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Identified for a long time as lacking many of the human scale qualities that creates a vibrant and inviting street level environment, Southbank is now subject to a proposal that will create a swathe of open space through the spine of the suburb. City of Melbourne is advancing plans to transform Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street into open space thoroughfares.

Described by Council as "A once-in-a-generation opportunity to address increasing public space needs of a rapidly growing population in one of Melbourne’s most densely populated suburbs," a report was put before the Future Melbourne (Environment) Committee last week that aims to endorse draft plans for the project.

Brought on by figures which show that Southbank holds one of Melbourne’s lowest provisions of public open space at 3 metres per person, the project was first earmarked during 2010.

<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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="City of Melbourne's concept image for part of Southbank Boulevard"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="245" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_0.jpg?itok=36vhidas" title="City of Melbourne's concept image for part of Southbank Boulevard" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>City of Melbourne's concept image for part of Southbank Boulevard</figcaption></figure>Under plans for the transformation, up to 2.5 hectares of repurposed public space could be added by lessening the existing road network, with the spared roadway still be capable of accommodating current vehicular traffic flows. This additional space has an estimated land value of $175 million.

In addition the project would see the creation of 1.1 kilometres of new bike lanes which would tie in with a new bike link emanating from Kavanagh Street and transiting Southbank Boulevard on its way into Queen Victoria Gardens and a likely meeting with the Capital City Trail. Urban forest improvements and the provision for a series of open spaces are catered for, and compliment private project like PJ Development Holdings' plans to <a href="/news/southbank-set-to-gain-a-new-park">introduce a new public park fronting Kavanagh Street</a> nearby.

Between St Kilda Road and Sturt Street, one of two tram stops along Southbank Boulevard would disappear in favour of a consolidated larger single island platform stop, whilst on-street metered parking would be significantly reduced at a cost to Council of approximately $240,000 per annum.

Described as a project of its time within the report, the process of transformation now moves to community consultation with the intent of determining what individuals want to see and do on a revamped Southbank Boulevard. The project timeline calls for final community consultation to occur during early 2016, with a master plan to be ratified during April 2016.

Staged construction of the project is slated to commence during late 2016, with a 2019 completion date targeted.

<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_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Project influences according to City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_4.jpg?itok=-dyoPLhI" title="Project influences according to City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Project influences according to City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The intended transformation of both Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street runs parallel with City of Melbourne's creation of a new <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/city-road">City Road Master Plan</a>. Theses two projects are at the point of Council's efforts to rectify Southbank's street level amenity and liveability which has failed to match the intense residential development that has occurred within the suburb over the past two decades.

<a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/southbankboulevard">Transforming Southbank Boulevard</a> is open to public comment until December 20, 2015.
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silvermb

Transforming Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street

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Another luxury residential development looks set to grace St Kilda Road with one of the boulevard's long standing office buildings set to make way for a mixed-use tower. Plans for the $155 million project show 424-426 St Kilda Road receiving a typically restrained and elegant Bates Smart-designed building consisting of both private and serviced apartments.

Lodged with Port Phillip mid year, the development team have since responded to council's request for further information for the project which holds a prominent corner position.

Given the site's size at 4,650sqm its use as a commercial building has allowed for large floorplates, although the trend of residential conversions along St Kilda Road suggested the relatively modest six level commercial building's days were numbered. Offered for sale some years ago the site was <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/highrise-tower-with-77-studio-suites-mooted-for-iloura-plaza-20150714-gibr8g">reportedly</a> purchased by Chinese investor Lixin Chen for $45 million at the time, with the developer now listed on the planning application as CBD-based CLL@AU Pty Ltd.

<h2>424-426 St Kilda 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/image12_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kings Way perspective of the intended tower. Image courtesy Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="403" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_1.jpg?itok=qIjY1IhU" title="Kings Way perspective of the intended tower. Image courtesy Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kings Way perspective of the intended tower. Image courtesy Bates Smart</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Currently onsite: 6 level commercial building over a 4,650sqm site.</li>
	<li>Proposed 18 level tower at 58.45 metres</li>
	<li>Total GFA 55,496sqm</li>
	<li>145 dwellings: 32 x BR, 54 x 2BR, 55 x 3BR, 4 x Penthouses</li>
	<li>Apartment sizes between 59sqm and 270sqm</li>
	<li>150 serviced apartments: 45 x studio, 75 x 1BR, 30 x 2BR</li>
	<li>840sqm of retail space over three tenancies</li>
	<li>324 car parks and 114 bicycle bays within a three level basement</li>
	<li>Ground floor amenities and mid tower rooftop terrace</li>
	<li>Estimated development cost: $155 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Presentation</h2>

<blockquote>
The proposed new mixed use building has been designed by Bates Smart Architects and will contribute to the evolving character of the western side of St Kilda Road through a design response of an exceptionally high architectural quality. The design will be complementary to the existing character of St Kilda Road and will be respectful to the adjoining properties that surround the subject site.

