lays out its future growth plans

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Cbus Property has appointed agent Savills to handle the sale of the hotel portion of their pending 447 Collins Street development.

With the overall value of the urban renewal project tipped to exceed $1.25 billion, Cbus Property will look to capitalise upon the booming Melbourne hotel sector by offering the pre-purchase of a new 294 room 5 star luxury hotel which forms part of the overall development.

The project has maintained a high degree of public interest of late owing to the project's design impetus and the altogether public manner in which its planning process has transpired.

With the hotel component designated a 435 Collins Street address, the successful buyer will inherit the freehold title over the property and can expect Cbus Property to oversee the turn-key delivery of the hotel with a targeted completion date of Q4 2019.

<h2>Hotel facilities</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/imagepreview_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of a typical hotel suite. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/imagepreview_1.jpg?itok=_eDy9xyR" title="Artist's impression of a typical hotel suite. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of a hotel suite. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>As noted 435 Collins Street will hold 294 hotel suites with three separate configurations on offer: Standard, Junior Suite and King Suite. The smallest suites within the project begin at 37sqm and increase to 86sqm for the largest King suite.

An average of 24 suites are spread over each floor, with 12 levels dedicated to hotel accommodation which will be set above a double height vaulted lobby with multiple entrances.

435 Collins Street's indicative hotel area schedule also sees a raft of facilities attached to the hotel. An all-day restaurant and hotel bar are slated for ground level while Level 1 will include a 529sqm ballroom, function room and meeting room.

More typical amenities such as 223sqm pool deck, sauna, fitness centre and a 202sqm business lounge are also included over lower levels.

<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/imagepreview_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the hotel lobby. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="604" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/imagepreview_3.jpg?itok=BvU_CCNT" title="Artist's impression of the hotel lobby. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the hotel lobby. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure><h2>A clearer picture of the overall development</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/image4coll.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the project's exterior. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="185" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4coll.jpg?itok=Ywy_qLmh" title="Artist's impression of the project's exterior. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the project's exterior. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>In addition to the 5 star hotel, the mixed-use development will also hold approximately 49,000sqm of premium commercial office with typical floorplates of between 1,800sqm and 2,300sqm, and in excess of 200 luxury apartments.

Supporting the expected 5 star NABERS Energy Rated - 5 star Green Star Rated commercial space will be 130 car parking spaces and extensive end of trip facilities which include 500 lockers, 500 bicycle parks and 50 showers.

As has been reported extensively near on 2,000sqm of highly activated public realm will surround the tower footprints. A retail emporium with an approximate NLA of Net lettable area of 800sqm is also designed into the project's lower levels, supplementing the dedicated hotel facilities.

Savills agent Michael Simpson is handling the sales process which will close at 4pm on Friday 17 June 2016.
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Cbus Property seeks to sell part of 447 Collins Street

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The CBD's northern end is in full bloom so to speak as a variety of high-rise projects rapidly progress from paper designs to reality.

So much so one only needs to crane one's head skyward to see multiple tower cranes dotting the skyline in all directions. Hand in hand with this fundamental change to the look and feel of the CBD's northern reaches is the injection of purple facades over certain skyscrapers as design practice Elenberg Fraser seek to break the ubiquitous blue of many a Melbourne skyscraper. 

No less than 12 towers are under construction in the area, with the combined numbers as follows: 723 new student accommodation beds, 208 serviced apartments and 5,475 apartments.

See below a pictorial update of the CBD's emerging 'new face' 

<h2>Elizabeth Street's Big Four</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/image8_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Having all your ducks in a row along Elizabeth Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1244" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_5.jpg?itok=KJKRql3C" title="Having all your ducks in a row along Elizabeth Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Having all your ducks in a row : Empire, Light House, Victoria One and Vision Tower</figcaption></figure>They are indeed the 'Big Four' with Empire the shortest at 198 metres. Seen in the top image above, Brady's Vision Tower is all but externally complete whilst Victoria One, Light House and Empire's visible jump forms round out the quartet.

Under the guidance of Probuild both Victoria One and Empire's jump forms have skipped ahead of their respective floor plates, whilst Brookfiled Multiplex's Light House has employed a common placing boom to pour both floor plate and core, thus the difference in appearance.

