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A new piece of street art has been unveiled opposite Etihad Stadium that is in stark contrast to its drab surrounds. The poorly activated surrounds of Etihad Stadium has been given a boost with Melbourne developer Capital Alliance commissioning internationally recognised street artist <a href="http://r-o-n-e.com/">Rone</a> to create a mural overlooking the sporting venue.

The result is a new 140sqm edifice adoring <a href="/buildings/m-docklands-679-la-trobe-street-docklands">M Docklands</a>, a new five star hotel and residential complex which will officially open during January 2016.

Although Docklands carries varying forms of public art, Rone's Edge of your seat is considered the first ever piece of street art to land in Docklands. With the art medium commonly seen throughout the Hoddle Grid, Docklands' first addition is a welcome boost to the urban realm and the result of 250 hours of labour.

Edge of your seat is a continuation of Rone's penchant for <a href="http://r-o-n-e.com/artwork/">paintings of glamorous women</a>, while attempting to create an iconic form of urban art with a strongly emotional bent, according to the artist's website.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
This piece celebrates the connection to the Melbourne sport scene and captures the transcendence of supporters in moments of high anticipation. The challenge was to capture this emotion and the expressions on the fans’ faces, as they passionately support their team in victory or defeat.
<cite>Rone, Artist</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We’re thrilled to combine these three pillars of Melbourne’s identity in one piece of art, with one of our city’s finest artists celebrating sport on the side of a new five star hotel.
<cite>Mohan Du, Managing Director, Capital Alliance</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/image169.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Marking the piece's completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image169.jpg?itok=moqpPvNW" title="Marking the piece's completion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Marking the piece's completion</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment: none too soon</h2>

Telstra Dome, Etihad Stadium or whatever guise the venue has taken over its existence must surely be one of Melbourne's most poorly conceived modern additions in terms of both design and influence upon the immediate urban realm; essentially the venue is a non-urban design in a very urban setting.

Its shortcomings have been compounded by many of the surrounding buildings which have reciprocated, in effect creating an inactive chasm and a very harsh built form environment for pedestrians/sporting fans who traverse the precinct.

Both M Docklands and its sister building Lacrosse in many respects provide an excellent human scale experience relative to other buildings surrounding Etihad Stadium. Engaging podium design, permeability and visual intrigue have thankfully not been lost, with Rone's Edge of your seat adding further diversity where it matters: at ground level.

At some point in the future, Etihad Stadium will receive a much needed overhaul, but until that day arrives pending large-scale developments neighbouring the stadium such as AZX Group's 685 La Trobe Street and Salta's <a href="/news/feeling-at-home-next-to-the-dome">695 La Trobe Street</a> have the opportunity to further the decent public realm outcome achieved by M Docklands, or further slide the precinct into a design 'abyss' for lack of a better term.
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silvermb

Feeling at home next to the dome

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South Yarra has consistently been a hot spot for apartment development for some time, yet the suburb's Forrest Hill Precinct continues an unprecedented surge of large-scale planning applications which continue to land with City of Stonnington.

The latest to join the ranks is 37-41 Claremont Street with Artisan Architects last week submitting plans for a 31 level residential tower on behalf of LK Property Group. Sold by CBRE City Sales during June of this year, the 970sqm site will likely see 324 new apartments added toward the northern end of Forrest Hill Precinct.

Incidentally 37-41 Claremont Street is LK Property Group's third current foray into the South Yarra apartment market with Gisele at 300 Toorak Road under construction and the suburb's tallest proposal, <a href="/buildings/capitol-grand-241-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a>, at sales.

<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/12189526_1146896592007142_6297621148415691697_n.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective of the proposed tower. Image courtesy Artisan Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="511" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/12189526_1146896592007142_6297621148415691697_n.jpg?itok=eRlu9feR" title="Street level perspective of the proposed tower. Image courtesy Artisan Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective of the latest addition. Image courtesy Artisan Architects</figcaption></figure>The Forrest Hill tower will also accommodate 182 vehicles and 920sqm of commercial floor space within a building holding 36,546sqm of GFA, placing it among the precinct's largest. 37-41 Claremont Street is also another collaboration between architect and developer, following on from Opus Tower on City Road which has all but topped out.

