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The wraps are off Cbus Property's latest high-end residential addition for Melbourne's Spring Street.

Across 13-23 Spring Street, the project is being referred to as 17 Spring Street. Designed by Bates Smart, the tower has similar design overtones to the East Melbourne-based design office's <a href="http://www.cbusproperty.com.au/properties/35-spring-street-melbourne">35 Spring Street</a>, whilst also referencing the neighbouring 1 Spring Street.

Cbus Property's development application went to planning during April with an eye toward creating another elite apartment building overlooking Fiztroy Gardens.

The 33-storey tower reportedly includes 6 one, 24 two and 48 three bedroom apartments. In choosing a sparse apartment spread, Cbus Property is set to chase high-end buyers with apartment sizes ranging between 133 square metres and 207 square metres.

The balance of dwellings constitute the tower's premium offerings.

<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/17_spring_01.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Spring Street's latest addition. Image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="869" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/17_spring_01.png?itok=b1PwOlY5" title="Spring Street's latest addition. Image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spring Street's latest addition. Image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Now home to a modest Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens, Cbus Property nabbed the site last year for approximately $70 million. With the pedigree residential tower in the works, AccorHotels will need to find a new location for its Mercure brand.

Incidentally, the hotel group announced in recent days the addition of <a href="/news/2018/07/30/mercure-hotels-adds-four-new-locations-across-australia">four new Mercure locations in Australia</a>, with the Doncaster Hill precinct set to gain a maiden hotel development.

The addition of 17 Spring Street has boosted Cbus Property's national presence in the Apartments.com.au Project Database to 13, headed by significant Melbourne-based projects such as <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">Collins Arch</a>, <a href="/buildings/holme-apartments-68-cambridge-st-collingwood">Holme Apartments</a> and <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">311 Spencer Street</a>.

<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/image86_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Golden Age's 85 Spring Street is nearing a start"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image86_7.jpg?itok=KapeeCnQ" title="Golden Age's 85 Spring Street is nearing a start" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Golden Age's 85 Spring Street is nearing a start</figcaption></figure>Meanwhile, the drawn-out development push for 85 Spring Street has reached a significant marker with a fresh construction tender issued for the $500 million mixed-use development.

Developer Golden Age Group is backing the project after Grocon reportedly chose to onsell the site in the face of strong unsolicited developer interest. The tender carries a construction value in excess of $200 million for the mixed-use Bates Smart-designed tower.

Costing Golden Age Group $75 million to secure, the 39 storey tower includes 138 apartments and a hotel component. Under a deal struck late last year the developer and Starwood Capital Group will jointly manage the hotel component which includes 250 hotel suites plus amenities such as a bar, restaurants, conference rooms and a gym.

The hotel is tentatively slated to open in 2020, likely leading to a construction start this calendar year.
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silvermb

Spring Street's double dose of development news

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AccorHotels is rolling out an aggressive expansion across Australia and New Zealand, resulting in a presence across five new locations.

Auckland aside, AccorHotels' Mercure brand will land in four new Australian locations over the next three years, boosting its presence to beyond 50 hotels in the region. The commitment is also a boon for the respective hotel developers, allowing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of development to proceed.

The addition of these new four new Australian developments to the Apartments.com.au Project Database takes to 90 the number of hotel developments being tracked.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
We are thrilled to announce our 50th milestone for the Mercure brand and add four new Mercure hotels to AccorHotels’ Pacific network in dynamic locations including the Gold Coast, Canberra, Melbourne and Auckland.

Mercure is a leading global midscale brand with a strong reputation for delivering quality service and great guest experiences. Each of these hotels will have significant impacts locally, driving employment and tourism to each location. We look forward to working with the owners and further expanding our new-build Mercure network of hotels.
<cite>Simon McGrath, AccorHotels Chief Operating Officer Pacific</cite>
</blockquote>

Mercure Canberra Belconnen 

<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/image81g.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the Belconnen development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="490" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image81g.jpg?itok=yauN34QX" title="Artist's impression of the Belconnen development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the Belconnen development</figcaption></figure>ACT Labor Club has joined forces with AccorHotels to deliver a new Belconnen hotel ready for occupancy during 2019.

