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A relatively unknown developer is in the process of asserting itself on the Melbourne property landscape with Orion International Group (OIG) accumulating a handful of substantial apartment development sites. Unlike the majority of Asian-affiliated property developers who have sought to secure inner-city development plots for large to ultra projects, OIG has gathered substantially sized middle and outer suburban sites.

OIG's current projects listed within the Apartments.com.au project database have the ability to yield in excess of 400 new dwellings, with this number likely to exceed 1,000 suburban dwellings based upon forthcoming projects. This may prove to be a wise move with many pundits predicting Melbourne's inner-city apartment market will reach saturation point in the period ahead.

Headed by Director Sean (Shujun) Li whose property development background flows to both Australia and China, OIG now holds key development sites in suburbs such as Mont Albert, Ringwood, Frankston and Maribyrnong. A recent acquisition saw <a href="/buildings/residence-east-692-whitehorse-road-mont-albert">692 Whitehorse Road</a> added to the portfolio, with scope for an approved 56 dwellings onsite.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image16oi.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Maribyrnong is set to gain hundreds of dwellings. Images courtesy Orion International Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="182" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16oi.jpg?itok=5CTu5wZf" title="Maribyrnong is set to gain hundreds of dwellings. Images courtesy Orion International Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Maribyrnong is set to gain hundreds of dwellings. Images courtesy Orion International Group</figcaption></figure>Maribyrnong has become a focal point for OIG with dual projects on the radar. 2 Wests Road has been christened <a href="/buildings/summus-2-wests-road-maribyrnong">Summus</a>, with local registrations of interest open in addition to the project appearing on a number of Asian-based sales portals.

In its approved guise 2 Wests Road was to have contained 192 dwellings over three buildings in a staged development encompassing a corner 3,871sqm site, although the Doig Architecture-designed project has been revised (at least externally) since OIG purchased the site earlier in the year.

265 Gordon Street on the other hand shapes as a longer term development prospect. Situated next to Edgewater Estate which is itself witnessing the construction of multiple high-density apartment projects, 265 Gordon Street's sheer size suggests that any development of the site will be rolled out over a number of years and contain in part high-density living options.

<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/image23ring.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="8-10 Bourke Street Ringwood. Image courtesy Eliana Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="275" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23ring.jpg?itok=W_0to1PX" title="8-10 Bourke Street Ringwood. Image courtesy Eliana Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>8-10 Bourke Street Ringwood. Image courtesy Eliana Group</figcaption></figure>Also appearing on OIG's website is <a href="/buildings/8bourke-8-bourke-street-ringwood">8-10 Bourke Street, Ringwood</a>. Currently at planning with Maroondah City Council, the three building development finds itself in an area west of Ringwood Street that is already popular with apartment developers.

Covering 8-10 Bourke Street and 1-7 Nelson Street, the application calls for a staged development with buildings of up to six levels. 119 apartments fronting Nelson Street are expected within the first stage with a further 52 apartments holding a Bourke Street address to follow.

Signifying Ringwood's growing stature as an apartment hot spot, OIG also secured 28-30 Maroondah Highway Ringwood with the prominently positioned 9,428sqm site offered for sale during 2014. Dubbed 'Gate of Ringwood' and with near on 70 metres frontage to Ringwood's premier thoroughfare, the site is likely to take three buildings with heights up to 13 levels an depicted below.

<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/image20oi.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Gate of Ringwood. Images courtesy Orion International Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20oi.jpg?itok=otl_ojcM" title="Artist's impression of Gate of Ringwood. Images courtesy Orion International Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Gate of Ringwood. Images courtesy Orion International Group</figcaption></figure>424-426 Nepean Highway, Frankston is also inline for eventual development with the 2,678sqm site in OIG's control. Currently known as Brockwood House the double storey commercial building holds three street frontages and is likely to be redeveloped into high-rise apartments in line with a number of other proposals for the bayside suburb.
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Orion International Group set for a suburban apartment blitz

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The first steps have been taken in order to facilitate one of Melbourne's largest apartment developments. Guangzhou-based real estate giant R&amp;F Properties has initiated a permit application for the redevelopment of the Kinnears Footscray site (via their Australian subsidiary R &amp; F Estate Pty Ltd), with the intent of delivering multiple apartment towers.

Lodged during September, 124-188 Ballarat Road Footscray seeks both limited demolition and adaptation of existing heritage buildings spread over the site, with the earliest structures identified as dating back to 1909.