<h2>Forrest Hill by the numbers</h2>

Currently the <a href="/developments?field_lga_tid=120&amp;items_per_page=10">Forrest Hill subcategory</a> within the Apartments.com.au project database is holding 13 high-rise residential towers which are at various stages of the development cycle, with a combined yield of 3,010 apartments. Yarra House and Lucia are at the tail end of construction while Claremont Manor's floorplate is above ground. The remainder are at planning, approved or registrations &amp; sales.

The four most recent planning applications lodged with City of Stonnington do tell a story of a more adventurous Forrest Hill Precinct of late. 42-48 Claremont, 671 Chapel, 37-41 Claremont and 16-22 Claremont are all considerably taller than the average Forrest Hill build over the history of the renewal precinct, and account for 1,216 dwellings or 40% of all apartments currently monitored by Apartments.com.au.

<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/syarra.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The most recent quartet looking for their place within Forrest Hill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/syarra.jpg?itok=G-_14HMy" title="The most recent quartet looking for their place within Forrest Hill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The most recent quartet looking for their place within Forrest Hill</figcaption></figure>The largest of all apartment developments within the precinct is yet to appear publicly. According to <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/fridcorp-harry-goles-plan-apartment-towers-worth-800m-in-melbourne/story-fnko7zi0-1227439130820">The Australian</a>, Fridcorp's 627 Chapel Street will hold roughly 550 apartments in a $500 million mixed-use tower that will rival neighbour Capitol Grand at approximately 150 metres in height.

An overview of all current major apartment developments within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct is seen below.

Lead image courtesy CBRE City Sales
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Forrest Hill's apartment numbers are big and getting bigger

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Historic St Crispin House is back before City of Yarra planners with a development of 19 levels in the offing. A contentious planning application for the site at 247-259 Johnston Street Abbotsford was rejected by VCAT during 2012, much to the delight of Council at the time.

Initially submitted during January 2011 on behalf of Abbotsford JV Pty Ltd, the 17 level ROTHELOWMAN-designed scheme came in for heavy criticism for being out of scale with the surrounding neighbourhood. At 2,171sqm, the site was sold during early 2015 with the current larger application lodged mid year.

With a nominal project value of $45 million, the application calls for a 19 storey residential tower above three basement levels. City of Yarra have sought further information on the application prior to plans being made public.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/main_1_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lemon Baxter and CBRE successfully sold the development site "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/main_1_1.jpg?itok=vUsJL1MW" title="Lemon Baxter and CBRE successfully sold the development site " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lemon Baxter and CBRE successfully sold the development site</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The VCAT decision is a major win for Council and the community against overdevelopment. Council put forward a strong case at VCAT, employing a barrister to argue its position that the development’s scale, height and density was inappropriate. Council had received 87 objections, and a petition with 19 signatures, opposing the development.
<cite><a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Planning--Building/Major-developments/247-259-Johnston-Street-Abbotsford-17-storey-redevelopment/">Yarra Council: 247-259 Johnston Street, Abbotsford</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Yarra Mayor Cr Geoff Barbour said VCAT’s decision was a great relief, given the proposal was out of kilter with the existing neighbourhood and would have set a precedent for very intensive development.

“This development would have changed the character of this neighbourhood, and there would have been no going back.”

He said Council would assess any new application for the site on its merits, but the developer should heed the verdict that an intense development would not be supported.
<cite><a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/News/media-releases-2012/community-victory-against-17-storey-development-in-abbotsford/">Yarra Council media release: “Community victory against 17-storey development in Abbotsford” (2012)</a></cite>
</blockquote>

The above was taken from a City of Yarra 2012 media release upon VCAT ruling against the initial 17 storey tower which was to have held 204 apartments and 118 car parking spaces. The new application looks set to once again test the resolve of both Council and developer, although this time around 247-259 Johnston Street is not the only apartment development of note in the immediate 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/image102_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The rejected scheme for 247-259 Johnston Street Abbotsford. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image102_0.jpg?itok=lNo4E5oM" title="The rejected scheme for 247-259 Johnston Street Abbotsford. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The rejected scheme for 247-259 Johnston Street Abbotsford. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Lodged during the same week, H Development Pty Ltd is also seeking approval for a 10 level apartment building nearby at <a href="/buildings/the-argyle-on-johnston-316-322-johnston-street-abbotsford">316-322 Johnston Street</a> which would see 52 apartments realised. <a href="/new-apartments/288-298-johnston-street-abbotsford">288-298 Johnston Street</a> which is diagonally opposite 247-259 Johnston Street also holds approval for 44 apartments over an eight level building which was conceived by Cox Architecture.

