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What happened to Federation Square East (FSE)? Did it slide into the murky depths of the Yarra?

Last year the project had progressed to a point where EVOLVE Development founder Ron Walker was splashed across the media, drumming up support for $680 million bid to expand the precinct. Apartments.com.au also knew of one of Australia's largest developers who had also prepared a submission with the intention of snaring the site for a landmark development.

Alas like Flinders Street Station's overhaul and the Jolimont Railyards decking project, Federation Square East has fallen off the radar. Major Projects Victoria website states "The feedback received from the market has been provided in an Options Analysis which is being considered by Government." Options Analysis, is that code for no time soon?

Prior to offering forward five existing designs that I feel if transplanted in Federation Square East would suit it perfectly, I'll assert that Federation Square East should be devoid of any tall (beyond 15 level) buildings. The delineation that Flinders Street provides should not be broken by excessive towers which for mine would detract from the built form balance that should only be enhanced by Federation Square East.

<h2>The chosen five</h2>

<h3>Jean Nouvel: Philharmonie de Paris</h3>

<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/image3fse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jean Nouvel's Philharmonie de Paris. Image courtesy Dezeen Magazine"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="200" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3fse.jpg?itok=x74UugfZ" title="Jean Nouvel's Philharmonie de Paris. Image courtesy Dezeen Magazine" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jean Nouvel's Philharmonie de Paris. Image courtesy Dezeen Magazine</figcaption></figure>Modern and uniform in appearance, Jean Nouvel's <a href="http://www.dezeen.com/2013/01/03/jean-nouvel-philharmonie-de-paris-spared-the-axe/">Paris Concert Hall</a> provides a stark contrast to the surrounding built form of Flinders Street and Federation Square itself. In situ at FSE and surrounded by greenery or other ancillary buildings, it would look incredible.

<h3>Asymptote: Kaohsiung Marine Gateway</h3>

<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/image9fse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A light and modern solution. Image © Asymptote"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="528" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9fse.jpg?itok=tqkO-Exm" title="A light and modern solution. Image © Asymptote" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A light and modern solution. Image © Asymptote</figcaption></figure>Yes it's a harbour terminal but the notion remains the same. Asymptote's design transplanted at FSE would see a flowing, modern superstructure with multiple venues located under the one roof. Partly elevated, the complex would see greenery below the elevated elements while still providing an overall modern juxtaposition to its immediate surrounds.

<h3>Sériès et Sériès: Taichung City Cultural Center</h3>

<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/image11fse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Taichung City Cultural Center. Images courtesy Evolo"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11fse.jpg?itok=XnChcqM6" title="Taichung City Cultural Center. Images courtesy Evolo" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Taichung City Cultural Center. Images courtesy Evolo</figcaption></figure>Bulky and economically unviable? Probably, but it is a statement! There's something enticing about having Birrarung Marr continue seamlessly into a new FSE

<blockquote>
The success of the cultural center lies in the ability of the built environment to actually inspire the residents to look beyond the common and expected, materialistic and the easily consumed, in favor of the stimulating and daring. The the Taichung Fine Arts Museum and Library is designed to become a sustainable landmark.
<cite>Evolo</cite>
</blockquote>

<h3>Striking a mix</h3>

<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/image12fse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New Ordos Museum, Kaohsiung Port Terminal &amp; New Dalian Planning Museum . Images courtesy Evolo"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="296" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12fse.jpg?itok=lO1SC5BL" title="New Ordos Museum, Kaohsiung Port Terminal &amp; New Dalian Planning Museum . Images courtesy Evolo" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New Ordos Museum, Kaohsiung Port Terminal &amp; New Dalian Planning Museum . Images courtesy Evolo</figcaption></figure>Multiple architects contributing their individual design to FSE similar in scope and scale to what Zaha Hadid, RTA-Office and 10 Design have conceived above. Ideally FSE would not be seeded to a developer and likely single architect, rather transferred to a body such as Places Victoria (if they were in any way capable), who would in turn gather the best design put forward.

There's something captivating about having the best of the best selected designs side by side in such a prominent position... ahh wait reality is calling.

<h3>Peddle Thorp: Biocity</h3>

<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/image10fse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Biocity. Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10fse.jpg?itok=ISfizhcp" title="Biocity. Image © Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Biocity. Image © Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>OK so it's a little old and completely out there but Melbourne-based Peddle Thorp ticked all the boxes with this 2008 concept for FSE.

