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Correct me if I'm wrong but I do recall that as far back as a decade ago under the tenure of then Planning Minister Mary Delahunty, West Melbourne was slated to become another high density extension of the CBD. It was said at the time West Melbourne would generally mimic Southbank in that an increase in height and density was considered appropriate for the suburb adjoining Melbourne's CBD.

The subsequent ten years have seen dribs and drabs of development, including a handful of towers generally about the 15 level mark; and some of questionable quality! Only in the recent year or so has West Melbourne fallen under the gaze of developers seeking genuine high-rise developments with the increased number of apartments to match.

Elenberg Fraser in their recent Urban Context Report for 385-405 King Street described West Melbourne as follows:

<blockquote>
The West Melbourne precinct is separated from the Capital City Zone by Flagstaff Gardens. There is a distinct increase in building heights and intensification of built form on the eastern and southern sides of the gardens, including a number of high rise developments currently under construction.

The West Melbourne area presents a visual transition in building heights from the intensive CBD tower developments to the low rise development further north of the site
<cite>Elenberg Fraser</cite>
</blockquote>

Indeed there has been a delineation of sorts between high-rise and medium to lower-density developments proposed for West Melbourne. Dudley Street has shaped as the unofficial border where high-rise proposals taper off to buildings of far fewer levels.

<h2>The current crop</h2>

Seen below are images of <a href="/buildings/flagstaff-green-15-batman-street-west-melbourne">15-31 Batman Street</a> and 385-405 King Street (second and fourth) which are the first public glimpses of those projects. The four towers below constitute the tallest four projects within West Melbourne currently; 420 Spencer Street sets the high benchmark with approval at 131 metres in height.

<a href="/buildings/melbourne-village-377-spencer-street-west-melbourne">371 Spencer Street</a> seen third below also sets the pace for total apartments approved within a single project, capable of adding 704 dwellings to inner city stock.

<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/image82.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The West Melbourne foursome. Images courtesy FK, Inhabit, Bruce Henderson &amp; EF"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="209" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image82.jpg?itok=Gs23Yfu7" title="The West Melbourne foursome. Images courtesy FK, Inhabit, Bruce Henderson &amp; EF" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The West Melbourne foursome. Images courtesy FK, Inhabit, Bruce Henderson &amp; EF</figcaption></figure>Overall a snapshot of the Apartments.com.au Project Database sees 13 separate apartment projects listed for West Melbourne, with a combined total of 2944 apartments on offer. While some are still at planning, others such as <a href="/new-apartments/419-421-spencer-street-west-melbourne">Duo Apartments</a> and <a href="/buildings/alessi-485-spencer-street-west-melbourne">Alessi</a> are into the construction phase.

The next project due for launch is GURNER's <a href="/buildings/ikebana-130-dudley-street-west-melbourne">Ikebana</a> located at 130 Dudley Street. With a display onsite, the development of 241 apartments looks likely to launch by years end.

<h2>Comment - avoiding the errors of Southbank</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/image84.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Batman Street with 385-405 King Street. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84.jpg?itok=HbV2Hw1U" title="Batman Street with 385-405 King Street. Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Batman Street with 385-405 King Street. Image © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>While there'll be an intensely developed pocket of West Melbourne containing up to 40 levels, it's hard to envisage West Melbourne matching Southbank for scale. A smattering of already converted low-rise buildings and new developments built at lower heights will translate to a lack of wall to wall skyscrapers which for mine is a good thing.

Ultimately West Melbourne's street level as vastly different to Southbank's, with or without the expected surge of tall towers. Variable heights allowing for greater sunlight penetration and and generally different street level dynamic has West Melbourne holding a few aces over Southbank.

One critical difference between West Melbourne and Southbank is that a greater number of proposals for West Melbourne have included retail and cafe spaces away from major thoroughfares, thereby intending to inject life to street level - something which Southbank fails miserably to do.

So West Melbourne is due for fundamental change, how much remains to be seen.
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silvermb

West Melbourne the new Southbank?

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Mid last year Nicholas Harrison wrote a piece titled "<a href="/news/sixth-time-lucky-at-the-fun-factory">Sixth time lucky at the Fun Factory</a>" which highlighted the many attempts to realise a large-scale tower on what is South Yarra's premier development site. Spanning as far back as 1989, developers have sought to make good a string of predominantly residential schemes designed for the site, but to no avail.

The most recent attempt found itself at VCAT during 2013, and ultimately gained approval at 134 metres in height. Beyond that point 241-257 Toorak Road &amp; 625 Chapel Street (as it's officially referred to) has since fallen under the control of rapidly expanding Melbourne-based developer <a href="http://lkproperty.com.au/">LK Property Group</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/image67.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Render of The Capitol South Yarra. Images © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="584" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image67.jpg?itok=6YOUHq6s" title="Render of The Capitol South Yarra. Images © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render of The Capitol South Yarra. Images © Bates Smart.</figcaption></figure>In keeping with the site's history and current development trends, a new planning application has been submitted seeking to increase the height and apartment yield for the project. Still under the moniker of The Capitol which surfaced during the failed sales campaign commenced during 2011, the new scheme before City of Stonnington seeks a 190 metre residential tower holding 660 apartments in a higher density format.

Project architect Bates Smart has essentially refined their previously endorsed design, creating a slimmer, taller tower while also reconfiguring the ground floor plane to allow greater circulation. The ground floor figure eight layout will heed 4,530sqm or retail space, adding to the already heavy retail offerings nearby.

While it may tower above all others in South Yarra, the below render shows that The Capitol wouldn't be completely out of place in what is a constantly evolving skyline. Given that the previous 41 storey development of 483 dwellings fell foul of City of Stonnington, it seems likely that VCAT or Ministerial intervention may well determine the fate of the current 190 metre 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/image69.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Capitol above an otherwise expanding South Yarra skyline. Image courtesy Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="276" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image69.jpg?itok=vCvCNTTD" title="The Capitol above an otherwise expanding South Yarra skyline. Image courtesy Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Capitol above an otherwise expanding South Yarra skyline. Image courtesy Bates Smart.</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au has now <a href="/news/the-capitol-of-south-yarra">dissected The Capitol's planning application at length</a>, highlighting the magnitude of the proposed development that may well permanently reshape South Yarra.
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190 metre tower sought for South Yarra

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This morning <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property">The Australian reported</a> that a large chunk of the former CUB site bordering the CBD had been sold by Grocon to a mainland Chinese developer for $60 million, thus continuing the string of high profile sites purchased for a healthy sum. With the buoyant market seemingly churning out major development sites within days of one another, it's an opportune time to cast an eye over some of the biggest and best development sites currently available in order to assess whether the market still has steam.