Lead image courtesy Victorian Heritage Database
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A test of wills looms over a prime Abbotsford development site

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Prominent Melbourne architecture firm Hayball has taken a differing tact in relation to one of its current high-rise projects which is currently being assessed at a State level. As one of a handful of owners of 135 Sturt Street Southbank which also serves as their head office, Hayball have seemingly stamped their own imprimatur on the composition of the proposed residential tower.

Unencumbered by the needs and wants of a developer, the architecture practice has created a building which they believe will yield a “net community benefit.” This is achieved not only by including a diverse range of dwellings types and affordable housing options, but also by effectively expanding the adjoining arts precinct.

Six separate entities control 135 Sturt Street Southbank, with Cystic Fibrosis Association of Victoria joining Hayball as the most prominent owners. The planning application is also actively pursuing a partnership with nearby art institutions with one scenario allowing for the Malthouse Set Workshop and Chunky Move Studio to relocate to the proposed tower in order to allow for the expansion of the adjoining The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art building.

<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/image101.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site in question. Image courtesy Urbis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image101.jpg?itok=Z_ku1TMn" title="The site in question. Image courtesy Urbis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site in question. Image courtesy Urbis</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current use: two storey commercial building over a 2884.6sqm site</li>
	<li>Proposed 42 level tower (including plant) at 134 metres in height</li>
	<li>341 apartments: studio, 1, 2, 3 and Penthouse dwellings</li>
	<li>226 car and 151 bicycle spaces within two basement levels</li>
	<li>Communal spaces over levels 12, 13 and 39</li>
	<li>2094sqm of retail/commercial adaptable space available</li>
	<li>Nominal project value: $98 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
Our consultation with our neighbours has encouraged us to consider the possibility of this building being a microcosm of inner city. This as a city building which coalesces many uses and elements into one entity as a viable development proposition.

The design response aims to cultivate site and place, to authentically enrich the experience of the social and urban realm. The architectural approach presents a deliberate and resolved series of site specific strategies for an ensemble of forms. The building is therefore experienced as an assemblage of elements and not as a monolith.

A composition of activities is created, forming defensive or protective spaces within the site both in response to the CityLink off ramp and freeway opposite, and the adjoining Malthouse theatre structures on the northern boundary. This is intended to offer a social and cultural dimension to its experience and underpin the making of place through dynamic, animated interaction.
<cite>Hayball: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Love thy neighbour</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/image1135s.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lower levels as envisaged from Sturt Street. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1135s.jpg?itok=EcjdXw6B" title="Lower levels as envisaged from Sturt Street. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lower levels as envisaged from Sturt Street. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>A laneway will frame the northern flank of the proposed tower, allowing for the “Melbourne experience” within Southbank. Event spaces, commercial and retail spaces, placemaking features and a bar café are expected, providing interest on a human scale.

An art space is expected to front Sturt Street while levels one and two of the intended building are designed as flexible commercial spaces; likely for the new Malthouse Set Workshop and Chunky Move Studio should the development team's intentions come to fruition.

<blockquote>
We seek to curate a large scale mixed use development that is both inclusive and diverse within Melbourne’s Arts Precinct providing a much needed richness and livability being a catalyst for an attractive destination and connected place to live emerge within Southbank.
<cite>Hayball: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>A nod to diverse housing types</h2>

The large range of apartment options included speaks of almost altruistic intentions on Hayball's behalf; far from the typical one and two bedroom options that define most apartment developments.

<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/image3135s.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Numerous levels feature studio, 1,2 and 3 bedroom dwellings. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="238" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3135s.jpg?itok=nnkqfrpT" title="Numerous levels feature studio, 1,2 and 3 bedroom dwellings. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Numerous levels feature studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom dwellings. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>Studio, 1 Bed 1 Bath, 1 Bed 1 Bath Flexi, 2 Bed 1 Bath, 2 Bed 2 Bath, 3 Bed 2 Bath and 3 Bed 3 Bath options are included with flexible floorplates allowing for 2 bedroom apartments to be expanded by way of subsuming the adjoining studio apartment if requested. Not only is there a diverse apartment mix, but the intended residential mix has been outlined.

