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Through yesterday's saturated media coverage it was referred to as <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a>; even the Planning Minister's <a href="http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/10290-melbourne-s-ever-changing-skyline-climbs-further-upwards">media release</a> referred to the nation's pending tallest tower as Australia 108. Evidently the developer has other ideas, with the official media release making scant reference to the moniker, with "70 Southbank Boulevard" preferred.

The only reference made by World Class Land of Australia 108 in its extensive media release was the last line which read: "Its design has had a number of previous incarnations, with a 388 metre tower dubbed Australia 108 approved for the site in March 2013, but scaled back due to air safety regulations."

<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/70sbb.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Twin towers. Image © Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="609" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/70sbb.jpg?itok=kMLocd-i" title="Twin towers. Image © Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Twin towers. Image © <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a></figcaption></figure>Not a particularly rousing endorsement of Australia 108, rightfully so given 70 Southbank Boulevard will now only carry 100 levels, which tends to make the 108 connotation obsolete. So the hot tip? Watch for a new name and associated branding campaign to be revealed as marketing commences early next year for the 1,105 apartments.

<blockquote>
We are extremely proud to be able to deliver such a landmark project in Melbourne, where we see a great appetite for luxury apartment living [...] we believe this building will play a major role in showcasing Melbourne as a world-class city and leader in modern architecture.
<cite>Koh Wee Seng, Aspial CEO</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
This spectacular building will define Melbourne’s coming of age as a world-class and progressive international city. There is nothing else like it – in height, luxury, aspect and amenity. This is a building that will capture the attention of people from around the world with its dramatic silhouette and curved façade.

It will rival iconic Melbourne attractions such as the Eureka Tower, Federation Square and Flinders Street Station to become our city’s tallest landmark, stimulating tourism and providing the best in high density vertical living.
<cite>Nonda Katsalidis, Fender Katsalidis 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/Image120.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium style. Image © Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image120.jpg?itok=S3dHUuXI" title="Podium style. Image © Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podium style. Image © Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><h2>Why 70 Southbank Boulevard delivers</h2>

City Road has a desperate, almost morose look about it at street level during the best of times. Too many towers have far too little character with the podium-tower typology holding sway, and generally not executed overly well giving the precinct a generic look.

The above image smashes the City Road stereotype. Retained warehouse facade topped by a dynamic, layered podium that shrouds the car park levels perfectly. Retail at ground floor, the excellent 'green urban trellis' over the podium and extensive facilities for residents through the podium draws activity and interest closer to the street level which will go some way to giving an area devoid of character a point of interest.

And the tower above doesn't look half bad either.
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silvermb

70 Southbank Boulevard be thy name... for now

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The Melbourne property merry-go-round is in full swing with a plethora of development sites currently on offer. Insatiable Asian-backed development firms are providing stiff competition for local property firms as some prime pieces of Melbourne real estate are offered and dually snapped up.

Here are but five of the best on offer, some of which include approved development schemes.

<h2><a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-flemington-501128167" target="_blank">1 Ascot Vale Road, Flemington</a></h2>

<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/main%282%29.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © dKO Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/main%282%29.jpg?itok=Mc08Deul" title="Image © dKO Architects" width="580"></a>

Formerly known as Equinox Felmington, the tower is the final incarnation following many previous attempts by the then owner including a considerably taller proposal. Located opposite Flemington Racecourse, the scheme sees 387 apartments approved over the 21 level complex.

Given its prime position and proximity to Greeenland Group's intended high-rise development, 1 Ascot Vale Road looks to be a juicy prospect.

<h2><a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melbourne-501140071" target="_blank">9 - 27 Downie Street, Melbourne</a></h2>

<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/downie%20st.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/downie%20st.jpg?itok=D6uAEDSY" title="Image courtesy CBRE" width="580"></a>

Those with a long memory may recall this site was subject to a failed residential development a decade ago. Known as The Archer, the 35 level Edgard Pirrotta designed tower drew upon art-deco influences.

Approved at well beyond 100 metres in height, the then scheme gives an indication as to what can be expected now. 40 levels of residential living are not out of the question at 9-27 Downie Street.

<h2><a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-southbank-501124939" target="_blank">47 City Road, Southbank</a></h2>

<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/47cityrd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/47cityrd.jpg?itok=svopl8o4" title="Image courtesy CBRE" width="580"></a>

Southbank continues to be a happy hunting ground for Asian-based developers, will 47 City Road follow suit? Nearby developers have pressed ahead with 40 level schemes, while certain sites allow for a far taller built form.

Expressions of interest closed during mid June, is there another grand announcement in the pipeline?