<blockquote>
The Cycle of Life, closely linked to our most precious resource, formalises this urban extension above a city railyard. Composed of five blocks interconnected by a rainforest atrium, pedestrians are free to wander the whole of the ground level through public spaces designed as a plateau, canyon or valley.
<cite><a href="http://www.australiandesignreview.com/designwall/424-biospace">Australian Design Review</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Why highlight Federation Square East</h2>

I've chosen buildings that convey a grand, almost homogenous exterior that clash nicely with the varied built form surrounding FSE. This is similar to what Herzog And De Meuron's <a href="http://www.evolo.us/architecture/highly-contextual-proposal-for-flinders-street-station-rejuvenation-herzog-and-de-meuron/">Flinders Street Station design</a> would have achieved with its singular roof structure.

Federation Square East is an incredibly rare opportunity to deliver a truly recognisable structure (avoiding the term landmark) rather than merely another skyscraper or the like. An opportunity to deliver something out of the box, or is that out of the rail yards? Just make it soon...
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silvermb

Five designs to make Fed Square East proud

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Urban.com.au aren't averse to providing a shout out to firms who design intriguing residential buildings, albeit conceptual ones. Recently a design by South Melbourne firm <a href="http://burtonandcarter.com" target="_blank">Burton &amp; Carter</a> crossed our desks and we were mighty impressed.

The architect's summary of the gateway project designed for Port Melbourne is as follows:

<blockquote>
The Eminence is a proposed 35 storey residential tower in the bay side area of Port Melbourne.

The parametric design of the podium incorporated retail, restaurant and cafe spaces to generate a lively community space for residents and public that would make use of the interesting design that allowed for natural light and bay side views through the triangulated windows, yet stopped unwanted cold strong south-west winds. The opening up of the facade allows for a triple storey interior main lobby that marks the entrance at ground level.

The residential tower connects with the podium with a sleek extrusion to the north-west facade, allowing maximum balcony space to the south to maximise views of the bay side for the residents, but also allowing city views to the north-east. The smooth finish to the tower’s form creates a crown on top of the building that follows the curvilinear form of the podium to generate an aesthetic connection between the two.
<cite><a href="http://www.burtonandcarter.com/#!multi-residential/c1ww2" target="_blank">Burton and Carter: The Eminence Apartments</a></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/9f8809_2d38001534e24636a2f08a669cddb3ed.jpg_srz_p_954_865_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Burton &amp; Carter"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="526" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/9f8809_2d38001534e24636a2f08a669cddb3ed.jpg_srz_p_954_865_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.jpg?itok=9HVgBnKA" title="Image © Burton &amp; Carter" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Burton &amp; Carter</figcaption></figure>Visually, design parallels can be drawn between Burton &amp; Carter's scheme and <a href="http://snohetta.com/project/90-ras-al-khaimah-gateway" target="_blank">Snøhetta's</a> Ras Al Khaimah gateway project in the emerging UAE emirate, albeit on a smaller scale.

<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/arch2o-rak-gateway-project-8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Arch2o"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/arch2o-rak-gateway-project-8.jpg?itok=QxaZO7DE" title="Image courtesy Arch2o" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Arch2o</figcaption></figure>Both designs are mixed-use in nature and carry substantial areas of associated communal space and landscaping. Externally the buildings are quite similar in styling, while also providing a variety of sheltered and shaded spaces for public use. The undulating form of either design peaks with a landmark 'gateway' tower signifying the structures isolated dominance.

Both gateway projects are also situated at the entrance to their respective city, the difference being Ras Al Khaimah's fronts the desert whereas Port Melbourne's would be a marker for arriving ships.

<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/01_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/01_2.jpg?itok=IdVbhBaT" title="Image © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Laurence Dragomir</figcaption></figure>Resident render guru Laurence provided us with this <a href="/news/blockhead-concept-pier-ing-into-the-future" target="_blank">Port Melbourne concept design</a> last year (as seen above), further investigating the notion of a gateway structure marking ones aquatic arrival into Melbourne. I'd take any which one in Melbourne yet Button and Carter's is a crisp, contemporary design that unfortunately will never seemingly see the light of day.
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Gateway meets gateway meets gateway in Port Melbourne

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As many readers and prospective apartment buyers are aware, masses of words are dedicated to the marketing of apartment projects. Generally emotive and altogether generic, it's the final product that truly defines a project.

Prima Pearl developer PDG have asserted their project "will be unlike any other residential development currently in Australia." While Apartments.com.au provided an overview of Prima Pearl's <a href="/news/a-bronzed-icon-takes-its-place" target="_blank">current status</a>, we were fortunate to tour the tower's facilities last Thursday.

Words aside, the assembled media experienced first-hand the final product and gained an understanding of the project's intricate details. What is it that sets Prima Pearl apart?

<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/2014-07-10_16.09.38.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="864" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2014-07-10_16.09.38.jpg?itok=HqOrzEUb" title="Image supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>Innovative living</h2>

PDG Sales Manager, Mark Giuliano and architect Roberto Dreolini of Disegno Australia spared no detail in their description of the building. Chief amongst Prima Pearl's features is the use of an Australian-first residential tower technology, seeing eight high-speed, smart elevators employed to move individuals with maximum efficiency and minimal time.

