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Flemington Road is set to receive another substantial apartment tower, adding to the emerging cluster of residential projects that are taking shape along boulevard.

Property syndication and investment manager Oliver Hume Property Funds is driving the development, which will be known as The Principal. Located at 69 Flemington Road, The Principal joins another nearby Oliver Hume project dubbed Nord at 81 Flemington Road which is well into construction.

The Principal will replace a low-rise commercial building currently across the 1,042sqm site, which also fronts Villiers Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/flemingtonrd01-99f017e00f_1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved scheme for 67-73 Flemington Road. Image courtesy David Watson Architect"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemingtonrd01-99f017e00f_1_0.jpg?itok=YZkfO3CH" title="The approved scheme for 67-73 Flemington Road. Image courtesy David Watson Architect" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved scheme for 67-73 Flemington Road. Image courtesy David Watson Architect</figcaption></figure>67-73 Flemington Road was <a href="/news/flemington-roads-apartment-surge-gains-momentum">highlighted by Urban.com.au last year</a> as a project on behalf of Obiter Investments Pty Ltd which was listed as the proponent at the time. Lodged with Melbourne City Council during August 2014, the application gained final approval only last month.

Designed by David Watson Architects, the development carried a nominal value of $40 million and featured 165 apartments (82 x 1BR, 80 x 2BR, and 3 x 3BR) within a 15/16 levels tower reaching 50.29 metres. 115 car parking spaces and 100 bicycle spaces were included over both basement and lower ground levels.

While it is possible that design changes have been made to the initial scheme, The Principal will still contain 162 one, two and three bedroom apartments and two penthouses over 15 levels according to the project website.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image52_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Apartments are making their mark along Flemington Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image52_0.jpg?itok=VmoOO-zK" title="Apartments are making their mark along Flemington Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Apartments are making their mark along Flemington Road</figcaption></figure>The Principal's 164 dwellings will join a handful of new apartment projects fronting Flemington Road. Currently there is in excess of 700 apartments under construction over three separate developments, namely <a href="/buildings/north-19-flemington-road-north-melbourne">North</a>, <a href="/buildings/nord-melbourne-81-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Nord</a> and <a href="/buildings/helio-91-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Helio</a>.

Incidentally should The Principal remain true to the above render, it will become the fifth apartment project to front Flemington Road with a black glazed exterior, resulting in a decidedly brooding entry point to Carlton and Melbourne's CBD from the North West.

Future apartment projects set to grace Flemington Road include the recently sold <a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">3-5 Bedford Place</a> and an adjoining 1200sqm site on the Haymarket roundabout which is now with Fortius and Melbourne architecture firm Metier3.
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silvermb

The Principal: Flemington Road's latest addition

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With the <a href="http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/planning-building/planning-policy-projects-and-structure-plans/the-coburg-initiative/">Coburg Initiative</a> all but a memory, Minister for Planning Richard Wynne last week gave Coburg a fresh direction with the approval of the suburb's new structure plan. 80 hectares will be captured within a new activity centre which will see varying height limits, peaking at a discretionary maximum of 13 levels.

Much was expected of the original Coburg Initiative which at the time saw a partnership between Moreland City Council and local developer Equiset, with the aim of facilitating a $1 billion dollar overhaul of the heart of Coburg based loosely around the intersection of Bell Street and Sydney Road.

Since the Initative's failure during 2011, limited development has occurred within the area, although the renewed development guidelines are now expected to hasten increased development (and particularly apartment) activity.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="/news/future-estate-the-future-of-pentridge-village" rel="gallery-all" title="Concepts for Pentridge have come and gone in recent years, such as NH Architecture's above"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_0.jpg?itok=_z1Usldg" title="Concepts for Pentridge have come and gone in recent years, such as NH Architecture's above" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concepts for Pentridge have come and gone in recent years, such as NH Architecture's above</figcaption></figure>Last week's announcement coincides with developer Future Estate's advancement of plans for Pentridge Village. After purchasing 41,000sqm of prime development land for $27 million <a href="/news/future-estate-the-future-of-pentridge-village">earlier this year</a>, the Sydney-based developer is now free to progressively roll out numerous apartment buildings within the former grounds of Pentridge.

Pentridge itself has been subject to numerous apartment projects, masterplans and concept designs in recent years.

ROTHELOWMAN has been engaged to produce the initial offerings in the Future Estate development which will be known as Coburg Quarter, and based upon the initial renders it will be a leap forward in built form design relative to the handful of low quality, small-scale apartment blocks that have been built onsite to date.