R&amp;F Properties purchased Kinnears Footscray last year for $60 million after fellow developer AXF Group chose to move the asset on. This follows a 2012 Maribyrnong City Council and Ministerial planning scheme amendment for the site, which essentially paved the way for a residential and mixed-use development of up to 1400 dwellings.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image7kinn.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Staging for the Kinnears redevelopment. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="374" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7kinn.jpg?itok=knuEbk3V" title="Staging for the Kinnears redevelopment. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Staging for the Kinnears redevelopment. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>While all new builds onsite will be subject to building specific future planning applications, the current request if approved in its current form will essentially act as a masterplan by way of determining what can and cannot be demolished. Heritage consultancy Lovell Chen prepared a heritage impact statement as part of the submission, with excerpts below:

<blockquote>
The Kinnears Ropeworks site is included on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) and is designated as a heritage place (H2067). The complex is of historical, social, scientific (technological) and architectural significance to the state of Victoria and is a landmark in the local area and Melbourne’s western suburbs.

The current project proposes substantial development and urban renewal on the registered site.

From a heritage perspective, key actions include the retention, conservation and adaptation of a substantial complex of heritage buildings (the heritage core); and the retention of the distinct heritage street wall facades on Ballarat Road and Farnsworth Street and their incorporation into new build and the reinforcement of key internal laneways within the site.

Other buildings are proposed to be demolished and large areas of the site are to be redeveloped for residential use with some associated retail and community facilities.
<cite>Lovell Chen: Heritage impact statement</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/image12kinn.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concept image as seen from Ballarat Road. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12kinn.jpg?itok=cEiRQbCc" title="Concept image as seen from Ballarat Road. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concept image as seen from Ballarat Road. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Elenberg Fraser have been engaged by the developer and provided preliminary design input and imagery as part of the submission. The site staging plan calls for four development stages, each including the refurbishment of heritage buildings alongside the delivery of new residential buildings.

At least eight residential buildings are expected over the Kinnears site, ranging in height from five levels through to 18 levels with all new buildings set back from existing heritage facades. Tract Consultants have devised a preliminary landscape plan for the precinct which includes new access roads and a number of laneways and plazas, including the George Kinnear Plaza named after the founder of the business.

Owing to the size of the overall site, the intended development is expected to take over five years to deliver.

<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/image20knn.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Old and new structures as envisaged by Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="232" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20knn.jpg?itok=LPOYfnEN" title="Old and new structures as envisaged by Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Old and new structures as envisaged by Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>
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R&F Properties advance plans for Kinnears Footscray redevelopment

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Brisbane-based asset manager Blue Sky is behind a proposed tower that would see near on 800 additional student beds added to the Melbourne sector. Lodged with DELWP only last week, the proposal calls for a 47 level bronze tower, replacing dual historic buildings onsite in the process.

Both existing structures are not subject to heritage controls and are slated for demolition.

Blue Sky's expected entry into the Melbourne student housing market comes at a time when a host of other developers are looking to supply <a href="/news/an-overview-of-melbournes-student-accommodation-projects">thousands of additional beds</a> to cater for strong demand. Scape Student Living alone is looking to deliver in excess of 2,000 student beds nearby on the intersection of La Trobe and Swanston.

<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/image187_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered perspective of 42-50 La Trobe Street. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="864" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image187_1.jpg?itok=p3pI5XX5" title="Rendered perspective of 42-50 La Trobe Street. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered perspective of 42-50 La Trobe Street. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged: October 2015</li>
	<li>Site area: 1,321sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 47 level tower @ approximately 150 metres</li>
	<li>Plot ratio of 1:20</li>
	<li>Total student beds: 793</li>
	<li>65% Studio, 13% 2 bed shared, 22% 5 bed cluster rooms</li>
	<li>0 car parks and 159 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>1,004sqm internal communal space</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 26,700sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>A snake skin exterior</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/image189_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Facade study as prepared by Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="124" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image189_0.jpg?itok=iv1oTdrr" title="Facade study as prepared by Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Facade study as prepared by Hayball</figcaption></figure>42-50 La Trobe Street is set to be clad in bronze metallic modules which overlap, creating an exterior that architects Hayball believe mimics that of a snake skin. The offset panels when viewed in totality will appear to change, with Hayball describing the result as a "subtle shimmer in contrast to the flush, silver-green glazed facade of Trillium" which is currently under construction and abuts the subject site.

At 47 levels the tower ranks as the tallest proposal in this pocket of the CBD, with only the existing 56 levels of Abode 318 taller. Directly opposite 42-50 La Trobe Street, Melbourne developer VIMG recently gained approval via VCAT for a 44 level residential tower at 141 La Trobe Street,.

<h2>A new public lane</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/image193_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The through link from La Trobe Street to Bell Place. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image193_1.jpg?itok=Nh1y1EHE" title="The through link from La Trobe Street to Bell Place. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The through link from La Trobe Street to Bell Place. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The proposal outlined within this report is intended to create an invitation to occupy. The ground plane will be a verdant, attractive and high quality landscape for the amenity of the users of the city.

The project creates a transition between La Trobe Street and Mackenzie Street by providing a fine grain lane space. The invitation to enter the lane and to linger is provided by a richly textured timber wall. The wall allows intriguing crevices for the purpose of seating, planting, lighting and exhibition.