<h2><a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melbourne-501120611" target="_blank">466 Collins Street, Melbourne</a></h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image14_5_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image14_5_0.jpg?itok=ooRRmWOQ" title="Image © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

Quoting CBRE, "466 Collins Street represents a unique opportunity to acquire an irreplaceable development site that occupies a prime location on Melbourne’s premier street. It is the only site on Collins Street with a permit to deliver a landmark tower, which comprises of approximately 29,000sqm over 55 levels that will surely become a new Melbourne icon."

One of the more intriguing, unique projects in Melbourne - a definite landmark.

<h2><a href="http://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melbourne-501120671" target="_blank">685 La Trobe Street, Melbourne</a></h2>

<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/docks.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/docks.jpg?itok=-IBzVNQv" title="Image courtesy CBRE" width="580"></a>

Premier Capital Development have elected to sell their prized Docklands site after failing to land an anchor tenant for the approved Bates Smart commercial development.

With the adjoining site subject to a 90 metre planning application, the site is ripe for an enterprising developer to deliver possibly two substantial residential towers over the 4,411 square metre site. The adjoining M Docklands project is a prime example of a new Chinese-backed, Melbourne-based developer swooping on an increasingly rare Docklands land parcel to deliver a flagship project.
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Five of the best current development sites

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Hong Kong-backed local developer Far East Consortium has begun pre-sales marketing for the fifth and final installment of their Upper West Side residential development. Currently at planning, The Fifth Apartments otherwise known as 605-613 Lonsdale Street, continues the strong working relationship between developer and architects Cottee Parker.

Responsible for the initial four residential buildings that constituted Upper West Side, Cottee Parker have again delivered a scheme for 605-613 Lonsdale Street which was purchased by Far East Consortium, enabling a fifth tower within the greater development.

<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/Image100.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As envisaged from Spencer Street. Image © Cottee Parker"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="905" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image100.jpg?itok=5xKWoMtW" title="As envisaged from Spencer Street. Image © Cottee Parker" width="580"></a>

<h2>Planning assessment details</h2>

<ul>
<li>The Fifth Apartments @ 605-613 Lonsdale Street</li>
	<li>51 levels and 165.45 metres in height</li>
	<li>1,491 sq.m site including 133 sq.m under Rose Lane</li>
	<li>399 apartments - 64 x one bedroom, 291 x two bedroom, 44 x three bedroom</li>
	<li>279 sq.m of retail over four separate tenancies to Rose Lane and Lonsdale Street</li>
	<li>204 car spaces, 6 motorbike spaces, 122 bicycle spaces provided within two basement levels and six podium levels, accessed via two car lifts from Lonsdale Street. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Cottee Parker guiding factors</h2>

<blockquote>
From a built form perspective the proposed design aims for three principal objectives: to activate the ground plane with retail tenancies and foyer entry to the exposed frontages; to provide a podium activated with apartments and of a scale that contributes and enhances the street wall face to both Lonsdale Street and Rose Lane; and a tower of apartments that reinforces the Hoddle Grid in its orientation on the site, is set back off its boundaries to separate its form from the podium below, and offers maximum access to sunlight and views across the city and beyond.
</blockquote>

Externally the tower varies from its neighbours by featuring copper and champagne metal cladding over the tower, whereas other UWS towers rely upon curtain wall glazing or precast finishes. Arranged in a rectilinear pattern, The Fifth's facade is accentuated by bronze tinted glass balustrades and is presented in almost a haphazard manner to pique visual interest.

<blockquote>
The resultant expression is of a random cellular nature with added layers of complexity developed by the location of the glazing and the secondary solid balustrade components.
</blockquote>

Although the western end of the CBD continues to flourish with a bevy of new developments, The Fifth will find its only direct residential interface with the adjoining 56 level Manhattan which is currently under construction. Both buildings front Rose Lane and as such 3.86 metres separate the towers at street level. Setbacks to Lonsdale Street above podium level maintain a minimum of six metres while separation to the adjoining Manhattan above podium is generally maintained at ten metres.

<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/roi-image-02-1927x1101.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A touch of Jack Merlo. Image © thefifthapartments.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/roi-image-02-1927x1101.jpg?itok=r3oTMHJz" title="A touch of Jack Merlo. Image © thefifthapartments.com.au" width="580"></a>

<h2>Internal amenity</h2>

Jack Merlo has been charged with delivering The Fifth's recreational areas, totalling 396 sq.m. Residential amenity over level 6 includes a gym, lounge and terrace while pool, spa, teppanyaki grill and rooftop garden are also present.

