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Flemington Road has provided an interesting and nonuniform entry point for many a visitor to Melbourne for many a decade. A mixture of low and high-rise buildings spanning many eras and many uses are present on the strip which was once the premier entry point to Melbourne from Adelaide and in more recent times to Melbourne's CBD from Tullamarine Airport.

As with many other parts of Melbourne, Flemington Road and the immediate back blocks are being driven to change by developers seeking prime sites within close proximity to the CBD. Where retail space, offices, medical centres, warehousing and light industry defined Flemington Road and surrounds for generations, the southern side of Flemington Road is now almost exclusively being developed as high-rise apartment blocks.

<h2>The current Flemington Road crop</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/image30.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Calling Flemington Road home"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="509" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30.jpg?itok=rxiyftah" title="Calling Flemington Road home" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Calling Flemington Road home</figcaption></figure>Three apartment developments have recently sold well and have found themselves at similar stages of construction. Helio and Nord are a matter of doors apart and are at both at the bulk excavation and wall retention stage.

United Asia Group's North apartment complex was <a href="/news/uag-unveils-north-33-flemington-road">first revealed</a> on Apartments.com.au during September last year. The largest of all Flemington Road apartment developments, the tower opposite the new Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre will soon appear above ground and will eventually hold 454 apartments.

Although not on the strip, a gaze east along Flemington Road will soon enough include one of the more conspicuous apartment developments in the area. The distinctive green facade of Royal Elizabeth is the work of Elenberg Fraser and PDG Corporation. With the majority of its apartments accounted for the undulating building will soon start construction, providing a highly visible built form bookend to Flemington Road.

<h2>A new entrant</h2>

The most recent project seeking approval is 67-73 Flemington Road which is currently under assessment with City of Melbourne. Sharing the intersection with Villers Street, the project would replace an exsting low-rise commercial building with a part 15/16 level apartment complex.

Interestingly enough David Watson Architects list the project with a completion date of 2016 on their website - best hustle along.

<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.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="67-73 Flemington Road. Image © David Watson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemingtonrd01-99f017e00f_1.jpg?itok=1EWLbRxi" title="67-73 Flemington Road. Image © David Watson Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>67-73 Flemington Road. Image © David Watson Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Proponent: Obiter Investments Pty Ltd.</li>
	<li>Architect: David Watson Architects.</li>
	<li>Nominal project cost: $40 million.</li>
	<li>15/16 levels at 50.29 metres over a 1,042sqm site.</li>
	<li>165 apartments - 82 x 1BR, 80 x 2BR, and 3 x 3BR.</li>
	<li>115 car parking spaces and 100 bicycle spaces over four basement/lower ground levels.</li>
	<li>280sqm retail space at ground floor level.</li>
	<li>Landscaped communal roof top terrace.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The sum of all parts</h2>

In recent years notable projects such <a href="http://ckarchitects.com.au/Commercial/commercial-the-george">George</a> and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.everbrightgroup.com.au/index.php?s=/index/estate_nr/id/20">Villiers Apartments</a> led the push to a higher-density Flemington Road, between them adding 334 apartments to the area, some of which are student dwellings. The under construction <a href="/buildings/helio-91-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Helio</a>, <a href="/buildings/nord-melbourne-81-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Nord</a> and <a href="/buildings/north-19-flemington-road-north-melbourne">North</a> are in the process of adding 710 additional apartments directly to Flemington Road with 67-73 Flemington Road waiting in the wings.

Push back a block or two from Flemington Road and North Melbourne is gripped by multiple apartment projects from planning through to construction such as <a href="/new-apartments/20-24-vale-street-north-melbourne">20-24 Vale Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/68-courtney-street-north-melbourne">68-74 Courtney Street</a>, 101 Canning Street and <a href="/buildings/33-north-33-racecourse-road-north-melbourne">Moments</a>. The next major project looks to be Mammoth Empire's Wreckyn Street in North Melbourne which word has it will accommodate in excess of 120 apartments.

<h2>Comment</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_4727.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gone with the... excavator"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4727.jpg?itok=SydYrEkB" title="Gone with the... excavator" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gone with the... excavator</figcaption></figure>The image above taken earlier in 2014 symbolises the change sweeping Flemington Road. Quaint dwellings are under increasing pressure to meet their end as prime sites at both the eastern and western end of Flemington Road are eyed for residential redevelopment. The above cottage has since made way for Helio Apartments and bit by bit the loss of a certain amount of character in the area advances.

Which is not to say development is necessarily a bad outcome. Prime real estate so close to the CBD and opposite multiple medical and educational institutions was bound to become a high-density enclave at some point. The demolition of low-rise commercial buildings for apartments near the Haymarket roundabout was a lay down misère but will friction arise when more of the above dwellings are called on to make way for apartment projects.

Howls of discontent haven't exactly emanated from the area, even from local residents group 3051 Integrated.
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silvermb

Flemington Road's apartment surge gains momentum

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West Melbourne continues its upward trajectory with the subject of today's article the third intended project for Singaporean-backed World Class Land in Melbourne. <a href="/news/west-melbourne-the-new-southbank">Foreshadowed on Urban.com.au</a> during October, 385-405 King Street West Melbourne seeks to replace an existing office block with an Elenberg Fraser-designed apartment tower defined by its angular, fragmented facade.