<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/6805864-3x2-940x627.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new look for Pentridge. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/6805864-3x2-940x627.jpg?itok=KAYbRIkT" title="A new look for Pentridge. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new look for Pentridge. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Of course it's not all about future intent in Coburg, with a handful of current apartment projects making their mark. 51 Gaffney Street, <a href="/new-apartments/coburg-vic-3058">Mayor Anderson Apartments</a> and Shayher Group's Horizon Coburg are all currently under construction.

With a combined 187 apartments between the three projects set for delivery during 2016, they themselves are shadowed by a number of larger upcoming projects in the area. JAM Architects are displaying new imagery online for <a href="/new-apartments/519-537-sydney-road-coburg">Bell on Sydney</a> with in excess of 200 apartments expected for the now vacant site at 519 Sydney Road.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image39_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="519-537 Sydney Road &amp; 718-724 Sydney Road. Images courtesy JAM &amp; Particular"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="528" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_0.jpg?itok=gzwWwJ_7" title="519-537 Sydney Road &amp; 718-724 Sydney Road. Images courtesy JAM &amp; Particular" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>519-537 Sydney Road &amp; 718-724 Sydney Road. Images courtesy JAM &amp; Particular</figcaption></figure>Further 81 Bell Street is before VCAT with the body set to rule upon the submission which includes 391 dwellings while 200-216 Sydney Road is at planning with a mixed-use development under consideration; 124 apartments are included within the six level design.

Nearby and Land Republic has engaged architecture firm Particular for their pending redevelopment of 718-724 Sydney Road Coburg North, with dual six level buildings spreading the grip of apartment living further north.

Lead image courtesy F2 Architecture.
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Coburg gains some long sought-after initiative

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Subsequent to an earlier article which <a href="/news/moonee-ponds-on-the-up-and-up">highlighted the first phase</a> of the massive and long overdue redevelopment of the former Readings site in Moonee Ponds, further plans are now available which detail the second and more substantial portion, of what will constitute stage one of the overall development.

While <a href="/buildings/margaret-st-7-aspen-street-moonee-ponds">34-36 Margaret Street</a> is well advanced with preliminary marketing material circulating throughout the industry, the wraps can be taken off 40 Hall Street which envisages two apartment towers with the tallest reaching 22 levels.

Stage one of the development has the capacity to deliver 626 apartments on the site which sits between multiple transport nodes.

<h2>34-36 Margaret Street and 40 Hall Street</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_6580.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective from Hall Street. Image courtesy Caydon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="644" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6580.jpg?itok=t0b_EXOt" title="Hero perspective from Hall Street. Image courtesy Caydon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the Hall Street aspect. Image courtesy Caydon</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 7,979.6sqm (60% of the Readings site)</li>
	<li>6, 13, 16 and 22 level residential buildings</li>
	<li>Heights ranging between 18.6 and 67.9 metres</li>
	<li>626 apartments: 385 x 1BR, 240 x 2BR, 1 x 3BR</li>
	<li>1,044sqm of retail space over six double height tenancies</li>
	<li>3 basement levels holding 551 vehicles and 226 bicycles</li>
	<li>Extensive landscaping includes a new civic plaza, green podium treatment and rooftop gardens</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/img_6578.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Moonee Ponds Market's expected yield. Image courtesy Caydon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6578.jpg?itok=V5HVKMCZ" title="Moonee Ponds Market's expected yield. Image courtesy Caydon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Moonee Ponds Market's expected yield. Image courtesy Caydon</figcaption></figure>The graphic above demonstrates the sections of the site that will be split over the staged development. Margaret Street and Hall Street will be activated via Stage1, with the balance of the site which fronts both Homer Street and Everage Street set for future attention.

A civic plaza is slated for the mid regions of the site, acting as a linking space to surrounding streets.

<blockquote>
The plaza will be characterised by strong spatial containment punctuated by advanced tree planting. The paving design provides a way to transition between the language of Hal Street paving (by Council) and the language of the plaza, which will be made from sampling the diverse and textured materials that can be seen within the Moonee Ponds site.
<cite>Oculus statement, landscape report</cite>
</blockquote>

Glass, timber, metal, concrete and brick finishes will define the building exteriors.

The overall layout depicted above is generally in line with a <a href="http://www.plusarchitecture.com.au/portfolio/monee-ponds-masterplan/">Plus Architecture-conceived masterplan</a> for the entire site. While indicative heights have been given for three of the four future buildings, it remains to be seen what will materialise at the north east corner of the site, with previous concept plans indicating 30 levels of apartments living is not out of the question.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image29_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy Caydon and Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="296" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_2.jpg?itok=BPhVbmOQ" title="A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy Caydon and Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy Caydon and Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Caydon have rapidly advanced plans for the prime site after revealing they were the buyer of the 1.34­ha parcel during April of this year. Leighton Properties and project partner Qualitas had held the site until the sale, submitting plans for a Plus Architecture-designed 16 level residential tower (above right) that subsequently gained planning approval.