Nine apartments per floor is the norm for the tower component with fewer apartments located over the podium levels, acting as a car park wrap. No less than 22 separate apartment floorplans are available within The Fifth with the most proportionately generous being a level seven 2bed/bath at 225 sq.m, 156 sq.m of which is terrace. More typical spaces of between 47 sq.m and 108 sq.m constitute the majority of the 399 apartments expected to head to sales upon final approval.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Far East Consortium</li>
<li>Architect: Cottee Parker Architects</li>
<li>Structural &amp; Civil: Winward Structures</li>
<li>Traffic: Cardno</li>
<li>ESD Consultant: Wood &amp; Grieve</li>
<li>Services, Fire &amp; Lift Engineer: Wood &amp; Grieve</li>
<li>Hydraulics: Hydrautech</li>
<li>Acoustic Engineer: Acoustic Logic</li>
<li>Surveyor: Jeavons &amp; Tomkinson</li>
<li>Building Surveyor: Phillip Chun</li>
<li>Waste: Wastech</li>
<li>Town Planner: Fulcrum Planning</li>
<li>Wind Engineer: Melconsultants</li>
<li>Facade Engineer: BG&amp;E Consulting</li>
<li>3D Renders: Luminova</li>
</ul>
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The Fifth > 605-613 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

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Melbourne Airport yesterday rolled out another plank in their aggressive facility expansion by commencing a $100 million extension of Airport Drive. Ultimately connected to the M80 Ring Road and slated to open prior to Terminal 4's completion, the link is designed to reduce congestion and provide alternative means of accessing the airport. Melbourne Airport CEO Mr Chris Woodruff conveniently tied together the Airport Drive expansion and pending rail link with the following statement:

<blockquote>
The new Airport Drive is also where the airport rail link will enter Melbourne Airport with room for the rail link in the centre of the extended four lane road. We are one of the only airports in the world with 30 million annual passengers, and no rail link, so we were delighted with the recent state government commitment to build a rail link from the CBD to Melbourne Airport.
<cite>Chris Woodruff, Melbourne Airport CEO</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/Image145.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ITH west elevation. Image © Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image145.jpg?itok=QMWNpEf5" title="ITH west elevation. Image © Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ITH west elevation. Image © Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure>Nearby work on the Integrated Ground Transport Hub has quickened with the arrival of subcontractor I &amp; D Constructions' Jaso tower crane. The first of its kind in the Victorian market, the tower crane will accelerate works on the structure which will see an elevated roadway attached which will funnel arriving airport traffic into the structure, eliminating the current traffic snarls when arriving at Terminals 1-3.

Incidentally plans for Integrated Ground Transport Hub are available via Melbourne Airport's website and show amongst other materials Polycarbonate roofing as one of the external materials. Add an excess of precast panels plus solid colorbond panelling to ground level and we surely have ourselves a progressive design here... or the result of project managers usurping an architect's want?

<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/1529_27-06-2014_7467.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Airport's image via their website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1529_27-06-2014_7467.jpg?itok=aFhlGh7Z" title="Melbourne Airport's image via their website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Airport's image via their website</figcaption></figure>As Melbourne Airport's image above demonstrates the initial phase of Terminal 4 is taking shape with its steel skeleton in place. Tiger terminal above left will be demolished in due course once the new terminal is capable of handling limited passenger flow, after which the newer Terminal 4 will continue southward until it reaches its intended size.

Terminal 4 will coincide with a revamp and expansion of Terminal 3, a video of which can be viewed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubM-uU44lhc" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image144_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The end result. Image © Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="477" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image144_0.jpg?itok=0MQH3NGm" title="The end result. Image © Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The end result. Image © Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure>According to Melbourne Airport a future expansion of what is now under construction will see the new Terminal 4 expand to 35,000 square meters and be capable of handling 20 million passengers annually.
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Melbourne Airport's expansion program gathers momentum

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Initially dubbed the La Trobe Melbourne Building Project, the now Sylvia Walton Building at La Trobe University's Bundoora campus stands as a beacon for eclectic design and cutting edge student facilities. Having been completed early in the year, the complex is named after former Chancellor of La Trobe University, Dr Sylvia Walton AO.

Construction commenced during 2012 and upon completion the facility opened its doors during April, providing a hub for prospective international and domestic students to expedite their tertiary studies. According to La Trobe University "The exciting new 7,500 square metre building has been designed by Lyons Architects and includes a range of teaching, collaborative, administrative and office spaces which will house both La Trobe Melbourne and also La Trobe International."