When a resident activates a sensor by way of swipe stick, the system immediately dispatches an elevator to the corresponding pick-up point (car park/lobby/recreational) with the resident's living floor already pre-programmed; simply walk to the elevator and the lift will be waiting for you, with your floor already selected.

Technology also permeates through the podium-top communal areas. Smart Miele communal kitchen appliances, an automated gym with a myriad of program selections, or the private cinema which allows the user to insert their USB device - thus being able to watch the program of their choice - are a few of the highlights.

Most impressive is the golf simulation space, where Malvern firm X-golf have provided the means where a resident can have their swing evaluated off-site (in real time) and have the results fed back via a live Skype session.

<h2>Quality in detail</h2>

Hand in hand with Prima Pearl's technological advantage comes with a variety of custom finishes. Imported Tuscan stone surrounds the lap pool while an imported Italian mosaic frames the external terrace atop the podium.

What could be considered minor details have been considered design showpieces. Considered improbable, the poolside sauna for instance maintains a frameless glass frontage while the entire gym floor has been described as 'sprung' for user comfort.

<h2>Comfortable in your own skin</h2>

As for the facade, Roberto Dreolini described the towers external skin as one of the more difficult and time consuming project choices. Subject to much deliberation, bronze was chosen as the team felt it played on surrounding towers while being individual at the same time.

<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_0955_-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The bronzed brute"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="869" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0955_-1.jpg?itok=pLF-_448" title="The bronzed brute" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The bronzed brute</figcaption></figure>A design strategy saw double-glazed facade panels chosen, which provide outstanding insulation performance by maintaining ideal internal temperatures for longer periods. Each of the 8,500 double glazed panels consist of two panes with argon gas inserted to fill the internal void, enabling sunlight to be reflected. Appearing as one unit, the two pieces of glass and an insulated frame are sealed together, maximising the panel's thermal properties.

Stay tuned, as later in the year PDG have invited Apartments.com.au to the skylounge unveiling and completed apartments in the tower's upper levels.

Enjoy the PDG provided images below, which more than capably do justice to the amenity and quality available within Prima Pearl.
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Beyond the hyperbole -  what really sets Prima Pearl apart

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If one statistic brings into focus Melbourne's current development boom, it's this one; since Rialto's completion heralding Melbourne's first 200 metre plus tower in 1986, a total of six towers beyond 200 metres (not including antennas) have been built in the proceeding 28 years.

Melbourne right now has 23 towers beyond 200 metres ranging from proposed to under construction.

It's a gobsmacking figure representative of a perfect storm of circumstances both locally and abroad which based upon the evidence at hand will see the vast majority of these proposals delivered, rather than land banked or onsold. Counted within the ranks of the 23 listed below are four towers of 300 metres or greater, propelling Melbourne in the the ranks of other global cities with 'Supertall' towers.