After receiving approval for a 12 storey development during 2017, the new look design will see Mercure occupy 5 levels and 125 rooms within the development, with event and conference facilities also combined. 

Northwest of Canberra's city centre, Belconnen is receiving increased higher density development, with towers of up to 27 storeys planned.

Mercure Melbourne Doncaster 

<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/image78_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Accord Property Group moves into the hotel game"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image78_4.jpg?itok=r_yCI7ET" title="Accord Property Group moves into the hotel game" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Accord Property Group moves into the hotel game</figcaption></figure>Doncaster Hill will finally receive a hotel with Accord Property Group pursuing their maiden hotel development.

Slated to open during 2021, Mercure Melbourne Doncaster will include 190 rooms over six floors, plus retail at ground level. A restaurant and bar, fitness centre and function room constitute the project's amenities.

Delivering small-scale residential projects in the area previously, Accord Property Group's first hotel will be located on Doncaster Road adjacent to Westfield Shopping Centre.

Mercure Southport 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image84_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southport will benefit from extra visitor stays"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_12.jpg?itok=_c_vTNLB" title="Southport will benefit from extra visitor stays" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southport will benefit from extra visitor stays</figcaption></figure>Another for a 2021 completion is Centro Group of Companies' new Southport development. AccorHotels have come to terms for the new-build hotel, agreeing to manage 130 rooms within the complex.

Once more, a restaurant, bar, fitness centre and pool round out the development's amenities, whilst event and meeting space will take on a more pronounced role with an eye toward the local community and the wider conference scene.

Centro Group of Companies will also overhaul the precinct, adding residential apartments and additional retail space. 

Mercure Sydney Bankstown

<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/image80a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Poly Australia's Bankstown RSL development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image80a.jpg?itok=luqwWF26" title="Poly Australia's Bankstown RSL development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Poly Australia's Bankstown RSL development</figcaption></figure>Poly Australia has landed AccorHotels for their Bankstown RSL development.

Mercure Sydney Bankstown will be operational during late 2020 with 120 rooms in tow. Spanning 5 storeys and fronting Marion Street, the hotel is part of the new Bankstown RSL development which is valued at in excess of $60 million.

The hotel will have a restaurant and bar, two meeting spaces and a gym in a wider 18,000 square metre development.
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Mercure Hotels adds four new locations across Australia

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Macquarie Park's blossoming urban renewal has received a further boost with developer Meriton setting in motion the approvals sequence for their Talavera Road site.

The suburb's role as a tertiary, commercial and innovation hub is further being boosted by an influx of apartment developments. Latest to reach City of Ryde for consideration is the first stage of Meriton's 112 Talavera Road apartment development.

Previously with Goodman Group, the low-rise site which now contains commercial and industrial space was secured by Meriton who promptly went about applying to rezone the site in order to allow for four residential towers. The tallest of these would reach 200 metres and is subject to a future design excellence competition.

The rezoning allows for buildings of 27, 30, 45 and 60 storeys incorporating over 1,200 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/image60_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site overview. Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60_6.jpg?itok=Lw1QO8nH" title="Site overview. Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site overview. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>With rezoning in the pocket, Merithasave applied for approval over the westernmost part of the site, with the balance subject to future development applications.

DKO Architecture have been utilised for the initial design, creating a 27 storey residential tower incorporating some 221 apartments. The tower's pseudo podium introduces a more intimate built form by way of a smaller 7 storey building that will front both a new pedestrian link and a common green area.

A childcare centre, pool and gym are situated atop the smaller building whilst the tower hosts an enclosed rooftop terrace for use by residents.

The apartment split sees 46 single, 141 double and 34 triple bedroom apartments. Limited retail spaces are also included at ground level.

<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/image63_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="High and low-rise aspects of the design. Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_9.jpg?itok=tO4HBVU8" title="High and low-rise aspects of the design. Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>High and low-rise aspects of the design. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>Macquarie Park's established mixed-use nature has been instrumental in attracting a string of big name developers to the area, cashing in on demand for apartment living. Stamoulis Property Group, Romeciti, Golden Age Group, Greenland Australia, COLI Australia, VIMG and JQZ have active apartment projects within Macquarie Park.