The contrast between existing blue stone paving and the proposed natural timber and planting creates an ambient glow and feeling of intimacy within the bustling city environment.
<cite>Haybal: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Communal spaces to the fore</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/image191.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images of the communal spaces within the proposed development. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="178" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image191.jpg?itok=KWgnFIdY" title="Images of the communal spaces within the proposed development. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images of the communal spaces within the proposed development. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>42-50 La Trobe Street is flush with communal areas, all of which hold prominent positions within the proposal. In addition to the quintessential ‘Melbourne Laneway’ public space incorporated into the project, further communal areas are located at levels 1, 12-13, 36-37 and at the roof line.

Level 1 provides a reading room perched above the laneway in additional to a communal kitchen and function area. The double height void of levels 12 and 13 sees an informal area with lounges, cinema and videogame spaces in addition to an external terrace.

Level 36 and 37 are considered as a collaborative space, encapsulating hot-desks, break-out spaces and study coves while the roof level provides students with indoor/outdoor facilities for exercise and socialising.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: La Trobe Street Property Trust (Blue Sky Funds)</li>
	<li>Architect: Hayball</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic and Transport: TTM Consulting PTY LTD</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind and Acoustic: Vipac</li>
	<li>ESD and Building Services: Simpson Kotzman</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: McVeigh</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Mckenzie Group</li>
	<li>Landscape: Oculus</li>
	<li>Facade Engineer: Inhabit</li>
</ul>
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Blue Sky's ambitious student accommodation project: 42-50 La Trobe Street

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Werribee and surrounds have been in the news of late, principally due to increased public interest surrounding the pending announcement of the successful consortium that will take on East Werribee as one of the nation's largest urban development projects. East Werribee aside, there's no shortage of additional projects both present and future that are set to reinvigorate Wyndham.

In addition to key infrastructure projects such as the Sneydes Road interchange, medical and retail projects feature prominently. The increase in higher-density dwellings also looms large within Wyndham, as the number of apartment projects continues to mushroom.

Below is an overview of the most significant projects currently within Wyndham.

<h2>Wyndham Harbour</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/image153.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wyndham Harbour is making progress, with Lighthouse set to commence"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image153.jpg?itok=ScOyiUCN" title="Wyndham Harbour is making progress, with Lighthouse set to commence" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wyndham Harbour is making progress, with Lighthouse (above right) set to commence</figcaption></figure>A number of key elements of the Wyndham Harbour development have changed since Apartments.com.au first <a href="/expert-insights/buying/wyndham-harbour-a-precursor-to-how-the-west-might-be-won">covered the project during 2013</a>. While the harbour/breakwater is still under construction, an expected ferry service via Point Cook to Melbourne which would have bolstered the precinct has not eventuated.

Furthermore little has been said about the intended rezoning of land adjacent to the precinct which proponents at the time suggested would make way for three ten level apartment buildings. Regardless the $440 million marina development continues and with Wyndham Harbour Pty Ltd working on delivering the development since 2004, the marina is finally set to open during Summer 2016.

Wyndham Harbour's second major apartment development, Lighthouse Apartments, is expected begin construction prior to the year's end with the SJB Architects-designed complex set to add a further 137 dwellings to the area.

<h2>East Werribee</h2>

Metropolitan Planning Authority's <a href="http://www.mpa.vic.gov.au/east_werribee">East Werribee Employment Precinct</a> shapes as the project of distinction in Melbourne's outer west. 775 hectares of largely greenfield land is being released by the State Government for the purposes of a mixed-use city. Expected within the development is 142 hectares dedicated toward retail/office/apartments and industrial uses, 135 hectares solely toward residential development and 123 hectares of open space.

Designated a 20-minute city, East Werribee shapes as a development which will draw surrounding residents in rather than require they commute to Melbourne's CBD for instance.

<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/image152_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australian Education City's impression of Werribee East"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="197" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image152_0.jpg?itok=mWBTQkKK" title="Australian Education City's impression of Werribee East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Australian Education City's impression of East Werribee</figcaption></figure>East Werribee has been earmarked as the largest development to take place in greater Melbourne and with the successful bidder due to be announced, the <a href="http://australianeducationcity.com/">Australian Education City</a> (AEC) consortium has been the highest profile group to make a play for the new city. Touted as the boldest development scenario for the sprawling site, AEC if successful are likely to include a host of skyscrapers if their perspective images are anything to go by.

<h2>Werribee projects on the go</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/image175.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Werribee projects, both under construction and envisaged"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="774" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image175.jpg?itok=JCb21xhX" title="Werribee projects, both under construction and envisaged" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Werribee projects, both under construction and envisaged</figcaption></figure>St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee shapes as the most significant project on the cusp of construction. Valued at approximately $100 million, the new facility will be located within the East Werribee precinct.