<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_4626.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sylvia Walton Building"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/IMG_4626.jpg?itok=OTDtFJBb" title="Sylvia Walton Building" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sylvia Walton Building</figcaption></figure><h2>Project highlights</h2>

<ul>
<li>6 levels with 7,500 sq.m of available space</li>
	<li>Project budget of $45 million, internally funded and completed under budget</li>
	<li>Teaching, collaborative, break out spaces, administrative and office space included</li>
	<li>Non-potable water drawn from adjoining moat, roof-harvesting system included</li>
	<li>Targeted 5 Star Green Star rating</li>
</ul>
<h2>Lyons to a T</h2>

The design is quintessential Lyons; edgy, challenging, uncomfortable and altogether unusual! The architecture firm employed 200 precast panels to constitute an almost herringbone facade pattern, punctuated by large, irregularly shaped ans sized glazed voids.

Avoiding a darker palette typical of many contemporary Melbourne edifices, Sylvia Walton Building's light precast facade is accentuated by Sandune, Wattle, Terracotta and Cinnamon aluminium trim. Whilst discerning itself with an 'outrageous' facade relative to its dated neighbouring buildings, the use of similar colours still provides a sympathetic interface of sorts with the existing cream brick Education and Humanities wings. This is further aided by a new landscaped area tying Sylvia Walton Building in with its neighbours.

<blockquote>
The firm designs projects which are responsive to and expressive of a contemporary experience of local and global culture - a world of ideas, new media, technologies and rapidly changing urbanism. Lyons work is committed to and interested in the history and culture of ideas and how ideas can be used to create meaningful contemporary architecture.
<cite><a href="http://www.lyonsarch.com.au/what-we-do/">Lyons: What We Do</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Take from that what you will but I for one believe Lyons have indeed created meaningful contemporary architecture via the Sylvia Walton Building.

<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/SetWidth780-130725_lims_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The La Trobe University Institute for Molecular Science at dusk. Images © Lyons"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="595" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/SetWidth780-130725_lims_14.jpg?itok=5EABiiU2" title="The La Trobe University Institute for Molecular Science at dusk. Images © Lyons" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The La Trobe University Institute for Molecular Science at dusk. Images © Lyons</figcaption></figure><h2>The La Trobe - Lyons collaboration</h2>

Not for the first time I mention the Lyons legacy; the firm has produced a rich vein of unique and intriguing projects in recent years that command attention. Sylvia Walton Building is not the only example of Lyons work at La Trobe University's Bundoora campus.

Completed late summer, the La Trobe University Institute for Molecular Science complex seen above is another stand out Lyons creation. Disciplines such as biochemistry, chemistry and genetics collaborate with one another and guide students within the six level complex that concerns itself with three areas - research, teaching and learning.

Both are highly impressive seen in the flesh, but for now enjoy the set of images below highlighting La Trobe University's newest addition, Sylvia Walton Building.

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Briefing Architect: Spowers</li>
	<li>Quantity Surveyor: WT Partnership</li>
	<li>Architect: Lyons</li>
	<li>Service &amp; ESD: Norman Disney Young</li>
	<li>Structural &amp; Civil: Bonacci</li>
	<li>Landscaping: Outlines</li>
	<li>Hydraulics: C.J. Arms</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: PLP Building Surveyors &amp; Consultants</li>
	<li>Acoustics: AECOM</li>
	<li>Contractor: Kane Constructions</li>
</ul>
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In focus: Sylvia Walton Building @ La Trobe University

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Monash University have been for some years now steadily overseen the delivery of a string of marquee buildings at their <a href="/new-apartments/clayton-vic-3168">Clayton</a> campus. In and amongst numerous smaller projects designed to foster a 'Campus City' environment, seven mainline buildings have been or are in the process of being delivered in order to boost the quality of facilities, resulting in a high level of design integrity.

<blockquote>
The Clayton campus will evolve as an engaged and dynamic University City. Monash Clayton will be a showcase campus: a leader in education and research, distinguished by world-class environmentally sustainable infrastructure, design and landscapes.

The campus’s success will be underpinned by excellence in infrastructure, quality teaching and learning spaces and facilities.
<cite>Clayton Campus Masterplan 2011-2030 / MGS Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Recent builds</h2>

First in Australia to receive a 5 Star Green Star Design rating in its class, the <a href="http://melbournedesignawards.com.au/mda2012/entry_details.asp?ID=11050&amp;Category_ID=4763">Briggs &amp; Jackomos</a> student residences by <a href="/architects/bvn-architecture">BVN Architecture</a> delivered 600 studio apartments to campus during 2011. Designed to hotel standards, the complex contains various amenities within the cutting-edge external timber design which focuses on sustainability, accessibility and an open layout.

The two buildings thereafter won gongs at the 2012 Melbourne Design Awards, 2012 British Architects International Awards and the Frederick Romberg Award at the 2012 National Architecture Awards relating to residential architecture excellence.