In terms of physical finishes Light House shapes as being the most striking, with the undulating Elenberg Fraser-designed tower already showing some unique purple design features over its early levels. Victoria One has received its first glazed facade panels whilst the golden fins of Empire continue to rise rapidly.

<h2>La Trobe Street bulks up</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/image9_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="La Trobe Street also maintains strong construction activity"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="719" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_6.jpg?itok=vZDKtJ1o" title="La Trobe Street also maintains strong construction activity" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>La Trobe Street also maintains strong construction activity</figcaption></figure>La Trobe Street has a case of the blues with three towers nearing completion and sporting predominantly blue facades. Hickory Group's La Trobe Tower build is racing toward its structural completion thanks to the Hickory Building System whilst nearby Eporo Tower is also close to topping out.

Further along La Trobe Street and the ultra thin Trillium Tower is also approaching its final height under the guidance of head contractor Built.

Whilst not on La Trobe Street but in close proximity, EQ Tower is approximately half way to its ultimate height. Sporting a uniform purple facade, the highly overt build has brought another shade of Elenberg Fraser purple to the area.

<h2>Down and dirty</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/image7_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Projects yet to break ground level"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="407" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_8.jpg?itok=0Cxw9SjQ" title="Projects yet to break ground level" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Projects yet to break ground level</figcaption></figure>Aurora Melbourne Central, Avant, Scape Swanston Street and Conservatory are all currently at a preliminary stage of construction centred around site ground works.

Avant seen above left will have its core soon enough with footings in place whilst Scape Swanston has made rapid progression over the last month, with its tower crane starter already in place.

<h2>Future builds on the radar</h2>

Future builds for the area are headed by the twin-towered Queens Place development and Scape La Trobe Street which are well into their respective development processes.  

Future paper developments such as 48-52 La Trobe Street, the expected 200 metre Munro site tower, 98-102 Franklin Street, 97 Franklin Street and 111-125 A'Beckett Street as well as the extension to Melbourne Central Station as part of the Melbourne Metro Rail project will ensure Melbourne's Northern CBD will continue to see healthy levels of construction for some years to come.
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The CBD's northern construction boom in colour

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Approval is being sought for a mixed use Southbank skyscraper that will assume the form of a flower. Designed by Elenberg Fraser, 51-65 Clarke Street would surpass the 200 metre mark in a pocket of Southbank nestled alongside the West Gate Freeway.

Developer Newcity Group has also sought to add a unique feature to the project; a dedicated business and cultural exchange centre atop the tower that would seek to strengthen ties between Melbourne and southern China's economic powerhouse city of Guangzhou.

Documents within the planning application also indicate that the project would create thousands of construction jobs over the life of the project and 140 ongoing jobs linked to the hotel element within the tower.

The plans for 51-65 Clarke Street follows on from the site's successful sale during 2014, where <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/cbd-site-snapped-up-for-304m/news-story/d7a0f65128861186f3ecab846e6bddd5">CBRE City Sales were able to secure the vendor $30.4 million</a> for the tri-fronted development plot.

<h2>51-65 Clarke Street planning 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/image2sbef.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="51-65 Clarke Street as seen within the project Town Planning Report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="800" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2sbef.jpg?itok=pCCbqTxq" title="51-65 Clarke Street as seen within the project Town Planning Report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>51-65 Clarke Street as seen within the project Town Planning Report</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 1,787 square metres</li>
	<li>Current use: three storey commercial building</li>
	<li>Proposed 73 level tower at 245.05 RL to top of architectural feature</li>
	<li>112 hotel suites</li>
	<li>512 apartments: 166 x 1BR, 318 x 2BR, 28 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Business Hub: 1,042 square metres</li>
	<li>Level 8 &amp; 54 facilities and amenities</li>
	<li>Retail and function centre: 1,541 square metres</li>
	<li>120 car parking spaces and 327 bicycle spaces</li>
</ul>
<h2>Newcity for an old relationship</h2>

Newcity Development (One) Pty Ltd is behind the proposal, one of many Chinese-backed developers that have descended upon Melbourne in recent years.

According to the application's Town Planning Report, "The Newcity Group and more relevantly Cao Zhiwei, the Chairman of ‘Newcity Group’ is a member of the political advisory body of Guangzhou. This development, and in particular the exchange hub is seen as a significant step in establishing a destination and beacon for commerce between Guangzhou and Melbourne."