Expected to be completed during late 2017, the hospital will feature a 112-bed private hospital, six operating theatres and a day procedure unit among a host of other uses. A new 80-resident aged care facility will be built alongside the hospital which is in addition to a new $20 million, four level Baptcare aged care facility which is being built by Devco in central Werribee.

Elsewhere and Probuild continue works on Werribee Plaza. Now titled Pacific Werribee, the 140,000sqm expansion is midway through what will eventually become a $370 million redevelopment.

Also under construction is 116 Watton, an apartment complex which has been touted as "A catalyst project in Wyndham City Council’s new urban development plans for the main street of Werribee." With 116 Watton under construction, the incursion of higher density projects within Werribee proper is set to increase.

A number of mid-rise developments are in the offing with commercial and residential projects of up to seven levels in the pipeline.
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An overview of Wyndham's grand development plans

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Is Melbourne a boom city? Indeed, but this was also the case during 2005, when the CBD and surrounds well and truly shrugged of the doldrums of the late 1990s with a rash of high-profile projects under construction.

The CBD saw an influx of new commercial space while Southbank capably led by Eureka Tower came into its own for the first time. While dozens of notable residential and commercial builds were underway, important civic projects such as the MCG's Great Northern Stand and the rebirth of Spencer Street Station also aided in giving the Melbourne a renewed vigour.

Here is an overview of what was being built in Melbourne a decade ago.

<h2>Commercial in from the cold</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/image146_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The commercial sector was at its peak during 2005"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="434" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image146_0.jpg?itok=dUJeffkq" title="The commercial sector was at its peak during 2005" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The commercial sector was at its peak during 2005</figcaption></figure>Following years of inactivity, the commercial sector finally roared back into life with a string of prestigious projects with premium anchor tenants to boot. 2005 delivered 11 Exhibition Street, PwC Australia at 2 Southbank Boulevard and the RACV Centre on Bourke Street.

In the CBD's eastern end Council House 2, Urban Workshop, Southern Cross Tower 1 and 8 Exhibition Street were midway through construction in a surge of commercial activity that has not been matched since. All in all beyond 300,000sqm of commercial space was under construction during 2005, as compared to today where major commercial builds are confined to Collins Quarter in Docklands and PwC Australia's new home at 2 Riverside Quay.

<h2>Residential living on the rise</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/image148.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Eureka, Freshwater Place, Victoria Point and Yve"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image148.jpg?itok=DtcV0c2z" title="Eureka, Freshwater Place, Victoria Point and Yve" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Eureka, Freshwater Place, Victoria Point and Yve</figcaption></figure>The list of residential towers under construction during 2005 was immense; the sheer number of residential projects truly cemented apartment living as a viable alternative to 'The Australian Dream' in Melbourne for the first time. Docklands and Southbank accounted for many residential projects, with the CBD's time in the sun some years away from fruition.

Premium projects that are considered landmarks today which were under construction during 2005 included Eureka Tower, its neighbour Feshwater Place and Yve on St Kilda Road; the latter would later win the Victorian Architecture Medal at the 2006 Royal Institute of Architects awards.

A notable mention also goes to Royal Domain Tower which not only became (and remains) St Kilda Road's tallest addition during 2005, but also remains one of the city's most exclusive apartment projects.

<h2>Tertiary projects</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/image144.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brookes Gillsepie House, Monash Caulfield and Swinburne's Hawthorn expansion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image144.jpg?itok=ZYq3Wotw" title="Brookes Gillsepie House, Monash Caulfield and Swinburne's Hawthorn expansion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brookes Gillsepie House, Monash Caulfield and Swinburne's Hawthorn expansion</figcaption></figure>Four notable projects were on the go over the course of 2005. Brookes Gillespie House and Melbourne University's Eastern Precinct created hundreds of new student apartments in Carlton, although the quality of architecture for both was more than debatable.

Swinburne created dual buildings, aptly named x_change @ Swinburne which would be precursors to multiple new builds at the Hawthorn campus in the proceeding years to come. Monash University's Caulfield campus also delivered two new builds during 2005, considered the first buildings within the 'Western Precinct' that has seen many proposals since, but little construction thereafter.

<h2>Ancillary builds</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/image147.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MCG, health projects and Southern Cross Station"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image147.jpg?itok=cQxDaT79" title="MCG, health projects and Southern Cross Station" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MCG, health projects and Southern Cross Station</figcaption></figure>Some other memorable projects are approaching their tenth anniversary. Southern Cross Station and the MCG's Northern Stand are the most recognisable; construction of both projects was stretched over a number of years in order to keep both facilities operating during their builds.

Lesser heralded medical projects also features during 2005 with the massive Austin and Mercy Hospital in Heidelberg reaching completion under the guidance of then contractor Baulderstone Hornibrook. Closer to the CBD and Baulderstone Hornibrook also undertook construction of The Alfred Centre, with initial works commencing during 2005.