Hyecorp is the latest developer to launch a project, taking 9 Peach Tree Road to sales. Dubbed Monika, the project will include 116 apartments within a 14 storey building.

Urban.com.au is tracking 3,965 apartments within Macquarie Park. The large size of many development sites and multiple buildings within the respective developments is seeing a very high average apartment number of 440 across 9 separate developments.
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Macquarie Park's transformation takes a Meriton step forward

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Pellicano Group is the latest developer to embrace the 'Brunswick movement' toward super sustainable, highly design-driven apartment projects.

During June plans for 212-214 Albion Street were lodged with City of Moreland for an eight storey predominantly apartment building designed by Six Degrees Architects. The 1,530 square metre site sold for $5.8 million during mid 2017, and is now being offered on a short term lease with an eye toward becoming an a pop-up or overflow space.

Pellicano Group though intends to realise 66 apartments over time onsite, with two buildings of eight and six levels containing one and two bedroom apartments alongside a limited number of lofts.

It is through the appointment of Six Degrees Architects which is a boost to 212-214 Albion Street's design credentials. The practice conceived the now under construction Nightingale 2 in Fairfield, and also counts Brunswick's <a href="/news/pellicano-drops-in-as-mirabella-opts-out-of-moreland">211-213 Sydney Road</a> as one of its more recent designs.

Design highlights for the Albion Street proposal include naturally cross-ventilated apartments, over 400 square metres of communal space, a communal food production area and an average apartment Star rating of 7.1. 

Apartments.com.au recently highlighted the shift in design ethos across a number of apartments projects in Brunswick and adjoining Brunswick East. The arrival of The Commons as the area's prototype for high quality, sustainable design has effectively set the benchmark for ensuing projects, of which 212-214 Albion Street is now one.

<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_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Materials palette and intended outcome. Planning image: Six Degrees"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="205" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image72_4.jpg?itok=_svwctDk" title="Materials palette and intended outcome. Planning image: Six Degrees" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Materials palette and intended outcome. Planning image: Six Degrees</figcaption></figure>Meanwhile in neighbouring Brunswick East, suburb stalwart Mirabella is set to move from its Lygon Street premises after more that 40 years at 141-153 Lygon Street.

Their lighting and travel businesses onsite will move on after Buchan Group was commissioned to create a new residential outcome for the 2,137 square metre parcel. Documents for the proposal were lodged with Moreland City Council earlier in the year.

19 single, 51 double and 4 triple bedroom and 4 penthouse apartments options are included, as is 907 square metres of retail space above 2 basement levels. The $25 million design includes a rooftop terrace above 15,225 square metres of built form.

Mirabella's bid to repurpose 141-153 Lygon Street is in addition to a swag of other apartment projects nearby.

<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/image49_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lygon Street perspective. Planning image: Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image49_11.jpg?itok=dwOQFXih" title="Lygon Street perspective. Planning image: Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lygon Street perspective. Planning image: Buchan Group</figcaption></figure>The unveiling of both planning applications sees the Apartments.com.au Project Database count for a combined Brunswick and Brunswick East balloon to 68.

21 projects across both suburbs are at planning, a further 23 stand approved, 12 are at sales whilst a further 12 are under construction. With only 18% of projects across both suburbs in delivery, a further 56 apartment projects are waiting in the wings.
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Pellicano drops in as Mirabella opts out of Moreland

Crown Group&#39;s intentions for a sizeable tract of Waterloo land have become clearer, with five separate development applications now before City of Sydney.

Most notable is the exhibition of Building C which is&nbsp;44-48 O&rsquo;Dea Avenue&#39;s largest intended building. <a href="https://www.crowngroup.com.au/crown-group-reveals-first-image-kengo-kuma-designed-tower/">Already flagged by the developer</a> earlier in the year,&nbsp;Building C combines the design talents of&nbsp;Koichi Takada Architects with Japan-based Kengo Kuma and Associates.