The survey provide by Madigan’s Surveyors confirms the overall height of the proposed building at 65 metres AHD is in compliance with the shrine vista height control formula.

The overall formal strategy is conceived as a series of stacked objects. The tower mass is lifted off the podium and adopts an exuberant form that opens the premium residential levels up to views and natural light. It celebrates the development’s corner position as a continuous fluid form with ends that from views to the north and east. The tower facade is comprised of a larger grid order with an infill of delicate screens
<cite>Urbis &amp; Bates Smart: Town Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

Residential amenity is also high with ground level facilities including a central garden, gym, pool, spa and sauna while level 8 features a roof terrace with outdoor landscaped space, shaded garden, an indoor dining space and kitchen.

<h2>Apartments rule the roost</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/image21_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Apartment buildings dominate St Kilda Road. Image courtesy Floodslicer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="345" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_5.jpg?itok=UOt-YScQ" title="Apartment buildings dominate St Kilda Road. Image courtesy Floodslicer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Apartment buildings dominate St Kilda Road. Image courtesy Floodslicer</figcaption></figure>424-426 St Kilda Road continues the steady decline of office space along St Kilda Road for the sake of luxury apartment developments. St Kilda Road has averaged one premium development per year over the past decade, with projects such as Yve, Balencia and Lucient considered some of Melbourne's finest apartment developments.

This of course does not take in to account surrounding strips such as Albert Road or Queens Road which are also in demand as high-rise residential locations, and which have also seen numerous apartment buildings added in recent years.

As for the current crop along St Kilda Road, Golden Age Group are at the forefront with <a href="/buildings/opera-450-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Opera</a> at sales and the former St Kilda Road Police Complex also in their keeping for a residential development. <a href="/new-apartments/new-charsfield-478-st-kilda-road-melbourne">New Charsfield</a> and <a href="/buildings/the-fawkner-499-st-kilda-road-melbourne">The Fawkner</a> are also at sales while 609 St Kilda Road and 619 St Kilda Road hold approval.

Rounding out the list is <a href="/buildings/parque-melbourne-555-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Parque</a> and which is under construction.

<h2>426 St Kilda Road development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: CCL @ AU Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: Bates Smart</li>
	<li>Building surveyor: PLP Building Surveyors</li>
	<li>Landscape architect: Taylor Cullity Lethlean</li>
	<li>Land surveyor: Madigan Surveying</li>
	<li>Planning consultant: Urbis</li>
	<li>Services &amp; ESD: Norman Disney &amp; Young</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Waste consultant: Wastech Engineering</li>
</ul>
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Bates Smart's St Kilda Road endeavour

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The rebirth of <a href="/new-apartments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood's</a> Yorkshire Brewery is complete with the local landmark now standing resplendently as a residential apartment complex. Located at 1-21 Robert Street Collingwood, the redevelopment includes townhouses, 338 apartments over multiple new buildings and retail spaces at ground level.

The foundation stone for the retained heritage elements onsite was laid during 1876, with the brick tower the site's most intriguing feature. Over time Yorkshire Brewery has hosted both brewing and cooperage activities, although in recent decades the complex has remained largely abandoned save for the odd squatter.

<a href="/developers/sma-projects">SMA Projects</a>, architect <a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and contractor <a href="/builders/icon">Icon</a> formed the core of the project development team, undertaking the task of bringing the landmark back to life over an 18 month build period and along the way seeking a 5 Green Star energy rating.

Prior to the development parties such as the Collingwood Historical Society were requesting a "Development that will respect and enhance its heritage significance." How the existing fabric of the historic onsite buildings is interwoven with the new builds is a subjective matter, nonetheless the amount of public space available within the development is altogether impressive.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image18_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Inside the newly finished complex"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="440" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_3.jpg?itok=xQm60Evn" title="Inside the newly finished complex" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Inside the newly finished complex</figcaption></figure>Hayball describe the project as follows:

<blockquote>
A contemporary new residential neighbourhood, anchored by the restoration and adaptive re-use of the heritage-listed former Yorkshire Brewery

Located in close proximity to the CBD, parklands and myriad dining and entertainment options, 1-21 Robert Street is a strategic new neighbourhood-oriented development in Collingwood. At the core of the project is the sensitive restoration and adaptive reuse of the former Yorkshire Brewery, coupled with exceptional design quality, residential amenity and public open space.

By reducing site coverage and providing higher built form away from the heritage fabric, a vibrant heritage precinct can accommodate ground-level retail, a 480sqm neighbourhood Square at the base of the brew tower and provision for heritage interpretation.

