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A valuable piece of Victorian infrastructure officially began work on Tuesday this week, with the first sod of soil turned to signify construction of the new Monash Children's Hospital. Located at Monash Medical Centre Clayton (MMCC), the new 230-bed, purpose-built Monash Children’s Hospital marked construction with Victorian Premier, Dr Denis Napthine joining festivities.

Conceived as a response to the growing need to service Melbourne and Victoria's increasing population, the facility will be one of two statewide tertiary paediatric facilities, and the only venue in the state which provides foetal surgery, thalassemia and paediatric cardiac electro-physiology.

Head contractor Lend Lease Building (Baulderstone) expect the concrete structure to rise skyward by October with dual tower cranes erected either side of the Christmas break. The concrete structure is expected to be finished by August 2015 with full completion roughly a year later, owing to the lengthy fitouts when constructing hospitals.

<h2>Project details</h2>

<ul>
<li>Clients: Monash Health &amp; Victorian Department of Health</li>
	<li>Architect: Silver Thomas Hanley</li>
	<li>Builder: Lend Lease Building (Baulderstone)</li>
	<li>30,000sqm paediatric hospital: Australia’s third largest children’s hospital</li>
	<li>230-bed facility</li>
	<li>completion late 2016</li>
	<li>Cost estimate: $250 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Construction facts</h2>

<ul>
<li>14,000 cubic metres of concrete will be used in construction</li>
	<li>1500 tonnes of reinforcement</li>
	<li>35000m2 of plasterboard will be used</li>
	<li>1000 doors will be installed</li>
	<li>35000m2 of floor finishes including vinyl and carpet</li>
	<li>35000 cubic metres of dirt will be removed</li>
	<li>2-year construction program</li>
	<li>Two tower cranes on site</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/10557445_698604163544184_6428558200327830895_n_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hospital internal render. Image © monashhealth.org"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="442" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/10557445_698604163544184_6428558200327830895_n_1.jpg?itok=ktQXv_sW" title="Hospital internal render. Image © monashhealth.org" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hospital internal render. Image © monashhealth.org</figcaption></figure><h2>Children's joins the TRF</h2>

Monash Children's isn't the only project worthy of note currently under construction at MMCC. With a tower crane visible from far and wide, Lend Lease Building (Baulderstone) have advanced the Translational Research Facility (seen below) to the first floor structure.

Designed as an incubator for knowledge and research, the facility "Will bring together basic and clinical researchers grouped by theme; integrated transitional research laboratories; a dedicated clinical trial centre; a general research centre and common use research platforms." The end result is a research centre designed to enable world-class clinical research, "Translated into best-practise, patient-centred healthcare" according to Monash Health.

<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/mhtp-trf_north.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Monash Health Translation Precinct – Translational Research Facility. Image © monashhealth.org"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mhtp-trf_north.jpg?itok=Csp4ix5Y" title="Monash Health Translation Precinct – Translational Research Facility. Image © monashhealth.org" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Monash Health Translation Precinct – Translational Research Facility. Image © monashhealth.org</figcaption></figure>Valued at $84 million, the Woods Bagot-designed facility secured $71 million via Federal Government funding with the remaining $13m being provided by the project partners. The Translational Research Facility is due for completion late 2015.
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silvermb

Monash Children's Hospital begins construction

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It's become a well worn path in recent years; small-scale property developers winding their way up in project scale to a point where they begin to assert themselves as a serious player in Melbourne's development landscape. The subject of today's article is JD Group who according to their website were established during 1996 and for the most part went about their business of creating townhouse and low-rise apartment projects.

Under the guidance of CEO &amp; Managing Director John Yun, JD Group have of late ventured into larger low-rise projects. Currently under construction, the 71 apartments of <a href="/buildings/reynolds-gardens-187-reynolds-road-doncaster-east" target="_blank">Reynolds Gardens</a> is soon to be joined by the 50 apartments of <a href="/buildings/middle-burke-436-burke-road-camberwell" target="_blank">Middle Burke</a> which begins construction this September.