The distinct 20 storey tower includes a cantilevered infinity-edge pool atop the building, gym and community room. Externally the facade is laden with greenery&nbsp;with the intent of emulating a stacked forest.

The tower includes 153 apartments, split between 11 studio, 42 single, 84 double and 16 triple bedroom configurations. 123 vehicle bays are included within 4 basement levels.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image95_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: KTA / KKAA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image95_5.jpg?itok=DynewUJy" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: KTA / KKAA" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Planning image: KTA / KKAA</figcaption>
</figure>

On&nbsp;the design, the architectural partnership provides the following commentary:

<blockquote>
The building form creates a gentle and responsive transition from the tower to podium creating a better urban relationship to the lower scale developments within the immediate context.

The use of wood look battens across the facade creates a high level of articulation and dynamism along the entire building length. The warm and natural material pallete is used throughout the building in order to create an intrinsic connection back to nature and is evident through the resort style amenities for the residents.

The relationship to nature is further strengthened through three predominant landscaped areas in the building. The design brings a high quality and architecturally responsive aesthetic along the entire streetscape and a new iconic gateway to the heart of Waterloo.
</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/image96_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior space within Building C. Planning image: KTA / KKAA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="282" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image96_1.jpg?itok=FUeoBriZ" title="Interior space within Building C. Planning image: KTA / KKAA" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Interior space within Building C. Planning image: KTA / KKAA</figcaption>
</figure>

Simultaneously plans have been released for Crown Group&#39;s fifth and final instalment of their Waterloo development. Silvester Fuller&#39;s design for Building A will consist of 40 apartments within a 5 storey golden-laced edifice.

5 studio, 12 single, 19 double and 4 triple bedroom apartments are included above retail space and two basement levels for 38 vehicles.

Silverster Fuller say:

<blockquote>
The building is conceived as a community of dwellings connected by communal spaces. Its architectural identity celebrates the intersection of Archibald Avenue and Lachlan Place as an expressed front door and vertical connector, linking the Entry to the Communal Open Rooftop above.

The external connecting stair is a marker defining the building entry and connection to the rooftop garden. Creating a naturally lit and ventilated vertical circulation experience reinforces the wellness principles which underpin the design strategy.
</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/image97_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Building A on display. Planning image: Silvester Fuller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="310" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image97_2.jpg?itok=WMzJM5op" title="Building A on display. Planning image: Silvester Fuller" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Building A on display. Planning image: Silvester Fuller</figcaption>
</figure>

With all five projects at planning, Crown Group are looking to add as many as 388 apartments over their O&#39;Dea Avenue site.&nbsp;

The collection of buildings seemingly hold a similar architectural language in style and colours, although as has been noted the buildings&nbsp;express their own &quot;clear identity within a collection of individual buildings designed to balance diversity with a sense of place.&quot;

Crown Group&#39;s Waterloo precinct will slot in behind a number of other Sydney projects the developer has in progress. Marquee projects&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/arc-by-crown-group-161-clarence-street-sydney">Arc by Crown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/zetland-nsw-2017">Infinity by Crown</a> and <a href="/buildings/castle-residences-sydney-116-castlereagh-street-sydney">Castle Residences</a> are at construction, leaving <a href="/buildings/the-grand-residences-eastlakes-16-evans-avenue-eastlakes">Eastlakes Live</a> at sales and <a href="/buildings/waterfall-by-crown-group-18-20-odea-avenue-waterloo">Waterfall by Crown</a> as forthcoming projects.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7020]

<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/image99_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Building B, D and E round out Crown Group's Waterloo intentions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="204" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image99_3.jpg?itok=WXKgzChr" title="Building B, D and E round out Crown Group's Waterloo intentions" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Building B, D and E round out Crown Group&#39;s Waterloo intentions</figcaption>
</figure>

Crown Group's design full house for Sydney's Waterloo

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The sway toward commercial development within City of Yarra shows no signs of slowing, with Apartments.com.au tracking near on 300,000 square metres in development.

The intensifying trend continues to attract developers which have historically leaned on residential development. Latest to the fray is H&amp;F Property who is the applicant behind an 11 storey building at Abbotsford's 218-228 Hoddle Street, with a secondary frontage to Stafford Street.