In years to come the famed Baulderstone Hornibrook name would disappear, yet their legacy remains as do the many builds of 2005, which in many ways are the precursor to the boom times in construction that Melbourne enjoys today.
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Melbourne under construction in 2005

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Vastly experienced Singaporean developer Tong Eng Group is seeking approval for a multi-coloured high-rise residential tower in the CBD's burgeoning north end. Operating for in excess of 50 years, the firm has selected 111-125 A’Beckett Street as their first project on Australian shores.

Purchased during early 2015, the 1,725sqm site in question is subject to a 65 level residential planning application which would retain the facade of the current heritage building onsite. Designed by Elenberg Fraser, 111-125 A’Beckett Street is set to be defined by its bow-tie shape and multi-coloured exterior.

The Melbourne site also marks Tong Eng Group's first venture abroad, with the developer also citing Sydney as a likely point of expansion.

<h2>111-125 A’Beckett Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image132_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="716" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image132_0.jpg?itok=-NRYfrrN" title="Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged: June 2015</li>
	<li>Current site use: City Triumph Motorcycles within the Commonwealth Motors building</li>
	<li>Proposed 65 level tower at 210 metres (226.38m AHD)</li>
	<li>632 apartments: 252 x 1BR, 378 x 2BR, 2 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Five retail tenancies: 1,351sqm of space available over three levels</li>
	<li>130 car parking spaces and 310 bike parking spaces above ground</li>
	<li>1,940sqm of residential amenities over levels 8 and 32</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 61,429sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Heritage interface</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/image136.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design indicators and the intended tower podium. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="440" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image136.jpg?itok=HWA7qo_q" title="Design indicators and the intended tower podium. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Design indicators and the intended tower podium. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>The existing B-grade listed Commonwealth Motors building facade will be retained for the most, with all bar 12 metres of the eastern aspect to remain. The demolished area will be rebuilt to match its current appearance during construction, which includes reinstating existing windows.

<blockquote>
The podium is a key design element in the link between the street level and the vertical tower above. Taking design elements from the heritage building below, the podium attempts to articulate the strong horizontal movements and reappropriate them as balustrades, mullions and spandrels, whilst introducing a secondary vertical element through hanging greenery.

The inspiration for the design of these elements was taken from pre-war automobiles and motorbikes, linking the heritage of the heritage showroom and reimagining it as a 21st century decoration. They are imagined as metal prefabricated units which for a part of the curtain wall façade.
<cite>Elenberg Fraser: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

Between one and three metres of the existing interiors are slated to be retained, although DELWP have encouraged the development team to increase the amount retained given the large setback the tower employs from A'Beckett Street.

<h2>All that shimmers</h2>

With the tower's form constant, Elenberg Fraser have incorporated colour to bring a dynamism to the project's overall appearance.

<blockquote>
The materiality of the tower is articulated as a glass façade, utilising a slightly tinted performance glazing system. The slightly tinted glass reflects the tones of the surrounding context at the various heights of the building, facilitating a subtle and elegant shift in building appearance at various levels.
<cite>Elenberg Fraser: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

The base exterior would see a neutral/silver reflective glazing with a gradual vertical transition to a multi-coloured tinted performance glazing. An inverse outcome is applied to the tower's spandrels which would see slices of colour through the main silver facade over lower levels, eventually reverting to silver as the performance glazing takes effect over the higher levels of 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/image133.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tower form and relevant setbacks. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image133.jpg?itok=S_Duu09h" title="Tower form and relevant setbacks. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tower form and relevant setbacks. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>The concave 'bow-tie' floorplate was deemed by the development team to be the most appropriate. Internal amenity is bolstered with sight lines capable of being diverted away from the neighbouring EQ Tower while also providing an optimal outcome when wind tested.

With no saddleback configurations, internal apartment sizes are slated to begin from 50sqm for 1 bedroom apartments, 60sqm for 2 bedroom (1 bathroom), 74sqm for 2 bedroom (2 bedroom) and 106sqm for 3 bedroom options; these figures include wintergardens or balconies.

<h2>DELWP showing support</h2>

Notes subsequent to the project's submission as seen by Apartments.com.au show that the Urban Design Unit within DELWP are generally supportive of the proposed tower. Subject to a number of design refinements and issues regarding possible tower crane penetration of the OLS ceiling, 111-125 A’Beckett Street looks to be well along the path to becoming reality.