Industry leader CBRE currently has a plethora of large development sites capable of handling thousands of apartments on its books, signifying the underlying strength of demand for development sites particularly from Asian-based developers. Below is an overview of current projects according to CBRE's <a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/for-sale/property-land+development-in-victoria/list-1?preferredState=vic">Property Connector</a> widget.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th>Address</th>
			<th>Sire area</th>
			<th>Status</th>
			<th>Remarks</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melbourne-501241511">551 Swanston Street, Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>6,561sqm</td>
			<td>Sold</td>
			<td>Multi towers expected</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-north+melbourne-501160639">15-27 Wreckyn Street, Nth Melb</a></td>
			<td>2,271sqm</td>
			<td>Sold</td>
			<td>13 offers. Buyer - Mammoth Empire</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-maribyrnong-501293275">2 Wests Road, Maribyrnong</a></td>
			<td>3,871sqm</td>
			<td>For Sale</td>
			<td>Endorsed plans for 192 apartments</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-dandenong-501265379">285 Thomas Street, Dandenong</a></td>
			<td>2642sqm</td>
			<td>For Sale</td>
			<td>Endorsed plans for 198 apartments</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-hampton-501256431">2 Small Street, Hampton</a></td>
			<td>438sqm</td>
			<td>Sold</td>
			<td>Apartment development site</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melbourne-501229863">168 Exhibition Street, Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>748sqm</td>
			<td>For Sale</td>
			<td>54 level apartment tower scheme included</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-parkville-501252367">535 - 541 Royal Parade, Parkville</a></td>
			<td>3,221sqm</td>
			<td>For Sale</td>
			<td>Development site</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-st+kilda-501226535">30 &amp; 71 Inkerman Street, St Kilda</a></td>
			<td>379sqm</td>
			<td>For Sale/Sold</td>
			<td>Dual apartment development sites</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-richmond-501293635">115-117 Church Street, Richmond</a></td>
			<td>1,505sqm</td>
			<td>For Sale</td>
			<td>Endorsed plans for 76 apartments</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melbourne-501255907">17 - 23 Wills Street, Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>705sqm</td>
			<td>For Sale</td>
			<td>Endorsed plans for 232 apartments</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-armadale-501233236">117 Kooyong Road &amp; 21-23 Munro Street, Armadale</a></td>
			<td>6,070sqm</td>
			<td>For Sale</td>
			<td>Develpment site</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-south+melbourne-501120655">58 &amp; 66 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>3,492sqm</td>
			<td>For Sale</td>
			<td>480 apartments at planning</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-southbank-501124939">47 City Road, Southbank</a></td>
			<td>863sqm</td>
			<td>For Sale</td>
			<td>Development site</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-ringwood-501121743">28-30 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood</a></td>
			<td>9,429sqm</td>
			<td>For sale</td>
			<td>Multiple residential towers expected</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>The headline acts</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/image63_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wills, Exhibition &amp; Dorcas. Images courtesy CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="300" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_0.jpg?itok=dwz3aieR" title="Wills, Exhibition &amp; Dorcas. Images courtesy CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wills, Exhibition &amp; Dorcas. Images courtesy CBRE</figcaption></figure>Taller towers naturally tend to garner more attention and seen above are the three standout developments designed for Melbourne's CBD and Southbank. 58-66 Dorcas Street and 17-23 Wills Street combined would yield 712 new dwellings if realised while the Peddle Thorp concept for 168 Exhibition Street may yield in excess of 300 apartments if followed through.

Absent from the list above is <a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">464 Collins Street</a> which was offered for sale by CBRE on behalf of Equiset, only for Equiset to seek additional levels for the slender tower in a recent revised planning application and deny the site had been sold to offshore interests.

<h2>What it all means?</h2>

Strong listings and sales for development sites in and around Melbourne tends to point to an underlying strength in the market. As yet no steam has been lost as developers are still showing an insatiable appetite for well positioned sites capable of handling sizeable apartment projects.

Once listings and sales do taper off it may well point to a change in market conditions. These factors will be explored in a number of upcoming articles outlining the concerns of the current apartment market dynamic but for the time being Melbourne looks set to go from strength to strength, all the time adding new towers to the already impressive skyline.
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Development site sales still booming

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An existing development site has resurfaced seeking approval for a revised planning scheme that would inject a new 199 metre tower into central Melbourne, while also adding two new hotels into the rampant Melbourne market. Gone is the Peddle Thorp-designed 39 level apartment tower with 219 dwellings, replaced by a sleek 56 level tower comprising apartments and 447 new hotel suites.

Conceived for Melbourne-based <a href="http://riversideproperties.com.au/default.asp">Riverside Properties Pty Ltd</a>, 399 Little Lonsdale Street represents the second large-scale project designed by <a href="http://k2ld.com.au/home/">K2LD Architects</a> of late, following the recent planning submission for <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">1-5 Queen Street</a>, also in Melbourne's CBD.

<h2>Project Summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Revised plans submitted August 2014</li>
	<li>1,080sqm site currently a commercial car park and at grade space</li>
	<li>Approved 39 level design replaced by 56 level mixed-use tower at 199 metres in height</li>
	<li>A 4-star 207 bed hotel and a 3-star 240 bed hotel</li>
	<li>120 one and two bedroom apartments</li>
	<li>Provision for 90 car parking spaces</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/image58k2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The revised tower at 200 metres. Image courtesy K2LD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="855" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image58k2.jpg?itok=pK65x8AQ" title="The revised tower at 200 metres. Image courtesy K2LD Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The revised tower at 200 metres. Image courtesy K2LD Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Ownership intrigue</h2>

Riverside Properties have had 399 Little Lonsdale <a href="http://riversideproperties.com.au/current-399.asp">listed upon their website</a> for many years, so much so it's still shown as an intended 20 level building carrying 130 student accommodation rooms. Upon approval of the more recent 39 level, Peddle Thorp designed tower, the site was <a href="http://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/2011027121/for-sale/vic/melbourne/development-land/retail?topspot=1">offered for sale via CBRE</a>.

<a href="http://www.cbre.com.au/aboutus/mediacentre/mediaarchives/Pages/Sale-signals-ongoing-offshore-interest-in-Melbourne-development-opportunities.aspx">Heralded as sold</a> to a Singaporean-based investment firm entitled Well Smart Investment Holdings (Melb) Ltd, the current planning application form shows Well Smart Investment to be the applicant with the owner still listed as Riverside Properties Pty Ltd. Part of developer Clement Lee's Melbourne-based portfolio which includes, Riverlee, Asset1 and WTC Group, Riverside Properties Pty Ltd has apparently come full circle at 399 Little Lonsdale Street.

<h2>Design highlights</h2>

Headline changes to the approved development as taken from the Urbis planning report:

<ul>
<li>Changes from retail component at ground floor, to hotel and residential entrance/lobby with concierge.</li>
	<li>Car parking removed from the podium levels to within the basement with car stackers. Hotel and apartment facilities will now activate the podium levels above.</li>
	<li>Removal of all borrowed light from residential apartments.</li>
	<li>Inclusion of a 3 and 4 star hotel providing 447 rooms.</li>
	<li>Decrease in number of residential apartments to 120 one and two bedroom apartments.</li>
	<li>Increase in floor to ceiling heights to improve amenity of rooms and apartments.</li>
	<li>Increase in average apartment size</li>
	<li>Activation of Findlay Lane</li>
</ul>
With increased height the most noticeable change, 399 Little Lonsdale Street also receives a new external skin to all aspects, comprising angulated façade panels which disturbs the otherwise smooth external finish. This random angulation over certain panels will cast differing shadows over the facade providing the tower with a dynamic aspect.

Much emphasis has been placed upon the ground level sphere in the revised planning report with a host of changes included in order to improve podium activation and the public experience. As mentioned the above ground car park allotment has been relocated to a basement facility while hotel suites and apartments will now activate the podium levels above ground.