Thus far the following businesses have been noted as providing support for the intended business and cultural exchange:

<ul>
<li>The People’s Government of Guangzhou Municipality</li>
	<li>Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Guangzhou Committee</li>
	<li>Guangzhou Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries</li>
	<li>Guangzhou University</li>
	<li>Guangzhou Real Estate Association</li>
	<li>Department of Culture Guangzhou Municipality</li>
	<li>Guangzhou Women’s Federation</li>
</ul>
<h2>Seeking exemption</h2>

The site is subject to Design and Development Overlay Schedule 10 (DDO10), which was introduced into the Melbourne Planning Scheme during September 2015 as part of the broader C262 amendments implemented by Minister Wynne.

As initially submitted, the Elenberg Fraser design complied to podium height, street setback and tower setback requirements, although a plot ratio of 35:1 results. Above the discretionary desired plot ratio of 24:1, the development team has in turn requested a variation to allow the tower to proceed as planned.

It is worth noting that the development team sought and was granted an extension of time request for the submission during February 2016; what results from subsequent projects refinements remains to be seen.

<h2>Shaping Southbank</h2>

51-65 Clarke Street's form which is based upon the shape of a Bombax Ceiba Flower is the latest of a number of shapely Southbank talls to create headlines of late.

Last week it was widely reported that Crown Limited and Schiavello have formally submitted a proposal for their 1 Queensbridge Street tower. <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/james-packer-proposes-australias-tallest-building-at-crown-in-melbourne-20160511-gosg43#ixzz48Nj5iVTC">According to Fairfax</a>, the tower would hold 306,666 of Gross Floor Area and maintain a plot ratio of 57:1.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image5clarke.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="54-56 Clarke Street markeying material. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5clarke.jpg?itok=Gs8Nm91w" title="54-56 Clarke Street markeying material. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>54-56 Clarke Street markeying material. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>Also in the news is the flowing 54-56 Clarke Street project created by BKK Architects which has been placed on the market with planning approval in tow.

At 240 metres 54-56 Clarke Street shadows 51-65 Clarke Street for height, with both future towers opposite one another.

<h2>51-65 Clarke Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Newcity Group (Newcity Development (One) Pty Ltd)</li>
	<li>Architectural plans: Elenberg Fraser Architects</li>
	<li>Urban Context Report: Elenberg Fraser Architects</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering Assessment: One Mile Grid Traffic Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Wastech</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: Norman Disney and Young</li>
	<li>Economic Investment Impact Analysis: ShineWing</li>
	<li>Landscape and Masterplan: Aspect Landscape Architects</li>
	<li>Environmental Wind Assessment: MEL</li>
</ul>
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51-65 Clarke Street shapes as a Southbank tower with a twist

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Following news last week that <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/deloitte-to-move-to-mirvacs-collins-street-tower-20160503-gokw2w#ixzz47dSTkXYT">Deloitte has all but signed up</a> to Mirvac's 477 Collins Street project, another large-scale commercial office build is nearing reality with a construction tender released for the new Victoria Police Complex.

Located alongside the near new Melbourne West Police Station, the Victoria Police Complex at 311 Spencer Street would consist of approximately 40,000sqm of office space. With the calling for construction tenders, Cbus Property and project partner Australia Post now look set to realise the project following extensive negotiations with the Victorian government.

Both the Melbourne West Police Station and Victoria Police Complex share an 11,750sqm site which was previously utilised by Australia Post.

<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_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective of the Victoria Police Centre. Image: Department of Treasury and Finance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_6.jpg?itok=vxx5Zufa" title="Street level perspective of the Victoria Police Centre. Image: Department of Treasury and Finance" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective of the Victoria Police Centre. Image: Department of Treasury and Finance</figcaption></figure>Created by architecture firm Woods Bagot, the new $300 million police headquarters has been designed to complement its $240 million neighbour which was completed during 2015.

According to <a href="http://www.dtf.vic.gov.au/Infrastructure-Delivery/Market-led-proposals">Department of Treasury and Finance details</a>, 311 Spencer Street was cleared during February 2016 to move to phase four of the development process after first being put forward during May 2015. Phase four involves the negotiation and assessment of a final offer between the State government and development team.

The market-led development would see Cbus Property and Australia Post fund and develop the new Victoria Police Centre in return for a substantial long term lease from Victoria Police, given the force's current lease within Docklands' World Trade Centre expires during 2020.