One of a host of tall residential towers slated for West Melbourne, 385-405 King Street is perhaps the most high-profile in that it directly fronts Flagstaff Gardens; a point not lost upon the development team.

<h2>385-405 King Street, West Melbourne summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image49.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site as is. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image49.jpg?itok=WhsEyjnU" title="The site as is. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site as is. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current 2,206sqm site use: 10 level/40 metre office building.</li>
	<li>Planning application submitted July 2014.</li>
	<li>Proposed: 23 level residential tower at 73.3 metres.</li>
	<li>​Total GFA 32,910sqm.</li>
	<li>​392 apartments: 190*1BR / 184*2BR / 3*3BR / 8*Penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li>Four retail tenancies totaling 904sqm facing King and Jeffcott streets.</li>
	<li>​Basement catering for 95 car parking spaces and 246 bicycles.</li>
	<li>Rooftop terrace.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Elenberg Fraser design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
Flagstaff Hill is celebrated as an everchanging historical monument. The history of the hill is described in the Flagstaff Gardens Masterplan as a landscape with layers of fragmented patterns.

The extensive tree canopies throughout the gardens create an ethereal atmosphere; the constantly changing, intangible qualities of dappled light are expressed in the proposed design through the faceted façade. The appearance of the building constantly changes depending on the position of the viewer. The faceted parts of the façade offer fragmented reflections of the park, sky and surrounding cityscape.

The Modernist and High Victorian architectural styles of the surrounding buildings are a record of Melbourne’s architectural and social development. The proposed development aims to carry on the built legacy of these urban artefacts by reinterpreting these styles in a new and contemporary architecture born of the immediate area.
<cite>Elenberg Fraser, Urban Context 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/image48_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_0.jpg?itok=xzCujoI2" title="Artist's impression of the tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>While the tower's massing is designed to achieve an outcome consistent with applicable building controls, 385-405 King Street's exterior is the major design draw card. Consisting primarily of silver glazing with bronze and clear glazing for highlights, the facade is expected to be highly reflective.

In this way the tower will essentially appear as predominantly blue or green in capturing the sky or Flagstaff Gardens over the diagonally articulated facade.

18 separate apartment type are included within the proposed tower, distributed into apartments with one, two or three bedrooms, all with balconies. The smaller single bedroom apartments contain 40sqm of internal living space ranging up to 59sqm while two bedroom dwellings are in the 45sqm to 77sqm range.

Standard three bedroom apartments carry 88sqm of internal space while three bedroom penthouses are boosted to between 120sqm and 142sqm of internal area.

To service the 392 apartments, an amenities rooftop terrace has been included. Created by Jack Merlo Design, the core activities area will consist of a lounge, dining area, library, kitchen, additional lounge and theatrette. Flanking the central area will be dual lawn areas featuring expansive views, daybeds and landscaping highlighted by hanging Ornamental Grape vines.

<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/image51.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Landscape format. Image courtesy Jack Merlo"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="236" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image51.jpg?itok=aLUTm13f" title="Landscape format. Image courtesy Jack Merlo" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Landscape format. Image courtesy Jack Merlo</figcaption></figure>Schedule 33 of the Design and Development Overlay requires any new development does not shadow Flagstaff Gardens during the September equinox between the hours of 11am and 2pm. This is achieved with a shadow cast over Flagstaff Gardens only late into the afternoon.

Submitted during July, 385-405 King Street has yet to appear on Future Melbourne's list of assessed projects and given the State election leading into the year's end, it's unlikely a final planning decision will be publicly revealed until the first quarter of 2015.

<h2>385-405 King Street, West Melbourne development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Aspial - World Class Land</li>
	<li>Architect: Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind assessment: Mel Consultants</li>
	<li>ESD: ADP Consultants</li>
</ul>
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Planning Application > 385-405 King Street, West Melbourne

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The first of what will eventually be many high-density planning applications is under assessment within Wirraway, one of four precincts that constitutes the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area (FBURA). Lodged for assessment mid year, the planning application has surfaced and reveals a 12 level tower intent on defining itself as an early landmark within the area.

In close proximity to the West Gate Freeway, 101 Salmon Street is well west of any preceding planning applications within FBURA; for perspective the site in question is roughly three kilometres from Montague Precinct and even west of Princes Pier, making it a satellite proposal within the greater Fishermans Bend landscape.

<h2>101 Salmon Street summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image4_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="101 Salmon Street. Image © CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_2.jpg?itok=NdvNcb1M" title="101 Salmon Street. Image © CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>101 Salmon Street. Image © CHT Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current 3,287sqm site use: vacant.</li>
	<li>Planning application lodged June 2014.</li>
	<li>12 level tower at 37 metres.</li>
	<li>157 apartments.</li>
	<li>157 car parking spaces &amp; 82 bicycle bays (with bathroom and shower facilities).</li>
	<li>Commercial space of 720sqm and retail space of 269sqm.</li>
	<li>Communal garden space atop level 3 and 11.</li>
</ul>
<h2>​Apartment breakdown</h2>

101 Salmon Street's podium contains a mixture of commercial space and apartments which serves to provide a wrap to the above ground car park. Beyond the podium the ensuing eight levels carry the balance of apartments with the tower component biased toward the western boundary of the site, allowing for the provision of communal terraces with easterly aspects toward the CBD and Southbank.