Meritorious as these two are, they look to be a springboard with JD Group intending to ramp up the scale of future residential projects. According to their website, four major development sites have been added to the JD Group's stable of late, they are:

<h2>196-202 Burwood Road, Hawthorn</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/jdweb.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="196-202 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. Image © JD Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jdweb.jpg?itok=_3N7JTSz" title="196-202 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. Image © JD Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>196-202 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. Image © JD Group</figcaption></figure>The firm's most recent acquisition at 196-202 Burwood Road and 1-9 Drill Street, Hawthorn represents a large development site of 7,013 sqm. The existing Going Going Green nursery onsite holds street frontages to Burwood Road of 69m and 101m to Drill Street.

If the diagonally opposite Atria project recently developed by Caydon is any indication, a residential project in the vicinity of 250 apartments is plausible.

<h2>180-200 Reynolds Road, Doncaster East</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/38-OA-South-Birdeye-View1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="180-200 Reynolds Road, Doncaster East. Image © JD Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/38-OA-South-Birdeye-View1.jpg?itok=oKSd85qp" title="180-200 Reynolds Road, Doncaster East. Image © JD Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>180-200 Reynolds Road, Doncaster East. Image © JD Group</figcaption></figure>Currently before Manningham City Council, 180-200 Reynolds Road, Doncaster East is diagonally opposite JD Group's Reynolds Gardens project. Designed by Paul Shaw &amp; Associates, the proposal seeks to deliver 300 dwellings within four apartment buildings over the 13,376 sqm site with all apartments containing either one or two bedrooms.

Council planners have advised approval for the application.

<h2>20 Queens Road, Melbourne</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/11_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="20 Queens Road, Melbourne. Image © JD Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/11_2.jpg?itok=wjXEAWqX" title="20 Queens Road, Melbourne. Image © JD Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>20 Queens Road, Melbourne. Image © JD Group</figcaption></figure>Reported as being for sale this year with a potential planning application yielding 461 apartments, 20-22 Queens Road covers 4,598 sqm with Albert Park Golf Course frontage. Post purchase, JD Group have chosen Rothe Lowman to conceive an apartment tower which is now under town planning according to the developer's website.

<h2>1026-1030 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East</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/1026.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1026-1030 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East. Image © JD Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1026.jpg?itok=2cYvG4od" title="1026-1030 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East. Image © JD Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1026-1030 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East. Image © JD Group</figcaption></figure>JD Group are based in Doncaster East so it's no surprise their fourth prime development site is also their third development within the suburb. Intended to be a landmark development with more than 100 high-end apartments, the 4,200 sqm site is currently under town planning.

From meagre beginnings to near on 1000 apartments in the development pipeline, JD Group look to be asserting themselves on the Melbourne property development landscape.
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JD Group ramp up their Melbourne project pipeline

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It is always a worthwhile exercise in gleaning the opinions of others, more so when the person in question represents a growing wave of non-resident apartment buyers seeking to claim a slice of the Melbourne residential market.

Urban.com.au had the opportunity to pose a number of questions to Light House purchaser and Melbourne semi-resident, Raymond Wei.

In this vox pop of sorts we began by asking the question perhaps most pertinent: would you describe yourself as an investor or an owner-occupier?

RW: I view myself as an owner, I won't be using my apartment year-round but when I'm in Melbourne it is my residence.

MB: Melbourne's skyline is always changing with new projects appearing; were views a consideration when you purchased or merely a benefit?

RW: Everyone would choose sunlight and views if they had the choice. I know Melbourne is changing quickly so views will change but I appreciate direct sunlight and not living in the shadow all the time. Light House will give me both.

MB: What attracted to you the development, in terms of location and design?

RW: I know what Melbourne can be like with its weather, so I was impressed with the winter garden designed into the apartment; it creates a really comfortable residential environment and gives me another usable space when I want it.

The location is great, I have the market and shops a few minutes away.

<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/lhintimage.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light House Melbourne's dining room"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lhintimage.jpg?itok=vErr877q" title="Light House Melbourne's dining room" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light House Melbourne's dining room</figcaption></figure>MB: How important was the interior design of the living spaces when considering your purchase?

RW: Very important as I will end up living in the apartment. Some people don't care so much, as they are just investors looking to buy an investment property. With Light House I looked at the quality of the living spaces plus I was impressed with the amount of natural light available.

MB: Would you use the communal facilities at Light House (e.g. the sanctuary spa and the entertainment lounge)?