<blockquote>
The proposed development creates a unique opportunity for Victoria Police to co-locate and consolidate their Melbourne CBD operations into one stand-alone precinct.

The features of the site combined with landscaping, urban design interventions, built form initiatives and invisible technologies will provide Victoria Police with a secure facility that remains integrated into the wider streetscape. The site is within close proximity to Southern Cross Station and provides excellent access and egress to arterial road networks.

The precinct will be a Melbourne landmark, creating new opportunities for the Victoria Police to engage with the community, whilst also enabling more effective services to be delivered to the community. 
<cite>Market-led Proposals Guideline: Victoria Police Centre Project Overview</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/cbus.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="313 Spencer Street with the adjoining vacant 311 Spencer Street. Image: DCWC"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbus.jpg?itok=O32_Gx9D" title="313 Spencer Street with the adjoining vacant 311 Spencer Street. Image: DCWC" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne West Police Station with the adjoining vacant 311 Spencer Street. Image: DCWC</figcaption></figure>Incidentally 412 St Kilda Road which formerly served as the St Kilda Road Police Complex has been subject to a separate development process with ARM Architecture heading plans to convert the commercial building into luxury apartments.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-mayfair-412-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Outlined by Urban.com.au earlier in the year</a>, the project is the latest local foray for Malaysian developer UEM Sunrise with approximately 180 apartments set within the refashioned building, which will be clad largely in bronze coloured cladding. According to City of Port Phillip's Online Planning Register, 412 St Kilda Road received a council-issued permit during March 2016.
</body></html>

The new Victoria Police Centre looks set to become reality

<html><body>
City of Melbourne's draft 2016-17 Annual Plan and Budget was released late last week, with public submissions set to be accepted up until the Future Melbourne Committee decides upon the budget on 16 June 2016.

With total spending of $495.89 million, $399.41 million is expected to be dedicated toward programs and services, while $108.48 million is earmarked for infrastructure programs.

Council's headline project, the Queen Victoria Market, is likely to receive a further $8.45 million, in addition to the $76 million outlaid on acquiring the adjoining Munro site which forms part of the overall project.

<blockquote>
The $250 million renewal of the Queen Victoria Market Precinct is the largest project in Council’s history: a world-class regeneration of a much-loved market that will improve the trader, customer and visitor experience.

We’re now moving from planning to project delivery and this $8.45 million will allow us to implement the Queen Victoria Market Master Plan.

We will soon release a detailed plan outlining how key renewal projects will be managed. In the initial stages, this will include upgrades to trader facilities to address safety issues and better meet trader requirements.
<cite>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle</cite>
</blockquote>

In addition to Queen Vic's redevelopment, a host of further infrastructure projects slated for the forthcoming financial year include:

<ul>
<li>Energy efficient street light renewal: $5 million</li>
	<li>Major streetscape improvements and design: $4.35 million</li>
	<li>Urban landscapes climate adaptation (new streets and associated open spaces): $2.656 million</li>
	<li>Lady Huntingfield Child Care Centre Upgrade: $2.2 million</li>
	<li>Tree planting program (3000 trees): $1.5 million</li>
	<li>Bicycle Improvement Program: $1.56 million</li>
	<li>Green Your Laneway Pilot Project: $1.3 million</li>
	<li>Hawke and Adderley Street open space: $1.1 million</li>
	<li>Flood mitigation new works: $1 million</li>
	<li>Implementation of Docklands Community and Place Plan: $1 million</li>
	<li>Southbank Boulevard upgrading: $1 million</li>
</ul>
The Draft 2016-17 Annual Plan and Budget accommodates for population growth and according shifts in demand for council support and services.

<blockquote>
Melbourne has changed dramatically in the last four years and population growth is one of the biggest challenges we have faced.

Last year our city experienced a 5.5 per cent increase in population growth - an additional 6800 people brought our total population to more than 129,000 people. This is the final budget of this Council and it is focused on smart and sustainable investments.

This will ensure we have a well-planned city to meet the needs of our growing community without compromising its character and liveability.
<cite>Councillor Ken Ong, Chair of the Planning portfolio</cite>
</blockquote>

As elections will be held on Saturday, 22 October 2016 to determine Melbourne's City Council's leadership team, the Draft 2016-17 Annual Plan and Budget is the last under the current leadership regime. This final budget also concludes Council's four year vision, with an emphasis on growth, prosperity and liveability.