As well as offering environmental sustainability, diversity and affordability, the development will provide greater amenity and access to the site for residents, neighbours and the general public.
<cite><a href="http://www.hayball.com.au/projects/yorkshire-brewery-apartments/">Hayball: Yorkshire Brewery Apartments</a> </cite>
</blockquote>

Most interesting is the placement of multiple visual markers throughout the site which provide a historic snapshot and visual accompaniment to the site's varied past. This is a unique touch among contemporary Melbourne apartment developments and is aimed at visitors moving through the site, as is the Melbourne Bike Share station located within the development.

Much like Brunswick's <a href="/buildings/tip-top-brunswick-170-edward-street-brunswick-east">Tip Top development</a> which was completed during 2014, Yorkshire Brewery doesn't hold absolute frontage to a prime street and consequently won't have waves of pedestrian traffic passing through. Nonetheless a very pleasant outcome has been created with strong ground level permeability throughout the site.

Should the light commercial sites immediately south of Yorkshire Brewery be developed, the potential exists for a network of laneways to be implemented. In many ways the area has the appropriate scale, history and urban character for such a move to succeed if attempted.

<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_8397.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yorkshire Brewery has a story to tell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8397.jpg?itok=CKQTYtEl" title="Yorkshire Brewery has a story to tell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Yorkshire Brewery has a story to tell</figcaption></figure>Post Yorkshire Brewery, SMA Projects will now turn its attention to three forthcoming projects. Hayball have been retained as the architect of choice and look to have taken their design queue from Yorkshire Brewery with a similar exterior design theme from across both <a href="/buildings/fitzroy-ltd-250-gore-street-fitzroy">250 Gore Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/the-lyric-338-gore-street-fitzroy">338 Gore Street</a>, both in Fitzroy.

A third as yet unnamed project is also planned by the Southbank developer.

See below a host of images taken of Yorkshire Brewery in recent days.
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Yorkshire Brewery open for all to see

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Salta Property Group has opted to transform a site with approval for a 5 Star Green Star design rated ‘A Grade’ office building into premium apartments. Already heavily active within the Victoria Street Precinct which straddles both Richmond and Abbotsford, Salta have elected to add 109 high-end apartments on the site which faces the Victoria Gardens complex.

With basement works completed onsite some years ago, the site has languished thereafter while Salta has pursued surrounding apartment developments. Not having been able to secure a tenant for the commercial project, Salta initiated the residential application process with Yarra City Council in recent months.

Designed by Bates Smart, the building will present as a 'U' shaped structure with an adjoining mezzanine stair expected to lead to the bank of the Yarra River.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of the intended development. Image courtesy Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_2.jpg?itok=n0VDjf2r" title="Hero perspective of the intended development. Image courtesy Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the intended development. Image courtesy Bates Smart</figcaption></figure><h2>647-649 Victoria Street application summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Corner of Victoria Street and Walmer Street.</li>
	<li>Vacant site with completed basement</li>
	<li>Site area of 3,500sqm with 62.18m frontage to Victoria Street</li>
	<li>10 level building at 39.05 metres in height</li>
	<li>109 dwellings: 44 x 1BR, 40 x 2BR, 25 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Apartments sizes from 53sqm to 154sqm</li>
	<li>179 on site car spaces and 30 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Porte Cochere, Pool/Gym/Sauna and lounge/library plus residential amenity areas included</li>
	<li>Walmer Plaza running to the river's edge</li>
	<li>Project cost: $55 million</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/image7_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved commercial building is now likely consigned to history. Image courtesy Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_5.jpg?itok=BfzFXuLx" title="The approved commercial building is now likely consigned to history. Image courtesy Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved commercial building is now likely consigned to history. Image courtesy Colliers</figcaption></figure><h2>The insatiable appetite for Victoria Street Precinct apartments</h2>

Usurped by the current proposal, the approved office development who's permit would have expired during 2016 was to have seen 12,692sqm of office space added, in addition to a retail outlet and conference facility. The drift from commercial to residential use is not particularly surprising given the area's surrounding context.

Recent years have seen the completion of apartment projects by developers Fusion Property Group, Salvo and Hamton in addition to Salta which remains the biggest property player in the area. These various projects amount to a very substantial 1,818 dwellings being added to the precinct, in addition to 93 serviced apartments delivered by Salta and operated by Quest.

Salta also has the final stage of A Place To Live under construction with 63 apartments in tow while Hamilton Marino are working on Blue Earth Group's Playhouse apartment project with a further 310 dwellings under construction.

Furthermore Supply &amp; Co which is at sales will add another 139 apartments to the mix while numerous other projects are at planning assessment or approval.

