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City of Melbourne are presented with a good design, verging on a very good design, but one particular aspect of a new planning application involving 529-541 Elizabeth Street is worth questioning. While the Elizabeth Street frontage is transparent and welcoming, the O'Connell Street perspective is anything but.

<blockquote>
The proposed development will provide an engaging response to the Elizabeth Street frontage, as well as the O'Connell Street frontage
</blockquote>

I tend to disagree with this quote from the planning application, as my favoured hobby horse of inactive street frontage rears its head once more with a less than overwhelming scenario depicted below, which fronts O'Connell Street. With services, car park entry and loading fronting O'Connell Street, it is understandable that such a finish has been applied, but highly undesirable at the same time.

<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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="O'Connell Street frontage. Image © Crone Partners"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image37_0.jpg?itok=INAJIN6r" style="height:365px; width:580px" title="O'Connell Street frontage. Image © Crone Partners"></a>

This becomes a test for City of Melbourne as much as anything else. More than occasionally they have been known to posture and voice disapproval over tall towers/proposals within the CBD and surrounds, but it is the finer grain public experience that should be paramount and it will be fascinating to see if the council request changes in any form to O'Connell Street's frontage.

Perhaps a static glass-walled art display - similar to the <a href="http://www.azahner.com/images/tmog.bridge.jpg" target="_blank">Tacoma Museum of Glass</a> - would be a simple solution addressing O'Connell Street that highlights the site and site proponent's history. Which brings us to the obligatory details.

529-541 Elizabeth Street is proposed to be the new headquarters for the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF). Designed by Crone Partners, the 46.5 metre tower falls within the City North Precinct and provides ten levels of mixed-use activities. Externally the tower element to both frontages features vertical fins that form a cascading feature which funnels down to the respective entrances.

<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/Image38eliz.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Street perspective. Image © Crone Partners"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image38eliz.jpg?itok=Jq_EpWAU" style="height:382px; width:580px" title="Victoria Street perspective. Image © Crone Partners"></a>

Internally the building will have office space totalling 7,314 square metres with the three upper levels reserved for the ANMF and the remaining four tower levels are to be leased externally. The podium carries a variety of uses, ranging from education and training facilities (classrooms, labs, meeting rooms and library) with the ability to cater for 200 students.

Ground floor facilities are divided by a pedestrian passage running from Elizabeth to O'Connell and features a 400 seat auditorium which is available to both ANMF and external groups. A retail space of 114 square metres fronts Elizabeth Street while 66 cars and 30 bicycle spaces are accommodated within the basement.

<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/Image39.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected ground floor layout. Image © Crone Partners"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image39.jpg?itok=u0G2yS-L" style="height:605px; width:580px" title="Expected ground floor layout. Image © Crone Partners"></a>

Having recently been submitted, final approval for 529-541 Elizabeth Street is some time away, as tends to be the norm. Apartments.com.au waits with interest to see if the O'Connell Street frontage and overall design proceeds unfettered.

<ul>
<li>Context and Design Report and Architectural Plans: Crone Partners</li>
	<li>Transport Impact Assessment: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Environmental Wind Assessment: Mel Consultants</li>
	<li>Environmentally Sustainable Design: Crone Partners</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Wastech Services Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Heritage Advice: Bryce Raworth</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

Fins and folly > 529-541 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

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Proponents of a high-rise development located at 371 Spencer Street, West Melbourne will pin their hopes on State Government approval following City of Melbourne once more indicating they will reject the dual tower scheme. Melbourne-based Bennelong Group via subsidiary Bennelong Value Funds Pty Ltd have pushed for approval since early 2012 for the 749 apartment project.

Amended plans put forward earlier in 2014 featuring shortened towers and fewer apartments have failed to curry favour with City of Melbourne, leaving the approval decision in the hands of State planning body DTPLI and Minister Matthew Guy.

<h2>As described by the architect</h2>

<blockquote>
Bruce Henderson Architects’ design response establishes a strong podium base, responsive to the context but modern in its interpretation. This podium supports slender tower forms that respond to the opportunities of the site which include ‘unobstructed’ views in all directions, variation in existing and evolving built form, multiple points of accessibility and good solar exposure.