RW: Yes, I will use all of them whilst living in Melbourne. Sometimes you want to get out of your house but not necessarily go outside - maybe the weather's not so good or so on - and the facilities allow me break my routine. I get to relax, work or socialise in quality spaces.

MB: Is a car park important or just an afterthought when living in the CBD?

RW: I require a car when in Melbourne, so absolutely parking becomes extremely important. It takes away all the headache of trying to find street parking in a city where they're not easy to find. It's certainly cheaper than getting charged hefty fees at public car park.

MB: As for the world's most livable city, what do you find attractive about living in Melbourne?

RW: Living in the city brings a lot of convenience. I'm within walking distance to major shopping centres, Victoria Market and many other attractions that local residents take as part of everyday life.

I really like the culturally diversified lifestyle, events, mixed cuisines and restaurants plus the varied festivals... Melbourne has a lot to offer in a concentrated area.
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The rhyme and reason for buying in Melbourne 

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Crane your neck skyward toward Southbank and you'll see the final floors appearing on Melbourne's latest high-rise icon: Prima Pearl.

Site works began in February 2011, giving a fair indication as to how much time, resource and effort is required to realise a tower of Prima Pearl's ilk. Under the guidance of Brookfield Multiplex the tower recently reached its maximum height of 256 metres, officially making Prima Pearl the 2nd tallest residential tower in Melbourne after Eureka Tower and overall the city’s fourth tallest building.

With 50 owners already inhabiting their lower level dwellings, all site construction will be completed by early 2015 marking the tower as the third successful joint project between development entities PDG and Schiavello.

<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/spp%2020140320.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Prima Pearl's lower levels looming over the Yarra earlier during 2014"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/spp%2020140320.jpg?itok=b-Tk4TaK" title="Prima Pearl's lower levels looming over the Yarra earlier during 2014" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Prima Pearl's lower levels looming over the Yarra earlier during 2014</figcaption></figure><h2>Design highlights</h2>

Created by Disegno Australia and defined by its highly reflective bronzed glass façade, the 72 level edifice moves incrementally from a concave to convex form over the full tower height. While aesthetically pleasing to those who look from afar, the highly reflective substrate provides uninterrupted views when looking out from within while also providing the comfort of complete privacy.

No less than 8,500 high performance glazing panels are employed over the facade whereas concrete structure specialist Form 700 employed 2372 precast panels, 42,536m³ of concrete, 4,068 tonnes of reinforcement and near on 400 tonnes of post tensioning in delivering the structure.

<h2>From the ground up!</h2>

Prima Pearl comprises two lobbies, one catering for the 369 apartments within the Pearl segment (most of which have settled), while the balance of the 661 apartments are held in the Prima component above. The Pearl lobby via Power Street provides an immediate sense of space and luxury, punctuated by a green wall. Concierge, building management and/or security personnel will be based at reception and are available 24 hours a day as required.

Eight levels of podium parking sit atop ground level while level 9 features over 2,350sqm of dedicated residential amenity space. Designed to equal the facilities of a six star hotel, the double height space incorporates a 25m in‐ground pool with sauna, spa and steam 
room. A gym, residents’ lounge, private dining room, sun lounge and barbeque terrace over the northern and eastern sides are also included.

Accessible to all residents of Prima Pearl, other amenity area facilities include a virtual golf driving range, meeting rooms, private cinema and a games room. 57 levels of residential apartments ensue while level 67 features the Skylounge, exclusively for the use of residents living on levels 46 – 65. Commanding panoramic views, the area includes multiple sun decks, swimming pool, spa with adjoining steam room, sauna and change facilities, lounge space and private dining room with catering kitchen facilities.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Prima Pearl was such a unique opportunity for PDG and Schiavello to produce a world class residential tower which added significant value to Melbourne’s growing skyline. All apartments within Prima Pearl sold out within an 18 month timeframe. A prestigious position opposite the Crown Entertainment Complex with the associated five star fashion boutiques and restaurants was very appealing to a wide range of owner occupiers and investors.
<cite>PDG Sales Manager, Mark Giuliano</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
My goal was to ensure that the architectural intent was realised and that the most beautiful, liveable and unique residential tower currently in Australia would be created for PDG’s clients.
<cite>Disegno Australia Senior Associate, Roberto Dreolini</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/Pool.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mesmerising comes to mind. Prima Pearl's pool. Image © PDG Corporation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Pool.jpg?itok=rxBrnQIU" title="Mesmerising comes to mind. Prima Pearl's pool. Image © PDG Corporation" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mesmerising comes to mind. Prima Pearl's pool. Image © PDG Corporation</figcaption></figure>Schiavello originally purchased the Prima Pearl site in 1984. After a number of designs surfaced, Prima Pearl was chosen after Schiavello joined forces with PDG during 2009 with a vision to in their own words, "create a development without equal in inner Melbourne." Testament to their hard work and dedication Melbourne now has a new, high quality icon to gaze upon.