Of the 157 apartments expected, 38 are arranged in a 1-bedroom/1-bedroom + study. 51% or 81 apartments are 2-bedroom/2-bedroom plus study while 38 apartments are designed as 3-bedrooom dwellings. The latter accounts for 24% of intended stock which is somewhat higher than the norm.

<h2>Design impetus</h2>

<blockquote>
The aim of this architectural proposal is to contribute to the dialogue of expressive and innovative apartment architecture in Melbourne. The architecture is contemporary and will incorporate a high level of finishes.

An extensive process of architectural exploration was undertaken testing numerous options in order to develop an architecture that responds appropriately to the site.
<cite>CHT Architects, Design Response Statement</cite>
</blockquote>

Seen below are the selection of existing projects referenced in order to create 101 Salmon Street's distinctive facade. In creating the edifice CHT Architects have applied a repetitive geometric pattern which serves to break up the building mass and use, in that balconies become more difficult to distinguish.

As CHT Architects state within the submitted documents they have strived to create a building in seemingly constant change.

<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_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Facade design precedence. Image © CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_1.jpg?itok=F7nwzHrH" title="Facade design precedence. Image © CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Facade design precedence. Image © CHT Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment: the tyranny of isolation</h2>

The timing and location of 101 Salmon Street makes for fascinating machinations. Assuming approval is given and the project went ahead, would it as the only residential development in the area be provided with the necessary services and amenity crucial to making higher density living successful? The below aerial would suggest no.

A betting person might just suggest the site will be listed for sale down the track with planning approval in tow.

101 Salmon Street is also reminiscent of Docklands in its early stages where residential towers were appearing randomly in what was essentially an industrial wasteland. The Docklands story continues to unfold with the required density and communal services appearing to support incumbent residents, but given Fishermans Bend is a much more expansive area could a tower such as 101 Salmon Street appear on its lonesome?

It must be considered unlikely.

<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.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of 101 Salmon Street. Image courtesy CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1.jpg?itok=44vSee5i" title="Aerial perspective of 101 Salmon Street. Image courtesy CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of 101 Salmon Street. Image courtesy CHT Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>101 Salmon Street application team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Cainridge Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Planning and Landscape: Tract Consultants</li>
	<li>Architect: CHT Architects</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>ESD: Ark Resources</li>
	<li>Services: O'Neill Group</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants​</li>
</ul>
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All on my lonesome > 101 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne

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It's been quite a few months since we delivered an article highlighting a suburb's street art, let alone the powerhouse that is Fitzroy which was closer to the turn of the year. In the proceeding months many a new mural has been delivered along Brunswick Street and surrounding streets, laneways and cul-de-sacs, reaffirming Fitzroy as the location for mural street art in Melbourne.

Aside from highlighting the best work these artists with their magnificent (or contorted) minds can muster, the murals - as opposed to tagging or wanton 'graffiti' - have added immeasurably to the streetscape by bringing a heightened level of interest from pedestrians.

<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_2842.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="In full swing last week"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="816" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2842.jpg?itok=WS80iGBT" title="In full swing last week" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>In full swing last week</figcaption></figure>While laneway art continues unabated in Fitzroy, larger, grander murals look to have taken a more prominent position during the course of 2014 with the apparent support of City of Yarra. Visible from many a side street in addition to Fitzroy Street, the large murals have proliferated and in turn added the the unique dynamic surrounding the area and suburb in general.

Click the images below to gain a greater perspective of what's new since our last visit, and above all else enjoy!
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What's new in Fitzroy

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The recent HIA Victorian Housing Awards saw Yarra Point within Mirvac's Yarra's Edge precinct collect the honours for Victoria's best apartment complex 2014. With the tower's 201 apartments 100% sold, the development will go on to contest the Apartment Complex category at the national HIA awards during 2015.

The sixth tower of Mirvac's Yarra's Edge precinct, the project was launched during late 2010 with 50% subscribed at launch to Mirvac priority purchasers. The final penthouse 'Sky Residence' was sold a matter of weeks ago.

<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/dpp_0812_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Grren space enjoyed by all, including Mister Ed. Image courtesy Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dpp_0812_0.jpg?itok=s8BaYjUp" title="Grren space enjoyed by all, including Mister Ed. Image courtesy Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green space enjoyed by all, including Mister Ed. Image courtesy Laurence Dragomir</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
With dwellings ranging from one to three bedroom apartments, plus multi-storey terrace homes offering townhouse-style living, Yarra Point was designed to offer a range of living solutions.