Caydon have of late used Fender Katsalidis to design their upcoming batch of projects, with the Margaret Street and Hall Street designs no exception.

<h2>Hall and Margaret Street planning application team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Caydon</li>
	<li>Architecture: Caydon (with Fender Katsalidis)</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Landscaping: Oculus</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Wind: Vipac</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
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Moonee Ponds in the market for some high-rise activity

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Food for thought today as a follow-up piece to yesterday's article which highlighted <a href="/news/an-icon-complete">Icon St Kilda's completion</a>. The apartment tower which now sits atop St Kilda Junction is one of many new apartment projects (both completed and under construction) surrounding the Junction.

As the area grows in popularity, the Junction itself looks to be slipping into obscurity with the dated urban realm anything but inviting. With this in mind, Town Planning and Urban Design firm David Lock Associates instigated a design competition with the aim of reinvigorating St Kilda Junction.

Now complete, the competition dubbed <a href="http://www.dlaaust.com/re-imagine/">Re:imagine the Junction</a> sought innovative design solutions from final year, masters and post graduate planning, urban design and architecture students from Australian Universities.

<blockquote>
This competition is about new inner-urban futures – the Future City set within an historic urban fabric. A future fabric that not only meets 21st Century needs but also heals previous injuries inflicted on Melbourne's inner-urban inheritance.

Around 1970, the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works eviscerated central St Kilda. The heart of St Kilda Junction was ripped out. St Kilda’s High Street shopping spine, stretching south, was hacked away and discarded.

The wound has never healed. St Kilda Junction and old High Street are now hardly more than soulless, community-dividing traffic sewers.

The Re:imagine the Junction competition will aim to re-monumentalise St Kilda Junction, and restore St Kilda Rd South (the former High St) and the Princes Highway as the living backbone of the suburb. Not with a return to the past, but with the imposition of an ambitious future.
<cite>David Lock Associates</cite>
</blockquote>

Readers can <a href="http://www.dlaaust.com/re-imagine/student-entries/category/stage-two/">view the student entries</a> for the recently completed competition.

<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/image25_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of student works taken from the David Lock Associates website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_3.jpg?itok=cLW9eXKA" title="A selection of student works taken from the David Lock Associates website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of student works taken from the David Lock Associates website</figcaption></figure>Although the above designs do not conform to the real world parameters of St Kilda Junction, they do nonetheless provoke thought.

St Kilda Junction is by and large a decrepit area whose freeway-style road grade separation also doubles as a nexus between Melbourne's south east and the inner city. As more and more apartments reach completion within the area, St Kilda Junction and surrounds should in theory see a marked increase in foot traffic.

The Junction in many ways looks to be a smaller version of City Road; increased residential development while the ground plane has been neglected altogether. Both now shape as a prime candidates for new urban design ideas and extensive civil works.

<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/image20_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Can the Junction's street level pizazz match that of its skyline. Image courtesy Melbourneguy"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="404" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_1.jpg?itok=FGv_7U6F" title="Can the Junction's street level pizazz match that of its skyline. Image courtesy Melbourneguy" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Can the Junction's street level pizazz match that of its skyline? Image courtesy Melbourneguy</figcaption></figure>
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Bringing St Kilda Junction back to life?

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It has become increasing difficult to decipher the status of the many towers beyond 200 metres that are or are intending to stake their place in the Melbourne skyline. While <a href="/buildings/568-collins-street-melbourne">568 Collins Street</a> is at completion and a handful of others are in their construction infancy, a veil of uncertainty hangs above many intended developments.

The recent implementation of sweeping new planning regulations has cast doubt over many of the proposals which are both at planning and intended. Indeed the number of towers that Apartments.com.au has identified for Melbourne beyond the 200 metre mark is ranging somewhere between 25 and 35; such is the uncertainty within the industry at the moment.

Only those close to each and every application know the status of their projects, and few are willing to comment at this time. Below is a current status of all 200 metre plus developments as best gleaned by Apartments.com.au:

<h2>Under construction</h2>

No doubt surrounds these projects, with construction progress on the following: <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">EQ Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a>, <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Light House</a>, Vision. Vision is the most advanced as it's rapidly approaching the 200 metre construction mark while the others have quite a way to go.