<h2>111-125 A’Beckett Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Feature Alpha Investments Pty Ltd (Tong Eng Group)</li>
	<li>Architect: Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>Project Manager: Sinclair Brook</li>
	<li>Town Planner: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: Traffix</li>
	<li>Waste Management Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Landscape Consultant: Tract</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: McKenzie Group</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant and Services Engineer: Murchie</li>
	<li>Structural and Civil Engineer: WSP</li>
	<li>Services Engineer Murchie</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Bosco Jonson</li>
	<li>Quantity Surveyor: WT Partnership</li>
	<li>Wind Engineer: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Heritage: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Acoustic Engineer: Renzo Tonin</li>
	<li>Fire Engineer: Omnii Fire Engineers</li>
</ul>
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Tong Eng Group's dazzling 210 metre entry into the Australian market

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Having secured the last of four consecutive Southbank blocks during early 2015, Central Equity have enlisted Doig Architecture to design a residential tower that strays away from the developer's typical formula for success, at least externally.

For so long, content with churning out towers of approximately 40 levels and of a generic nature, Central Equity will for the first time surpass the 200 metre barrier with a 67 level residential tower proposed for 71-87 City Road, Southbank. Further the tower will employ an irregular and highly angular floorplate with a high degree of external facade definition.

The proposal will also retain in its entirety the heritage listed building at 71-75 City Road, rather than simply facade the structure.

In a sign that Central Equity are ramping up their residential pipeline, two further planning applications on the developers behalf are active. 268-274 City Road, Southbank and 556-558 Lonsdale Street were also lodged just prior to the implementation of the new Metropolitan Planning Levy, with both projects also in excess of 200 metres.

Combined the three projects will have a development vale in excess of $500 million and deliver well over 2,000 new dwellings.

<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/image91_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of 71-87 City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="872" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image91_1.jpg?itok=t0M5kMdK" title="Hero perspective of 71-87 City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of 71-87 City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application prepared June 2015</li>
	<li>Four combined sites, with frontages to City Road and Fawkner Street</li>
	<li>Combined site area: 2,340sqm</li>
	<li>71-75 City Road: three storey heritage building to be retained</li>
	<li>Proposed 67 level residential tower at 224.6 metres</li>
	<li>782 apartments: 297 x 1BR, 368 x 2BR, 117 x 3BR</li>
	<li>406 car parks and 414 bicycle bays included</li>
	<li>Three retail tenancies: 543sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Street level interface</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/image92_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The podium as viewed from City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image92_1.jpg?itok=-19KZp5b" title="The podium as viewed from City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The podium as viewed from City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture</figcaption></figure>71-75 City Road which sits to one corner of the development site and is a B-grade heritage listed structure will be retained, with a setback in place from the proposed podium and tower. The three level structure will also maintain its use as a tenancy of 211sqm post development.

The tower podium will consist of a ten level edifice to the City Road site boundary, clad predominantly in bronze glazing and highlighted by metal screens which carry graphic prints. Stone and glazing will be present along City Road with only the booster housing considered inactive, while composite screening will set behind 71-75 City Road, allowing creepers to take effect.

Atop the podium extensive landscaping and communal facilities are incorporated, with greenery also a feature of the podium fronting Fawkner Street by way of planter boxes.

The irregularly shaped tower will be dominated by light grey, dark grey and bronze glazing, with setbacks to all boundaries.

<h2>The next move</h2>

As is generally the case with large planning applications, DELWP have asked for further information from the development team on issues such wind impact, general tower presentation, development breakdown and 3D modelling.

An extension of time request was recently granted allowing for the preparation of further information, suggesting that in all likelihood 71-87 City Road Southbank will gain a planning resolution well into 2016.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: WKB Land Corporation Pty Ltd (Central Equity)</li>
	<li>Architect: Doig Architecture</li>
	<li>Planning and Lansdcape: ERM Australia</li>
	<li>Traffic: Cardno</li>
	<li>Acoustic: SLR</li>
	<li>Wind Environment: Windtech</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Heritage response: Heritage Alliance</li>
	<li>Aviation Assessment: Rehbein Airport Consulting</li>
	<li>Sustainability: F2 Design</li>
</ul>
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Central Equity breaks the mould: 71-87 City Road, Southbank

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One of Footscray's premier development sites is up for grabs, with the expectation that over time it could yield in excess of 500 apartments in a low to mid-rise development outcome.

Located south of Hopkins Street in what was once earmarked as the Maribyrnong Wharf Precinct, 11-19 Whitehall Street provides near on 14,000sqm of land with the expectation that a residential developer will purchase the plot. Colliers International and Sutherland Farrelly are jointly marketing the site.

Over a decade ago, 11-19 Whitehall Street and surrounds were to be subsumed within the Maribyrnong Wharf Precinct, which would have seen a ARM Architecture-led rejuvenation of the riverfront area into a predominantly commercially focused precinct. During 2005 developers associated with the project withdrew, leaving the proposal dead in the water.

Ten years later and 11-19 Whitehall Street represents the largest development site offered in the immediate area to date. In the wider Footscray context, 11-19 Whitehall Street shapes as a key redevelopment in a suburb now front and square as a high-density residential development hot spot.