Significant research went into designing the building’s north-facing aspect and ensuring each and every apartment benefited from this exposure. This award is fantastic recognition of Yarra Point’s intelligent design as well as the success of the entire Yarra’s Edge precinct, which offers Melbourne’s best waterside living lifestyle, just minutes from the CBD.
<cite>Mirvac Group Executive of Residential, John Carfi</cite>
</blockquote>

Produced by Mirvac's in-house design team, the complex includes a 300 square metre rooftop garden, residents’ lounge, gym and business centre. Taking centre stage within the two level lobby is a cluster of mature trees and garden plus bluestone paving creating a continuance from that found outside.

For those interested in seeing the internals of the 2014 HIA Housing award winner, <a href="/news/mirvac-announces-oly-san-francisco-display-apartment-at-yarra-point">our article from 2013</a> has a multitude of images of Yarra Point's level 31 suite, decked out with an Oly San Francisco made to suit interior.

<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/webmirvac_yp_-rsmg_085157.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/webmirvac_yp_-rsmg_085157.jpg?itok=yv3iRTB8" title="Image © Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Mirvac</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

Mirvac have a reputation for delivering high quality urban developments and the quality within Yarra's Edge is no exception. Given the shape and inherent complexities of the precinct itself one wonders how the area would be judged from an urban planning and landscape perspective?

As good as Yarra Point is, equally as encouraging is the introduction of green space between waterfront and tower; a methodology that is lacking elsewhere in the precinct and may to a degree aid in the general lack of foot traffic in the area.

Long and thin, the precinct is bound at present by industrial use to the south and water to the north; the forthcoming Fishermans Bend precinct should aid in generating increased foot traffic into Yarra's Edge. Will they like what they see on the ground plane though?

Precinct-wide questions aside Apartments.com.au has walked through Yarra Point; it's totally understandable that the project is this year's recipient of the HIA honour.
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Yarra Point the 2014 belle of the ball

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Another month sees another batch of significant development sites come onto the market. 2014 has been an excellent year for both vendors and agents as the rush of predominantly Asian developers into the local market has in turn coaxed further landlords to sell their properties in the hope of excellent returns.

Recent weeks have seen some publicly recongisable development sites listed with Nylex Richmond and the Sir Charles Hotham Hotel in Melbourne's CBD headlining the list; the most notable of which are seen in further detail below.

<h2>A grand lady of the CBD</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/image25.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="376" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25.jpg?itok=xFOwhSb7" title="Images courtesy CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images courtesy CBRE</figcaption></figure>The magnificent Sir Charles Hotham Hotel is back for sale after last changing hands during 2012. With an area in excess of 2,000sqm the site has been touted as having strong redevelopment potential for one if not two towers.

Elsewhere, one of the CBD's big development sites has also been offered for sale at 572-580 Lonsdale Street. With a concept design in excess of 250 metres in height, it's sure to arouse the interest of local and international developers.

<h2>Doing what it does</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/image16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="81-87 City Road &amp; 295 City Road. Images courtesy CBRE &amp; Vinci Carbone"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="461" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16.jpg?itok=ygzVsKnt" title="81-87 City Road &amp; 295 City Road. Images courtesy CBRE &amp; Vinci Carbone" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>295 City Road &amp; 81-87 City Road. Images courtesy Vinci Carbone &amp; CBRE</figcaption></figure>Southbank keeps churning along with three new listing appearing in recent times. Seen above are concept designs for 295 City Road and <a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-southbank-501334863">81-87 City Road</a> while <a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-south+melbourne-501312255">42 Moray Street</a> is also on offer. They join <a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-southbank-501321951">88 Queensbridge Street</a> which interestingly enough has yet to secure a buyer after some months on the market.

295 City Road above is more than interesting given the concept render associated with the sales pitch. The tower seen above scales to in excess of 300 metres; quite impressive for a site of 1,280sqm.

<h2>This Richmond soufflé rises again</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/image2_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_1.jpg?itok=AH2RuD-Z" title="Image courtesy Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Colliers</figcaption></figure>Buy, sell, hiatus, repeat. Colliers have listed for sale 2-8 Gough Street, Richmond - better known as Richmond Silos or Nylex site with its famed clock.

Its most recent chapter saw Planning Minister Matthew Guy announce a grand redevelopment for the site which would included dual 20 level towers, only for the project to fizzle out. As it stands the Nylex/Richmond Malt site is still one of Melbourne premier development sites, with a public profile to match.

<h2>A litmus test?</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/image19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy CBRE &amp; Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="269" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19.jpg?itok=yAQwBgCs" title="Images courtesy CBRE &amp; Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images courtesy CBRE &amp; Colliers</figcaption></figure>Two Fishermans Bend sites within close proximity to one another will act as barometers of sorts for the Urban Renewal Area. With a number of proposals gaining approval this year, the focus will slowly shift toward delivery of these towers.

MAB Corporation is seeking to offload <a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-south+melbourne-501343255">15-87 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne</a> complete with planning approval for three towers and 733 apartments while the nearby 93-95 Montague Street, South Melbourne is available for sale with no plans as yet in place. With the precinct subject to no new planning applications of late, buyer demand for both projects will tell the tale.