<h2>Salta's shift to apartment 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/fqu_201404241.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green Square is now part of the Victoria Street landscape"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="379" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fqu_201404241.jpg?itok=_g5xEJkj" title="Green Square is now part of the Victoria Street landscape" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green Square is now part of the Victoria Street landscape</figcaption></figure>Active across all sectors of development, Salta have made a concerted effort to bolster their residential pipeline for the coming years. Victoria Street Precinct will see two additional projects, with the second stage of Green Square diagonally opposite Victoria Gardens due to be released during 2016.

Also nearby in Salta's keeping is 25-35 River Boulevard with near on 500 dwellings approved. Elsewhere Salta have Essence South Yarra under construction, with 699 La Trobe Street, the Preston Market redevelopment and a joint venture with Asia One for 63 Exhibition Street set as forthcoming residential projects.
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Salta's Walmer project adds to the Victoria Street apartment surge

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As Williams Landing's first apartment development filters through to market, it signifies the grander intentions of the development team headed by Cedar Woods to provide the suburb with a genuine town centre. Abutting Williams Landing Railway Station, Newton Apartments is the first move toward higher density living within the suburb.

Cedar Woods' Patrick Archer and Mike Day of town planning firm Roberts Day were on hand to answer a number of questions regarding current developments, future intent and the fundamentals required to successfully bring a new higher density town centre to traditionally low density area.

<h2>Patrick Archer on Newton Apartments and a robust town centre</h2>

It came as a surprise to realise that Williams Landing has no height limits, with Patrick Archer explaining the Priority Development Zone is not subject to such restrictions. Not to say Williams Landing will host skyscrapers in the long term, but it does allow the development team greater flexibility to react to market demand.

And their vanguard apartment project comes in the form of a DKO Architecture-designed building containing 57 larger than average one and two bedroom apartments. Located on Overton Road, the project is an equivalent distance to Melbourne's CBD as is Box Hill or Doncaster, both of which are current apartment hot spots.

The larger than standard apartments have drawn interest from both investors and locals, with Patrick Archer explaining that home owners already living in Williams Landing have seen the project as an ideal investment. This is further solidified with local parents also seeking to purchase for their children at what will be a highly competitive pricing point.

Quizzed on future intentions for the remainder of Williams Landing, Partick Archer states that the town centre will be rolled out over the next decade and will be mixed-use in its nature. With the nearby Werribee East Employment Precinct in the wings and Wyndham's population growth one of the strongest in Australia, Williams Landing provides a unique opportunity for Cedar Woods to further entrench higher density outcomes in Melbourne's west.

<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/image3wl.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An overview of the Priority Development Zone. Image courtesy Cedar Woods"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3wl.jpg?itok=wABL55Nq" title="An overview of the Priority Development Zone. Image courtesy Cedar Woods" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An overview of the Priority Development Zone. Image courtesy Cedar Woods</figcaption></figure><h2>Mike Day on the decline of suburbia and an inclusive approach</h2>

Underpinning a highly interesting chat with Mike Day is his belief that outer suburbs with little more than detached housing will continue to decline. Referencing Leigh Gallagher's 'The End of the Suburbs', Mike Day explains that contemporary property buyers want the inner-city lifestyle and urbanism regardless of where they are located; essentially they desire "urban 'burbs".

While many buyers for a number of socioeconomic reasons will head to middle and outer Melbourne locations, the inclusion of town centres within any given development is a tangible selling point.

<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/williams_landing_0231.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The prized jewel. Image courtesy tomroephotography.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/williams_landing_0231.jpg?itok=VltyCKW7" title="The prized jewel. Image courtesy tomroephotography.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The prized jewel. Image courtesy tomroephotography.com</figcaption></figure>Williams Landing was identified early as a worthwhile pursuit by Cedar Woods. A collaborative to planning the suburb included Cedar Woods, Roberts Day, Wyndham City Council, DKO Architecture and fellow project architect Hames Sharley, with the intent of roadmapping the future direction for the new suburb.

Fundamentals were identified and implemented with Williams Landing Railway Station delivered in addition to a shopping centre, freeway access, parkland and the provision for a future town centre. Mike Day nominated ease of transport and walkability as the key factors which gives Williams Landing an edge and an ability to build a neighbourhood unit rather thanmerely present as another nondescript suburb.

Asked if scalability was factored into the initial stages of placemaking Mike Day pointed out that if the fundamentals are addressed, the potentially explosive growth of Williams Landing via its new town centre will be accommodated easily enough. Further Mike Day insists that the future size of the town centre is essentially irrelevant; regardless of 5 levels or 50 the human scale and treatment is critical to Williams Landing's overall success.

With this in mind it will be interesting to follow the evolution of Williams Landing's town centre as it is progressively delivered, and what form it will take.
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Placemaking for success in the city's west

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Suburban shopping centres are known more for their tendency of being surrounded by car parks rather than embracing their immediate urban surrounds. Chadstone, Highpoint and Southland definitely fall into the former category, yet as Eastland's metamorphosis continues it is emerging as one of Melbourne's most progressive and inclusive retail destinations.