<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/whitehall.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concept design for 11-19 Whitehall Street. Image courtesy Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/whitehall.jpg?itok=AwGeFiNz" title="Concept design for 11-19 Whitehall Street. Image courtesy Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concept design for 11-19 Whitehall Street. Image courtesy Colliers</figcaption></figure>Barely four kilometres west of the Melbourne's CBD, 11-19 Whitehall Street which is also known as the '<a href="http://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Files/Ryco_info_sheet.pdf">Ryco site</a>' has seen Maribyrnong City Council introduce a Development Plan Overlay over the site, supporting a high-density mixed-use outcome. In addition to 500 plus dwellings, Maribyrnong City Council also envisage commercial and retail uses for the site.

An indicative development concept for the site depicts two substantial residential buildings of up to eight levels, with what looks to be a public access way through the site. This is in line with Maribyrnong City Council's Development Plan which includes a link through to the Footscray Community Arts Centre.

The offering of 11-19 Whitehall Street coincides with the commencement of works on <a href="/buildings/the-riverside-1-moreland-street-footscray">Riverside</a> which is adjacent to the Whitehall Street land parcel. Builder Hamilton Marino has taken over the site with two tower cranes now erected in order to deliver the 200 plus apartments over the 10-12 level complex.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image88_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Progress on Riverside, Riverina and 1 Warde Street in its latest form"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="270" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image88_2.jpg?itok=1ZwK_bJa" title="Progress on Riverside, Riverina and 1 Warde Street in its latest form" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Progress on Riverside, Riverina and 1 Warde Street in its latest form</figcaption></figure>While a handful of other sites remain capable of accommodating future residential developments in what was once touted as the Maribyrnong Wharf precinct south of Hopkins Street, Joseph Road Precinct directly north is also receiving its first taste of construction. Preliminary works continue on <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a>, with its first stage selling strongly, so much so that the second stage is poised to be released which includes a residential tower in excess of 30 levels.

The recent sale of <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2 Hopkins Street</a> and the offering of <a href="/buildings/liberty-one-1-warde-street-footscray">1 Warde Street</a> by GURNER, the addition of a new display suite within the Joseph Road Precinct and the construction commencement of two substantial projects all suggest that this stretch of Footscray fronting the Maribyrnong River is after a long hiatus finally moving toward mass development.
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What was Maribyrnong Wharf now shapes as an apartment haven

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Located in the Queen Victoria Gardens, MPavilion will officially be opened today with the event to be defined by its temporary architectural structure. Following in the footsteps of <a href="/news/melbournes-architectural-summer">Sean Godsell Architects' 2014 commission</a>, British design firm AL_A have produced this year's pavilion which will stand until the event's completion in February 2016.

Each year over a stretch of four years, an architect will be commissioned to design a temporary pavilion for the Queen Victoria Gardens. AL_A snared the second pavilion which will be free for the public to visit as of today.

Employing cutting edge technology, the MPavilion 2015/16 seeks to mimic the surrounding forest canopy of the Queen Victoria Gardens, while also illuminating during the evening.

<h2>MPavilion design</h2>

Assemble Papers <a href="http://assemblepapers.com.au/2015/09/25/otherworldly-architecture-amanda-levete/">explored the MPavilion design</a> recently, with excerpts from their article below.

<blockquote>
The roof of AL_A’s pavilion will be comprised of vanishingly thin, translucent petals up to five metres in diameter but only three millimetres thick. Slender 40mm wide columns, made from carbon fibre tubes developed for camera tripods, will form the supports.

At night, hidden LEDs will light the petals from within. To build this dramatically dematerialised structure, AL_A is working collaboratively with mouldCAM, a marine fabrication specialist, and the Australian office of engineering firm ARUP. Together, the team has developed a composite that combines a clear resin used for surfboards with carbon fibre strands, to achieve both translucency, and the flexibility and strength needed for the petals’ five metre spans.
<cite>Assemble Papers</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/image76_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="AL_A's preliminary images for MPavilion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image76_0.jpg?itok=Y2Fec8us" title="AL_A's preliminary images for MPavilion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>AL_A's preliminary images for MPavilion</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
MPavilion will be a strange hybrid of high technology and organic form. It too, will prompt curiosity, drawing attention to both itself and an otherwise oft-overlooked part of the city, in this case Victoria Gardens.

In service of the idea of the pavilion as a tree canopy, or as a building that responds dynamically to the climate, though, AL_A has made a brave move: the pavilion will have no walls. Given Melbourne’s fickle weather, this commitment to conceptual purity is risky.
<cite>Assemble Papers</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>The architect says</h2>

<blockquote>
The brief is a great opportunity to design a structure that responds to the climate and the landscape. I wanted to exploit the temporary nature of the pavilion form and produce a design that speaks in response to the weather. Rooting the pavilion in its parkland setting, I looked to create the sensation of a forest canopy in the heart of the city that gives shelter to a program of events.