Podium edges remain activated with hotel facilities and the concierge area creating increased people circulation over the previous scheme, while Finlay Alley will benefit from increased foot traffic as a secondary passageway.

<h2>From the ground up</h2>

<ul>
<li>G - Dual entrances for residential and hotel guests, services, vehicle access to rear of building</li>
	<li>L1 - gym and offices</li>
	<li>L2 - conference facilities</li>
	<li>L3 - restaurant and bar with associated kitchen, meeting rooms and waiting lounge</li>
	<li>L4 - reception for hotel components</li>
	<li>L5-17 - 3 Star hotel suites</li>
	<li>L18 - plant &amp; 3 Star hotel suites</li>
	<li>L19-38 - apartments</li>
	<li>L39 - plant and 4 Star hotel suites</li>
	<li>L40-54 - 4 Star hotel suites</li>
	<li>L55 - 4 Star hotel suites, bar &amp; lounge</li>
	<li>L56 - plant</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/399ltlpt.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The 39 level approved scheme. Image courtesy CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/399ltlpt.jpg?itok=APXOUHDh" title="The 39 level approved scheme. Image courtesy CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 39 level superseded scheme. Image courtesy CBRE</figcaption></figure>Should 399 Little Lonsdale Street eventually gain approval it wouldn't necessarily seem out of place as the adjoining property at <a href="/new-townhouses/272-queen-street-melbourne">272 Queen Street</a> currently holds planning approval for a 210 metre mixed-use tower, although that site has been offered for sale for some time.

In its current form Clement Lee's Riverside Properties Pty Ltd may seek construction for 399 Little Lonsdale Street soon after approval. Another of Mr. Lee's recent developments at 206 A'Beckett Street in the northern reaches of the CBD delivered 278 studio apartments and suites under the newly formed <a href="http://www.pegasussuites.com.au/">Pegasus Apart’Hotel</a> brand.

Considering the relatively low number of apartments located within the revised 399 Little Lonsdale scheme and the possibility that another Pegasus Apart'Hotel may account for one of the two hotel sections, the revised design could in theory gain the necessary pre-commitments to proceed to construction shortly after approval.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Well Smart Investment Holdings (Melb) Ltd on behalf of Riverside Properties Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Architect: K2LD Architects</li>
	<li>Traffic: Salt3</li>
	<li>Wind Impact Advice: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>ESD: WSP Sustainable Management Plan</li>
</ul>
Lead image courtesy CBRE.
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399 Little Lonsdale Street hits the heights

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A little over a year ago Apartments.com.au ran a piece on Hawthorn, highlighting the <a href="/news/hawthorn-apartment-market-the-quiet-achiever">increased number of apartment developments</a> aiming to begin construction, with a high concentration around Burwood Road. Fast forward to earlier this week and the latest crane was erected in the area, marking Hawthorn and Hawthorn East as apartment hotspots.

Since the August 2013 article Apartments.com.au has tracked 492 apartments through to completion within Hawthorn over a number of developments, ranging in size from 20 apartments to <a href="/new-apartments/atria-291-burwood-road-hawthorn">Atria's</a> 249 apartments. Providing upwards of 1000 new residents for the suburb, the number of apartments completed is nearly matched by the number either under construction or due to commence.

<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/image36haw.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Syracuse gains its crane, joining the Hawthorn ranks"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="429" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image36haw.jpg?itok=WYm-A2lm" title="Syracuse gains its crane, joining the Hawthorn ranks" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Syracuse gains its crane, joining the Hawthorn ranks</figcaption></figure>Currently tower cranes are present on four of the six major apartment projects under construction in the area. <a href="/new-apartments/brilliant-hawthorn-30-lilydale-grove-hawthorn-east">Brilliant Hawthorn</a>, Syracuse, <a href="/buildings/my-place-hawthorn-10-albert-street-hawthorn-east">My Place</a> and Hawthorn Hill constitute those four projects with Averi and <a href="/buildings/8-montrose-street-hawthorn-east">8 Montrose</a> also in the construction mix. Combined these six under construction projects add a further 447 apartments around Burwood Road, with the exception of Averi which is located south of the strip.

Further west along Camberwell Road, <a href="/buildings/leo-18-camberwell-road-hawthorn-east">Leo Apartments</a>, <a href="/buildings/elmington-96-camberwell-road-hawthorn-east">Elmington</a> and <a href="/buildings/solstice-apartments-138-camberwell-road-hawthorn-east">Solstice</a> are at varying stages of construction. Together these add an additional 264 dwellings to the Camberwell Road strip between Burwood Road and Burke Road which has in recent years become a desireable location for buyers in its own right.

<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/image37haw.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of Lilydale Grove - Montrose Street. Image courtesy Interlandi Mantesso"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="296" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37haw.jpg?itok=oRXJigAL" title="Aerial perspective of Lilydale Grove - Montrose Street. Image courtesy Interlandi Mantesso" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of 18-22 Lilydale Grove and the wider area. Image courtesy Interlandi Mantesso</figcaption></figure>Looking ahead <a href="/buildings/hawthorn-black-5-montrose-street-hawthorn-east">Hawthorn Black</a> at 5 Montrose Street and <a href="/buildings/luton-lane-8-luton-lane-hawthorn">Luton Lane</a> are due to begin construction shortly whilst ICD Property's <a href="/buildings/maple-121-power-street-hawthorn">124 Burwood Road</a> is expected to be released for sales in the not too distant future. Beyond the current group of apartments under construction a number of approved/at planning projects are set for Lilydale Grove with <a href="/buildings/esquire-hawthorn-18-lilydale-grove-hawthorn-east">18-22 Lilydale Grove</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/24-lilydale-grove-hawthorn-east">24 Lilydale Grove</a> in the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

JD Group's <a href="http://jd-group.com.au/projects/domestic/196burwood">196 Burwood Road</a> is a prime example of the multitude of large, low-rise development sites within Hawthorn and Hawthorn East falling under the control of property developers with sizeable apartment projects in mind. And it's for this reason that certain areas of Hawthorn and surrounds are set to continue their rapid transformation into high density enclaves.

To see a current images of Hawthorn and the aforementioned projects, visit the dedicated <a href="/news">Hawthorn forum thread</a>.
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Hawthorn in construction mode

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When there's a matter of 28 kilometres between the The Big Smoke and Ringwood, it's understandable that the spotlight may not reach all the way out toward the leafy eastern locality. Far from the multitude of towers appearing within Melbourne's CBD, Ringwood is going about establishing its own development surge albeit without the kudos.

Anchoring Ringwood's current uplift in development is QIC's <a href="http://www.probuild.com.au/projects/eastland-shopping-centre-stage-5/">Eastland Stage 5</a> expansion, with the build increasing the complex by approximately 50%. Current works are valued at $575 million and upon completion the retail hub will weigh in at approximately 127,000 square metres in size, but of more interest is the new library, learning and cultural centre to be constructed conjointly as part of Eastland's expansion.