Designed by Architectus, the $25 million application contains 7,389 square metres of space above three basement levels, and was submitted during April.

<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/image41_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lower level Hoddle Street expression. Planning image: Architectus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_11.jpg?itok=IPDT6ejE" title="Lower level Hoddle Street expression. Planning image: Architectus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lower level Hoddle Street expression. Planning image: Architectus</figcaption></figure>H&amp;F Property's bid is in addition to a bevvy of traditionally residential developers such as Caydon Property Group, Alpha14 Property Group, Pace Development Group, Beams Projects, GURNER, LK Property Group, Domain Hill Property Group and Peregrine Projects who are in the process of realising their respective first commercial developments, which all happen to fall within City of Yarra.

Add fellow development firms such as Lazzcorp, Alfasi Group, Salta Properties, Riverlee and Grocon who have a hand in active commercial developments within the municipality.

The result is an impressive 34 commercial projects on the go within City of Yarra according to Apartments.com.au's Project Database.

Planning agency Human Habitats provides a decisive overview as to why City of Yarra, in particular, is running hot with commercial development:

<blockquote>
At a local level, ongoing change in the structure of employment has begun across the City of Yarra in recent years with strong growth in property, business services, retail, and the finance and insurance sectors. This demand for employment has been welcomed considering the decline in wholesale and manufacturing sectors across the City of Yarra.

As traditional office locations such as the CBD and Docklands reach capacity, employment precincts such as Richmond/Cremorne have become increasingly attractive locations for office based employment. This location appears to cater for the continuing growth in small to medium sized business services and the ‘new economy’ employment of an increasingly skilled workforce.

The demand for additional office space is reflected in the effective rental growth in the City Fringe Areas (which include Richmond / Cremorne) which has experienced growth in the order of 20% over the year to March 2018, and which has featured a vacancy rate of below 3.5% for in excess of 18 months.

Real Estate Advisory firm Colliers are predicting that the underlying fundamentals of demand within this area are sustainable, and that demand will remain strong given Melbourne’s promising economic outlook and extraordinary population growth.
<cite>Human Habitats</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/image44_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="PACE Development Group's Langridge Street commercial foray"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="569" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image44_7.jpg?itok=VRSJUG5n" title="PACE Development Group's Langridge Street commercial foray" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace Development Group's Langridge Street commercial foray</figcaption></figure>PACE Development Group's expansion into the commercial market is via <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://maps.google.com/?q%3D51%2BLangridge%2BSt%26entry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1532663610265000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFOy_B4o69T_VVVRtKPmZb_AgP0VQ" href="https://maps.google.com/?q=51+Langridge+St&amp;entry=gmail&amp;source=g" target="_blank">51 Langridge St</a> in Collingwood, with the project's end value expected to surpass $25 million. 

Planning and Design Manager at Pace Development Group, Michael Holah. touches upon what makes City of Yarra an attractive proposition. 

<blockquote>
We see this striking a real chord with businesses wanting a contemporary upgrade, those priced out of suburbs such as Richmond and Cremorne, as well as those currently located in a co-working environment that have grown enough to warrant their own office space.

Unlike its CBD counterparts, this project is designed to capture the Collingwood feel and the ethos that the suburb stands for – SJB Architects has conceptualised something truly reflective of both the site’s surrounds and the cultures of the businesses that will grow here.

The smaller floor plates are exactly what the market is looking for.
</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/image47_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Hayball-designed 17-21 Harcourt Parade is due for a construction start"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_12.jpg?itok=UfKVmlU-" title="The Hayball-designed 17-21 Harcourt Parade is due for a construction start" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Hayball-designed 17-21 Harcourt Parade is due for a construction start</figcaption></figure>With yet more projects to be added, the Apartments.com.au Project Database tally sees 32 purely commercial projects and 2 mixed use developments listed within City of Yarra. These projects amount to some 292,100 square metres of commercial office space in development.

Only 7 developments are currently at construction and stand to add approximately 41,700 square metres of combined commercial stock, indicating that City of Yarra's commercial boom has some years yet to run.
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Traditional residential developers cash in on Yarra's 300,000sqm commercial boom

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Mount Waverley's largest pending development has been completely reworked, with an aesthetically pleasing design in tow.