<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/image3_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="EQ Tower, Australia 108 render and Vision Tower looming large"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="401" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3_2.jpg?itok=4bYgpZ3V" title="EQ Tower, Australia 108 render and Vision Tower looming large" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>EQ Tower, Australia 108 render and Vision Tower looming large</figcaption></figure>Joining the list at construction is <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a> which Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/brookfield-multiplex-appointed-builder-for-australia-108-piling-to-commence-in-october">reported last week</a> as officially gaining Brookfield Multiplex as head contractor; works are due to begin onsite next month. <a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> also has Probuild installed as its builder, with preliminary site demolition works having commenced for the sizeable tower.

<h2>Can't touch this</h2>

A handful of projects beyond 200 metres hold planning approval and are at sales, seemingly free from the <a href="/news/interim-central-melbourne-planning-controls-the-detail">new interim building controls</a> that look likely to derail a number of proposals that have not been lodged.

<a href="/buildings/swanston-central-168-victoria-street-carlton">Swanston Central</a> is at sales, set to make a notable difference to the city's northern skyline while <a href="/new-apartments/elysium-54-clarke-street-southbank">Elysium Southbank</a> is poised to launch its sales campaign for the highly distinctive BKK-designed edifice. <a href="/buildings/premier-tower-134-160-spencer-street-melbourne">Premier Tower</a> opposite Southern Cross Station is full steam ahead with project architect Elenberg Fraser suggesting works will begin onsite during March 2016.

<a href="/new-apartments/38-freshwater-place-southbank">25-35 Power Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/380-melbourne-380-lonsdale-street-melbourne">380 Lonsdale Street</a> are sitting on approval, as is <a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">West Side Place</a>, with its sales campaign for the first tower which includes a Ritz Carlton set to launch.

<h2>The great unknown</h2>

The situation becomes decidedly more murky from this point (at least from a public perspective), with more questions than answers for the remaining batch of 200 metre plus towers. <a href="/new-apartments/150-queen-street-melbourne">Tower Melbourne</a> and <a href="/buildings/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin Street</a> for example both hold planning approval but are no certainty to proceed.

It's been said that for differing reasons both may need to reapply for a planning permit and subject to the new planning controls may not receive approval in anywhere near their current form. Tower Melbourne in particular would be hoping to avoid this following the protracted legal dispute with its neighbouring land owner.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image5_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Renders depicting 640 Bourke, 350 Queen and 32 Flinders Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_1.jpg?itok=q5triNqG" title="Renders depicting 640 Bourke, 350 Queen and 32 Flinders Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Renders depicting 640 Bourke, 350 Queen and 32 Flinders Street</figcaption></figure>This leaves as many as seventeen 200 metre towers at planning, with the outcome of each as yet publicly unknown. The status of <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">293-303 La Trobe Street</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/63-exhibition-street-melbourne">63 Exhibition Street </a>is unknown; both of which are still active on the GreenLight online register while <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">555 Collins Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank">1 Queensbridge Street</a> and <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">180 Russell Street </a>remain active applications after having been at planning for considerable periods of time.

Word has it that <a href="/new-apartments/32-44-flinders-street-melbourne">32-44 Flinders Street</a> is headed for VCAT, leaving more recent submissions such as <a href="/new-apartments/293-297-city-road-southbank-vic-3006">295 City Road</a>, <a href="/buildings/aspire-melbourne-301-king-st-melbourne">295-309 King Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">350 Queen Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/272-282-queen-street-melbourne">280 Queen Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">93-119 Kavanagh Street</a> to traverse the planning process. Further applications at 111-125 A'Beckett Street, 183-189 A'Beckett Street, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">478 Elizabeth Street</a> and 71-87 City Road are also in play.

<h2>Possibles but not probables</h2>

260 La Trobe Street shaped as a likely tower with a preliminary assessment in front of CASA that seemingly has not entered state planning prior to the new interim controls, possibly rendering the intended 260 metre tower invalid; it remains to be seen what will come of the proposal.

All in all there will be a none too small change to Melbourne skyline in the next handful of years. The scope of this change remains to be seen, but it's not beyond the realms of possibility that a further 20-25 towers beyond the 200 metre mark will sprout skyward soon enough.

This article has been updated to remove images relating to 245 City Road. The original information was incorrect.
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Status unknown: a current overview of the 200 metre club

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City of Port Phillip are displaying the latest version of the <a href="http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/september-2015-meetingsagendas.htm">St Kilda Triangle Interim Masterplan</a> which would see the prime site become a park. Built form by way of a likely joint hotel/communal facility will be restricted to the site immediately south of the Palais Theatre, allowing for the vast majority of the site to remain free of any new buildings.