According to City of Melbourne, the final budget also cements the current Council’s legacy: one of a Melbourne that is a great place to work, live and visit.
</body></html>

Queen Victoria Market advances as part of City of Melbourne's 2016-17 budget

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Urban.com.au recently took the opportunity to talk with Fridcorp's founder and director, Paul Fridman, in order to understand what lies ahead for the developer which has made a reputation for elevating design integrity.

With works completed on Fridcorp's most recent Melbourne project, Morton Avenue located in Carnegie, Fridcorp is in the process of once more ramping up its development pipeline. Of late it has been widely reported that Fridcorp secured a permit approved development site within North Melbourne's Arden-Macaulay precinct.

3 and 5-15 Shiel Street came with approval for 65 residences under the previous scheme created by Inhabit Design. Feeling the apartment mix to be out of line with Fridcorp's expectations, the Shiel Street project has been handed to long time collaborator Elenberg Fraser.

<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/fridcorp_3_5-15_shiel.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fridcorp's North Melbourne development site"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fridcorp_3_5-15_shiel.jpg?itok=2aILl2i0" title="Fridcorp's North Melbourne development site" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fridcorp's North Melbourne development site</figcaption></figure>Former pursuits between developer and architect have resulted in highly regarded residential projects such as South Yarra's Lilli and Avenue. Paul Fridman explains that Elenberg Fraser have an understanding of Fridcorp's expectations in terms of design aesthetics and tailoring a particular design toward the target purchaser.

Set over a 1,311sqm site, Fridcorp are intending to create approximately 120 apartments across 12 levels, with the project set to enter planning shortly. Quizzed on the ideal buyer for North Melbourne, Paul Fridman sees the project as attracting owner-occupiers and what he refers to as the "sophisticated investor."

While expected release to market is slated for 2017, Fridcorp are now also closing in on securing a Fitzroy development site; the first for Fridcorp in what is one of Melbourne's most sought after suburbs.

100 apartments are expected for the Fitzroy development, a number in which Paul Fridman feels is a highly manageable development size in terms financing, ease of apartment sales, construction delivery and "time spent on the balance sheet." Smaller projects in the circa 100 block are cited by Paul as necessary in terms of maintaining momentum when considered in relation to large scale projects.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/166_06-10-2015_9863.gif" rel="gallery-all" title="South Yarra will remain a favoured suburb for Fridcorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="305" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/166_06-10-2015_9863.gif?itok=yDmVyjPa" title="South Yarra will remain a favoured suburb for Fridcorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>South Yarra will remain a favoured suburb for Fridcorp</figcaption></figure>And Fridcorp do indeed have a hulking project on the radar in the form of 627 Chapel Street. By far the developer's largest project, it signals a return to South Yarra for Fridcorp which has enjoyed previous success within the suburb's Forrest Hill precinct.

Asked on the progression of the planning application, Paul expects the project to be publicly advertised within weeks.

Containing 450 apartments over 40 levels, 627 Chapel Street is tentatively valued at $500 million.

Keen to champion the public benefits of the intended development which Paul Fridman describes as creating a nexus between South Yarra Station and Chapel Street, the tower is to be set atop a highly activated ground level. Restaurants and bars are set to feature, further drawing patronage to the area which is currently experiencing a concerted development push.

<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/159_03-12-2015_8176.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fridcorp's former Wonder Erskenville development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="281" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/159_03-12-2015_8176.jpg?itok=WSTN7PV1" title="Fridcorp's former Wonder Erskenville development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fridcorp's former Wonder Erskenville development</figcaption></figure>Nationally Fridcorp are active across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. With depth across all markets, Paul Fridman is especially bullish on the Sydney apartment sector.

Sydney in particular is maintaining positive fundamentals and excellent yield as evidenced by Fridcorp's sale of an approved development scheme in Erskenville to B1 Group; as Paul Fridman stated "It was an offer we just couldn't refuse." As to whether Fridcorp would move into other capital cities, Adelaide and Perth were mentioned in dispatches with lack of market depth and distance cited as prohibitive factors.

Nonetheless with an expanding workbook, Fridcorp are looking to once again press on with delivering high-end apartment projects.
</body></html>

Paul Fridman talks to Urban.com.au

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Baljak

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