The planning application before City of Monash has sidestepped the traditional 'mixed-use' term, instead opting to label the application for 445-467 Blackburn Road as a ‘multi-age precinct’. Beyond being <a href="/news/mount-waverley-earmarked-for-a-multi-age-precinct-development">highlighted by Urban.com.au</a> last year, BC Mount Waverley Project Pty Ltd have enlisted Rothelowman to undertake design duties prior to a VCAT Merits Hearing next month.

445-467 Blackburn Road abuts the Monash Freeway and currently sees the 4-star Hotel Bruce County preside over part of a larger development onsite.

Marchese Partners conceived the initial design which garnered 23 objections and ultimately fell short of Council expectations. Design character, scale, internal amenity, overdevelopment and inconsistencies with presiding planning policies were amongst the reason noted as leading to the initial application's rejection.

<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_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lemont Avenue perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="284" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_19.jpg?itok=AUaauv_Z" title="Lemont Avenue perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lemont Avenue perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>BC Mount Waverley Project Pty Ltd are now hoping Rothelowman's substituted plans will suffice in addressing earlier concerns when at VCAT.

Adhering to the original intended uses earmarked for the project, 445-467 Blackburn Road will still focus on catering specifically for both children and the elderly, whilst adding short, mid and long-term accommodation options.

Changes to the project's yield include:

<ul>
<li>Removal of 47 apartments </li>
	<li>15 townhouses (previously 10 townhouses)</li>
	<li>86 hotel rooms (previously 120 hotel rooms)</li>
	<li>8 serviced apartments (unchanged) </li>
	<li>108 independent living units/over 55s retirement living (previously 60 independent living units)</li>
	<li>246 on-site car spaces (previously 135) including an additional level of basement car parking </li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
The design strategy employed here is to stratify layers of built form which both separates uses and allows the opportunity to apply a distinct architectural language and identity to each use.

The materiality helps to draw distinction between the uses, with dark glass encompassing the hotel rooms, providing privacy from Blackburn Road. The residential framing elements are infilled with a light grey glazing and metal cladding. Levels 3 and 7 are designed to appear recessive in order to separate the colonnade and concrete frames.
<cite>Rothelowman Design 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/image1_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Blackburn road perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_13.jpg?itok=9xrIkUIC" title="Blackburn road perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Blackburn road perspective. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>The rebirthed Mount Waverley project carries strong design traits relative to a number of other Rothelowman-designed developments.

445-467 Blackburn Road is dominated by clear, white, charcoal and black glazing, resulting in an almost brooding exterior. Other finishes include metal cladding and finishes, textured concrete and green planters.

The massive departure from the initially submitted application will go before VCAT on August 20th.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image14_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Existing Rothelowman projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="682" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_20.jpg?itok=0kVKLGbA" title="Existing Rothelowman projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Existing Rothelowman projects</figcaption></figure>
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Mount Waverley receives the Rothelowman touch prior to a VCAT visit

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Hawthorn Park, Boroondara's largest development, has slipped into construction mode.

Developer Dahua Group has selected builder Hickory as head contractor for the $300 million project. Demolition across the sprawling site has commenced and is scheduled to continue for two months prior to Hickory Group establishing itself onsite during September.

An extensive earthworks and construction schedule will follow, with Hawthorn Park's anticipated completion date set for the third quarter of 2020. 

Asked on the progress of sales to date, Dahua Group have confirmed that in excess of 50% of the apartments offered have been accounted for. One, two, three and four bedroom apartments are included within the project.

<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/image179_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawthorn Park's size on show. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image179_0.jpg?itok=CuD2wC3P" title="Hawthorn Park's size on show. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hawthorn Park's size on show. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>William Huang, Managing Director of Dahua Melbourne told Apartments.com.au "Dahua Group Melbourne are excited to begin construction on this premier flagship development for the city of Boroondara. The team are committed to delivering a community of exemplary design and location in a high quality, medium density project for a growing Melbourne population."