<blockquote>
The Interim Masterplan establishes a framework for the connections, broad land uses, massing and location of built form arrangements on the site. It has been developed in from the masterplan Co-Design Workshops and has been informed by the St Kilda Triangle Design Brief (Rev 1) endorsed by Council on 28 July 2015.
<cite>St Kilda Triangle Interim Masterplan Report</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/image21_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Likely uses as outlined by the Interim Masterplan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_3.jpg?itok=sP4ktnhm" title="Likely uses as outlined by the Interim Masterplan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Likely uses as outlined by the Interim Masterplan</figcaption></figure>The Interim Masterplan shows that 16,000sqm of open space will dominate the site's footprint, in addition to a basement carpark for 350 vehicles located below the segment of the site that will hold approximately 23,500sqm of built form.

Separated into three segments, the new St Kilda Triangle will feature 'The Slopes', an 'Extended Balcony' and the built form outcome around the Palais Theatre.

A new foreshore entrance, extensive landscaping, an informal amphitheatre, rooftop deck/park and pavilion spaces highlight the open space aspects of the design. Placemaking agency Village Well and landscape firm T.C.L are heavily involved in this aspect of the Interim Masterplan while ARM Architecture is also in place for the built form segment. Further project members include GTA Consultants and Root Projects Australia.

The hotel/cultural facility is expected to be of a similar size to the Palais Theatre with a height of 30 metres expected.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image22_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative design taken from the September 2015 Masterplan document"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_3.jpg?itok=bO3yk4ek" title="Indicative design taken from the September 2015 Masterplan document" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative design taken from the September 2015 Masterplan document</figcaption></figure>Following likely approval of the Interim Masterplan, it is expected a more rigorous design process will be undertaken. Workshops will be held to further define key aspects of the masterplan which include heritage, landscaping and weather protection considerations.

Furthermore the draft St Kilda Triangle Cultural Charter will be enhanced to align with the current Interim Masterplan. This along with various other steps will allow for an eventual business case for the development to be created, thus allowing prospective funding partners to be sourced by City of Port Phillip.

The project timetable sees the funding process take place over 2016-2017 with 2020 slated as the final 'Management' stage which one assumes is the targeted construction completion date.

<h2>Comment</h2>

Are we creating boxes here just to be able to tick them for the purpose of being seen to be doing the right thing in the public eye? The process of once more getting the St Kilda Triangle development up and running looks to be an overly tedious one.

Pulling teeth looks to be more fun than waiting for City of Port Phillip to rubber stamp what is ostensibly a park; of course there's more to the plan than just a park but it does look to be a dumbed-down development that negates any genuine flair or ingenuity in the design process. The opportunity to create a low-rise landmark for St Kilda and Melbourne at large looks to be gone, with City of Port Phillip pursuing a different result.

Why not consider a museum, concert hall or community facility front and square onsite, taking pride of place rather than being tacked onto the back of a hotel?

Ultimately another park is never a bad outcome, but when the St Kilda Foreshore, O'Donnell Gardens, Peanut Farm Reserve and St Kilda Botanic Gardens are all within walking distance, the transformation of the St Kilda Triangle site into little more than a park is a soft option and a massive opportunity for a defining civic showpiece lost.

<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/image33_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exemplars: Heydar Aliyev Center &amp; Walt Disney Concert Hall"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="177" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_2.jpg?itok=5lAGYKxK" title="Exemplars: Heydar Aliyev Center &amp; Walt Disney Concert Hall" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exemplars: Heydar Aliyev Center &amp; Walt Disney Concert Hall</figcaption></figure>
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St Kilda Triangle is becoming... a park?

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The latest planning application for Glen Iris is adding weight to the suburb's credentials as it emerges as an apartment hotspot. Situated 10 kilometres from Melbourne's CBD, the suburb has seen an elevated amount of apartment-based activity of late, with developers keen to secure a foothold within the locale which is split between City of Stonnington and City of Boroondara.

Apartments.com.au is tracking 638 new apartments within Glen Iris spread over 13 separate developments. Small-scale numbers relative to inner city development, yet impressive when considering the suburb is both a youngish apartment market and heavily favoured by owner-occupiers.