I'm happy to say Apartments.com.au will tour Prima Pearl and provide a comprehensive pictorial review in the coming weeks.
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A bronzed icon takes its place

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Here at Apartments.com.au we consider <a href="/news/anstey-in-development">Anstey precinct</a> in Brunswick to be the vanguard in terms of middle-ring, higher density urban regeneration. Wedged between the Upfield rail line and Sydney Road, the area until recently was dominated by low-rise industrial premises.

Anstey was subject to two articles on Apartments.com.au last year: <a href="/news/anstey-in-development">"Anstey in Development"</a> and <a href="/news/blockhead-concept-this-little-piggy-went-to-market-on-his-fixie">"This little piggy went to market (on his fixie)"</a>. While both articles were supportive of the areas higher density path, questions were raised over the distinct lack of associated greenery and street level activity.

<blockquote>
The lack of incorporated greenery through these new apartment developments is highly noticeable. Coupled with an already desolate streetscape, these new apartment developments add very little greenery resulting in a somewhat hostile environment at ground level.
<cite>Mark Baljak, <a href="/news/anstey-in-development">"Anstey in Development"</a> (May 14, 2013)</cite>
</blockquote>

Enter a game-changing current planning application covering both sides of Duckett Street within the precinct.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image10_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Overview of the abnormally shaped sites. Image © MOS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_12.jpg?itok=DFJRQznf" title="Overview of the abnormally shaped sites. Image © MOS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Overview of the abnormally shaped sites. Image © MOS Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Application highlights</h2>

<ul>
<li>12 Duckett Street, Brunswick: two development sites</li>
	<li>Design: MOS Architects</li>
	<li>Four buildings between 5-8 levels</li>
	<li>184 apartments with 1/2 BR options</li>
	<li>191 car parking spaces over 3 basement levels</li>
	<li>Seven home office spaces &amp; eight retail spaces totalling 1799 sq.m</li>
</ul>
<h2>A new urban Piazza</h2>

With two unusually shaped development sites on offer, MOS Architects have elected to utilise the space between both with a new urban piazza over Duckett Street. Pedestrian and car movements have been separated, active frontages and high site permeability included, green walls incorporated while building setbacks from the Upfield bike path creating a sense of widening.

<blockquote>
The piazza is integral to the success of this development. We identified our subject site as a significant contributor to the high quality emerging developments within the close proximity. Integration with the existing shared Upfield path is established as the site opens up to this path, promoting alternative movements and significant pedestrian activity.
<cite>MOS Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image11_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Piazza, activated bike path and void signifying the rail line. Image © MOS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image11_14.jpg?itok=Oe31-wHo" title="Piazza, activated bike path and void signifying the rail line. Image © MOS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Piazza, activated bike path and void signifying the rail line. Image © MOS Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Enhancing the urban experience</h2>

Breese Street being the main thoroughfare through Anstey is little more than a transitional way at the moment; upon leaving your dwelling, you either walk or drive elsewhere. Not necessarily the worst outcome at this moment, but as more projects are completed/proposed, the population will eventually reach a point where this becomes unacceptable.

MOS Architects assert within the application that 12 Duckett Street will be a great place to work, live and experience. The firm has given heavy credence to retail/dining along an otherwise desolate cycling path with approximately 80 metres of active frontage, while also implementing two large first floor tenancies either side of Duckett Street fronting the path. Essentially dual/tri level glazed/open, active tenancies to the train line. Interesting!

As for the intended public realm landscaping, if the below examples provided within the report are anything to go by, they will be a quantum leap forward over anything currently provided within Anstey precinct. As MOS Architects state - and as is the case elsewhere - generous landscape design allows for a significant greenery to soften the sometimes harsh urban environment and make for a more pleasant external space.