<h2>The 200 metre plus tower list as of August 2014</h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
<thead><tr>
<th>Address</th>
			<th>Height</th>
			<th>Developer</th>
			<th>Architect</th>
			<th>Status</th>
			<th>Apartments</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/568-collins-street-melbourne">568 Collins Street</a></td>
			<td>218m</td>
			<td>Stamoulis Property Group</td>
			<td>Bruce Henderson</td>
			<td>Under Construction</td>
			<td>588</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/prima-tower-31-queensbridge-street-southbank">Prima Pearl - 31 Queensbridge Street</a></td>
			<td>254m</td>
			<td>PDG Corporation</td>
			<td>Disegno Australia</td>
			<td>Under Construction</td>
			<td>667</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vision - 500 Elizabeth Street</td>
			<td>226m</td>
			<td>Brady Group</td>
			<td>Peddle Thorp</td>
			<td>Under Construction</td>
			<td>524</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/150-queen-street-melbourne">Tower Melbourne - 150 Queen Street</a></td>
			<td>226m</td>
			<td>CEL Australia</td>
			<td>Elenberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Delayed</td>
			<td>581</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One - 452 Elizabeth Street</a></td>
			<td>241m</td>
			<td>Golden Age</td>
			<td>Elenberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Sales</td>
			<td>622</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Light House - 450 Elizabeth Street</a></td>
			<td>218m</td>
			<td>Hengyi - Sixth Grange</td>
			<td>Elenberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Sales</td>
			<td>607</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">EQ Tower - 127 A'Beckett Street</a></td>
			<td>202m</td>
			<td>ICD Property</td>
			<td>Elenberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Sales</td>
			<td>632</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/elysium-54-clarke-street-southbank">Elysium - 54 Clarke Street</a></td>
			<td>244m</td>
			<td>Baracon</td>
			<td>BKK Architects</td>
			<td>Registrations</td>
			<td>270</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-townhouses/272-queen-street-melbourne">272 Queen Street</a></td>
			<td>210m</td>
			<td>Site for sale</td>
			<td>Peddle Thorp</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
			<td>624</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">70 Southbank Boulevard</a></td>
			<td>319m</td>
			<td>Aspial WCL</td>
			<td>Fender Katsalidis</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
			<td>1105</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">250 Spencer Street T1</a></td>
			<td>295-300m</td>
			<td>Far East Consortium</td>
			<td>Cottee Parker</td>
			<td>Approved envelope</td>
			<td>750</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">250 Spencer Street T2</a></td>
			<td>235-240m</td>
			<td>Far East Consortium</td>
			<td>Cottee Parker</td>
			<td>Approved envelope</td>
			<td>805</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">250 Spencer Street T3</a></td>
			<td>205-210m</td>
			<td>Far East Consortium</td>
			<td>Cottee Parker</td>
			<td>Approved envelope</td>
			<td>520</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">250 Spencer Street T4</a></td>
			<td>225-230m</td>
			<td>Far East Consortium</td>
			<td>Cottee Parker</td>
			<td>Approved envelope</td>
			<td>788</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/380-melbourne-380-lonsdale-street-melbourne">380 Lonsdale Street</a></td>
			<td>217m</td>
			<td>Hiap Hoe</td>
			<td>Elenberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>728</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank">1 Queensbridge Street</a></td>
			<td>308m</td>
			<td>Schiavello - Crown</td>
			<td>Bates Smart</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>626</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/madison-grand-334-city-road-southbank">334-344 City Road</a></td>
			<td>270m</td>
			<td>Private</td>
			<td>Hayball</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>578</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/38-freshwater-place-southbank">25-35 Power Street</a></td>
			<td>274m</td>
			<td>ML Hospitality</td>
			<td>Metier 3</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>496</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/swanston-central-168-victoria-street-carlton">156-172 Victoria Street</a></td>
			<td>237m</td>
			<td>CEL Australia</td>
			<td>Elenberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>1037</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin Street</a></td>
			<td>216m</td>
			<td>Artemis Group</td>
			<td>Hassell Studio</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>367</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/news/planning-application-180-russell-street-melbourne">180 Russell Street</a></td>
			<td>271m</td>
			<td>AXF Australia</td>
			<td>Bunchan Group</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>506</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">224-252 La Trobe Street</a></td>
			<td>267m</td>
			<td>UEM Sunrise</td>
			<td>Eleneberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>1139</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">54-64 A'Beckett Street</a></td>
			<td>253m</td>
			<td>Aspial WCL</td>
			<td>Elenberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>750</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/news/cbus-property-seeks-a-sky-high-planning-scheme-amendment-for-447-collins">447 Collins Street</a></td>
			<td>300m</td>
			<td>CBUS Property</td>
			<td>Woods Bagot + SHoP</td>
			<td>Proposed</td>
			<td>400</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
All projects above include a residential component, with no purely commercial towers included. On that front QIC's 80 Collins Street comes closest with an overall height of 187 metres.

Given there are always minor fluctuations in apartment numbers per project, the above list would pump in the vicinity of 15,700 apartments or near on 30,000 permanent residents into the City of Melbourne. Factor in the thousands of hotel suites which are included within 10 of the 23 proposals and the transient population figure also rises sharply.

<h2>One image says it all</h2>

Below is a marketing image for ICD Property's EQ Tower located at 127 A'Beckett Street. If the opening Rialto statistic brings the matter into focus, the below image provides a visual aid as to the rapidly evolving nature of Melbourne's skyline.

In addition to EQ Tower, no less that 14 other towers of 200 metres or more would be visible in some way, excluding those already completed. A healthy number of these towers are located within the CBD's northern reaches surrounding EQ Tower; testament to the sudden explosion of apartments loosely surrounding Victoria Market.

<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/v02_ext_skyline_aerial_view_lr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One of many. Image courtesy eqtower.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="364" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v02_ext_skyline_aerial_view_lr.jpg?itok=LtOraKr3" title="One of many. Image courtesy eqtower.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One of many. Image courtesy eqtower.com.au</figcaption></figure><h2>Future towers on the radar</h2>

Listed on Melbourne-based Altus Development's website is a forthcoming scheme fo A'Beckett Street. With an expected value of $395 million, the proposal will hold a nominal 1125 apartments and hotel suites.