At AL_A, we have a long history of working with boat builders, and Australia has some of the finest. We’re working with a nautical fabricator to employ the boundary-pushing technology of composite materials to create the canopy, which is made up of a number of seemingly fragile, translucent petals supported by impossibly slender columns that gently sway in the breeze.
<cite>Amanda Levete: mpavilion.org</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>A catalyst for collaboration</h2>

MPavilion will act as an events hub that will host dozens of public events from today October 5th through to 7th February 2016. A variety of workshops, talks and installations will occur over the this four month period.

Most interesting is the event titled <a href="http://www.mpavilion.org/program/high-density-happiness-building-communities">high-density happiness: building communities</a> set for Wednesday 14th October at 6pm. Featuring Neometro's James Tutton and Dumbo Feather's Madeline Lucas, the conversation will principally explore "Urban social initiatives that encourage collective ownership of inner-city communities".

A <a href="http://www.mpavilion.org/program">full events guide</a> for the 2015/2016 MPavilion is available.
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Melbourne's MPavilion is launched today

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Synonymous with large-scale commercial developments for much of its history, Cbus Property is increasingly turning its hand to apartment development in Melbourne. The unique property investor and developer - backed by its superannuation parent - has recently lodged plans for a sizeable Collingwood development, its fifth current Melbourne residential apartment pursuit.

With the lodgement of plans for 61-71 Wellington Street Collingwood, Cbus Property now holds hundreds of apartments in its Melbourne development pipeline in addition to the 408 dwellings currently under construction over two Melbourne sites.

<h2>The latest addition</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/image72_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cbus Property's latest pursuit. Images courtesy John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="316" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image72_0.jpg?itok=3J_27jWH" title="Cbus Property's latest pursuit. Images courtesy John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cbus Property's latest pursuit. Images courtesy John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>61-71 Wellington Street and 37-39 Langridge Street, Collingwood</li>
	<li>13 level residential development</li>
	<li>196 dwellings: 98 x 1BR, 82 x 2BR and 16 x 3BR</li>
	<li>163 car parking spaces and 93 bicycle spaces within three basement levels</li>
	<li>117sqm retail space</li>
	<li>Three commercial spaces: 392sqm total</li>
</ul>
Designed by John Wardle Architects, the proposed glazed tower is to sit behind a partially retained and restored brick facade onsite, with new podium brickwork set to match the existing exteriors.

John Wardle Architects provided a design response for the project, which reads as follows:

<blockquote>
The Collingwood silos have been a significant part of Melbourne's skyline since the expansion of industry and the development of production in the mid 20th century. Originally used to house Barley for brewery/malting works, today the remaining silos are either idle or have been converted into apartment buildings.

The apartment building slab edges have been generated using a negative imprint of a cylindrical form that contextually references the historical Collingwood silos. The curved, scalloped slab edges are expressed around the entire perimeter of the building which also form the apartment balconies.
<cite>Design statement, John Wardle Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>The Cbus juggernaut gathers momentum</h2>

Construction progress on <a href="/buildings/35-spring-street-melbourne">35 Spring Street</a> is set to hasten as the premium 43 level residential tower moves beyond its podium structure, while North Melbourne's <a href="/buildings/assembly-181-capel-street-north-melbourne">Assembly</a> sees its concrete structure for the 138 associated apartments nearing the midway point. Assembly was purchased from private developer Equiset just as public sales began for the project.

It remains to be seen what will be achieved with Cbus Property's forthcoming <a href="/news/cbus-enters-west-melbourne-with-9-dryburgh-street">9 Dryburgh Street</a> West Melbourne project which was met with refusal from Melbourne City Council during April 2015, although is now shown as being at referral. In its initial guise 9 Dryburgh Street would have seen 217 apartment over 13 levels, although Cbus now suggests a yield of approximately 160 apartments is likely with construction commencement anticipated during 2016.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image64_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Assembly's progress and a more recent image of 447 Collins Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="676" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image64_3.jpg?itok=kdXxWzC7" title="Assembly's progress and a more recent image of 447 Collins Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Assembly's progress and a more recent image of 447 Collins Street</figcaption></figure>Last in line is 447 Collins Street which in previous incarnations has involved residential applications within the mixed-use project. With reports a revised planning application is set to be lodged shortly, it is likely a portion of the project will be set aside for apartments which would command top dollar given the project's premier location and unimpeded southerly views.

Incidentally should the project resemble the above recent render, the upper reaches of 447 Collins Street will bring a new design dynamic to the Melbourne skyline; perhaps a unique selling point for future apartment sales?
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Cbus Property pushes further into the Melbourne residential market

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

Joel Robinson

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

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;

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

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.
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Mark Baljak

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