Short term accommodation options for patrons or employees of the Arts Precinct are catered for as is a set percentage of affordable housing dwellings within the development. The array of apartment formats also speaks toward the intended mix of families, ageing, singles, and couples expected to call 135 Sturt Street home.

37 three bedroom apartments are included, which represents a disproportionately high 11% of dwellings, with this number capable of being expanded.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Hayball (lead entity)</li>
	<li>Architectural plans, elevations and sections: Hayball Architects</li>
	<li>Urban Context Report: Hayball Architects</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Wind Engineering Assessment: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: Simpson Kotzman</li>
	<li>Traffic: Traffix</li>
</ul>
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The best of intentions: 135 Sturt Street, Southbank

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At a point where City of Melbourne are grappling with <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/shapesouthbank">multiple projects</a> aimed toward beautifying Southbank, a current planning application at the behest of private Malaysian developer PJD Property intends to create a new park and surrounding open spaces far superior to anything currently found within postcode 3006.

Plans have been touched upon in recent months for 93-119 Kavanagh Street which many readers would currently identify as a sprawling open air car park adjoining CityLink that covers the best part of a city block or approximately 21,000sqm.

In addition to six intended high-rise towers for the site, project lead Cox Architecture and design partner Rush Wright Landscape Architects have added considerable green spaces into the project master plan. These spaces are expected to not only service the project which has been dubbed Kavanagh Park but also create a green space network throughout Southbank by linking with adjoining sites.

To the north of Kavanagh Park lies the Boyd Community Hub site which is due for a new high-rise residential tower and new public park while to the south lies ancillary green CityLink land.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image84_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The urban park as envisaged from Kavanagh Street. Image courtesy Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_2.jpg?itok=dEEgBtie" title="The urban park as envisaged from Kavanagh Street. Image courtesy Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The urban park as envisaged from Kavanagh Street. Image courtesy Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure>The Kavanagh Park master plan identifies the need to "plug widely observed gaps in the more localised existing provisions of open space, local services and amenities in Southbank." As a guide the development team have referenced the design brief for the adjoining Boyd site in order to gauge the size and functionality of open spaces included within the Kavanagh Park site.

In addition to the new park and greatly enhanced public realm network Cox Architecture have identified active podiums, laneways and liveable streets as key CBD attributes which they have incorporated into Kavanagh Park.

<h2>Kavanagh Park key landscape design principles</h2>

A landscape master plan has been devised as part of the proposed development, with key design approaches identified. They include:

<ul>
<li>Creation of a public landscape network - with generous pedestrian spaces - which keys into Kavanagh Street as a wide, green east west corridor within Southbank, linking local community infrastructure.</li>
	<li>Landscape character - a blend of “civic with some neighbourhood eccentricity (not corporate)" to make permanent public amenity at ground level and landscape levels over structure.</li>
	<li>Use of natural durable materials, detailing, lighting and inbuilt furniture which ages gracefully.</li>
	<li>Installation of large canopy trees and water - signature elements for intimate scale pocket parks and a new city park space.</li>
	<li>Landscape design for flexibility of use and diversity of residents - families, community events, BBQs.</li>
	<li>Establishment of urban forest canopy - equivalence between podium and tree scale - and botanic diversity supporting different ecological values.</li>
	<li>Public spaces which are safe, well lit, activated with a diversity of building programme with passive surveillance 24/7.</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/image58_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An overview of the precinct. Image courtesy Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image58_1.jpg?itok=fWVQM-s5" title="An overview of the precinct. Image courtesy Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An overview of the precinct. Image courtesy Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The most recent demographic data on Southbank’s population, received from City of Melbourne provides a picture of the makeup of households in the Southbank area. This research has informed our approach to an open space brief for the site, the potential residential and employment makeup and the different groups who may use the public spaces.

This data shows there is a need to balance the mix of open space offered within the Southbank precinct and across neighbouring park developments. The landscape design should focus on the role of open space for “backyard” functions in an area with 94% of dwellings being apartments.
<cite>Kavanagh Park master plan</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Parkland first to arrive</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/image64_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The main park will be delivered immediately. Image courtesy Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image64_4.jpg?itok=PK_7d6d9" title="The main park will be delivered immediately. Image courtesy Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The main park will be delivered immediately. Image courtesy Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure>While the overall project is expected to be rolled out over six stages and possibly see additional parties join PJD Property in developing the substantial towers, the public park will be delivered immediately upon the master plan receiving approval according to planning documents.