With Ringwood Station directly opposite (images of its redevelopment can be seen below), centre owner <a href="/developers/qic">QIC</a> and architects <a href="/architects/the-buchan-group">The Buchan Group</a> went about creating a new town centre for <a href="/new-apartments/ringwood-vic-3134">Ringwood</a>, taking full toll of Eastland's unique position of being located adjacent to a major transport node.

The addition of further retail space as part of the redevelopment is frankly neither here nor there from an urban perspective, but the delivery of a genuine town square is highly commendable.

<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_8468_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The distinctive shard entry"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8468_0.jpg?itok=TndgvB7k" title="The distinctive shard entry" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The distinctive centre shard entry</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The creation of a true Town Centre for Ringwood is a shared vision of QIC, the Victorian Government and Maroondah City Council. A new Ringwood Town Square will set a new standard for quality, service and amenity, featuring exceptional retailing, contemporary al fresco dining incorporating signature restaurants, as well as generous public space for an integrated mix of activities.
<cite>Ringwood Going Places</cite>
</blockquote>

As part of the development a new community facility dubbed 'Realm' has recently been commissioned. Incorporating a fully integrated library, learning and cultural centre, Council Customer Service Centre, cafe plus art gallery/exhibition spaces, Realm shapes as the key aspect of Ringwood's new public realm.

Positioned to the fore and soon to be linked with the revamped Ringwood Station via improved pedestrian links, Realm is veiled in a distinctive latticework design that compliments the new exterior of the entire complex. Finishes over the entire redevelopment to date are a step above equivalent recent centre redevelopments.

Slated for the new town square over summer are night markets and music events while the addition of a large TV screen next to Realm will further draw in crowds if and when major events are telecast.

<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_8460.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Work still continues on the complex"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8460.jpg?itok=DOBml0Av" title="Work still continues on the complex" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Work still continues on the complex</figcaption></figure>Elsewhere within Eastland and work continues on the $665 million transformation with <a href="/builders/probuild">Probuild Constructions'</a> efforts centred upon the north east section of the site. Upon completion Eastland in its totality will hold 127,000sqm of retail space and in excess of 350 specialty stores plus ancillary services.

The next phase of redevelopment is expected to see a 120-room, five storey hotel front Maroondah Highway. Abutting the newly completed town square, the hotel will frame the western interface of the public thoroughfare and sit opposite the state-of-the-art Realm facility.
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A new public realm for Ringwood

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In addition to news of a <a href="/news/a-new-melbourne-icon-squarely-in-minister-wynnes-hands-447-collins-street">new iconic design for 447 Collins Street</a>, last week also yielded additional information on a handful of other sizeable Melbourne residential developments.

Spanning four separate suburbs, the six proposals are all substantial towers with the smallest containing some 321 dwellings. All bar one of the six have been championed by established property players which maintain a national presence, and combined are capable of adding near on 3,000 new apartments into the Melbourne market.

See below an overview of the six projects which are at differing stages of the development process:

<h2>SKY ONE Box Hill - 545 Station Street, Box Hill</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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SKY ONE Box Hill. Image courtesy Golden Age Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_2.jpg?itok=zXJGcpOU" title="SKY ONE Box Hill. Image courtesy Golden Age Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SKY ONE Box Hill. Image courtesy Golden Age Development Group</figcaption></figure>The wraps are off Golden Age Group's newest project dubbed SKY ONE Box Hill. After picking up the approved development site in a recent sales campaign headed by CBRE, Golden Age Group have elected to rework the approved Buchan Group-designed 34 level tower.

In its place will stand a sleek 35 storey tower consisting of luxury apartment above retail uses across lower levels. Launching in the first quarter of 2016, SKY ONE Box Hill is a continuance of Golden Age Group's surge into the Melbourne apartment market which has yielded six high-rise projects in a few short years, including the under construction <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a> which will eventually stand at 241 metres.

<h2>Shadow Play - 105 Clarendon Street, Southbank</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_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Shadow Play's distinctive silhouette. Image courtesy Enrich Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_1.jpg?itok=79079FuV" title="Shadow Play's distinctive silhouette. Image courtesy Enrich Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Shadow Play's distinctive silhouette. Image courtesy Enrich Property</figcaption></figure>BPM revealed last week that Melbourne builder Icon Co will construct its marquee Southbank residential tower. Valued at $300 million and designed by Elenberg Fraser, Shadow Play is expected to reach completion in May 2018 following the commencement of demolition on the existing structures onsite.

Included are 475 one, two and three bedroom apartments serviced by 150 podium parking spaces and a 600 square metre communal space across level nine.