<blockquote>
On the high ground of Melbourne’s CBD and close to its famed premier universities, hospitals, parks and cosmopolitan nightlife of the city’s northern precinct will rise a magnificent tower. Comprising 900 residential apartments, a 4-star hotel and dining this development represents unparalleled growth opportunities. Central to key Melbourne destinations and exceptionally well-served by public transport and arterials, it is a foremost opportunity.
<cite><a href="http://www.altusdevelopment.com.au/melbourne-developments">Altus Development: Melbourne Developments</a></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/abeckett_crop.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A'Beckett Street Melbourne CBD. Image © Altus Development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="237" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/abeckett_crop.jpg?itok=9I_S9eHf" title="A'Beckett Street Melbourne CBD. Image © Altus Development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concept snippet for A'Beckett Street Melbourne CBD. Image © Altus Development</figcaption></figure>Elsewhere Fragrance Group's 555 Collins Street has been reported as seeking a height of 305 metres AHD in an all-commercial development, although this will be confirmed when the relevant planning application is submitted. The good oil also suggests that Fragrance Group's Savoy Tavern site on Spencer Street and PJ Development Holdings' Kavanagh car park site on Southbank will also (very) comfortably exceed the 200 metre barrier.

Of course there are also those projects which arise unbeknown to the greater public, but for the immediate future it seems likely the number of 200 metre plus proposals will slow as developers seek to materialise the many projects listed above.
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Melbourne's 200 metre club bursting at the seams

There has been a concerted media push recently to stoke the Melbourne versus Sydney rivalry, in light of Melbourne's booming apartment sector. All in all these articles have been written well and are quite informative, with a pinch of 'Yeah we're better than you' from either side for good measure.

<a href="http://theage.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/sydney-losing-tower-race-20140704-zsrcp" target="_blank">The Age</a> provided an overview of Melbourne's 22 towers beyond 200 metres (add <a href="/new-apartments/madison-grand-334-city-road-southbank">334-344 City Road</a> to the list) while also suggesting Sydney had a serious case of envy. Within the article Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy declares "Since 2010, 54 per cent more homes have gained building approval in metropolitan Melbourne than in Sydney and 11 per cent more than the entire state of NSW."

<a href="http://news.domain.com.au/domain/real-estate-news/youve-got-the-wrong-city-gvner-20140703-zsuuh" target="_blank">Domain</a> and <a href="http://www.afr.com/p/national/sydney_melbourne_in_biggest_city_oTvYbTsbP6iH0rriJTLoHP" target="_blank">AFR</a> have also chimed in with pieces alluding to Melbourne's population on target to overtake Sydney's in due course plus the spectre of there being a glut of rental properties on Melbourne's horizon.

The most surprising (or maybe not) find in researching the current development back and forth came when assessing The Australian's <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/projectapartment" target="_blank">Project Apartment</a> publication, which in theory provides an overview of the nation's apartment sector.

There is nothing to suggest it isn't a national publication aside from the content of course. 32 glossy pages with only a half page spread dedicated to Melbourne's risk of oversupply. Even white-hot Brisbane barely rated a mention while the lion's share of content and advertising was dedicated to Sydney; the sun does surely shineth out of Sydney's...

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said of the The Australian this week "It has a national perspective, not a parochial one... The Australian alone is dedicated to our country." Upon first reading The Australian's Project Apartment publication, I'd rather dedicate it toward use in the throne room.

<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.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Project Sydney... go figure"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="412" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63.jpg?itok=Jo47NpmQ" title="Project Sydney... go figure" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Project Sydney... go figure</figcaption>
</figure>

The Australian's cockamamie publication aside, the rippling of media attention on the topic does allude to a more genuine discussion point: there is a competitive and sometimes frictional dynamic between the two cities that spurs both forward.

Melbourne has been and continues to be the star performer in the eye of many an Asian property developer, to the point where the local scene is awash with apartment projects. Could Sydney benefit from Melbourne's success as our city approaches a peak in development activity?

The Harbour City is opening up to a wave of new boutique developers, with a focus on medium density developments as opposed to residential towers which is currently trending in Melbourne. A prime example is Melbourne-based Fridcorp's push into the Sydney market which recently yielded $100M in apartment sales within two hours.

Both cities are powering ahead in the development stakes, but as has been communicated to Apartments.com.au via an industry figure, the movement of top tier architectural firms and developers to Sydney indicates three things:

<ol>
	<li>Melbourne developers are 'market ready' and have been active and adept in a heated market for some time.</li>
	<li>Sydney is now white-hot with opportunity and is eclipsing Melbourne with job prospects.</li>
	<li>The Melbourne industrial landscape has engendered somewhat more of a 'constrained' construction climate.</li>
</ol>

I'd suggest that in a roundabout fashion, both cities feed off one another while maintaining distinctly different identities. Apartments.com.au will enlist the help of some industry players in future articles to further explore this topic.