Stage One will see the main park fronting Kavanagh Street, a supermarket, food hall, further retail, child care centre and gym delivered. According to the master plan creating the park and associated community facilities "upfront is a rare and positive outcome for the Southbank community as it fills the currently recognised gaps in services and activity for current residents."
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Southbank set to gain a new park

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Make no bones about it, Cremorne-based DealCorp are back in the high-rise game after a hiatus of sorts in which the developer has pursued low and medium-rise residential projects over a number of suburbs. At the point of their efforts is an intended development within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct that is set to distinguish itself from the pack.

Plus Architecture are responsible for the design which sees the exterior of the 25 level edifice employ a spinal-inspired finish to the tower which is slated to hold 141 apartments and eight office studios.

42-48 Claremont Street also continues the trend in recent times which has seen a string of increasingly taller apartment developments flood into the remaining development plots within Forrest Hill Precinct.

<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/image23_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne High School's perspective of the development. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="412" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23_3.jpg?itok=willlUWx" title="Melbourne High School's perspective of the development. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne High School's perspective of the development. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure><h2>Application summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Currently onsite: two level commercial building over 949sqm site.</li>
	<li>Proposed 25 level tower at 80.8 metres.</li>
	<li>141 dwellings: 26 x studio, 26 x 1BR, 85 x 2BR, 4 x 3BR.</li>
	<li>Eight office studios between 61sqm and 94sqm.</li>
	<li>263sqm communal facilities including pool and gym.</li>
	<li>Basement provisions for 100 vehicles and 123 bicycles.</li>
	<li>Landscaped forecourt to Claremont Street.</li>
	<li>Development includes $1.5 million contribution to Public Transport Victoria for South Yarra Station upgrades.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
Claremont Street is a modern built form environment with similar design elements, we set out to find a design solution which provided a unique experience. To produce a standout design and some variation in the Claremont Street skyline we looked to express verticality in the design.

The facade articulation responds to the massing of the building being 'rib' like and a need for screening between apartments. With a 'rib' shape massing the articluation becomes the twisting spine up the building that responds to the internal planning.
<cite>Plus Architecture, town planning submission</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/image46_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Further perspectives created by Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="312" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_2.jpg?itok=EmIm-ul6" title="Further perspectives created by Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Further perspectives created by Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>With Stonnington Council's request for further information, revised plans were submitted during September with most visible changes relating to the podium and how it interacts with the street.

<h2>Forrest Hill mushrooms</h2>

DealCorp have initiated the development of 42-48 Claremont Street at a time where development sites within the precinct are becoming increasingly rare. Coupled with the recent approval of <a href="/buildings/capitol-grand-241-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a>, current proposals seeking approval are pushing further skyward.

<a href="/new-apartments/671-chapel-street-south-yarra">671 Chapel Street</a> is seeking 102 metres while Fridcorp's 627 Chapel Street looks likely to rival its neighbour Capitol Grand with a tower in the vicinity of 160 metres.

42-48 Claremont Street shapes to be the second tallest development along Claremont Street with a fellow residential tower also at planning likely to hold that title. <a href="/buildings/yarra-one-16-22-claremont-street-south-yarra">16-22 Claremont Street</a>'s development team have sought approval for a 98.5 metre Fender Katsalidis-designed tower; coupled with the above developments Forrest Hill will further emerge as a substantial skyline in its own right.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Dealcorp (Claremont Co. Pty Ltd)</li>
	<li>Architect: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Planning: SJB Planning</li>
	<li>Wind: Mel Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Sustainability: Ark Resources</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape: Mark Jacques</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

DealCorp's spinalscraper: 42-48 Claremont Street, South Yarra

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A groundbreaking ceremony yesterday officially kicked off proceedings for works on <a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> which will in time become the tallest building within the CBD. Developer <a href="/developers/uem-sunrise">UEM Sunrise's</a> CEO and COO Commercial were in attendance, as were representatives from the project's architects <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a>, head contractor <a href="/builders/probuild">Probuild</a> and project manager PDS Group.