<h2>32-44 Flinders Street, Melbourne</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/image10_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Further revised. Image courtesy SJB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_5.jpg?itok=lLwKnD0x" title="Further revised. Image courtesy SJB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Further revised. Image courtesy SJB Architects</figcaption></figure>DEXUS Property Group's first foray into the local residential market has gone through the approvals ringer with a redesign implemented which saw the initial proposal trimmed from 66 levels to 56, while the total number of dwellings has also fallen from 625 to 496.

Melbourne City Council planners have recommended objection based upon excessive height, inadequate setbacks and overshadowing although DEXUS's intentions will lie with the Minister for Planning as the gross floor area of the building proposed is in excess of the 25,000sqm benchmark.

<h2>295-309 King Street, Melbourne</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/image11_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_4.jpg?itok=gcAI9D3a" title="295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Also back under the gaze of Melbourne City Council is an application that first surfaced during October 2014. Council planners have recommended refusal for the tower based upon revised plans which were received on 14 October 2015 and which includes 440 apartments within a 215 metre tower.

Although the revised plans were submitted post the amendments to the Melbourne Planning Scheme which would consequently render the application invalid, its initial submission date during 2014 suggests it will likely be judged under the old planning provisions… or so the theory goes.

<h2>1 Collins Wharf, Docklands</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/image14_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lend Lease's latest Docklands offering. Image courtesy The Australian"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_1.jpg?itok=PF_du3JI" title="Lend Lease's latest Docklands offering. Image courtesy The Australian" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lend Lease's latest Docklands offering. Image courtesy The Australian</figcaption></figure>The Australian reported last week on Lend Lease's latest addition to Victoria Harbour is in the form of a Bates Smart-designed residential tower. Covering 28 levels and encompassing 321 dwellings the stepped tower will sit diagonally opposite Library at The Dock and will be a follow-up the the precinct's premier apartment projects Convesso and Concavo, also Bates Smart creations.

1 Collins Wharf will follow on from the current six residential towers that are under construction within Victoria Harbour as Lend Lease enjoys robust demand for Melbourne apartments from both local and overseas purchasers.

<h2>38 Freshwater Place, Southbank</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/image21_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A prized development site. Image courtesy CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_4.jpg?itok=qamzVdWB" title="A prized development site. Image courtesy CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A prized development site. Image courtesy CBRE</figcaption></figure>One of Melbourne's premier development opportunities is up for grabs with 38 Freshwater Place put on the market by M &amp; L Hospitality. With approval in place for a 273 metre tower which could not be repeated under new planning rules, competition to secure the site is expected to be strong.

METIER3 have designed the sweeping tower with 496 apartments and 390 hotel suites included, although the successful buyer may choose to convert the scheme to a purely residential outcome.
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Six premier residential developments jostle for the spotlight

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Should Melbourne City Council likely provide its support for the revised 447 Collins Street proposal put forward by Cbus Property, it will then require Minister for Planning Richard Wynne to use his powers of intervention to approve the project which transgresses the recent <a href="/tag/planning-scheme-amendment-c262">Amendment C262</a> planning controls.

A joint architectural effort between Woods Bagot and New York-based SHoP Architects, the project has been heavily reduced in height form its initial 295 metre submission to 165 metres. Even so the proposal would be prohibited under Amendment C262 in that it would still cast a shadow over the north bank of the Yarra River.

The development team have requested dispensation in order to facilitate the uniquely shaped development, with the project potentially set to be the first to receive a Ministerial waiver since the September implementation of the revised planning controls.

<h2>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/image39_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of 433-455 Collins Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot/SHoP Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="651" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_1.jpg?itok=g-OxVWTA" title="Hero perspective of 433-455 Collins Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot/SHoP Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of 433-455 Collins Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot/SHoP Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Plans dated October 27, 2015.</li>
	<li>5,926.6sqm site, currently vacant post recent demolition.</li>
	<li>2,000sqm of new public space at ground level.</li>
	<li>Expected project cost of $1.25 billion.</li>
	<li>Dual 47 level towers connected via skybridge with an overall height of 165 metres.</li>
	<li>269 hotel suites and 315 apartments.</li>
	<li>68,365sqm of A-grade office space.</li>
	<li>500sqm of retail space.</li>
	<li>Basement allowance for 487 vehicles and 501 bicycles.</li>
	<li>161,740sqm GFA.</li>
	<li>Plot ratio of 24.2:1.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Open space for all</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_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed ground plane activation without Market Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot/SHoP Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="345" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_3.jpg?itok=UJ26Odys" title="Proposed ground plane activation without Market Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot/SHoP Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposed ground plane activation without Market Street. Image courtesy Woods Bagot/SHoP Architects</figcaption></figure>Ground level is slated to hold a tree grove, promenade and ampitheatre which will form the backbone of the project's publicly accessible spaces. Retail outlets will feature around the differing podiums and each will be individually framed with increased design presence to discern themselves form typical glass fronted retail stores which define many contemporary developments.