<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/Image15_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yes please! Image © MOS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="300" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image15_6.jpg?itok=C9CgwPlo" title="Yes please! Image © MOS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Yes please! Image © MOS Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

This planning application looks to be a panacea of sorts for Anstey precinct; it could be argued that 12 Duckett Street ticks many boxes that have been neglected to date by many developments in the area, leading me to liken Anstey to a little Southbank.

Ultimately though it shouldn't be in the hands of the developer/architect to create these spaces of their own volition, but rather adhere to a well formulated green/structure plan devised by Council. If every high-density project within Anstey delivered a little of what 12 Duckett proposes, the area would be the benchmark for urban renewal.

In due course Apartments.com.au will take a pictorial tour of Anstey precinct, highlighting its hits and misses, and why 12 Duckett Street is so important.
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Giving something back > 12 Duckett Street, Brunswick

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In response to community feedback regarding City of Melbourne's heritage strategy, a number of steps have been taken to ensure Council are at the forefront of heritage strategy and conservation. Last week City of Melbourne endorsed The Local Heritage Planning Policies Review Paper, which is now open to public feedback.

After identifying a number of areas where heritage conservation tools could be improved, the Paper seeks to enhance the way heritage planning decisions are made, provide transparency to the process and provide consistency with State Government requirements.

<blockquote>
City of Melbourne is experiencing rapid growth and we need to ensure we have the best tools available to preserve the city’s heritage. With 7000 buildings covered by a Heritage Overlay in the City of Melbourne, the Melbourne Planning Scheme contains a legacy of Council’s long term commitment to heritage conservation.

This review highlights the need to ensure there is clarity and consistency in the decision making process.
<cite>Councillor Ken Ong, Chair of Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

The review proposes replacing the existing grading system applied to heritage properties with the new best practice approach, while also developing ‘statements of significance’ for those heritage precincts outside the Capital City Zone that currently don’t have them. The paper itself is the result of recommendations from recent heritage planning panel hearings and consultation with users of the policy and peak heritage organisations according to its dedicated web page.

<h2>The next step</h2>

The Future Melbourne Committee will be presented with a report during October advising on the results of the initial consultation and an implementation plan. Further consultation will occur during the implementation period, in particular developing statements of significance for the precincts outside the Capital City zone which currently aren't covered.

<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/CelticClub1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Celtic Club. Image © The Collector"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/CelticClub1.jpg?itok=HOVrOKav" title="The Celtic Club. Image © The Collector" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Celtic Club. Image © The Collector</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

One of the major benefits I see of City of Melbourne's heritage strategy adjustment is the alignment of City and State on the issue, but having said that I'm no aficionado when it comes to heritage. From the outside looking in, do I think these changes will have a profound impact on what structures are retained/protected from development, such as the Celtic Club pictured above? Probably not.

There's plenty of readers out there with their finger on the heritage pulse, feel free to share your thoughts on the ramifications for City of Melbourne's Local Heritage Planning Policies Review Paper, which can be seen in detail at <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/BuildingandPlanning/Planning/Pages/Localheritagepolicies.aspx" target="_blank">City of Melbourne's website</a>.

Lead image courtesy AV Dynamics.
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City of Melbourne's new view on Heritage

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Traverse the inner city and you may notice a plethora of properties with 'For Sale' placarded over their frontage. The rise of Asian property developers in the Melbourne market has led to an unprecedented number of development sites offered for sale, with their owners expecting heightened returns as local and offshore developers jostle for premier pieces of real estate.

Market conditions are currently very receptive to new residential projects as tower after tower seem to find the necessary pre-sales to advance to construction. This is in part attributed to offshore buyers who view the Melbourne market as a safe investment, bolstering overall sales numbers. While there remains a slight concern over an excess of rental dwellings as many projects advancing to construction simultaneously, these projects are underpinned by strong sales to both local and overseas individual investors.