<h2>Western exposure</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/image22_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy Clarke Hopkins Clarke and DTZ"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="768" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_0.jpg?itok=kw6mRndN" title="Images courtesy Clarke Hopkins Clarke and DTZ" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images courtesy Clarke Hopkins Clarke and DTZ</figcaption></figure>Melbourne's west continues to churn out sites capable of handling substantial apartment developments. The two most recent are 72-76 Paisley Street, Footscray and 1 Devonshire Road, Sunshine, both with concept designs seen above.

The abundance of large formerly industrial sites coupled with local councils intent on encouraging urban renewal has led to many notable projects in Footscray, Sunshine and Maribyrnong. <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2 Hopkins Street</a>, Footscray and 2 Wests Road, Maribyrnong are also on the market, both with endorsed plans for multiple apartment buildings.

<h2>Comment</h2>

2014 has definitely been year of the Asian developer, but will the trend continue? Having spoke to a handful of industry participants on the topic the overall consensus is that if current conditions/parameters remain the same then the answer is yes.

Put simply Asian-based or Asian-backed Australian developers work at different economies of scale. Where a local developer may size up an inner-city development site for say 300 apartments based upon initial capital expenditure, project financing costs and likely sales targets etc, an Asian developer may view the same site as worthy of 1000 apartments based upon their evaluation figures for the same criteria.

Therefore the 'excessive' prices being paid for development sites in recent times by Asian developers may not be the out and out frenzied buying as if some sort of fad as has been observed domestically, but a reflection of different expectations and capabilities being borne out of the sales price.

Having said that it's far easier to talk on what is than what will be.
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New key development sites hit the market

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Industry superannuation fund <a href="/developers/cbus-property">Cbus</a> has - via its property arm - submitted plans for a key <a href="/new-apartments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">West Melbourne</a> site which it hopes will house a tower including 217 residential apartments. Directly opposite North Melbourne Station, the triangular site is now subject to a planning application before City of Melbourne seeking approval for a <a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a>-designed 14 level residential building that will comfortably outdo all surrounding buildings in terms of height.

<blockquote>
The island site located at 9-19 Dryburgh Street and 109-121 Ireland provides a unique opportunity to construct a place making apartment building with ground level retail shops that will assist in activating the area around the newly constructed North Melbourne train station.

Located in close proximity to North Melbourne and the CBD, the apartments in the development will appeal to young professionals and academics working or studying in the nearby health and university precincts.
<cite><a href="http://www.cbusproperty.com.au/news/latest/dryburgh-street-west-melbourne/">Cbus Property: Dryburgh Street, West Melbourne</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>
<a href="/buildings/volaire-9-dryburgh-street-west-melbourne">9 Dryburgh Street</a> summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image10hwm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="9 Dryburgh Street. Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="558" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10hwm.jpg?itok=IpFH5B0Q" title="9 Dryburgh Street. Image © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>9 Dryburgh Street. Image © Hayball</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current site use: dual level commercial building.</li>
	<li>Planning application lodged October 2014.</li>
	<li>14 level tower @ 48.18 metres.</li>
	<li>217 apartments: 88 one bedroom apartments and 129 two bedroom apartments.</li>
	<li>3 ground floor commercial tenancies totaling 423sqm and a public forecourt.</li>
	<li>114 basement car parking spaces, 4 motorcycle spaces, 57 resident bicycle spaces and 12 resident visitor spaces.</li>
	<li>Residential amenities and common areas: Level 6 and Level 13.</li>
</ul>
<h2>A question of height</h2>

Located between E-Gate/Docklands and the forthcoming Arden-Macaulay precinct, 9 Dryburgh Street's proponents have pressed for a tower of some height in order to define the immediate area.

According to the structure plan outlining expected heights for the area, a general height limit of 20 metres is desired, with the possibility of 30 metres or ten levels for sites deemed appropriate. The town planning report goes on to state that Amendment C190 which covers the Arden-Macaulay area does not cover the site in question during the first round of policy implementation, perhaps prompting Cbus to press ahead with a taller proposal.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Arden-Macaulay preliminary height limits. Image © Urbis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="249" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12.jpg?itok=EgZNdePq" title="Arden-Macaulay preliminary height limits. Image © Urbis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Arden-Macaulay preliminary height limits. Image © Urbis</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The subject site has distinct opportunities that differ from the broader areas of North and West Melbourne given its location as an island site next to North Melbourne train station. To achieve a high intensity of development and necessary concentration of people to spark renewal the proposed building design and height is required.

The location of the development on top of the escarpment overlooking Docklands offers opportunities to capitalise on the views and create a dramatic skyline and definition to the North Melbourne Station precinct.
<cite>Urbis, town planning report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Design highlights</h2>

The planning application references the ground plane treatment which includes a high level of permeability, landscaping and amenity compared to what is currently onsite. This improved urban realm is further aided by three leasable tenancies fronting Dryburgh Street which will bring extra activity to the immediate area, rather than it currently acting as a transitional area for North Melbourne Station users.

Externally the proposal carries many a Hayball design feature, including aluminium clad, dark glazing, precast panels, perforated metal balustrades and bluestone.