<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.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Student residences &amp; New Horizons. Housing images courtesy melbournedesignawards.com.au/"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="545" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17.jpg?itok=_3nMqXdM" title="Student residences &amp; New Horizons. Housing images courtesy melbournedesignawards.com.au/" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Student residences &amp; New Horizons. Housing images courtesy melbournedesignawards.com.au</figcaption></figure>2013 heralded the completion of New Horizons, with the Lyons facility dedicated toward research and teaching in future manufacturing. Biomedicine, transport, aerospace and mineral processing are key platforms researched within New Horizons which has been <a href="/news/a-lyons-masterclass">previously highlighted</a> by Apartments.com.au.

<h2>Currently under construction</h2>

Bringing additional colour to campus are four separate student accommodation buildings at varying stages of construction. Brookfield Multiplex are delivering the combined <a href="http://www.mrs.monash.edu/capital-development">1000 new studio apartments</a> atop what once were at grade car parks.

In order of appearance below, <a href="/architects/mcbride-charles-ryan">McBride Charles Ryan</a> Architects, <a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> Architects - Richard Middleton Architects and <a href="/architects/jackson-clements-burrows-architects">Jackson Clements Burrows</a> Architects have conceived the new student halls which much like Briggs &amp; Jackomos are expected to achieve a Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star ‘5-star As-Built’ rating.

Ready for occupancy during January 2016, the buildings will line a planned 'Main Street' &amp; pedestrian walk.

<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/image34.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy Monash Residential Services"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="458" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34.jpg?itok=N8VO6mNh" title="Images courtesy Monash Residential Services" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images courtesy Monash Residential Services</figcaption></figure>Elsewhere contractor Lend Lease are applying the finishing touches to the new Lyons-designed <a href="http://fsd.monash.edu.au/capital-major-works/projects/green-chemical-futures">Green Chemical Futures</a> complex. The $80 million building consists of 9,300sqm over five storeys and will house the School of Chemistry in addition to associated research facilities.

<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_1854.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green Chemical Futures October 2014"><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_1854.jpg?itok=vN3NsCTq" title="Green Chemical Futures October 2014" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green Chemical Futures October 2014</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Green Chemical Futures will house over 100 chemists and engineers and allow the growth of basic science research to targeted industry-driven research. It will have 17 specialist sectors, training programmes for industry practitioners and new laboratory spaces available for over 1000 students and 100 industry partners.
<cite>Monash University</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Enter Moshe Safdie</h2>

In many ways the big ticket item yet to appear at Monash Clayton is the new <a href="http://www.australiandesignreview.com/news/25724-moshe-safdie-unveils-new-monash-university-design">Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music</a>. Famed international architect Moshe Safdie has collaborated with Fender Katsalidis to deliver the project which had a nominal start date of 2014, but has yet to break ground.

<blockquote>
Architecture has an extraordinary impact on our lives. It impacts how we work, live, and experience our environment. With that comes a great responsibility.

For me, the foundation of architectural thinking is this impact on people. And the solutions evolve from characteristics of place, culture and contemporary life. In this way we can create buildings that belong and thereby enrich the community.
<cite>Moshe Safdie on the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music</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/image37.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy Australian Design Review"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="223" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37.jpg?itok=ioc30IPJ" title="Images courtesy Australian Design Review" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images courtesy Australian Design Review</figcaption></figure><h2>Monash Clayton indicative of others</h2>

Monash Clayton is indicative of many other tertiary institutions around Melbourne and Victoria for that matter in that the ubiquitous brick buildings of the mid part of last century on campus have been superseded by a new breed of interesting, sustainable and well considered buildings mark a new era.

Melbourne University <a href="/new-apartments/parkville-vic-3052">Parkville</a>, La Trobe University <a href="/new-apartments/bundoora-vic-3083">Bundoora</a> and Deakin <a href="/developments/burwood-vic-3125">Burwood</a> have all welcomed new additions in the last year that are highly expressive and considerate of their surrounds. Monash Caulfield is next in line with a raft of new developments envisaged; although the project hasn't been without its issues.

As for Monash Clayton, the masterplan suggests campus students will increase from a figure of 26,700 during 2011 to a predicted 36,000 come 2030. In light of such growth Clayton's new building boom is warranted; that they are each of a high quality is now the welcomed norm and a benchmark for future developments.
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Monash University Clayton's design and construction boom

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Is it a case of natural progression or development too far? City of Yarra is currently considering an 11 level residential application located at 243-247 Queens Parade in Clifton Hill.