Consequently developers desire to invest in new sites and projects remains high, hence the heightened level of properties offered for sale as their owners look to cash in. Look no further than <a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-south+melbourne-501120655" target="_blank">58-66 Dorcas Street</a> as a prime example. Subject to a planning application which has yet to receive endorsement, the owners have seen it fit to offer the site for sale in the hope of receiving a higher return than would normally be expected.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image4dorcas.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4dorcas.jpg?itok=5Y30XBvp" title="Image © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Hayball</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au sourced Director for Retail Investments, Mark Wizel, from industry heavyweight CBRE for his thoughts on the topic:

<blockquote>
I think that a lot of land owners are responding to the increasingly growing appetite from offshore developers, mainly based in Singapore, China and Malaysia who are looking to deliver residential projects in a city which is quickly becoming regarded as one of international scale.

The emergence of Asian based buyers for apartments on an off the plan basis is also fuelling the confidence not only of offshore developers to secure land for new projects but also spurring on local developers who are looking to benefit from the same emerging trend in terms of off the plan apartment buyers. We anticipate continued supply of quality sites to come to the market between now and the end of the year.
<cite>Mark Wizel, Director for Retail Investments, CBRE</cite>
</blockquote>

Another factor attributing to the development site sales frenzy is the increased size of contemporary developments. The general consensus amongst local developers is that now more than ever development sites have the potential to yield maximum 'bang for buck.' Under the tenure of the current State Government, denser, taller approvals have become the norm; one only needs to consider the impressive number of 200 metre plus residential towers currently proposed/approved in Melbourne.

A perfect example is <a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-southbank-501125211" target="_blank">51-65 Clarke Street</a> Southbank which is currently listed with CBRE for sale. 54 Clarke Street sits directly opposite (below left) and essentially forged the way in terms of setting a height precedent of 74 levels/244 metres for this pocket of Southbank. Where in the past 51-65 Clarke Street would likely have become just another 30-40 level Southbank apartment building, CBRE are marketing the site with the associated render (below right) which suggests the potential exists to deliver a 90 level residential monolith.

<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/Image17_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © BKK Architects &amp; CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="447" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image17_6.jpg?itok=SyUXP3DI" title="Images © BKK Architects &amp; CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images © BKK Architects &amp; CBRE</figcaption></figure>Another case of an upsized development is that of <a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melbourne-501120543" target="_blank">110-112 Franklin Street</a> which was recently sold by CBRE to offshore interests. The associated, approved 12 level tower which included a compliment of hotel rooms now looks to be the subject of a far large residential tower. Point Architects have recently published images of what looks to be a tower in excess of 40 levels on the correlating site with 267 apartments proposed.

The design may or may not be intended for 110-112 Franklin Street, but it does demonstrate the general trend of developers seeking larger residential proposals which in turn explains why there's immense competition to secure these sites.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image16_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © CBRE &amp; Point Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="281" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image16_4.jpg?itok=_IhoI3tv" title="Images © CBRE &amp; Point Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images © CBRE &amp; Point Architects</figcaption></figure>Voracious developers, strong local and overseas buyers underpinning sales demand, a shift in the paradigm toward higher density living, favourable local planning conditions and the lure of Melbourne itself; it all adds up to a perfect storm of factors heralding an unprecedented boom in apartment development. And those who own these development sites stand to gain handsomely.

With the market dynamics the way they are there's no reason why local and offshore developers won't continue to scrap it out for Melbourne real estate, producing sustained heightened sales and high returns for the vendor in the process.
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What's driving Melbourne's development site sales frenzy?

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I like many others was surprised and impressed when Hengyi Australia announced recently that it had reached sales of 75% for its Light House project on Elizabeth Street. I had also incorrectly made the assumption that the majority of sales to date were to offshore investors, and that Hengyi Australia was merely another of the throng of Asian property developers keen to absorb robust demand for Melbourne apartments.

Following a recent chat with Hengyi's Head of Marketing &amp; Business Development, Stephen Speer, an new impression was born of a Chinese-backed, yet distinctly Melbourne-based developer intent on achieving great things within the local context.

<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_5957.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The William nearing construction completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/IMG_5957.jpg?itok=GqlXcUW4" title="The William nearing construction completion" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>The William nearing construction completion</figcaption></figure>Hengyi's initial Bruce Henderson-designed project at 199 William Street is well into construction as seen above, with remaining apartments on offer for sale exclusively within the local market. The rebirthed office complex which will include a Wyndham Hotel upon completion is scheduled to open its doors within months, and Apartments.com.au may just be first through the door to have a look around.