City of Stonnington are currently advertising the suburb's largest intended development to date, located at <a href="/buildings/highpark-1559-1567-high-street-glen-iris">1559-1567 High Street</a>. The proposal which rises progressively to eight levels would hold 148 dwellings if approved. Southbank-based Gardenier Pty Ltd is the proponent with ROTHELOWMAN responsible for the design.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative view from High Street and Brixton Rise. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="312" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_2.jpg?itok=09lRXRb0" title="Indicative view from High Street and Brixton Rise. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative view from High Street and Brixton Rise. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Clad predominantly in varying tones of glass, 1559-1567 High Street holds a mixture of one, two, two plus and three bedroom apartments. The development carries a nominal value of $36 million and would see 15 three bedroom dwellings included in addition to 6 two bedroom plus options, both of which point toward the development team's recognition of Glen Iris as a suburb capable of holding a greater number of higher-end dwellings.

Elsewhere and Glen Iris currently sees three apartment projects at construction. Gardiner Rise, <a href="/buildings/grace-1555-malvern-road-glen-iris">Grace</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Vivid on Malvern</a> are all at basement stage with the latter the latest project for St Kilda Road-based AG Constructions; yet another of a new brigade of builders devoted solely to the delivery of apartment projects.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image11_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gardiner Rise and Vivid on Malvern in progress"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_3.jpg?itok=Nr7fCmRS" title="Gardiner Rise and Vivid on Malvern in progress" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gardiner Rise and Vivid on Malvern in progress</figcaption></figure>Soon to join those at construction are Lennox Glen Iris, which was <a href="/news/samuel-property-and-the-new-residential-zones">featured recently</a>, and <a href="/buildings/trentwood-25-trent-street-glen-iris">Trentwood</a>, Kokoda Property Group's latest residential project. Featuring 92 apartments within a Hayball-designed building, Trentwood will feature Carr Design interiors within the development dominated by two and three bedroom dwellings which hold internal spaces of up to 123sqm.

Also at Registrations and Sales is <a href="/buildings/leopold-stonnington-18-leopold-street-glen-iris">Leopold</a> which presents as more typical Glen Iris apartment developments in that it is low-rise in nature and within a close distance to either of the suburbs two train stations: Gardiner or Glen Iris.

The balance of project within postcode 3146 are at planning, with three notable developments in waiting. Calabro Capital's <a href="/new-apartments/iris-residences-1581-malvern-road-glen-iris">1579-1581 Malvern Road</a> is a recent entrant into the Apartments.com.au project database as are <a href="/new-apartments/1729-1735-malvern-road-glen-iris">1729-1735 Malvern Road</a> and the Peddle Thorp-designed <a href="/new-apartments/1655-1659-malvern-road-glen-iris">1655-1659 Malvern Road</a>.

Sizeable apartment developments applications are also in progress for the following Glen Iris addresses (some of which have yet to enter the Apartments.com.au project database) include:

<ul>
<li>1687 Malvern Road</li>
	<li>7-11 Elm Road Glen Iris (developed by modular builder Modscape)</li>
	<li><a href="/new-apartments/1639-1645-malvern-road-glen-iris">1639-1645 Malvern Road</a></li>
	<li>1795 Malvern Road</li>
	<li>1693-1699 Malvern Road</li>
	<li>1542 High Street</li>
	<li>
<a href="/new-apartments/1655-1659-malvern-road-glen-iris">1655-1659 Malvern Road</a> (Notice of Decision stage)</li>
	<li>1789 and 1791-1793 Malvern Road</li>
</ul>
With Malvern Road and High Street a focal point of apartment development within the area, Glen Iris's forward apartment development pipeline is looking particularly strong. This coupled with the desirability of the suburb leads Apartments.com.au to ear tag Glen Iris as an apartment hotspot both now and into the medium term.

<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/image13_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of active Glen Iris apartment projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_4.jpg?itok=t89d-iOm" title="A selection of active Glen Iris apartment projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of active Glen Iris apartment projects</figcaption></figure>
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Identifying the next apartment hotspot: Glen Iris

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South Yarra's Chapel Street - the area generally bound by Chapel, Simmons, Palfreyman and Garden, South Yarra's back blocks in the sense that the area in question plays second fiddle to the more prestigious developments within South Yarra's Forrest Hill precinct - is experiencing a development renaissance of its own.

Historically a low-rise commercial and light industrial pocket of South Yarra, the area has seen constant apartment development over the past 5-6 years owing the the small yet numerous plots which have over time become more appealing as low to medium-rise buildings.

The past 18 months has seen four apartment developments completed, namely SPEC Property Group's WLSN South Yarra, Pure Apartments, Mode Apartments with 38 apartments over eight levels and Kudos Apartments.