Hosted on level 5 of the soon to be demolished car park structure onsite, the event celebrated construction officially commencing on the 92 level tower with an associated upgrade to Melbourne Central train station attached.

The near sold out project will also rejuvenate the laneway running between La Trobe Street and Little La Trobe Street, with new retail spaces on the cards. A new station entrance will link Little La Trobe Street with Melbourne Central train station which is expected to see movements through the station grow to 21.5 million per annum by 2031 according to Public Transport Victoria.

<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/group_photo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The official turning of the first sod, albeit in a car park"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/group_photo.jpg?itok=VOslly1s" title="The official turning of the first sod, albeit in a car park" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The official turning of the first sod, albeit in the car park</figcaption></figure><h2>UEM Sunrise delighted with their flagship project</h2>

<blockquote>
Today marks an important milestone for us as we are here to celebrate the official ground breaking for Aurora Melbourne Central. From the beginning our intention has always been to develop a premium project for Melbourne that will certainly make a statement.

As our flagship development in Melbourne we believe it will create a new focal point for the Central Business District with enhanced access and connectivity to Melbourne Central Station from La Trobe Street with new escalators and lifts creating a new direct underground connection.

We’re proud to have sold 941 apartments with 95% sales achieved worldwide within two months, making it our most successful development yet.
<cite>Anwar Syarhin Abdul Ajib, CEO and Managing Director, UEM Sunrise</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_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora's latest rendering depicting the giant tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="521" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_3.jpg?itok=YL6ePOPT" title="Aurora's latest rendering depicting the giant tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora's latest rendering depicting the giant tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>Callum Fraser on Aurora's design</h2>

<blockquote>
1000 apartments that sit atop a train station represents a good model for high density urban development.

The tower’s design is based on the national flower of Malaysia – the hibiscus with the tower unfolding from the hibiscus’s organic form, imbuing and celebrating a cultural understanding in a design that is unashamedly modern. The curved geometry responds to its context by opening up views of the city and its stepped form creates a unique silhouette on Melbourne’s skyline.

The project seeks to activate and invigorate the north of the CBD, adding to its urban fabric and taking advantage of proximity to RMIT, the markets and the ability to connect directly to Melbourne Central as a shopping and transport hub. It wasn’t so long ago that the CBD used to stop at La Trobe Street.
<cite>Callum Fraser, Director, Elenberg Fraser</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Probuild: from the subway to the sky</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/21930478040_f50e06be90_b.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Onsite demolition works are underway. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/21930478040_f50e06be90_b.jpg?itok=-OqT4PZJ" title="Onsite demolition works are underway. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Onsite demolition works are underway. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Probuild’s Group Managing Director Simon Gray was on hand, providing an overview of the pre-planning required to bring Aurora Melbourne Central to fruition. Months of detailed analysis and planning were required to merely arrive at this point given the complexities involved with building the tallest and most significant development within the CBD.

During Aurora Melbourne Central's 48 month construction program thousands workers will be employed on the project, with 500 on site during its peak. 3,600 concrete trucks will filter through the site over life of the build, while 20 lifts and a 1,487 step stair well will service the building upon completion.

The largest apartment tower build undertaken by Probuild to date, Aurora’s shape presents a “unique challenge.” Designed to sway up to 500mm in gusty conditions, the exterior will also feature 2.1 kilometres of coloured LED lighting.

Probuild will deliver the tower over stages; the first of which is due toward the end of 2017, with full completion expected in the third quarter of 2019.
</body></html>

The CBD's tallest building officially begins construction

<html><body>
City of Melbourne is seeking public input for a newly launched program that will see a variety of CBD laneways receive a green touch. The Green Your Laneway pilot program will redress some of the two hundred plus lanes in the central city which combined total an area of almost nine hectares.

Initially involving up to four laneways, the regeneration will see a distinctly green touch applied via the use of planter boxes, vertical gardens, climbing plants and trees.

<blockquote>
In a world first, we’ve developed online maps showing the potential to green our city’s laneways. You can use the online map to nominate which laneway in the city you would like to see improved with greenery. There are over 200 lanes in our central city but only a small number of these lanes have greenery.

This is about making Melbourne’s famous laneways more appealing, green and sustainable places. From growing vertical gardens, to planting trees and creating pocket parks, our laneways have enormous potential to become our city’s backyards.