Light House is the flagship project for Hengyi Australia. The size, eye-catching design and methodology behind Light House at 450 Elizabeth Street have ensured the projects success and ingratiated Hengyi to many locally.

<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/lhd02.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lhd02.jpg?itok=_d7QKptv" width="580"></a>
<figcaption> </figcaption></figure>Once the initial partnership was forged with co-developer Sixth Grange, the numbers for Light House were adjusted resulting in a taller proposal which gained approval from Planning Minister Matthew Guy. Thereafter a local retail sales campaign was launched in unison with five investor roadshows through Southeast Asia with Malaysia proving to be the highest yielding stop.

Overall sales for the 607 apartments within Light House now stand beyond 80%, and of those roughly 60% have been to Australian buyers. Sales have been strong over all available layouts with a proportionately healthy percentage of apartments carrying three bedrooms, a result of Hengyi adjusting to local market desires.

Rather than utilising parent company Shandong HYI's resources, local institutions have financed the construction of Light House with demolition slated to begin during September. Piling and associated works will ensue over some months, resulting in the first signs of the tower's skyward movement during 2015. Construction is due for completion early 2017.

<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/lhd01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="450 Elizabeth Street display suite"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lhd01.jpg?itok=6TJNRFkc" title="450 Elizabeth Street display suite" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>450 Elizabeth Street display suite</figcaption></figure>Asked what is next on the back of Light House's success, Stephen Speer suggests Australia is Hengyi's oyster. Given the right project specific dynamics or joint-venture partner, the firm would develop anywhere based upon the opportunity presented. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Darwin were nominated as potential cities, depending upon the opportunities that arise.

Hengyi Australia have hit the ground running, one can only wonder what the firm has in store next?
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Hengyi Australia makes itself at home

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How do you adequately express in words how impressive Elenberg Fraser's latest and likely greatest design really is? The futuristic structure is just... astounding.

Simple yet complicated, monolithic but still graceful, unrealistic yet practical; it makes any admirer of quality design take notice... I can't put it any other way. Last week <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/approvals-add-2000-flats-to-city-skyline/story-e6frg8zx-1226968155908" target="_blank">The Australian</a> reported the project had "Secured a permit to demolish the company’s headquarters on Sturt Street and build a 41-storey apartment tower," although there has been no other mention elsewhere.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy has a fondness for publicly announcing large-scale residential projects and given this development finds itself in a precinct of architecturally significant buildings, I can only surmise it hasn't received approval yet.

<h2>248-250 Sturt Street, Southbank</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Hudson Conway.</li>
	<li>Architect: Elenberg Fraser.</li>
	<li>40 above ground levels @ 122 metres.</li>
	<li>304 apartments over multiple one bedroom and two bedroom options.</li>
	<li>119 car, three motorcycle and 98 bicycle spaces over six basement levels.</li>
	<li>88 sq.m retail space.</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/Image129.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Daylight perspective. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1068" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image129.jpg?itok=FfZa9S7k" title="Daylight perspective. Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>Daylight perspective. Image © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>The wow factors</h2>

The shape is unique to any Melbourne building and is best described by Elenberg Fraser:

<blockquote>
The building form consists of two dominant floor plates that are connected by a transitional twist in the building. The twist in the building form is a response to the twisting forms of the freeway and Kings Way either side of the site; something that has been identified in the landscaping of the freeway exit ramp.
</blockquote>

Facade finishes are also of an excellent quality and consist of ceramic fritted, clear and reflective silver glass which plays off the polished stainless steel solid panels incorporated predominantly over the north and south facades. At a moments notice I can't recall too many Melbourne buildings that employ reflective stainless steel in great proportions?

Perhaps the tower is at its best after dark when a monochromatic lighting system is put to use, highlighting the sleek, transitional form of the tower. As seen in the lead image:

<blockquote>
The lighting highlights the unwrapping of the apartments to the street lower down the buildings which culminates with an interactive canopy at street level. The canopy provides multiple functions; it shelters pedestrians and their activities beneath, it intrigues the passerby with its ability to project information, it provides safe ambient lighting at night and it creates a definitive entrance for the residents above.
</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/Image128.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="419" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image128.jpg?itok=8LNhV3F5" title="Street level perspective. Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>Street level perspective. Image © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>The pivotal issue</h2>

The subject site is covered by a Melbourne Planning Scheme overlay which calls for a discretionary 40 metre height limit, although as the architect explains within the planning report there is scope for an architecturally significant building to exceed the discretionary limit. Elenberg Fraser asserts the building has the potential to create a positive connection between the Arts Precinct and South Melbourne.