The natural gradient of the site will see Flinders Lane act as lower ground level with project vehicular access confined to one crossover.

In addition to contributing $500,000 to the possible discontinuation of Market Street toward Collins Street, the development team have allowed for the likelihood of the 1,500sqm parcel melding with 447 Collins Street's new public realm. For their part Melbourne City Council have indicated that the mooted discontinuation of Market Street would cost approximately $3 million and take up to two years to implement.

<h2>Bridging the divide</h2>

Both towers will be separated by a 14 metre span with the project's signature design element, a glass encased 'bridge' at the summit.

<blockquote>
The bridge link will result in a spectacular architectural form that will be uniquely Melbourne and will set this proposal apart from other contemporary architectural responses in this city.

The unique form is separated from the lower tower elements through variations in glazing type, punctuation of balconies to provide texture and the use of balustrades running vertically in line with the tower separation. The upper portion of the bridge link will also incorporate the textured chevron design to further add visual interest and break down the mass ans scale that might otherwise be experienced.
<cite>Urbis: Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>MCC planners in favour</h2>

<blockquote>
The key issues in relation to this amendment are built form, provision of publicly accessible space and overshadowing. The amendment enables the development of the site with a unique building that is generally acceptable in terms of its architecture, height, setbacks, tower separation, internal amenity and façade activation.

A significant amount of publicly accessible space is to be provided within the site which has good access to sunlight, will achieve comfortable wind conditions, incorporate (where applicable) landscaping with deep soil planting and provide true public street connections.

The proposal did comply with the sunlight to public spaces requirements prior to Amendment C262. The amendment is now prohibited because it casts additional shadow across the north bank of the Yarra (15 metres north from the Yarra River’s edge). The application documentation shadow analysis shows that the extent (length) of shadow is significantly reduced when compared with the previous amendment.

<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

It has been recommended that Melbourne City Council support the Master Plan for 447 Collins Street, all but clearing one of the largest hurdles toward the project becoming reality. Minister for Planning Richard Wynne now shapes as the pivotal factor in the approval process.
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A new Melbourne icon squarely in Minister Wynne's hands: 447 Collins Street

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Amidst the ongoing political kick-to-kick over the handling of Fishermans Bend, a new era has begun as the Urban Renewal Area's first project has officially commenced construction. Developer Blue Earth Group's Gravity Tower now sees head contractor Hamilton Marino in charge of the project which fronts Montague Street and Gladstone Street.

Geotechnical Engineering has been engaged as a specialist subcontractor, going about delivering foundation piling for the 31 level tower with its conspicuous Continuous Flight Auger rig onsite.

With no basement levels Gravity Tower is set to rise at pace. As is the case with the majority of projects within Fishermans Bend, car parking provisions for the tower are located above ground owing to floodplain considerations.

<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_7831.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Construction at Fishermans Bend's first build"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7831.jpg?itok=XqpY67B3" title="Construction at Fishermans Bend's first build" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Construction at Fishermans Bend's first build</figcaption></figure>The tower will see 144 apartments included upon completion and will be capped with the 'Altitude' club containing various facilities for residents such as dining area, Teppanyaki grill and an outdoor cinema. Created by Plus Architecture, the towers facade will feature angled, syncopated fins that will provide it with an altogether unique exterior.

Being the first project to reach construction, Gravity Tower will command sweeping views upon completion when it will appear as the only substantial project on the Fishermans Bend skyline.

This will not be the case in the medium to long term as additional projects within Montague Precinct become reality. Designated as Fishermans Bend's high-rise precinct, no less than seven additional towers are approved on the same block as Gravity Tower while a host of high-rise planning applications directly north of the project remain at planning with the likelihood that they will ultimately stymie Gravity Tower viewlines.

<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_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gravity Tower. Images courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_1.jpg?itok=TR-wxEXY" title="Gravity Tower. Images courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gravity Tower. Images courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Commencement of works on Gravity Tower follows Blue Earth Group's recent move to initiate another development within Fishermans Bend. BEG Developments Pty Ltd is behind a planning application lodged during late October covering 245-251 Normanby Street South Melbourne which falls within Capital City Zone 1 considerations.

At 2,640sqm, the site was offered for sale by agents Dawkins Occhiuto mid year with a ROTHELOWMAN detailed development scheme included for 448 apartments within a tower that looks to reach the 40 storey height limit for the area.