We've got a target to cool the city’s summertime temperatures by 4c through our award winning Urban Forest Strategy and this is yet another step to green the city. By greening our laneways we can create cooler microclimates, capture stormwater and continue to combat the urban heat island effect. It’s good for the environment, good for the look of our city and great for people.
<cite>Cr Arron Wood, Chair of the City of Melbourne’s environment portfolio</cite>
</blockquote>

The online map shows which laneways are most suitable for greening, and is based upon factors such as sunlight and wind exposure. Post the public consultation period a panel of engineers, sustainability professionals, landscape architects and place makers will decide which laneways are to be chosen for the initial regeneration.

<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/com_service_prod-9372390-v1-laneway_greening_melbourne.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne City Council's take on a new green CBD laneway"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="283" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/com_service_prod-9372390-v1-laneway_greening_melbourne.jpg?itok=sDR_vzT3" title="Melbourne City Council's take on a new green CBD laneway" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne City Council's take on a new green CBD laneway</figcaption></figure>Benefits for the scheme as outlined by Melbourne City Council include:

<ul>
<li>Improving biodiversity levels in the central city.</li>
	<li>Provision of more green public open spaces in the central city.</li>
	<li>Reducing noise levels in the city.</li>
	<li>Reinvigorating laneways from waste areas to useable public spaces.</li>
	<li>Insulating buildings from heat and cold, reducing energy expenditure and carbon emissions.</li>
	<li>Reducing the <a href="/news/urban-heat-island-effect-whats-that">urban heat island effect</a> through shading and cooling.</li>
	<li>Reducing vandalism and antisocial behaviour.</li>
	<li>Increasing surrounding property values.</li>
</ul>
Visit Participate Melbourne's <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/greenlaneways">Green Your Laneway</a> page to get involved.
</body></html>

Get your green on for a new CBD laneway experience

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A meteoric year for Capital Alliance Investment Group's founder and Managing Director Mohan Du has been capped with the developer receiving the Australian Property Institute’s ‘Young Achiever of the Year’ award for Victoria.

At only 28 years old, Mohan Du has presided over the firm which has seen the delivery of its first major development, M Docklands. With final touches being applied to the mixed-use tower, its imminent opening will usher in Docklands' first five star hotel under the Peppers brand with the hotel's first completed suite <a href="/news/docklands-receives-a-double-shot-in-the-arm">revealed during August</a>.

With the award, Australian Property Institute acknowledged the enormous responsibility placed upon Mohan Du's shoulders, and the subsequent success enjoyed by the firm. Having being established during 2012, Capital Alliance Investment Group now holds a 7-year pipeline of Melbourne projects valued at approximately $1.2 billion.

<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/mohan_du_young_achiever_of_the_year.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mohan Du with ASPT CEO Daryl Browning upon receiving the award"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mohan_du_young_achiever_of_the_year.jpg?itok=3y92RY9D" title="Mohan Du with ASPT CEO Daryl Browning upon receiving the award" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mohan Du with ASPT CEO Daryl Browning upon receiving the award</figcaption></figure><h2>On receiving the award</h2>

<blockquote>
Winning this award puts the icing on the cake on what has been a very enjoyable and successful year for Capital Alliance. As a passionate Melburnian, my vision is to turn the world’s most liveable city into an international beacon for beautifully designed, innovative, supremely liveable and workable landmarks.

Whilst it’s a great honour to win this prestigious award, the thing I’ve been most proud of so far in my career is creating jobs, investments and lifestyle changes in my home city, and I will continue to do just that.
<cite>Mohan Du, founder and managing director of Capital Alliance Investment Group</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image3ca.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A sight set to become all the more familiar. Image courtesy CAIG"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="374" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3ca.jpg?itok=qmUzHE_q" title="A sight set to become all the more familiar. Image courtesy CAIG" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A sight set to become all the more familiar. Image courtesy CAIG</figcaption></figure><h2>Creating recognisable buildings</h2>

With M Docklands all but complete Capital Alliance Investment Group's focus will shift to multiple upcoming projects. Kings Domain Apartments on Dorcas Street Southbank looms as the next project set for construction, with the SJB Architects-designed tower looking to add to an already popular apartment sub precinct within the suburb.

115-129 King Street Melbourne has also been acquired with settlement for the likely development site due in March 2016.