City of Melbourne have no public opinion on the proposal as yet, but you don't have to go out on a limb to suggest they will take the 'It's far too tall' stance which is their perogative.

<blockquote>
In this case all parties seek an outcome that leads to buildings of quality and good urban design. There can be little dispute that a quality tall building can be a better outcome than a poorly designed small building. In planning, there is an underlying imperative to achieve high quality urban design outcomes.
</blockquote>

<h2>Comment</h2>

Is the above enough to see approval and consequently a new benchmark for height in this stretch of Sturt Street that currently has no genuine high-rise structures? 248-250 Sturt Street, Southbank seems to be the canary down the mineshaft of sorts. The result will be interesting but one thing is known for sure, the author's admiration for this design is absolute!
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Feel the love > 248-250 Sturt Street, Southbank

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Plans are afoot that would see mixed-use towers of up to 28 levels included within the forthcoming <a href="/new-apartments/preston-vic-3072">Preston</a> Market redevelopment. City of Darebin are currently displaying the Incorporated Plan online which the controlling consortium hopes will be approved, thus enabling/accelerating the market's redevelopment.

<a href="/developers/salta-properties">Salta Properties</a> and project partner Medich Corporation have also requested a change to the Darebin Planning Scheme, with one variation requesting an increase in the maximum building height from 4-10 storeys to 28 storeys over the western part of the site. Should City of Darebin approve this, they will essentially endorse the delivery of multiple towers at potentially 100 metres in height.

<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/Image124.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Preston Market Developments Pty Ltd"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="394" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image124.jpg?itok=eyEtj-af" title="Image © Preston Market Developments Pty Ltd" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Preston Market Developments Pty Ltd</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Amendment to the 2007 Incorporated Document is required to respond to contemporary development trends. The primacy of the existing market is improved through a consolidated site location, unencumbered from latter development stages. The public realm is based upon clear connectivity outcomes which will be marked through vibrant public places. The proposed amendment will introduce a diversity of housing morphology including taller high rise apartments.
</blockquote>

Project lead <a href="/architects/nh-architecture">NH Architecture</a> have the intention of creating a highly permeable development with the pedestrian environment the focus of attention. "Internal connections are provided through the Market to reinforce the intricate pedestrian pattern, character and ambience of the traditional Market" according to the Incorporated Plan. A Station Square, Piazza and Forecourt are the key gathering points as planned, with a finer network of smaller scale arcades and lanes akin to those within <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's CBD</a> feeding into these focal points.

The built form will see office, residential, leisure and entertainment uses incorporated generally over upper levels while mixed uses at ground level are to all street frontages and not internalised. Street frontages are expected to be three storeys, while taller buildings will incorporate podiums.

<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/Image126.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Preston Market Developments Pty Ltd"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="399" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image126.jpg?itok=_aJozNm3" title="Image © Preston Market Developments Pty Ltd" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Preston Market Developments Pty Ltd</figcaption></figure>A report prepared by Essential Economics earlier this month and delivered as part of the Incorporated Plan holds the following highlights:

<ul>
<li>Total project value of approximately $800 million.</li>
	<li>Construction costs estimated at approximately $550 million.</li>
	<li>Approximately 1,220 full-time equivalent (FTE) construction jobs created.</li>
	<li>10 year project delivery timeframe envisaged.</li>
	<li>Net increase in ongoing employment of 770 jobs relative to the existing on-site employment.</li>
	<li>The redevelopment will hold approximately 1,500 new dwellings.</li>
</ul>
When the redevelopment begins, Preston Market will continue to function. The first of four stages will see a new market built on the site's eastern flank while Mary Street will be augmented to become a new north-south link. Subsequent stages will see the creation of a piazza, Station Square and Centreway.

The Incorporated Plan is available for viewing at <a href="http://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.aspx?Page_Id=10723" target="_blank">City of Darebin's website</a>.
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Preston Market set for 100 metre towers

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

Joel Robinson

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

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

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Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

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Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

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More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

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

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