Lead image courtesy de.wallpapersus.com.

Observing the current Melbourne-Sydney development dynamic

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Did you know that 27 per cent of City of Melbourne's current tree population will be lost within the next decade? Ever had the urge to keep tabs on Melbourne's overall tree population, or even a specific tree for that matter?

Tasked with maintaining more than 70,000 trees, City of Melbourne via its <a href="http://melbourneurbanforestvisual.com.au/" target="_blank">Urban Forest Visual</a> website provides the means for any person to explore the current state of Melbourne's inner city 'forest'.

In operation for some time, Urban Forest Visual is a tool within the wider Urban Forest Strategy which provides "A robust framework for the evolution and longevity of our urban forest." The strategy aims to:

<ul>
<li>Adapt our city to climate change.</li>
	<li>Mitigate the urban heat island effect by bringing our inner city temperatures down.</li>
	<li>Create healthier ecosystems.</li>
	<li>Become a water sensitive city</li>
	<li>Engage and involving the community.</li>
</ul>
The Urban Forest Visual interactive map goes into amazing detail, with all manner of searchable options possible. Age, location, type and life expectancy are but a few options available to the viewer, with the map able to target a specific tree if required.

<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/Image50.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Useful life expectancy. Image © City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image50.jpg?itok=eI38511g" title="Useful life expectancy. Image © City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>Useful life expectancy. Image © City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The purpose behind Urban Forest Visual is to raise awareness of a number of key issues confronting Melbourne's tree population, particularly regarding diversity and longevity.

<blockquote>
A lack of species diversity leaves the urban forest vulnerable to threats from pests, disease, and stress due to climate change. Currently our urban forest is dominated by eucalypts, planes, elms and gums (corymbias). Many of these trees were planted at the same time during condensed periods of planting activity, and large numbers of elms and planes are now reaching the end of their useful life expectancy.
<cite>Urban Forest Visual</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/diversity_image_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Tree genus. Image © City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/diversity_image_0.png?itok=5ast-23S" title="Tree genus. Image © City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>Tree genus. Image © City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The above graphic shows Melbourne's most common tree types graphed by genus with the colours indicating useful lifetime; green refers to a healthy tree while orange indicated a dying specimen. Interestingly Plane and Elm trees look to be the least suited/resilient genus utilised in Melbourne.

<h2>Comment</h2>

Hats off to City of Melbourne for devising such a comprehensive and interactive system in charting the state of Melbourne's inner city 'forest.'

What chances of devising a similar program charting Melbourne's built form?
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Urban Forest Visual

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It must be said I don't know or condone the actions of a few people, and their pastime is not my cup of tea... but (and there's always a but) there exists a Flickr page with the most fascinating and unique <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a> imagery.

Those behind the page dedicate much time and effort in their pursuit; good luck to them. Yet the pictures of Melbourne's skyline from angles not seen before are truly amazing.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image44_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image44_0.jpg?itok=pIVJXTMH" width="580"></a></figure>View the page, enjoy the pictures and make your judgement on those behind it: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bleak_deliverances/sets/72157629567397526/">Above Ground</a>.

Lead and article image copyright Flickr / Above Ground.
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Melbourne from a different perspective

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Over a year ago, Apartments.com.au wrote on the forthcoming <a href="/news/regenerating-office-buildings-on-bourke" target="_blank">redevelopment of 570 Bourke Street</a>, formerly known as Marland House. Leap forward and contractor Brookfield Multiplex are currently in the early stages of breathing new life into the 1972 vintage office complex. Of an age where owner Charter Hall (via their Core Plus Office Fund) considered a number of directions for the asset, they have embarked upon a $150 million project with the intention of creating a workplace that meets and exceeds contemporary tenant expectations.

So what are those expectations? Look no further than Docklands to see that large corporations value large floorplates. In Charter Hall's words "To attract and retain the best people, companies are demanding expansive, lifestyle-oriented workspaces."

To that end 570 Bourke Street will become Melbourne CBD's largest vertically connected office space. Nestled within an established legal and financial precinct, the development will provide 28,000 square metres of contiguous office space across 11 levels, achieved by extending the floor plate to both Bourke and Little Bourke Street frontages.