It is Docklands through where the bulk of Capital Alliance Investment Group development will occur in the medium term. Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/dko-and-designing-docklands">previously highlighted</a> their pending mixed-use tower located at 3-43 Waterfront Way, with 188 hotel suites and 287 traditional apartments within the 37 level, DKO Architecture-designed building.

<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/image2dko.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A first look at 26-38 Pearl River Road. Image courtesy DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2dko.jpg?itok=-Ri87Th1" title="A first look at 26-38 Pearl River Road. Image courtesy DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A first look at 26-38 Pearl River Road. Image courtesy DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>Also the work of DKO Architecture, 26-38 Pearl River Road is subject to a development application with two towers set above ground floor retail space. The northern 29 level tower stands at 92 metres in height, with a smaller 19 level tower in tow.

In total 408 dwellings are included within the development, comprising 141 x one bedroom, 266 x two bedroom and 1 x three bedroom apartments. A gym, communal dining/lounge, cinema, landscaped deck and swimming pool are included as are allowances for 186 resident car spaces and 127 bicycle spaces.

Both 26-38 Pearl River Road and 3-43 Waterfront Way entered planning simultaneously mid year after the sites were purchased from Ashe Morgan by Capital Alliance Investment Group.
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Capital Alliance Investment Group goes from strength to strength

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Since the inception of the Apartments.com.au crane count, the number of tower cranes has never failed to decrease on a period to period basis.

This remains the case once more, with the second and final count of 2015 revealing a record number of tower cranes dotted throughout metropolitan Melbourne. At our best assertion, the current number stands at 144. This compares to an October 2014 count of 110 and a <a href="/news/the-biannual-urbancomau-crane-count-march-2015">March 2015 figure of 131</a>.

The continual movement of the figure upwards points toward the exceptionally strong residential sector, which accounts for a massive 81% of all tower cranes currently in use.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%">
<thead><tr>
<th>Sector</th>
			<th>Tower cranes</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Residential</td>
			<td>117</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commercial</td>
			<td>17</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Education / student housing</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hotel use</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Demolition use</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Health and medical research</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Retail</td>
			<td>4</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total</td>
			<td>144</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>South east in form</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/img_7553.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Chadstone stands as a highly visible project under construction"><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_7553.jpg?itok=-SN_aVgi" title="Chadstone stands as a highly visible project under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Chadstone stands as a highly visible project under construction</figcaption></figure>Traditionally an area which has lagged behind more established construction hot spots, Melbourne's south eastern suburbs have come into their own in recent months, with 17 tower cranes in use over and area bound by Malvern East to Dandenong, and all the bayside suburbs found in between.

Underpinned by larger projects such as Chadstone and Caulfield Heath, the remaining tower cranes are employed on an increasing number of projects in suburbs where apartment living has began to flourish. Oakleigh for example has not been without a tower crane for two years, as one completed high density residential project is replaced by another under construction.

Projects which have recently received tower cranes in the south east include Holmes Hill, Caulfield Heath, Drummond Rise, Gascoigne and Monash University Clayton with all bar the latter residential projects.

<h2>All bar one</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/img_7042.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Marco Melbourne looking less precarious than in recent times"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7042.jpg?itok=0ckpIrno" title="Marco Melbourne looking less precarious than in recent times" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Marco Melbourne now looks less precarious than in recent times</figcaption></figure>The count is of course minus one unit, owing to the removal of the General Cranes machine which <a href="/news/inside-marco-melbournes-tower-crane-collapse">suffered a malfunction</a> in August.

Over two months later, the remnants of both the tower crane and the crushed Lubeca jump form have been removed, with the exposed concrete lift well of the stalled western tower now set for a new jump form to be applied. Where the replacement tower crane will stand remains to be seen.

<h2>Future prediction</h2>

What can be said for the crane count heading into 2016? Aside from 80 Collins Street and the Rialto Towers Forecourt project, relatively few commercial projects are set for tower cranes over the next six months. The same can be said for health and retail uses as large-scale projects such as Monash Childrens Hospital, Chadstone and Eastland no longer requiring the use of tower cranes.

While residential projects will continue to absorb the majority of units, we predict the overall tower crane count employed throughout Melbourne over the next six months will remain steady or dip slightly.
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A new record: Urban.com.au's October 2015 crane count

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

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

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

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

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

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

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

Mark Baljak

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