<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/contentimages_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Realm. Image courtesy ringwoodgoingplaces.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/contentimages_2.jpg?itok=0_FlRO7W" title="Realm. Image courtesy ringwoodgoingplaces.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ringwood's community hub - Realm. Image courtesy ringwoodgoingplaces.com.au</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Realm will provide enhanced service delivery and develop Maroondah’s educational, cultural and community identity through the establishment of a facility that will be the first of its kind offering seamless provision of service, incorporating an integrated library, Council service centre, community spaces and art gallery.

Realm will be situated in a prime location within the Eastland redevelopment facing and interacting with the new 4000sqm town square and with frontage to Maroondah Highway. It will have direct links to the new $66 million Ringwood Station and bus interchange and forecourt space which the Victorian Government is constructing over the next 18 months.
<cite>Maroondah Mayor Councillor Les Willmott</cite>
</blockquote>

With design input from <a href="http://www.buchan.com.au/">Buchan Group</a> and Acme, <a href="http://www.ringwoodgoingplaces.com.au/content/356/">Realm</a> will sit opposite a new $66 million public transport interchange due to begin shortly. A Victorian Government project, the redevelopment will principally involve upgrading Ringwood Station, a new pedestrian concourse and revamped Ringwood Bus Interchange.

Crucially both Realm and the new Ringwood Transport Interchange will both include traffic calming and diversion measures, intended to lessen vehicle movements and make the area a more pedestrian friendly experience.

<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/image30301.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="DCA and CHT's versions of 301 Maroondah Highway"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="187" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30301.jpg?itok=CJt6fVaC" title="DCA and CHT's versions of 301 Maroondah Highway" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>DCA and CHT's versions of 301 Maroondah Highway</figcaption></figure>Apartment developments are never far from the action with the <a href="/buildings/ringwood-residences-301-maroondah-highway-ringwood">301 Maroondah Highway</a> currently acting as the marquee Ringwood development. Initial planning approval was given for a <a href="http://www.designconsortia.com.au/">Design Consortia Australia</a> scheme which was to have included 239 apartments over a 14 level structure.

Subsequently Armadale-based <a href="http://www.94feet.com.au/">94 Feet</a> have snapped up the site, listing it on their website as a pending development. A new taller design for the site carries what seems to be the hallmark <a href="http://chtarchitects.com.au/">Carabott Holt Turnicov</a> diagonal pattern which would be highly visible for motorists from the prominent Maroondah Highway/Rinwood Bypass intersection.

A host of other residential projects are also on the radar, most notable of which is <a href="/buildings/233-east-233-maroondah-highway-ringwood">233 Maroondah Highway</a> with 131 apartments on offer. Various other smaller developments have gained approval while two large 'gateway' development sites are currently on the market seeking a new owner. <a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-ringwood-501121743">28-30 Maroondah Highway</a> and <a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-ringwood-501049371">43-55 Maroondah Highway</a> are for sale, with concept plans showing 28-30 Maroondah Highway capable of carrying a tower in the 13-15 level range.

<h2>Future Forecast</h2>

As part of the Melbourne 2031 blueprint, forecasts suggest 5,000 additional dwellings are required to meet Ringwood's expectant demand by 2031 with 800 apartments already having already gained approval. Furthermore Maroondah City Council have implemented a dedicated Ringwood Commercial Precinct with an additional 60,000sqm of commercial floor space envisaged by 2031.

Further information on Ringwood's development surge can be found on the <a href="http://www.cg.ringwoodgoingplaces.com.au/content/315/development-log">Ringwood Going Places</a> website; see below a selection of assorted Ringwood project images.
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Ringwood is going places

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It has been known and talked about in closed circles for some months, but Australia Pacific Airports Corporation Limited have finally unveiled their intention to comprehensively overhaul Melbourne Airport's International T2 Terminal. On Monday evening before 700 individuals representing business, government and the wider community, APAC Limited offered a sneak peek into the future redevelopment of the International Terminal as part of a sustained investment campaign.

Within the 2013/2014 financial year Melbourne Airport's capital expenditure weighed in at $420 million with Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff stating during the evening "next year alone we expect to invest around $700 million as part of sustained ten year investment period.”

Contained within the <a href="http://melbourneairport.com.au/docs/map-stakeholder-pres-2014_final_low-res.pdf">Melbourne Airport annual stakeholder report</a> are multiple concept images depicting total redevelopment of the previously untouched 1970's edifice. The intended redevelopment follows recent 'waves' of regeneration and expansion to Terminal 2, which currently sees works in play to enlarge the terminal's arrivals area.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image15map.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new visitor/user experience in the making. Image courtesy Melbourne Airport"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="240" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15map.jpg?itok=4jS9Kya7" title="A new visitor/user experience in the making. Image courtesy Melbourne Airport" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new visitor/user experience in the making. Image courtesy Melbourne Airport</figcaption></figure>As for the intended development, <a href="/">Apartments.com.au</a> understands it to be valued in the billions with the visitor/user experience at the crux of the new space. Under the working title of Market Place, a cavernous new terminal space offering a variety of services and retail outlets will stretch over the three existing terminal frontages, with Terminal 2 at its heart.

Departure Drive currently used by vehicles disembarking passengers will be banished, with all arriving transport modes relocated to the multi-level car park forecourt. In doing so it is expected the manic traffic flows to the terminal departure areas will be eliminated in favour of an enhanced user experience once the redevelopment is complete.

Multiple large blue retail pods are shown over ground floor with a vast expanse of space directly behind the sheer glass facade. Elsewhere double height luxury retail outlets will frame the internal space with a multitude of airline lounges set to crown the internal area in what will be a quantum leap forward for all users of the new terminal space.

Apartments.com.au also understands that once regulatory approval is gained via the Federal Government, APAC Limited is keen to facilitate construction as soon as is practically possible.

<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/image16map.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A sign of things to come. Image courtesy Melbourne Airport"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="245" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16map.jpg?itok=TcFtsNz5" title="A sign of things to come. Image courtesy Melbourne Airport" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A sign of things to come. Image courtesy Melbourne Airport</figcaption></figure>According to <a href="https://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/international_airline_activity-annual_publications.aspx">statistics on BITRE</a>, since 2007 Melbourne Airport's international growth has been consistently higher in percentage terms than that of Sydney airport with 24% of all international traffic in Australia now flying through Tullamarine.

In 2007, 20% of Australia's international traffic was moving through Melbourne Airport and this refresh of Melbourne's primary international gateway is sure to leave a better impression of our city on all those who pass through it.

In due course Apartments.com.au intends to cover the proposed International Terminal redevelopment in detail, including all interested parties perspectives on what is expected to become one of the State's flagship infrastructure projects.

With Alastair Taylor.

<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/image17map.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The new terminal follows Departure Drive's curvature. Image courtesy Melbourne Airport"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="242" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17map.jpg?itok=ty_NfB1T" title="The new terminal follows Departure Drive's curvature. Image courtesy Melbourne Airport" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The new terminal interior follows Departure Drive's curvature. Image courtesy Melbourne Airport</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne Airport's stakeholder presentation reveals a new International Terminal

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Near on seven years ago works officially began on the New Royal Children's Hospital and only now are they drawing to a close with the creation of new parkland on the site of the former Children’s Hospital. An extension of Royal Park, the new parkland project is the highlight of current works in a joint effort between City of Melbourne and the Department of Health.