<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.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Materials application. Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="218" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13.jpg?itok=nhuyjKQe" title="Materials application. Image © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Materials application. Image © Hayball</figcaption></figure>Internally 9 Dryburgh Street will carry a range of dwelling sizes, all with either one or two bedrooms alluding to the type of buyer the projects will likely be pitched toward. One bedroom dwellings have floor areas ranging from 42.5sqm-53.5sqm while two bedroom dwellings have floor areas ranging from 59sqm-78sqm.

All habitable room windows have a direct light source while every apartment has been provided with a balcony.

<h2>Cbus moves further into the apartment sector</h2>

With commercial projects having dominated their portfolio in years gone by, 9 Dryburgh Street represents Cbus Property's fourth current foray into the Melbourne apartment market. <a href="/buildings/35-spring-street-melbourne">35 Spring Street</a> leads the way with the 43 level tower of some 270 apartments preparing to rise from a considerable site excavation.

Purchased off Equiset with display at the ready, <a href="/buildings/assembly-181-capel-street-north-melbourne">Assembly</a> in North Melbourne is also preparing for construction after a strong sales campaign while the developers scheme at <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">447 Collins Street</a> recently hit a stumbling block with Planning Minister Matthew Guy rejecting the tower in its current form. With in the vicinity of 400 apartments included, 447 Collins Street will undoubtedly return in some way, shape or form.

<h2>9 Dryburgh Street team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Cbus Property</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Architect: Hayball</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>ESD: ADP Consulting</li>
	<li>Landscape: Land Projects</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
</ul>
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Cbus enters West Melbourne with 9 Dryburgh Street

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Not all that long ago Apartments.com.au highlighted the <a href="/news/melbourne-universitys-building-infrastructure-upgrade">impressive building infrastructure program</a> that Melbourne University had and is undertaking, culminating with the Melbourne School of Design. A short few weeks later two additional projects have surfaced, each of which are set to make significant impacts upon their surrounds.

<h2>Arts West Redevelopment Project</h2>

Works are expected to begin prior to year's end on Melbourne University's <a href="http://arts.unimelb.edu.au/arts-west-redevelopment-project">Arts West Redevelopment Project</a>. Located mid campus, the redevelopment will see a new $66 million building designed by ARM and Architectus take shape over the next two years. With an expected GFA of 9,142sqm, Kane Constructions has been awarded the early works package with the likelihood that commercial construction company will also undertake main works with completion scheduled for July 2016.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image57_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Arts West Redevelopment Project. Images courtesy ARM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="245" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image57_0.jpg?itok=Ek7DxzYz" title="Arts West Redevelopment Project. Images courtesy ARM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Arts West Redevelopment Project. Images courtesy ARM</figcaption></figure>Aside from the new facilities slated for the project, the most significant aspect of the Arts West project is its highly distinctive facade, as best described by ARM Architecture:

<blockquote>
IMAGINE YOU MAKE A BIG BUILDING…

You put a band of windows around each floor and cover it with white slats that look like exterior venetian blinds, but deeper. Next, you browse a museum of interesting objects and get inspired to make a huge statue of some ancient Grecian women. One is wielding a formidable shield. You press the statue into the venetians on your building. They give way as gently as dry foam so the women make a perfect imprint of themselves.

It looks right. So then you make a statue of some people dancing at a corroboree and you press that into the façade too. Then a Cretan horseman. Then Diana, the Roman Goddess of war, and an ancient coin as big as a car. Finally, you grab the building by one corner and twist the venetians into a swirl of waves. They look a bit like isobars in 3D.

<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/141117_arts_west_objects_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="209" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/141117_arts_west_objects_3.jpg?itok=C4IOdjwo" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Destined for Arts West</figcaption></figure>Sound fun? We’ve been doing exactly this—with virtual statues and virtual venetians—to design the new Arts West building at Melbourne University. Construction begins in 2015 to open in 2016.

Design architect Peter Bickle says the virtual images (statues) are interpretations of objects from Melbourne University’s cultural collection. “They reflect the output of human endeavour from around the world and they allude to the concept of object-based learning, which is used throughout the Faculty of Arts.”

Step one was to photograph each object then convert the images to greyscale using Photoshop Z-Depth. Greyscale uses percentages of black to record an object’s depth, so we could then stretch it into an accurate 3D model using 3D Studio Max .

We used Rhinoceros 3D to create virtual models of the building and the objects and then press them together. With Revit , we created the drawings that a contractor will ultimately use to calculate measurements and cut the venetians to shape.