<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/image1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Recent completions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="638" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_0.jpg?itok=4oyXUOEE" title="Recent completions" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Recent completions</figcaption></figure>The rapid rate of change continues with three additional builds set to pump 297 apartments into the area. After a delay in excess of three years, Hutchinson Builders are well into construction of <a href="/buildings/echo-33-simmonds-street-south-yarra">Echo</a>, while <a href="/buildings/wil-co-34-wilson-street-south-yarra">Wil &amp; Co.</a> and <a href="/buildings/essence-35-wilson-street-south-yarra">Essence</a> are at basement level works on either side of Wilson Street.

Adding to the queue are <a href="/new-apartments/43-wilson-street-south-yarra">W South Yarra</a> and <a href="/buildings/noir-8-garden-street-south-yarra">Noir</a>, ranking among the largest projects in the area since Hamton's 242-apartment Society South Yarra complex was completed on Bray Street during 2010. Noir also represents the first project backed by a mainland Chinese developer in the area, with Shanghai-based Dahua Group acting as developer.

In this precinct, Apartments.com.au have identified in excess of 700 apartments either completed or currently under construction, spread over 11 separate 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/image2_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Projects under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="592" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_4.jpg?itok=G9ud3nEN" title="Projects under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Projects under construction</figcaption></figure>Looking ahead, three significant planning applications for the area are currently with Stonnington City Council.

<a href="/new-apartments/47-garden-street-south-yarra">49 Garden Street</a> would see only 17 apartments over a ten level building, with the scheme for the narrow 228sqm block conceived by ADDARC. Garden Street Investments Pty Ltd are the proponent, seeking one and two bedroom apartments as large at 85sqm within the project. <a href="/new-apartments/14-16-wilson-street-south-yarra">14-16 Wilson Street</a> has been resubmitted for approval and features 24 apartments within a wave-like facade conceived by SAC Building Workshop.

Last but by no means least is the revised scheme by Plus Architecture for <a href="/new-apartments/402-416-chapel-street-south-yarra">402-416 Chapel Street</a>. First <a href="/news/big-on-chapel-402-416-chapel-street-planning-application">highlighted by Urban.com.au during March</a>, the reworked application of behalf of Spotlight Development Group seeks to add a new hotel to South Yarra with 174 suites included within the expected redevelopment of what is now Chapel Plaza.

Also slated for the project are 87 townhouses, one and two bedrooms dwellings plus 2126sqm of retail and 965sqm of commercial space over the lower levels. 402-416 Chapel Street's fate is in VCAT's hands with the body to make a call on the scheme at a scheduled hearing next month.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image7_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pending additions to the streetscape"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="591" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_4.jpg?itok=-EvJ71qU" title="Pending additions to the streetscape" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pending additions to the streetscape. Images courtesy Plus &amp; SACBW</figcaption></figure>
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The transformation of South Yarra's back blocks continues

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Has the baby been thrown out with the bathwater? Quite possibly.

It has been a week since Planning Minister Richard Wynne introduced <a href="/news/interim-central-melbourne-planning-controls-the-detail">significant and immediate changes</a> to central city planning that will inhibit the scope in which much of Southbank and Melbourne's CBD can be developed into the future.

In recent days, various sources have sought to analyse the changes applied to the Planning Scheme for the aforementioned areas. Alan Davies via <a href="http://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2015/09/07/are-these-planning-changes-mostly-symbolic/">The Urbanist</a> has provided comment, Ratio Consultants have provided a <a href="http://www.ratio.com.au/changes-to-central-city-planning">concise summary</a> of changes implemented, yet perhaps the best indicator has come via Apartments.com.au's forum where the changes have garnered pages of discussion since their implementation.

Of the many forum posts on the topic, one factor has become abundantly clear: a week's discussion has led to contradiction and uncertainty when trying to interpret and notionally apply the new rules. And therein lies the blunder in how the new changes have been implemented.

I have yet to see one person, representative or peak body state that the changes applied to the Melbourne Planning Scheme are unnecessary. The Victorian Government on the face of it does indeed have the best of intentions in mind; essentially promoting quality residential development over poorly conceived, maximum yield-driven developments.

Perhaps the best summary of the main issue surrounding the changes was from the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA):

<blockquote>
While the Institute will support the intentions of the Central City Planning Review, it has vigorously opposed the Minister’s action to introduce interim controls of this nature overnight, without any consultation with the urban development industry.

The merits of addressing issues such as amenity and preserving Melbourne’s liveability are very much supported by the urban development industry. However the blunt action by the Minister in introducing interim controls without warning has set the tone for this important and complex discussion.