Dubbed '<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://returntoroyalpark.com.au/document/show/21">Return to Royal Park</a>', the reclaimed parkland was made possible with the demolition of the original cream brick Royal Children's Hospital which began during 2012 upon commissioning of the new facility further north along Flemington Road. Included within current Stage 2 works are an underground car parking complex, Art Series Larwill Studio hotel, staff gymnasium, childcare facilities, consulting suites and retail outlets accessible from Flemington 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/image35rtrr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Then and now, the built form transportation of the former Royal Children's Hospital site "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35rtrr.jpg?itok=HUvtB5yX" title="Then and now, the built form transportation of the former Royal Children's Hospital site " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Then and now; a built form transformation of the former Royal Children's Hospital site</figcaption></figure>Publicly the standout feature is Return to Royal Park which provides near on four hectares of new public space. Beyond information accumulated via a community feedback campaign, Return to royal Park's design was formulated to factor in the technical, social and natural factors required to make the new parkland a functional success.

<blockquote>
Guiding the design principles incorporated into the competition brief for the new RCH was the idea that there are positive therapeutic benefits to patients and staff of contact with natural light and views of vegetation.

As a consequence, where practicable, design considerations have striven to utilize the characteristics associated with natural environments to inject a calmative and inspirational essence into the sterile, artificial, “institutional” attributes necessary to the function of modern hospitals.
<cite>Architecture AU</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Community inspired principles</h2>

<ul>
<li>Create a native park which complements the existing vegetation and landscape character of Royal Park;</li>
	<li>Build a place which provides passive and active recreation opportunities for all members of the community including children, the elderly and people with a disability;</li>
	<li>Create a sense of entry to Royal Park that is accessible and welcoming;</li>
	<li>Design a place for creative and natural play, and</li>
	<li>Provide appropriate level of amenities to support the park users</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/image34rtrr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design development plan. Image courtesy City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34rtrr.jpg?itok=onqbrgVc" title="Design development plan. Image courtesy City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Design development plan. Image courtesy City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>City of Melbourne's <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://returntoroyalpark.com.au/document/show/21">Return to Royal Park</a> document shows seven Wurundjeri seasonal elements included within the design, expected to provide different attractions during different periods of the year. (each of which explained within the document)

<blockquote>
To strengthen the connection of the new space to the predominantly indigenous landscape of Royal Park, opportunities have been sought to encourage discovery and a greater knowledge of indigenous Melbourne.

The seasons provide a structure for the various landscape spaces. Each of the seasons will be expressed with plant selections and landscape detail showing relationships between fl ora and fauna, seasonal change, and cultural associations.
<cite>Return to Royal Park</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/img_0175.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Beyond the plaza - a new Royal Park gathering point"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0175.jpg?itok=61moNa39" title="Beyond the plaza - a new Royal Park gathering point" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Beyond the plaza - a new Royal Park gathering point</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

It's probably not correct to consider Return to Royal Park a true extension of Royal Park in that it does not continue the minimal intrusion/natural features of the existing parkland. That's not to say the meticulously planned new precinct won't become an immediate drawcard; with so many differing spaces and facilities plus a prominent position, Return to Royal Park looks set te become immediately popular.

The area was slated to open during December 2014, although with the majority of works complete it may well be opened in its entirety earlier than the proposed date.
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Return to Royal Park

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As one of Melbourne's largest independent real estate agencies with over 50 years experience, Beller Group has a fundamental understanding of the current Melbourne apartment market and the nuances which influence it. By way of establishing Beller China and forging an alliance with Beijing-based property agency giant Sagacity, Beller Group have gained an intimate, market-leading understanding of the factors behind the unprecedented rush of Chinese property buyers into the Melbourne market in recent years.

Days after arriving back from a Chinese sojourn, Apartments.com.au sat down with Beller Group Director Andrew Fawell to learn his thoughts relating the wave of Chinese investors seeking their slice of the Melbourne market.

<h2>The Chinese perspective</h2>

To understand the Chinese property buyers attitude toward Melbourne at the moment requires a basic understanding of Chinese domestic affairs. Andrew believes the burgeoning middle class have never before had so many sources of information in order to make considered decisions, thus many Chinese nationals are now taking steps to secure their wealth and long term prosperity.

With the backdrop of China's economy slowing and a shifting political paradigm, middle class Chinese are investing overseas in record numbers - an exodus of wealth as a precursor to potentially leaving themselves. Property is considered a safer, secure method of parking wealth given the Chinese maintain a general aversion to shareholding.

Asked to further elaborate, Andrew stated that whether it materialises or not there is a growing perception amongst Chinese that their economy is susceptible to collapse, and as such those in a position to do so have sought out the safety of markets such as Melbourne in which to park their wealth. With Melbourne's solid fundamentals, excellent quality of life and strong political foundation, it's seen as a prime destination for Chinese.

Base upon first hand experience through Beller China, Andrew also emphasises the ostentatious nature of middle class Chinese who delve into offshore property purchases. A strong number of buyers into markets such as Melbourne are not particularly bothered about a given property's value or it's ongoing capital gain, but rather they want to be seen to be doing something.

This in part has given rise to the "Fly to buy" element of the market as they have been christened. Somewhat incredulously Andrew reeled off numerous instances where Chinese nationals have flown into Melbourne for the sole purpose of purchasing single/multiple apartments, only to leave immediately thereafter.

<h2>The importance of relationships in China</h2>

<blockquote>
We are delighted to announce the new partnership with Sagacity China. Not only will this facilitate introductions to new markets in China, but also importantly, we will be able to facilitate deals with major Chinese developers to buy development sites in Melbourne. Like any good relationship, it will be a two way conversation and one of mutual benefit.
<cite>Andrew Fawell</cite>
</blockquote>

Official PR statements aside, Andrew believes the key to the above comment is the penetration of new Chinese markets. Evidently the current crop of buyers reside in primary or first tier Chinese cities such as Shanghai oe Beijing. As buyer experience and information flow heightens, the buyers sophistication naturally increases.

To that end Beller Group are of the opinion that should the initial wave of first tier Chinese buyers double dip into the Melbourne property market, they will most likely avoid the masses of apartments on offer in Melbourne's CBD next time around and exercise a level of knowledge by purchasing in smaller developments beyond the CBD.

Paraphrasing Andrew Fawell, the initial wave of buyers content to buy into large developments within Melbourne's CBD will dissipate, in turn replaced by a new wave of Chinese buyers from second tier cities who are just now delving into offshore property purchases without the same benefit of hindsight as the initial tranche. Put into perspective those second tier cities such as Tianjin, Chengdu and Changsa and Qindao have metropolitan populations averaging over 10 million which enforces the theory that Chinese investment into Melbourne property and principally apartments will only balloon further.

<h2>The Melbourne perspective</h2>

The vexed question of the current state of the Melbourne property market has been a hot topic in recent weeks. Andrew Fawell considers the Chinese influence on the local apartment market a game changer where fundamentals have been altered, effectively covering some of the market deficiencies that have arisen in recent times.

At this point Melbourne has moved into the top handful of cities preferred by Chinese property investors, usurping Vancouver whose market was stymied by Government intervention. Asked of the prospect of Government responding with similar measures here Andrew suggested that if the current situation is allowed to run unchecked, the specter of such a move would increase.