Located within a wedge of land known as Clifton Hill Interchange, the site and surrounds are earmarked for residential redevelopment via both State Planning Policy Framework and the Local Planning Policy Framework. The latter decrees that built form of 5-6 storeys are ideal "Unless the proposal can achieve benefits such as significant upper level setbacks, architectural design excellence and positive contribution to the enhancement of the public domain."

<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/Image64_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site location. Image © Fieldwork"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image64_1.jpg?itok=i_GJkM1-" title="Site location. Image © Fieldwork" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site location. Image © Fieldwork</figcaption></figure><h2>Design details</h2>

<ul>
<li>Address: 243-247 Queens Parade</li>
	<li>Developer: Parade Projects Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: Fieldwork Projects</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Tract Consultants</li>
	<li>11 levels @ 40.5 metres</li>
	<li>76 dwellings (38 x 1 bedroom 30 x 2 bedroom 8 x 3 bedroom)</li>
	<li>85 basement car spaces</li>
	<li>2 retail spaces over 109.3 sq.m</li>
	<li>Communal roof top gardens at eighth and eleventh floors</li>
	<li>4 star Green Star</li>
</ul>
<h2>Fieldwork make their debut</h2>

Northcote-based Fieldwork Projects make their debut on Apartments.com.au with 243-247 Queens Parade in Clifton Hill. In designing the project Fieldwork have sought "Close consultation with Yarra City Council to achieve a highly suitable planning outcome for the site. Close attention has been paid to Council's Municipal Strategic Statement, including housing diversity, urban design principles and the site's strategic potential for absorbing a higher density of Yarra residents."

Generally the building consists of four elements:

<ul>
<li>A two level podium and canopy at ground level, which integrates with the existing warehouse streetscape (Ground Floor to Level 1)</li>
	<li>A set-back apartment level with contiguous decking creates a shadow-line effect, delineating the upper and lower forms (Level 2)</li>
	<li>The 'floating' sculptural form (Levels 3 to 7)</li>
	<li>The setback upper sculptural form (Levels 8 to 10)</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/Image65.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Crowning feature. Image © Fieldwork"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="446" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image65.jpg?itok=whvRpNCg" title="Crowning feature. Image © Fieldwork" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Crowning feature. Image © Fieldwork</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The building is designed to be sensitive and responsive to the existing context while being mindful of the changing nature of the area and the likely higher density development which will eventually surround it.
</blockquote>

Vertically ribbed precast panels are broken in places by vertical aluminium fins and dynamic, operable bi-fold shutters. Lower levels feature timber bi-folds as does the underside of the footpath canopy while street frontage is a mixture of white and charcoal brickwork.

The building's required setback of the upper form allows for a landscaped terrace area supplemented by an indoor communal area. Landscaping and common vegetable garden aside, the terrace is framed by a feature tri-level staircase and includes a kitchen, dining facilities and the ubiquitous barbeque.

<h2>The pointlessness of grey planning?</h2>

Recall that City of Yarra have nominated 5-6 levels as their preferred built form outcome, yet have left the door open for increases subject to factors such as design excellence. During 2013 Council rejected the adjoining 217-241 Queens Parade development at 8 levels which was consequently approved by VCAT.

At 11 levels could anyone envisage City of Yarra approving this development? The answer for most is no; therefore would any reader also doubt VCAT will be called upon once more? And another question: why allow such ambiguity in planning controls when it seems the end result is costly legal representation and wasted time?

No doubt the rationale behind the controls is there, but is seems a pointless exercise by City of Yarra to allow scope for height increases and then rejected them promptly, as has been the case on the neighbouring site and elsewhere within Yarra. The final outcome will be interesting.
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Pushing the limits in Clifton hill

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The making of Malvern East as an apartment stronghold that is. Established leafy streets aside, a large tract of Malvern East fronting Dandenong Road is steadily morphing from low-rise commercial/detached housing use to a higher density residential enclave.

The area is subject to a structure plan implemented by City of Stonnington which as seen below in Rothe Lowman's recent application for 887 Dandenong Road, generally encourages built form to six levels. 6-8 levels is the prevailing trend for the area generally opposite Monash University Caulfield, although additional projects are well spread along the northern side of Dandenong Road within Malvern East.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image57.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Rothe Lowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image57.jpg?itok=cLDdFJnO" style="height:570px; width:580px" title="Image © Rothe Lowman"></a>

The domain of private and local property developers, major developments within the burgeoning Malvern East precinct include:

<h2>Proposed</h2>

887 Dandenong Road, Malvern East - 42 apartments.

<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/Image55_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="887 Dandenong Road, Malvern East. Image © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image55_0.jpg?itok=eB5uXTc-" style="height:319px; width:580px" title="887 Dandenong Road, Malvern East. Image © Bates Smart"></a>

1009-1011 Dandenong Road - 35 apartments.