And that design is the work of Rothelowman, who went about creating multiple buildings in order to allow for site permeability.

"Public piazzas are placed at the site’s entry points drawing Burwood Road’s existing green edge through to the plaza located on Camberwell Road’s more robust presentation. Feature stairs cut a pathway into the open contoured space activated with resident amenity, retail and food and beverage.

A glass-bottomed swimming pool spans between buildings and over the plaza, creating a spectacular front door to the project, and also locating the comprehensive resident amenity floor."

The elevated pool is an intricate aspect of Rothelowman's design and serves as a unique selling point for the project. It will connect the communal area's of both buildings which front Burwood 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/image171_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The showpiece pool which spans both buildings. Image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image171_0.jpg?itok=y0Z7uolu" title="The showpiece pool which spans both buildings. Image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The showpiece pool which spans two buildings. Image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Hawthorn Park's place as Boroondara's largest development is evident.

Apartments.com.au is tracking 102 separate current developments within the municipality, with all dedicated to residential use. Of the 102 projects, only four contain 100 or more apartments; this is very much reflective of the area's general dearth of large sites capable of taking development.

The balance of those current projects with 100 or more dwellings consist of the at construction CV Apartments and Longhouse, whilst Sierra within Hawthorn has yet to see works begin onsite.
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Boroondara's largest project rolls into construction

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Parramatta's position as the nation's most dynamic satellite city continues to be underscored by an almost continuous flow of developments into the Greater Western Sydney locale.

Latest to the development surge is the nation's largest apartment developer, Meriton. Last week the outfit lodged plans valued at $228 million for their George Street site in the western reaches of Parramatta's CBD.

Called for are two towers of 210 and 186 metres that would, in addition to a Meriton serviced apartment component, the project will pump hundreds of new apartments into Parramatta. The CBD's expanding housing stock is expected to balloon form a 2017 figure of 6,108 to a projected <a href="https://forecast.id.com.au/parramatta/residential-development?WebID=270">2036 dwelling count of 15,474</a>.

Such is the popularity of Parramatta that the Apartments.com.au Project Database for the suburb has expanded rapidly to include thousands of planned and under construction apartments, particularly within Parramatta's CBD.

<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/image154_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Woods Bagot's envisaged design for the George Street site"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image154_2.jpg?itok=jqWjuARW" title="Woods Bagot's envisaged design for the George Street site" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Woods Bagot's envisaged design for the George Street site</figcaption></figure>The move to planning for 180 George Street will see the 7,978 square metre site currently controlled by the Meriton developed to its maximum potential. Earlier this year Meriton foreshadowed the redevelopment, announcing that Woods Bagot was successful in a design competition for the site.

At present five buildings across 180 George Street span up to fourteen levels and are held by the developer within its Meriton Suites serviced apartments portfolio.

Council note the delivery of 767 residential apartments as proposed, spread across the taller tower and the upper levels of the secondary tower. The 767 dwellings are loosely broken down into 486 apartments within the taller north tower, 131 apartments in the south tower, 12 podium level apartments and 142 apartments inserted across existing buildings onsite.

Meriton last year completed Altitude, its most recent Parramatta development at 330 Church Street which consists of dual towers holding approximately 375 apartments 254 serviced 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/image158_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Probables and possibles. 8 Phillip Street alongside a scheme for 87 Church Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="424" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image158_1.jpg?itok=2Ah5NLhD" title="Probables and possibles. 8 Phillip Street alongside a scheme for 87 Church Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Probables and possibles. 8 Phillip Street alongside a scheme for 87 Church Street</figcaption></figure>The lockstep between population surge and a rapidly evolving skyline is evident when assessing Parramatta's major current apartment developments. 180 George Street aside, the 200 metre <a href="/new-apartments/8-phillip-street-2-10-phillip-street-parramatta">8 Phillip Street</a> includes 300 plus apartments, <a href="/new-apartments/south-quarter-parramatta-57-83-church-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">South Quarter</a> encompasses 700 plus apartments, <a href="/buildings/west-village-88-church-street-parramatta">West Village</a> almost 400, <a href="/buildings/observatory-place-parramatta-7-parkes-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">Solstice</a> 175 and <a href="/buildings/the-lennox-12-phillip-street-parramatta">The Lennox</a> with 440 apartments.