Andrew Fawell also raised the notion of a two-paced local property market with pitfalls for the unsuspecting investor, whether they be local or international. Certainly in some areas of Melbourne there remains strong buyer and rental demand for smaller, well positioned, higher quality apartment projects, whilst a looming glut of rental stock in and around the CBD may cause havoc even though the demand to buy particularly from offshore parties will remain robust.

Interesting times ahead!
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The China Syndrome: Beller's Andrew Fawell on the Chinese-driven apartment frenzy

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The flow of development to Melbourne CBD's East End began as a trickle relative to surrounding inner city precincts, but the 'Paris End' of late has come into its own. 'Paris End' of course is an ill-fitting moniker (some would also say crass) with current development within the CBD's eastern flank well spread, as opposed to being centralised around Collins Street's historic grandeur.

Bound by Flinders, Elizabeth, Spring and Victoria, Apartments.com.au's Project Database shows a mass of East End developments looking to make their mark. Historically the domain of commercial development, East End was bereft of residential projects as developers favoured proven areas such as Southbank and Docklands, although this trend his has now changed sharply!

Spurred on in part by the phenomenal influx of Asian-based property entities, East End proposals have steadily increased over the last two years as the insatiable push to secure prized sites in the current market shows no signs of slowing; an arms race of property development for lack of a better analogy.

<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/image8ep.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="All shapes and sizes of proposals within East End"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8ep.jpg?itok=n5TgfwMI" title="All shapes and sizes of proposals within East End" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>All shapes and sizes of proposals within East End</figcaption></figure><h2>Apartment development leading the charge</h2>

Below is a summary of East End residential projects currently found within the Apartments.com.au Project Database. Given the ever dynamic nature of development and planning at the moment, these may require refreshing in a few weeks time. Regardless, this is the current state of play concerning residential projects within East End.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th>Address</th>
			<th>Apartments</th>
			<th>Developer</th>
			<th>Levels</th>
			<th>Staus</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/empire-melbourne-398-elizabeth-street-melbourne">398 Elizabeth Street</a></td>
			<td>474</td>
			<td>Mammoth Empire</td>
			<td>55</td>
			<td>Registration &amp; Sales</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/abode-318-318-russell-street-melbourne">318 Russell Street</a></td>
			<td>433</td>
			<td>PDG &amp; Schiavello</td>
			<td>57</td>
			<td>Construction</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/crystal-gardens-276-russell-street-melbourne">276 Russell Street</a></td>
			<td>154</td>
			<td>Unknown</td>
			<td>36</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>500 Elizabeth Street</td>
			<td>524</td>
			<td>Brady Group</td>
			<td>72</td>
			<td>Construction</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/309-325-bourke-street-melbourne">309 Bourke Street</a></td>
			<td>466</td>
			<td>Unknown</td>
			<td>&gt;10</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/35-spring-street-melbourne">35 Spring Street</a></td>
			<td>270</td>
			<td>CBUS</td>
			<td>43</td>
			<td>Construction</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin Street</a></td>
			<td>367</td>
			<td>Artemis Group</td>
			<td>62</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/63-exhibition-street-melbourne">63 Exhibition Street</a></td>
			<td>328</td>
			<td>Asia One</td>
			<td>67</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/the-trillium-36-la-trobe-street-melbourne">36 La Trobe Street</a></td>
			<td>224</td>
			<td>Unknown</td>
			<td>39</td>
			<td>Registration &amp; Sales</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/metrolitan-melbourne-137-bourke-street-melbourne">137 Bourke Street</a></td>
			<td>104</td>
			<td>VIMG</td>
			<td>19</td>
			<td>Registration &amp; Sales</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">85 Spring Street</a></td>
			<td>303</td>
			<td>Grocon</td>
			<td>46</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">54 A'Beckett Street</a></td>
			<td>750</td>
			<td>Aspial - WCL</td>
			<td>81</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">224 La Trobe Street</a></td>
			<td>1,206</td>
			<td>UEM Sunrise</td>
			<td>88</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">452 Elizabeth Street</a></td>
			<td>622</td>
			<td>Golden Age</td>
			<td>75</td>
			<td>Registration &amp; Sales</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/9-11-exploration-lane-melbourne">9 Exploration Lane</a></td>
			<td>89</td>
			<td>Balfour</td>
			<td>33</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">180 Russell Street</a></td>
			<td>506</td>
			<td>AXF Group</td>
			<td>70</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/48-50-abeckett-street-melbourne">48 A'Beckett Street</a></td>
			<td>235</td>
			<td>Austwin</td>
			<td>45</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">22 Bennetts Lane</a></td>
			<td>25</td>
			<td>Unknown</td>
			<td>12</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">450 Elizabeth Street</a></td>
			<td>607</td>
			<td>Hengyi</td>
			<td>69</td>
			<td>Registration &amp; Sales</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
There are 19 projects are listed above, six of which are at planning assessment. These six have a total unit count similar to that of the remaining 13 in the list. 3,490 apartments are at planning, with the largest project being UEM Sunrise's 224 La Trobe Street carrying 1,206 dwellings, followed by 54 A'Beckett Street with 750.

A total of 4,247 apartments are counted within the remaining 13 projects which have either been approved or are at registration and sales. 1,227 units are under construction. Those apartments under construction represent 16% of the total 7,737 apartments slated for East End according to the Apartments.com.au Project Database, hinting that East End is heading toward a development surge the likes of which have not been seen before within the precinct.

<h2>Other uses in high demand</h2>

82 Collins Street and the forthcoming Telstra building adjacent to their current Exhibition Street headquarters headline the large commercial projects slated for East End, adding in the vicinity of a combined 150,000sqm of premium office space. Commercial space aside, the surge of hotel suites is something to behold.

<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/image7e.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="80 Collins Street, QT hotel and Hotel Forum"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7e.jpg?itok=d42RLtJb" title="80 Collins Street, QT hotel and Hotel Forum" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>80 Collins Street, QT hotel and Hotel Forum</figcaption></figure>In part dragged along by a raft of mixed-use, high-rise proposals, the number of expected hotel suites for East End is robust, even with the scrapping of the <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/new-operators-hope-to-resurrect-1980s-yuppie-haven-in-flinders-lane-20140721-zv8od">Rosati hotel proposal</a> mid 2014.

The current batch of intended hotel locations includes 150 Flinders Street, <a href="/buildings/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin Street</a>, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">180 Russell Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/63-exhibition-street-melbourne">63 Exhibition Street</a>, Windsor Hotel and 80 Collins Street's 19 level, 252-room hotel tower. Yielding roughly 1,200 hotel suites, these six projects may be joined by the nearly complete 146-room Brady Hotels tower at 22-32 Little La Trobe and the proposed yet troubled W Hotel development at 20-30 Bourke Street.

<h2>Future impositions?</h2>

It can be argued that as long as strong overseas sales underpin the local apartment market, then the current upward development trend will continue as developers seek new site acquisitions. A prime case in point sees the recent listing of <a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melbourne-501229863">168 Exhibition Street</a> by CBRE as offered for sale with a Peddle Thorp development scheme, including a 54 level mixed-use development. 168 Exhibition is symptomatic of the current East End dynamic where bigger is better, but what price for heritage considerations?