<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/emo01__large-landscape_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1009-1011 Dandenong Road. Images © Architects EAT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/emo01__large-landscape_0.jpg?itok=NO8IYUJT" style="height:284px; width:580px" title="1009-1011 Dandenong Road. Images © Architects EAT"></a>

<h2>Approved</h2>

80-90 Waverley Road - 64 apartments.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image2%20%281%29_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="80-90 Waverley Road, Malvern East. Image © Floodslicer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2%20%281%29_0.jpg?itok=FJD1hOKv" style="height:402px; width:580px" title="80-90 Waverley Road, Malvern East. Image © Floodslicer"></a>

781 Dandenong Road - 314 apartments.

<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/Image363_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="781 Dandenong Road. Image © Floodslicer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image363_0.jpg?itok=Gq44X3yI" style="height:387px; width:580px" title="781 Dandenong Road. Image © Floodslicer"></a>

<h2>At Sales</h2>

879 Dandenong Road - 56 apartments.

<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/gascoigne.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="879 Dandenong Road. Image © gascoigneapartments.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gascoigne.jpg?itok=8WIvXUYG" style="height:327px; width:580px" title="879 Dandenong Road. Image © gascoigneapartments.com.au"></a>

<h2>Under construction</h2>

857 Dandenong Road - 59 apartments.

<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/exterior_small.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="857 Dandenong Road. Image © theclarence.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/exterior_small.jpg?itok=k4RlBiSc" style="height:385px; width:580px" title="857 Dandenong Road. Image © theclarence.com.au"></a>

<h2>Completed</h2>

951 Dandenong Road - 68 apartments.

<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/951-dand-09.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="951 Dandenong Road. Image © UDA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/951-dand-09.jpg?itok=uhc99rwi" style="height:360px; width:580px" title="951 Dandenong Road. Image © UDA"></a>

833 Dandenong Road - 83 apartments.

<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/833-dand-01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="833 Dandenong Road. Image © UDA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/833-dand-01.jpg?itok=txuDsk95" style="height:401px; width:580px" title="833 Dandenong Road. Image © UDA"></a>

Total apartments numbers over the highlighted seven projects equates to 721 or roughly 1100 new residents within the developing precinct once construction is complete. Add the abundance of existing, small-scale commercial tenancies along the northern reach of Dandenong Road and the numbers above could be double over time as further developments soak up likely development sites.

Urban.com.au will be watching Malvern East with great interest.
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The making of Malvern East

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The City of Melbourne last week released their draft housing strategy that fundamentally deals with the expected challenges, requirements and future expectations for Australia's fastest growing municipality. Council maintains that housing, which into the future will predominantly consist of apartment living, plays a large role in the health and quality of life for residents, communities and the economy. As such City of Melbourne considers it to be one of the largest, most complex issues that requires considered and continual attention.

Titled <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/homesforpeople" target="_blank">Homes for People</a>, the strategy is now reliant upon community feedback in order for City of Melbourne to:

<blockquote>
Achieve our established aspiration for an inner and central city where housing is affordable, well-designed and meets the diverse needs of our residents. It concentrates on new housing in our growth areas (our urban renewal areas and the Hoddle Grid) where the majority of new housing will occur. The strategy focuses on apartments as they are, and will continue to be, the predominant housing choice in the municipality.
</blockquote>

Since 2001, Melbourne's residential population has doubled to beyond 116,000. Projections show Melbourne's 2021 resident population will swell to over 150,000 people and near 200,000 by 2031. With this in mind the provision of "Good quality, affordable housing is one of the biggest and most complex issues" City of Melbourne must grapple with.

Chair of the Future Melbourne Planning Committee, Cr Ken Ong on the topic

<blockquote>
Housing plays a big part in the health and quality of life of our residents, our communities and our economy. Affordable and high quality housing in the inner city is good for the economy because it brings people close to where they work and encourages investment and job growth. Through Homes for People the City of Melbourne is taking steps to ensure Melbourne has diversity in its housing stock to preserve our liveability.