Of the above West Village and The Lennox are at construction.

It is through the next wave of residential towers that will continue to underpin Parramatta's explosive growth. 197 Church Street, 87 Church Street, 12 Hassell Street, 2 O'Connell Street and Westfield Parramatta Tower stand out as potentially sizeable towers capable of hosting major development in coming years.
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The Meriton juggernaut adds to Parramatta's population surge

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The design team behind what looms as one of Sydney's tallest buildings has provided comment on their joint effort for 505-523 George Street.

Last week the development's proponents, Mirvac and Coombes Property Group, announced that Architectus and ingenhoven architects were successful in topping other participants in a design excellence competition. Now in progress is a 79 storey predominantly residential tower spanning 270 metres.

It has been billed as the highest residential building in Sydney, and also as a "profoundly visible landmark standing for an economical, environmental and socially sustainable, future-oriented development."

Efforts to deliver a signature project onsite reach back to August 2015 when Council and the Central Sydney Planning Committee considered a request to change the height control for the site which is currently home to an Event Cinemas complex.

Top flight architecture firms/partnerships Skidmore, Owings and Merrill + Crone, Wilkinson Eyre, Foster + Partners and fjmt + Bates Smart were beaten out by Architectus and ingenhoven architects during the initial design process. The $1 billion development will now progress to a Stage 2 development application with an eye to final approval.

<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/image142_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Panoramic views of the George Street tower. Image: Doug and Wolf"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image142_0.jpg?itok=1T8zwVlW" title="Panoramic views of the George Street tower. Image: Doug and Wolf" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Panoramic views of the George Street tower. Image: Doug and Wolf</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
This is a very exciting project for Sydney. It will rejuvenate George Street’s entertainment precinct with new retail, community facilities, potential hotel and high-quality apartments.

The tower will present as a singular elegant form on the skyline of Sydney with the vertical structure emphasizing height and slenderness while the subtle curving façade addresses views in all directions.

We are looking forward to working with the team at Ingenhoven again on another significant Sydney project. Our collaboration on 1 Bligh Street was very successful and we aim to emulate the same quality and success with 505 George Street.
<cite>Ray Brown, Managing Director at Architectus</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Now we have combined our expertise once again by designing a tower which will be highly integrated in the existing surroundings and offer a great public domain.

This urban approach is based on the philosophy of a well-connected public and conceives of the tower as being a 'friendly neighbour'. The combination of different uses and the timeless design of the building are integral parts of an environmentally sustainable approach but also expression of a deep understanding of the project goals
<cite>Christoph Ingenhoven, owner and founder of ingenhoven architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image140_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level perspective. Image: Doug and Wolf"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="418" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image140_1.jpg?itok=mtUJFfvD" title="Ground level perspective. Image: Doug and Wolf" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level perspective. Image: Doug and Wolf</figcaption></figure>Other aspects of the 65,000 square metre development include multiple retail levels, childcare facilities, a community meeting space and the potential to rehouse Event Cinemas in the podium structure.

ingenhoven architects' supergreen sustainability platform will be rolled out across the design. This includes "awareness of energy and resources, both in the design, construction and operation and in the realization of the building and its use. It includes the primary and secondary energy levels of the materials used, the equipment and building process and the use of resources over the whole lifetime of a building."

505-523 George Street will be a traditional post-tensioned concrete structure with exposed perimeter columns allowing for maximum residential floor space.

The development team has indicated that post a 2019 submission for approval, a construction start is pencilled in for 2020. With a five year build in mind, Mirvac and Coombes Property Group are eyeing residents moving in during 2025.

<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/image143_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Above all others. Image: Doug and Wolf"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image143_2.jpg?itok=LpCdo-br" title="Above all others. Image: Doug and Wolf" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Above all others. Image: Doug and Wolf</figcaption></figure>
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Architectus and Ingehoven on Sydney's latest super skyscraper

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

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

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

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

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

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

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

Mark Baljak

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