<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/570_bourke_lobby01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Entering 570 Bourke Street's foyer. Image © Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/570_bourke_lobby01.jpg?itok=CR_2yx9X" title="Entering 570 Bourke Street's foyer. Image © Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Entering 570 Bourke Street's foyer. Image © Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Space efficiencies gained from large floors usually come at the expense of amenity in Melbourne. 570 Bourke is unique because it provides the space we know tenants crave, but in an already thriving and established part of the city.
<cite>Chris Forbes, Charter Hall CPOF fund manager</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We usually only see floor plates of these sizes outside of the CBD where the option to expand within the building is not typically available,” Mr Sutherland said. 570 Bourke stands out for its ability to give tenants the choice and flexibility to expand in the CBD as their business flourishes, while benefiting from space efficiencies and the building’s amenity.
<cite>Hamish Sutherland, Knight Frank national director of CBD leasing</cite>
</blockquote>

Designed by Hassell Studio, the reincarnated project will feature a light-filled glass atrium. Prominent through all 10 levels, the atrium will allow natural light to penetrate the workspaces while inter-connecting stairways enables 570 Bourke Street to boast the largest vertically integrated floor plates available in the CBD. At 2,700 square metres per floor, this equates to an impressive 270 staff per level over the expanded footprint.

With maximum flexibility and providing a dynamic work space in mind, each of the expanded floors have been designed with malleable spaces, allow tenants to link and enclose areas as desired. 'Suspended' meeting room pods peer over the internal atrium, adding visual pop to the internal design.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image60.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="570 Bourke Street. Image © Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60.jpg?itok=8Y7jQ2_d" title="570 Bourke Street. Image © Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>570 Bourke Street. Image © Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure><h2>Project highlights</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Charter Hall</li>
	<li>Design: Hassell Studio</li>
	<li>Project Manager: PDS Group</li>
	<li>28,000sqm of built space over 10 lower levels: 2,700sqm floor plates</li>
	<li>10 different tenants are already accommodated within the existing high rise office tower at 570 Bourke</li>
	<li>Lifestyle Centre catering for 300 cyclists/runners (dedicated entrance + shower &amp; change facilities)</li>
	<li>Curtain wall façade blends solid and translucent elements, bringing subtle diversity to the façade</li>
	<li>Bluestone paving, timber walls, travertine stone and light installation define the lobby</li>
	<li>New laneway: Gresham Street to be reconfigured + cafe and streetscape works</li>
	<li>500 car parking bays</li>
	<li>695sqm of retail space fronting Bourke and Little Bourke Streets</li>
	<li>175sqm of boutique office space on level one, fronting Little Bourke Street</li>
	<li>Target a 4.5 star NABERS Energy rating</li>
</ul>
In the perpetual race to attract tenants, commercial asset owners are increasingly providing the physical and technological needs of businesses while also enhancing the experience for their staff. Charter Hall have positioned 570 Bourke Street as a showcase for contemporary thinking and design within Melbourne's CBD.

Apartments.com.au will certainly be asking to tour the reborn Melbourne landmark upon completion.
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570 Bourke Street reborn

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It's time once more to take the pulse of Melbourne's development scene, with another installment of the Apartments.com.au Crane Census. Akin to the <a href="http://rlb.com/publications/rlb-crane-index-4th-edition-2014/" target="_blank">RLB Crane Index</a>, the Apartments.com.au version assesses the location of tower cranes throughout metropolitan Melbourne as opposed to the RLB Crane Index which concentrates on Melbourne's inner suburbs, hence providing a more comprehensive report of what is being built and where.

By pooling varied resources and conducting a physical count, we believe the census to be accurate to within 1-2 units.

<h2>By the numbers: The Apartments.com.au crane census</h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%">
<thead><tr>
<th>Locality</th>
			<th>All</th>
			<th>Residential</th>
			<th>Commercial</th>
			<th>Health/Institutional</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne CBD</td>
			<td>14</td>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne LGA / Docklands</td>
			<td>12</td>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne Southbank</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne Carlton/Parkville</td>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>5</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Port Phillip</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stonnington</td>
			<td>16</td>
			<td>13</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boroondara</td>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yarra</td>
			<td>15</td>
			<td>13</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Manningham / Whitehorse</td>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>North &amp; West</td>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>South &amp; East</td>
			<td>11</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total</td>
			<td>107 (100%)</td>
			<td>75 (70%)</td>
			<td>20 (19%)</td>
			<td>12 (11%)</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Highlights</h2>

<ul>
<li>Ten tower cranes currently on health related projects with five alone for the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.</li>
	<li>The equivalent count last year saw residential projects account for 67% or tower cranes in use.</li>
	<li>The current figure has increased to 70% as tower cranes become more common on smaller scale residential projects, and is expected to continue growing.</li>
	<li>Commercial tower crane use has risen marginally from 17% to 20% over the equivalent period.</li>
	<li>The breadth of tower crane placement has never been greater, from Tullamarine to Ringwood to Frankston.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_7325.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The most recent arrival, Caelli's Eastland lifter"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7325.jpg?itok=CuhM9NnP" title="The most recent arrival, Caelli's Eastland lifter" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The most recent arrival, Caelli's lifter for Probuild's Eastland redevelopment</figcaption></figure><h2>All in the timing</h2>

Melbourne's large crane count is a reflection of the success of relatively new tower crane operator, Clark Cranes. This half yearly census shows that in excess of 20 Raimondi tower cranes with Clark Cranes' blue and yellow trim are distributed throughout greater Melbourne, with only two of their tower cranes found within City of Melbourne.