How innovative is it? “On that scale, and with the use of Z depth technology, it’s quite innovative”, says architect Tim Pyke. “We’ve used a similar technique on other projects, such as the wave effect on the façade of Brisbane Central. Swanston Square Apartments is also similar, except that the shapes are vertical and attached to balcony walls so they didn’t involve greyscale.”
<cite>ARM Architecture </cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Carlton Connect - Former Royal Women's</h2>

In recent months Melbourne University and Architectus have sought endorsement for preliminary plans that would see significant works to the former Royal Women's Hospital fronting Swanston Street and Grattan Street. The existing central building will be retained with expanded flanks to both east and west allowing for the advancement of the <a href="http://www.carltonconnect.com.au/">Carlton Connect Initiative.</a>

Championed by Melbourne University, Carlton Connect seeks to "Develop an innovation and entrepreneurship precinct based on multi-sectoral collaboration with a focus on sustainability and social resilience" according the 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/image64mu.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Carlton Connect. Image courtesy Architectus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="226" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image64mu.jpg?itok=-7vMagR9" title="Carlton Connect. Image courtesy Architectus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative Carlton Connect images courtesy of Architectus</figcaption></figure>To facilitate this a number of uses have been envisaged for the site, with exhibition, function and office space, educational, research and development areas all earmarked for the project. Extensive landscaping will also open the project to enhanced public interaction and accessibility at street level.

<blockquote>
Carlton Connect, a joint project, will help find solutions to critical local and global sustainability problems that will underpin Australia’s long-term prosperity.

The Carlton Connect facility – a large-scale facility to be constructed in the heart of the South Carlton precinct which will enable the Carlton Connect partners to physically co-locate their activities, thus resulting in substantially enhanced rates of innovation.
<cite>Carlton Connect report, June 2014</cite>
</blockquote>

City of Melbourne via the Future Melbourne Planning Committee have resolved to green light to the project, although the final decision will be at the hand of State planning authorities.

<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_2092.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Leicester Street student accommodation progress"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2092.jpg?itok=epymVY8b" title="Leicester Street student accommodation progress" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Leicester Street student accommodation progress</figcaption></figure>As for what Melbourne University currently has under construction, seen above is 108-128 Leicester Street. As previously outlined the new 648-bed student accommodation building will be ready come Semester 1, 2016. Presently the tower is at level four with head contractor Watpac making rapid work of the build.
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Melbourne University's building program reloaded

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Frankston City Council this week approved what will become the city's tallest building. At 17 levels and 52.5 metres in height the residential tower is located directly behind popular venue The Deck and will hold a prime position over the bayside suburb.

Championed by Peninsula Blue Development, the Finnis Architects-designed tower features a curved facade which the architect believes reflects the waves and nearby beach. With only two and three bedroom apartments included, 6 Davey Street as it's known for now will incorporate 240 degree aspects with balconies facing north, east and west.

With no objectors and full Council support, 6 Davey Street it's hoped will spearhead heightened high-rise residential activity in the area.

Planning Consultants Taylors submitted the Davey Street apartment complex for approval. It was processed in less than 60 days, under Council’s Priority Planning procedure for developments in the Frankston City Centre.

Frankston City CEO Dennis Hovenden says that Council’s Priority Planning process sends a strong message to the development industry that the City is taking development applications seriously.

“The Priority Planning process can also apply to applications outside Frankston city centre, if they demonstrate significant economic benefit”, said Mr Hovenden.

<h2>6 Davey Street, Frankston summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Existing structure: former Place of Assembly (church and hall)</li>
	<li>17 level residential tower at 52.5 metres</li>
	<li>919.88sqm site with frontage to Davey Street</li>
	<li>63 apartments: 53/2BR + 10/3BR</li>
	<li>Ground floor offices and private function room included</li>
	<li>89 car parking spaces and 24 bicycle bays with four basement levels</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/frankston_architecture_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new focal point. Image © Finnis Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/frankston_architecture_1.jpg?itok=_JJsOao2" title="A new focal point. Image © Finnis Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Frnakston focal point. Image © Finnis Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
The proposed development will result in a land mark building on a prominent site on the edge of the Frankston MAC (Major Activity Centre). The proposal is consistent with policy directions at State and local level and will increase housing densities and choice for the wider community of Frankston.

Issues relating to access arrangements and traffic movement can be addressed through the provision of widening and upgrading of Bay Lane. Approval can only be recommended on this basis.
<cite>Council officers assessment</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Frankston is now less than an hour’s commute from Melbourne CBD and the entire Mornington Peninsula, and has become a viable option for buyers and investors seeking bay views and an attractive lifestyle

Residential development boosts Frankston’s economy by increasing demand for local goods and services. It also assists with perceptions of safety by increasing levels of activity outside of business hours.
<cite>Frankston City CEO, Dennis Hovenden</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
This will be a landmark development for Port Phillip Bay, introducing high quality apartments to the Frankston CBD, potentially stimulating further investment into the area
<cite>Rodney Goullet, Peninsula Blue Development</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Frankston gets going</h2>

Word has it 6 Davey Street has a healthy number of apartments precommitted, increasing the likelihood that it will proceed to construction. The immediate site adjoining 6 Davey Street is though testament to the difficulty in realising a substantial apartment project in Frankston with <a href="/buildings/allure-bayside-12-davey-street-frankston">Airio</a> failing to materialise in recent years.

Having said that a number of large-scale residential and/or commercial proposals have lined up the bayside suburb. Approved are <a href="/new-apartments/harbour-frankston-446-450-nepean-highway-frankston">446-450 Nepean Highway</a> and 16 Clyde Street while South East Water's new office accommodation is midway through construction.