The question must be asked: will the influx of many thousands of new residents place too great a burden upon existing infrastructure? Certainly East End has inherent street level qualities and character devoid in areas such as Southbank, and finds itself closer to essential services, amenity and the general 'buzz' of Melbourne. Could existing transport infrastructure be the area most imposed upon by a surging East End population?

A clear positive of Melbourne's East End development surge would be the influx of people, particularly in the commercial dominated areas of Collins &amp; Bourke Street. The resultant surge of residents would serve to activate many after-hour 'dead' spots and encourage new retail/entertainment opportunities to flourish where there were previously none; in effect bolstering and expanding City of Melbourne's <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/COMMUNITYSERVICES/COMMUNITYSAFETY/Pages/24HourCitypolicy.aspx">24 Hour City</a> policy into the eastern reaches of the CBD.

If only a crystal ball were handy to assess whether eastern promises would translate into East End realities!

Lead image courtesy Ryan Seychell.
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Eastern promises - an overview of Melbourne CBD's East End developments

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Joel Robinson

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

By the time S&amp;S Projects began planning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia</a>, the developer already had three Rainbow Bay projects from which to draw.

Flow, Awaken and Esprit had given <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a> experience developing in the southern Gold Coast enclave, as well as buyer feedback that could be carried into its fourth project, a boutique collection of 38 residences at 271 Boundary Street.

“We have experienced a lot of success in this location and as this was our fourth building we had taken all of the learnings and buyer feedback from previous projects to arrive at a design and apartment mix that we believe had captured all of that experience and remained a true S&amp;S Project in its design and amenity,” the developer said.

That experience has translated into a collection of two, three, four and five-bedroom residences including two penthouses positioned on an elevated corner in Rainbow Bay, where the site opens to multiple coastal view corridors and the area's distinctive north-facing bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284542]

S&amp;S Projects says the Boundary Street site took years to assemble, having previously comprised six units, a house and a duplex. The developer worked individually with the existing owners to bring the properties together after an earlier attempt to sell the site had been complicated by the number of parties involved.

“We are constantly looking for properties that meet our brand standards of location, views, and sites that are rare with unique aspects that we can develop to maximise the lifestyle of residents who live in our buildings,” S&amp;S Projects said.

The Boundary Street site gave <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a> a different set of conditions to work with.&nbsp;

“Our design brief was to design a building that took advantage of its unique elevated corner siting offering a range of spectacular view corridor opportunities,” Cottee Parker said.

“The design had to reinforce the strong brand pillars of S&amp;S which are quality, luxury and superior resident amenity.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284543]

Cottee Parker responded with a sculptural floorplate and strong horizontal banding, with continuous balconies and landscaped planters wrapping the building. Operable screens along the balcony edges allow residents to manage light and shade while creating an additional layer of pattern across the facade.

The tower rises above a heavily landscaped podium incorporating the entry lobby and recreational level, while the broader architectural expression takes cues from Rainbow Bay's coastal environment through its organic forms and light material palette.

Cottee Parker says the design has also been developed to complement S&amp;S Projects’ three previous Rainbow Bay developments while retaining its own architectural identity.

Inside, the residences continue that coastal response through two interior schemes centred on warm timbers and neutral tones, alongside patterned natural stone and fluted detailing.

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors connect open-plan living areas to wraparound balconies, while natural stone is used across benchtops, splashbacks and bathroom walls. Specifications also include light-washed timber flooring, gas fireplaces, integrated bar and wine fridges, freestanding stone baths and 100 per cent wool carpet.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284559]

Cottee Parker Director Sandra Brown said the intention was to create an architectural response closely connected to its surroundings.

“Imagine architecture that breathes with the rhythm of nature, where every curve and line flows seamlessly – creating spaces that dance with the elements, where sunlight kisses every surface and the gentle sea breeze fills every space,” Brown said.

The lessons S&amp;S Projects carried into Radia also extend to its resident amenity, with a substantial collection of shared facilities planned for just 38 residences.

A dedicated Residents Club will include a lap pool and spa, gymnasium, ice bath, sauna, steam room and hot rocks sauna. A residents' lounge, private dining room, outdoor dining and barbecue area and business centre are also planned, along with storage and dedicated surfboard and beach lockers.

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the facilities were also designed around the project's Rainbow Bay setting.

“Each amenity is designed to capitalise on the lifestyle of Rainbow Bay, ensuring residents can enjoy the relaxed coastal experience the enclave is famous for,” Gedoun said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284555]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> says purchasers to date have predominantly included local downsizers, interstate lifestyle investors and families, alongside a strong contingent of repeat S&amp;S purchasers.&nbsp;

According to the project sales team, feedback has centred on the natural stone and joinery, generous floorplans, natural light and the ability for residences to capture views in multiple directions. The completed Flow, Awaken and Esprit developments have also provided prospective purchasers with an existing reference point for S&amp;S Projects' delivery in Rainbow Bay.

There has also been interest from high-profile surfers and people connected to the surf community, with the elevated building providing outlooks towards several of the area's recognised surf breaks.

Radia continues S&amp;S Projects' concentration of development in a tightly held part of the southern Gold Coast, close to Rainbow Bay Beach, Snapper Rocks, Duranbah Beach, Greenmount Beach and the Tweed River. The neighbourhood also includes a growing collection of hospitality venues, while Coolangatta Airport provides connections beyond the southern Gold Coast.

Hutchinson Builders is now delivering Radia, continuing the project from early works privately funded by S&amp;S Projects. The $250 million development is expected to reach completion in the third quarter of 2027.

“With our history in Rainbow Bay, we have been fortunate to be heavily involved in how the development landscape has unfolded and this project slides into the property landscape comfortably and will feel like it was always there,” the developer said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140491]

How three Rainbow Bay projects shaped S&S Projects' fourth, Radia

Nearly 40 years after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sheida-group">The Sheida Group</a> began working on the northern Gold Coast, the family-owned developer is continuing its involvement in Hope Island with Marina Point Apartments, where apartment scale has been a central part of the development.

Across the 235-apartment waterfront community, the developer has prioritised larger floorplans, substantial open space and marina access, responding to a purchaser base that has predominantly comprised local owner-occupiers and downsizers moving from larger homes.

"Having already delivered Anchorage nearby, we also understood this particular market and how people live here," developer Rick Sheida said.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marina-point-apartments-hope-island-66-view-line-terrace-hope-island-qld-4212">Marina Point&nbsp;Apartments</a> gave us the opportunity to build on those lessons and create the next evolution of our work in Hope Island."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136992 project_image_fid=293151]

The Sheida Group acquired the Marina Point land around 2018. Its appeal, Sheida says, went beyond having a waterfront address.

"What attracted us was not simply that the site was waterfront, but the way it meets the water," he said.

"It sits at the junction of broad waterways, creating long sightlines, changing views and a sense of movement throughout the day. Its shape also allowed us to orient the buildings outward, improve privacy between residences and make better use of natural light and breezes."

The buildings have subsequently been positioned around the perimeter of the site, allowing most apartments to take in water views while others look across the resort amenity or hinterland. Once all four buildings are complete, approximately one hectare of the site is expected to remain as open space.