Swift, uncanvassed action such as that taken overnight by the Planning Minister serves only one purpose – to undermine investor confidence, which can only lead to reduced activity.
<cite>Danni Addison, Victorian chief executive, UDIA</cite>
</blockquote>

This is where now the baby is in danger of disappearing down the gurgler entirely.

It is all well and good to implement changes to the Melbourne Planning Scheme, but where was the tact or transparency in the process? By going about it the way they have, the Andrews Government has left the door ajar to stymie investment in central Melbourne. The ambiguity now cast over the approvals process is tantamount to inviting trouble.

I would assert that the method these changes have been implemented may undermine investor confidence, specifically in the short to medium term. And of course I refer to the rivers of investment capital flowing from Asia into Melbourne. This investment and subsequent boom in construction in Melbourne's heart represents a hefty and buoyant portion of the Victorian economy at present, with billions of dollars in play.

If prospective investors (of which there are no shortage) perceive the changes and the heavy-handed manner in which they were implemented to be counter beneficial, they will simply shun Melbourne altogether. Investment capital in this sense relates to the foreign-backed developers and is liquid; it will find the path of least resistance. Whether the capital remains in Melbourne or whether we are shunned in favour of other Australian or international cities remains to be seen, but on the face of it the events of the last week certainly will not help the cause.

This potential to forsake an untold amount of investment in Melbourne would have surely been enough to prompt the current Victorian Government to approach changes to the Melbourne Planning Scheme in a more thoughtful, encompassing manner… apparently not.

Lead image courtesy fastcodesign.com
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Comment: ramifications of the new Melbourne Planning Scheme changes

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The AFL finals are upon us and Spring has sprung… well, not quite yet. This time of year generally does coincide with a string of apartment developments readying themselves for public launch.

Whether they are looking to capitalise upon the improving Spring weather where buyers are more inclined to be out and about in the search for a new property, or seeking to secure as many sales as possible prior to the Christmas break, Apartments.com.au have identified upwards of 20 new apartment projects which have just launched or are in the process of doing so, with more to follow.

Middle and outer suburbs covered by these new and pending launches are numerous. Oakleigh, Hawthorn, Heidelberg, Bundoora, Cheltenham, Brighton, Preston, Essendon and Doncaster East are represented, as is the effervescent Box Hill with two new releases.

<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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Apartments in the suburbs continue to grow in popularity"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="709" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image193_0.jpg?itok=hiR9HvaL" title="Apartments in the suburbs continue to grow in popularity" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Apartments in the suburbs continue to grow in popularity</figcaption></figure>Closer to the big smoke and Fitzroy, South Yarra, Prahran, Brunswick East and Footscray will host new projects, with a handful already open to public sales. Footscray's pending release will further enhance Joseph Road Precinct's stance as an emerging apartment sector.

North Melbourne has two freshly released apartment projects but taking the honours is Richmond which continues to lead the way. No less than five apartments projects are in the immediate pipeline, with two currently available for public purchase.

These new releases, coupled with existing projects at sales and 20 plus projects which Apartments.com.au have in our database (at either planning assessment or approved), have Richmond locked in as one of the continuing apartment hot spots for some time to come.

<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/image208.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="There's no shortage of choice for prospective buyers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="985" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image208.jpg?itok=F4uho3IG" title="There's no shortage of choice for prospective buyers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>There's no shortage of choice for prospective buyers</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au garnered the thoughts of leading industry figure and Apartment Register founder Cameron Clarke, regarding the current spate of new apartment releases.

<blockquote>
Spring has historically been and continues to be the peak time of the year to release apartment projects in Melbourne for the simple reason that Melbourne is at its peak, culminating with the AFL Final Series, the Spring Racing Carnival and Spring Fashion Week. Spring motivates the return of local residents and attracts national and international visitors, it is simply a positive time and atmosphere for the most liveable city to be on display.

For this reason consumers have the largest number of development projects to choose from and therefore the largest selection of apartments to pick from. For the discerning owner occupier, investor and downsizer, the privilege of having priority pick in projects before public launch gives the buyer heightened control with the knowledge they accessing premium apartment stock. The sales speed at which particular off the plan developments can be sold is now measured in days as opposed to weeks or months, so any additional time to view a project is an advantage.

Spring is simply the easiest time of year to purchase with the maximum number of opportunities to do so.
<cite>Cameron Clarke</cite>
</blockquote>

For those looking for that extra edge when seeking to buy an apartment this Spring, you can register your interest and suburb preferences with Apartment Register.
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New apartment releases line up for their time in the sun

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<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.

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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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.

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Mark Baljak

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