<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/245-251_normanby_road.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="245-251 Normanby Road with the CBD beyond. Image courtesy Dawkins Occhiuto"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/245-251_normanby_road.jpg?itok=1WytVEgc" title="245-251 Normanby Road with the CBD beyond. Image courtesy Dawkins Occhiuto" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>245-251 Normanby Road with the CBD beyond. Image courtesy Dawkins Occhiuto</figcaption></figure>In an overall snapshot Blue Earth Group's move on 245-251 Normanby Street pushes total planning applications for Fishermans Bend to beyond 40 with approximately half holding approval to date. While many planning applications are for multiple low to mid-rise residential developments, there are still in excess of 40 towers proposed or approved for the Urban Renewal Area with the majority located within Montague Precinct.
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Fishermans Bend's first project breaks ground

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Recall last year that Apartments.com.au ran <a href="/news/5000-new-hotel-rooms-for-melbourne">dual pieces</a> highlighting the forthcoming wave of 5,000 plus new hotel suites located within City of Melbourne. With the majority of those rooms in planning at the time, these new suites were predominantly located within large scale mixed-use towers championed by developers with Asian-based expertise and finance.

All indicators since have suggested inner Melbourne is suffering from a shortage of hotel accommodation, with a <a href="http://www2.deloitte.com/au/en/pages/media-releases/articles/hotel-markets-push-further-into-record-territory-260215">2015 Deloitte report</a> on the state of the Australian Hotel sector showing Melbourne's occupancy rate has and continues to push well into the mid-90% range on peak nights. Coupled with a Deloitte forecast indicating Melbourne will nudge 90% average occupancy by 2017 and the time is ripe now for new hotel projects, particularly in Melbourne's CBD.

Enter Well Smart Investment Holdings who after recently gaining Ministerial approval for their new hotel accommodation project at 399 Little Lonsdale Street have unveiled Ibis and Novotel as key signatories to the tower.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image9_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="399 Little Lonsdale Street. Images courtesy k2LD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="531" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_1.jpg?itok=4n6TzPBG" title="399 Little Lonsdale Street. Images courtesy k2LD Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>399 Little Lonsdale Street. Images courtesy k2LD Architects</figcaption></figure>Designed by CBD-based practice k2LD Architecture, 399 Little Lonsdale Street will stand as a 34 level, 125 metre tower located at the foot of Melbourne's retail precinct. Containing 478 hotel suites, the project will represent Melbourne's first dual hotel housed within the same building.

Ibis will account for 270 suites in a three-star configuration while Novotel will take the remaining 208 suites under their four-star operation.

Externally patterned glass with differing opacity to the eastern elevation will be the defining design feature while the western elevation will consist of patterned concrete, although an adjoining planning application will likely all but cover the wall. At ground level a landscaped laneway has been introduced that will connect with Hardware Lane while the podium will hold a bar, lounge, restaurant, gym and conference facilities.

<h2>Design nous</h2>

<blockquote>
We approached the design of the building differently, envisaging the built form as a fabric in which the stories and journeys of its transient inhabitants are interwoven with the urban cityscape.

With the building’s use as a dual hotel in mind, we were able to push the boundaries of design to create something that will become iconic in nature, just as the Westin and Sofitel have become iconic forms in Collins Street, we wanted to create a similar effect at 399 Little Lonsdale Street.
<cite>Tisha Lee, Principal, k2LD Architects</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/image10_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior common area. Image courtesy k2LD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_4.jpg?itok=eE75MVVd" title="Interior common area. Image courtesy k2LD Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exterior terrace area. Image courtesy k2LD Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>The wider context</h2>

With <a href="http://melbourneairport.com.au/about-melbourne-airport/media/media-releases/melbourne-airports-august-passenger-traffic-results-1825">international arrivals</a> amounting to almost 750,000 passengers during August 2015, the robust year on year growth experienced by Melbourne has a flow-on effect into the hotel sector. 399 Little Lonsdale Street joins many a Melbourne project looking to service the expanding hotel room requirement.

Curiously though only one noteworthy hotel project is currently under construction within the CBD, namely QT Hotel which will add a further 182 suites. Docklands fares better with Peppers Docklands almost at completion while Four Points by Sheraton is heading skyward as part of the Marina Tower project.

Pending projects however read as a who's who of the hotel sector. Among the many contending chains seeking a Melbourne footprint Ritz-Carlton and Dorsett will preside in Far East Consortium's West Side Place project, PARKROYAL is awaiting commencement of their mixed-use tower in Docklands, Aloft Hotels will likely land at 380 Lonsdale Street while the largest of all proposals is headed by Crown and Schiavello.

Their 1 Queensbridge project is seeking 388 additional Crown-branded hotel suites in addition to private apartments within a 317 metre tower.
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New Ibis and Novotel hotels for Melbourne's CBD

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

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Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

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Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

<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.

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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>

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.”

Mark Baljak

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