The waterfront also provides the potential for up to 50 marina berths, with berths ranging from 15 to 24 metres and options designed to accommodate wider vessels including catamarans. Access from the marina to the Gold Coast Seaway is bridge-free.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136992 project_image_fid=293149]

The developer says purchasers to date have predominantly been owner-occupiers and downsizers from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marina-point-apartments-hope-island-66-view-line-terrace-hope-island-qld-4212">Hope Island</a> and elsewhere on the Gold Coast, generally aged between 45 and 70. Many have sold larger family homes or properties requiring significant upkeep.

That purchaser profile informed a design brief centred on retaining the space and functionality of a larger home within an apartment format.

"Many of our buyers are coming from large, well-appointed homes in Sanctuary Cove and the surrounding area," the project team said.

"They are accustomed to generous spaces and thoughtful design, so it was important that the apartments delivered the same sense of comfort and functionality.

"Every room needed to feel well proportioned, every space needed a clear purpose and nothing could feel compromised."

Residences range from 139 sqm through to 319 sqm penthouses, with two car spaces provided to apartments and three to penthouses. Minimum 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, entertainer's kitchens with butler's pantries, substantial storage and balconies ranging from 18 sqm to 37 sqm further reflect the emphasis on space.

One purchaser from Sanctuary Cove has taken the concept further, combining two of Marina Point's largest apartments to create a 552 sqm residence with raked ceilings reaching up to 4.5 metres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136992 project_image_fid=293155]

With Building 1 now complete, the developer is also seeing its original design assumptions tested against purchaser feedback.

Three completed display residences allow prospective purchasers to compare apartment sizes, layouts, finishes and outlooks in person. The sales team says one of the most consistent responses has been to the scale of the apartments, with visitors describing them as feeling more like homes than conventional apartments.

The first stage of resident amenity is also operational, including a 25-metre heated lap pool, Technogym-equipped gym, infrared sauna, golf simulator and yoga room. Future facilities are set to include a resort-style pool and spa, waterfront barbecue area and a residents' lounge with a library, fireplace, pool table, kitchen and bar.

Rather than treating the four buildings independently, the design brief called for a complete waterfront neighbourhood, balancing private residences with landscaping, open space, marina access and shared amenity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136992 project_image_fid=293152]

For Sheida, Marina Point Apartments is ultimately an extension of the developer's longer-term involvement in Hope Island and its view of how the suburb is evolving.

"We were equally interested in the long-term future of Hope Island," he said.

"Its position between Brisbane and the central Gold Coast gives residents access to both, while improving transport connections are making the northern Gold Coast increasingly attractive as a permanent place to live."

Hope Island Marketplace is 1.3 kilometres from Marina Point, while Sanctuary Cove and Paradise Point are within six kilometres. Links Hope Island, The Pines and The Palms golf courses are also nearby, and the new Hope Island train station is under construction around five kilometres from the development.

Building 2 is under construction, with completion scheduled for 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136992]

Marina Point Apartments continues The Sheida Group's 40-year Hope Island story

Sydney-based fund manager and developer EG is seeking to turn part of the former Roche pharmaceutical campus in Cromer into a 130-home residential community, introducing a mix of low-rise apartments, townhouses and duplexes to the tightly held Northern Beaches market.

The SJB-designed masterplan has been prepared for the 3.2-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/100-south-creek-road-cromer-nsw-2099">100 South Creek Road</a>, part of the former Roche landholding that EG acquired for $55 million in 2017 through its Yield Plus Infrastructure Fund No. 2.

EG is proposing what SJB describes as a new "urban village" set within the site's significant existing tree canopy.

<img alt="Cromer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="482c9a58-49f1-4c53-a12e-aaa02336229f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-24%20at%2011.20.57%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=hZP8_XfPnfNq500dbcjlpVwYU1ebhF9_" />

Around three hectares of the site is considered developable, with the balance incorporating a riparian corridor that would be rehabilitated and revegetated as part of the proposal.

The indicative masterplan comprises approximately 72 apartments in low-rise residential buildings and another 58 townhouses and duplexes.

The apartment component would include around five one-bedroom, 37 two-bedroom and 30 three-bedroom residences, while the townhouse and duplex component would be spread across several different housing typologies. The overall scheme would deliver around 19,500 sqm of gross floor area at an FSR of 0.6:1.

Parking for the apartment component is currently estimated at around 112 resident spaces and 14 visitor spaces, while the townhouse and duplex component would have 116 resident and 12 visitor spaces.

A significant part of the masterplan revolves around retaining the established landscape character of the former Roche campus.

SJB's plans show heavily treed setbacks along both Campbell Avenue and South Creek Road, a centrally located collection of significant native and exotic trees retained as communal open space, and the regeneration of the northern bushland area.

The existing creek corridor along the site's western edge would also be rehabilitated and revegetated, creating additional separation between the new homes and the neighbouring Northern Beaches Business Park.

A heritage-listed cottage and its garden setting would be retained and restored, with SJB flagging its potential adaptive reuse as communal space.

The proposal also includes new communal recreation areas, pedestrian connections to Campbell Avenue and South Creek Road, and a contribution toward improvements to the adjoining Michele Reserve.

Vehicular access would be restricted to South Creek Road, with no vehicle entry proposed from Campbell Avenue. The main internal road would largely follow the site's existing driveway to minimise the impact on established trees.

SJB said residential redevelopment presented an opportunity to retain the majority of the site's heritage-listed mature trees while delivering a broader range of housing types than typically seen across the Northern Beaches.

"The site being 3.27 hectares in area represents one of the largest vacant sites in common ownership in the Cromer and Dee Why area capable of residential renewal," SJB noted in the masterplan.

The architect said the proposal would particularly target housing diversity through townhouses and other "missing middle" typologies suitable for singles, young families, downsizers and retirees.

<img alt="Cromer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e3f5d841-8491-427e-8ada-c70d3d03d6bc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-24%20at%2011.21.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xTV7r.q8lrTzC9vKzMS9zMbjm9wKwhgm" />

The site emerged following the subdivision of the former Roche campus into eastern and western parcels.

EG has already transformed the western portion into the Northern Beaches Business Park, which incorporates heritage-listed office space, modern warehouses and indoor recreation facilities.

The proposed residential community, referred to as Cromer East in SJB's plans, adjoins established housing to the north, east and south-east, while the business park sits beyond the creek corridor to the west.

It is also within 250 metres of Pittwater House School and Northern Beaches Secondary College, while bus stops within a three-to-five-minute walk provide connections to Dee Why, Brookvale and express services to the Sydney CBD. Cromer Park and the South Creek open space corridor are also nearby.

EG acquired the broader 7.5-hectare former Roche campus in 2017 for $55 million through its Yield Plus Infrastructure Fund No. 2. The campus at the time comprised more than 25,000 sqm of industrial and office buildings set within landscaped grounds.

The current residential site represents the eastern portion of that original holding.

EG's investment strategy for the fund has centred on acquiring income-producing real estate with longer-term rezoning and repositioning potential, particularly assets benefiting from infrastructure and changing land-use patterns.

EG also has an established residential track record across Sydney, including Bosco in Five Dock, Tempo in Drummoyne, The Flour Mill in Summer Hill and Pindari in Randwick.

The developer says it has delivered more than 1,000 homes to date, with a further 3,000-plus residences across its development pipeline.

First look: EG plans 130 apartments on former Roche pharmaceutical campus in Cromer

<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;

Mark Baljak

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