Having been a mobile crane operator for some time, Clark Cranes evidently read the tea leaves perfectly and entered the tower crane hire market a few short years ago at a point when low and mid-rise residential projects were proliferating throughout greater Melbourne. The niche service they provide in smaller scale tower cranes for predominantly residential projects has clearly resonated with many of Melbourne's smaller builders.

<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_7363.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A typical Clark Cranes project - Blu Apartments Edithvale"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7363.jpg?itok=0ss0ReGw" title="A typical Clark Cranes project - Blu Apartments Edithvale" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A typical Clark Cranes project - Blu Apartments Edithvale</figcaption></figure><h2>Looking ahead</h2>

As has been the norm for some years there's no shortage of upcoming projects warranting tower cranes of all sizes. Over the months to come hubs of construction such as Doncaster, Box Hill and Fitzroy can expect additional cranes while Clayton can expect a potential count of 5-7 tower cranes by year's end due to imminent residential, education and health projects.

Within the CBD a number of cranes will continue their upward journey while a batch of new cranes will grace the cities skies for large-scale projects such as Light House, Victoria One Melbourne and 35 Spring Street. This new wave will emerge into the new year, just in time for the next Apartments.com.au crane count.
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The biannual Urban.com.au crane census - July 2014

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No great surprise that inner Melbourne and the CBD in particular is experiencing a population boom; we hear about it just about every week via various media outlets.

Within their capacity, the City of Melbourne maintain a comprehensive monitor of all major new commercial and residential property development in their municipality. Figures for the current <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/enterprisemelbourne/Tools/publications/Pages/DevelopmentMonitor.aspx" target="_blank">Development Activity Monitor</a> to May 2014 are impressive or worrying (depending upon your perspective of course).

For the year to date Melbourne’s residential apartment stock has experienced unprecedented growth, with 2,800 new dwellings built to this point. Forecasts show that in the vicinity of 5,800 residences are are expected to be built by the end of the year, whereas the average over the last decade has been 2,100 apartments per annum.

<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/Image39com.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="City of Melbourne's boundary and suburbs. Image courtesy melbourne.vic.gov.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="557" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image39com.jpg?itok=-qq3lTG6" title="City of Melbourne's boundary and suburbs. Image courtesy melbourne.vic.gov.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>City of Melbourne's boundary and suburbs. Image courtesy melbourne.vic.gov.au</figcaption></figure>Council's response to recent robust population rises:

<blockquote>
We have known for some time that inner Melbourne is booming. The City of Melbourne is working hard to ensure that with this growth, we have diversity and quality in our housing stock as well as infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing community.

We have recently released a Draft Housing Strategy, which is one example of how we are working to maintain a good standard of living for future generations. We don’t know how long this increase of supply will be sustained, or how many of the proposed developments will proceed. What this research does is show us what Melbourne could look like in the next decade.
<cite>Cr Stephen Mayne, Deputy Chair of Planning</cite>
</blockquote>

Released twice a year, the Development Activity Monitor's highlights for the May 2014 cycle include:

<ul>
<li>There are 44 residential developments currently under construction which are anticipated to result in 9666 new properties by the end of 2017.</li>
	<li>There are an additional 99 developments with town planning approval yet to commence construction. If these all proceed they could result in 18,737 new dwellings.</li>
	<li>One per cent of new dwellings are designed to be studio apartments, 44 per cent to be one bedroom dwellings, 51 per cent two bedrooms and four per cent to have three or more bedrooms.</li>
	<li>A further 48 developments are currently seeking town planning permits which, if approved, could add an additional 23,216 dwellings for construction to commence in three to five years.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/IMG_6951.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The changing face of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="619" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/IMG_6951.jpg?itok=QIR-ZX4q" title="The changing face of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The changing face of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>In other sectors, the Development Activity Monitor also forecasts that by end of 2014, 51,622 m² of retail floor space is likely to have been completed, the lion's share held between The Strand redevelopment and Emporium Melbourne. There is currently 23,362 m² of retail space under construction and 35,776 m² is expected to commence construction in the next two years.

In terms of commercial developments, there was 346,797 m² of new office space under construction in May. The forecast monitor also notes that 228,999 m² of new commercial space over a number of new buildings has town planning approval and is expected to commence construction in the next two years.
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The numbers behind Melbourne's apartment boom

Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils signature penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

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Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<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]

Mark Baljak

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