Future projects are likely to include <a href="http://www.doigarchitecture.com.au/gallery-category/masterplanning-urban-design/#444-nepean-highway">444 Nepean Highway</a> with multiple towers and Riverlee's <a href="http://www.riverlee.com.au/projects/453-455-nepean-highway-frankston-123">453-455 Nepean Highway</a> which is subject to a 16 level residential tower concept devised by K2LD as seen below.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/127.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="In the making? Image © K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/127.jpg?itok=XYjJflgW" title="In the making? Image © K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>In the making? Image © K2LD</figcaption></figure>
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6 Davey Street: Frankston's tallest tower approved

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Earlier during 2014 Apartments.com.au highlighted the strengthening momentum <a href="/news/hot-or-what-the-collingwood-apartment-juggernaut-rolls-on">Smith Street</a> Collingwood was gathering as one of Melbourne's must-live destinations. With the apartment development landscape in the area changing rapidly, it pays to once more visit the current state of play in terms of Smith Street and Collingwood as a whole.

While many have now progressed to construction, a second wave of apartment projects are emerging as a multitude of developers look take advantage of continuing buyer interest in the suburb.

<h2>At construction</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/image22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="All Collingwood projects currently under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="763" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22.jpg?itok=Kno1Nc95" title="All Collingwood projects currently under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>All <a href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood projects</a> currently under construction</figcaption></figure>Eight major apartment projects are currently at various stages of construction, yielding in the vicinity of 980 apartments. With completion for the majority expected mid to late 2015, Collingwood will see an appreciable swell in residents at these projects progressively achieve completion.

Seen above in clockwise fashion are <a href="/buildings/you-and-i-450-smith-street-collingwood">You and I</a>, Oxley Apartments, <a href="/buildings/41-peel-street-collingwood">41 Peel Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/yorkshire-1-robert-st-collingwood">Yorkshire Brewery</a>, <a href="/buildings/little-ox-2-johnston-street-collingwood">Little Ox</a>, <a href="/buildings/tapestry-apartments-80-stanley-street-collingwood">Tapestry Apartments</a> and <a href="/buildings/oxford-peel-22-peel-street-collingwood">Oxford &amp; Peel</a>. Last but not least is <a href="/buildings/smith-co-132-172-smith-street-collingwood">Smith&amp;Co.</a> which under developer Banco Group announced on Apartments.com.au yesterday the final release of extra spacious apartments over the top levels of the development.

<h2>Registration and sales</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/image27.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ever closer to construction; projects at registration and sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27.jpg?itok=gGOtAWce" title="Ever closer to construction; projects at registration and sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ever closer to construction; projects at registration and sales</figcaption></figure>In between the construction boom and surge of new projects in their infancy a handful of developments are seeking to make the transition from sales to reality. Shown as accepting registrations of interest on developer Preview Property's website, <a href="/buildings/this-is-collingwood-60-66-islington-street-collingwood">Islington Apartments</a> joins Angelo Property Group's <a href="/buildings/haus-apartments-416-smith-street-collingwood">Haus Apartments</a> as the two projects most likely to progress to construction next, with the latter having already completed site demolition.

Factoring in <a href="/buildings/this-is-collingwood-60-66-islington-street-collingwood">9 Smith Street</a> and The Patersons which also at sales and front Smith Street yet are considered to be in Fitzroy, the four projects may well add in excess of 250 apartments to the area.

<h2>The new wave</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/image35.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The next wave lining up Collingwood"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="889" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35.jpg?itok=cUp3S1lG" title="The next wave lining up Collingwood" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The next wave lining up Collingwood</figcaption></figure>Here are the seven latest Collingwood projects in waiting, with only <a href="/buildings/the-lantern-195-wellington-street-collingwood">195 Wellington Street</a> holding approval. Clockwise once more <a href="/new-apartments/386-smith-street-collingwood">386 Smith Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/peel-by-milieu-47-peel-street-collingwood">109 Wellington Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/little-oxford-7-little-oxford-street-collingwood">7 and 9-15 Little Oxford Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/trilby-466-smith-street-collingwood">466-482 Smith Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/28-stanley-street-collingwood">24-28 Stanley Street</a> find themselves at planning while Koúl Property enters the suburb with their proposed predominantly brick building at 203-205 Johnston Street which has yet to hit the official planning channels.

These projects combined are slated to hold in excess of 250 apartments; while the number of apartment developments continues to flow, the smaller site size dictates that fewer apartments will be contained within each development on average.

Not yet submitted for approval are two additional projects which will add approximately 200 additional apartments. Angelo Property Group is set to go again with 365 Smith Street which in time will host in excess of 100 one and two bedroom apartments and retail tenancies fronting Smith Street. Gurner also plans a return with 107 Cambridge Street (following 24-28 Stanley Street) which is expected to carry 92 apartments in an Elenberg Fraser-designed complex highlighted by an almost lace-like facade.

All in all the mass of residential developments within Collingwood ensures Apartments.com.au will be writing about the area for some time to come.
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Hot or what? The Collingwood apartment juggernaut rolls on

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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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Mark Baljak

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