As our city gets bigger, our apartments don’t need to get smaller. High density doesn’t mean low quality.
</blockquote>

<h2>Housing challenges as defined by Council</h2>

<ul>
<li>There is a need for more affordable (subsidised) housing in the municipality</li>
	<li>The number of vacant apartments is increasing, without a drop in rental prices</li>
	<li>Tax structures favour homeowners and property investors</li>
	<li>Our problem is not land supply</li>
	<li>High land values and construction costs are impacting affordability, housing mix and design quality</li>
	<li>Development finance and viability are crucial to deliver new housing</li>
	<li>Investors have a dominant influence on the (lack of) housing mix and quality</li>
	<li>Buying a home in the inner city is outside the reach of many households</li>
	<li>High levels of housing supply isn’t delivering a good housing mix and social diversity</li>
	<li>Quality, amenity and performance are decreasing while density is increasing</li>
	<li>The majority of high-rise housing in our municipality delivers poor environmental performance</li>
	<li>Mix and affordability impact on long-term community building and support for a vibrant cultural life</li>
</ul>
<h2>Housing for People goals</h2>

<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/Image45.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Three key factors. Image courtesy Homes for People"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image45.jpg?itok=ukmXW-8v" style="height:135px; width:580px" title="Three key factors. Image courtesy Homes for People"></a>

Chair of Future Melbourne People City portfolio, Cr Richard Foster has on behalf of Council invited the community to get involved.

<blockquote>
We want to work with stakeholders to help provide more affordable housing and develop good housing design standards. We also want to ensure both renters and buyers have the know-how they need about good quality homes. We want to help provide more than 1700 affordable homes for low and moderate income earners by 2021.
</blockquote>

See City of Melbourne's ideas, wants, intentions and questions for current and future Melbourne apartment dwellers and get involved by providing feedback at <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/homesforpeople" target="_blank">http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/homesforpeople</a>.
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Homes for People - influencing apartment living for tomorrow

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A few short weeks ago, Apartments.com.au highlighted South Yarra's steamrolling ability to continually accommodate new residential apartment projects.

Latest cab off the rank is Claremont Manor, which has seen a slew of new images and information released in preparation for sales. Although the display suite adjoining the site at 3-9 Claremont Street suite has yet to been completed, the project was highlighted as part of the Melbourne Property Expo Event held in Singapore over the weekend.

Described by lead architect Bird de la Coeur as two interlocking black and white towers that contrast against one another, the two buildings will host 318 apartments, commercial and retail spaces over 20 levels. The project is the latest from <a href="http://www.southlinkdevelopments.com.au/" target="_blank">Southlink Developments</a> and according to their website, represents the largest of the firm's current batch of projects.

<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/Image42_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Claremont Manor ground level. Image © Bird de la Coeur"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image42_0.jpg?itok=jdtVhkuM" style="height:263px; width:580px" title="Claremont Manor ground level. Image © Bird de la Coeur"></a>

Claremont Manor may be the forefront at the queue of South Yarra apartment towers, but it's far from the largest. Earlier this year, 661 Chapel Street gained planning approval following ministerial intervention by Matthew Guy in conjunction with the Minister for Education.

First highlighted <a href="/news/take-it-either-way-661-chapel-street-planning-application" target="_blank">in May last year</a>, 661 Chapel Street's form has changed markedly from the initial design dual designs put forth for approval. Dual in that the initial application included a second altered design, which seeded part of the site to Melbourne High School for a potential five level mixed-use facility, which has since been seeking planning approval separately.

Subsequently 661 Chapel has grown in overall height to near on 94 metres while the tower's frontage to Chapel Street has decreased, presumably in an effort to maintain a similar built wall height of approximately 50 metres to neighbouring towers such as Avenue and Olsen Hotel. Controlled by developer Michael L Yates &amp; Co and created once more by Bird de la Coeur, the 261 apartment building is likely the prolific developer's next project due for release, following the success of <a href="/buildings/yarra-house-18-yarra-street-south-yarra" target="_blank">Yarra House</a> which is now under construction.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image41_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="661 Chapel Street. Image © Bird de la Coeur"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image41_4.jpg?itok=HWbAmLiO" style="height:826px; width:580px" title="661 Chapel Street. Image © Bird de la Coeur"></a>

Not to be outdone is LK Property Group, which according to varying media outlets is the new owner of the Fun Factory/Capitol Bakeries super site fronting Toorak Road and Chapel Street. Holding approval for a Bates Smart-designed 136 metre residential tower, it's uncertain if the developer will proceed with the rejigged 486-apartment giant seen below or pursue another scheme.

Based on the strong sales of LK Property's current notable residential projects, <a href="/buildings/gisele-300-toorak-road-south-yarra" target="_blank">Gisele</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">The Opus Tower</a>, it's not outlandish to suggest that after 25 years of failed attempts to develop the prime site, its time is nearly upon us.

<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/Image9_5_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="241 Toorak Road. Image © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9_5_0.jpg?itok=C8PI-z6x" style="height:241px; width:580px" title="241 Toorak Road. Image © Bates Smart"></a>
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South Yarra residential towers keep coming

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

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

Mark Baljak

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