The design of the towers de-emphasises vertical elements, instead relying on strong horizontal banding via exposed slab edges and smaller scale facade elements set within the horizontal bands. The random arrangement and mixture of facade materials provides a dynamic solution and varies the appearance of the building from surrounding viewpoints.
</blockquote>

<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/371spencer.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The revamped design. Image © Bruce Henderson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/371spencer.jpg?itok=vT3crVOm" style="height:599px; width:580px" title="The revamped design. Image © Bruce Henderson Architects"></a>

<h2>Major changes from the initial application</h2>

Visually, the amended 371 Spencer Street seen above carries a highly similar facade to the initial design, perhaps with the exception of blue glass over earlier renders which were dominated by grey tones. The podium has been refined with the addition of a high awning and additional glazing addressing the Spencer and Batman intersection.

Both towers have been lowered in height considerably with the western tower subject to seven fewer levels or 30 metres. Floor to floor heights have also been reduced from 3.5 metres to 3.1 metres, bringing the intended apartments down to a more conventional dimension.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%">
<thead><tr>
<th scope="col"> </th>
			<th scope="col">2012 Plans</th>
			<th scope="col">2014 Plans</th>
			<th scope="col">Comment</th>
		</tr></thead>
<caption>Summary of changes (courtesy City of Melbourne)</caption>
	<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Gross Floor Areas</td>
			<td>85,000 sq m (Approx)</td>
			<td>79,206 sq m</td>
			<td>Floor space removed at the upper levels is in part off-set by increased floor area in the west tower.</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Number of residential units</td>
			<td>749 (225 x 1-bed and 524 x 2-bed)</td>
			<td>704</td>
			<td>Reduction of 45 units.</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>East Tower</td>
			<td>120m (32 levels) and 107.2m (28 levels)</td>
			<td>104.6m (28 levels) and 95.5m (25 levels)</td>
			<td>Reduction of four levels and three levels.</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>West Tower</td>
			<td>152m (41 levels) and 139m (38 levels)</td>
			<td>123.4m (34 levels) and 114.1m (31 levels)</td>
			<td>Reduction of seven levels on both parts.</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>West tower setback from Batman Street</td>
			<td>6m</td>
			<td>6m</td>
			<td>No change.</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Minimum separation between towers</td>
			<td>13.85m</td>
			<td>11.7m</td>
			<td>The average separation is maintained.</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Retail floor area</td>
			<td>235 sq m</td>
			<td>235 sq m</td>
			<td>No change.</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Car spaces</td>
			<td>548</td>
			<td>537</td>
			<td>Reduction of 11 spaces.</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bicycle spaces</td>
			<td>223</td>
			<td>222</td>
			<td>Reduction of one space.</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Floor to floor</td>
			<td>3.5m</td>
			<td>3.1m</td>
			<td>0.4m reduction.</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>City of Melbourne says</h2>

Taken from the City of Melbourne's report to Future Melbourne Committee, Council's final recommendation that City of Melbourne advise the Minister for Planning that they continues to object to application based on four principal factors:

<ol>
<li>The height and massing of the proposed building is inappropriate having regard to the built form outcomes and decision guidelines of Design and Development Overlay Schedule 33.</li>
	<li>The lack of activation and design of the ground floor frontages particularly at the north-east corner of the building will have an adverse impact on the public realm and is contrary to the policy objectives of Clause 22.17 Urban Design Outside the Capital City Zone and the built form outcomes and decision guidelines of Design and Development Overlay Schedule 33.</li>
	<li>The height and massing of the proposed building will adversely affect the heritage significance of the adjoining heritage buildings (Sands and McDougall Building) and is inconsistent with the built form outcomes and decision guidelines of Design and Development Overlay Schedule 33.</li>
	<li>The proposed building is expected to generate additional vehicle movements which will have a detrimental impact on the Batman Street, Spencer Street and Franklin Place.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Comment</h2>

This particular pocket of West Melbourne serves to illustrate the gulf between the positions taken by City of Melbourne and the State Government. City of Melbourne have been nothing if not consistent in their disapproval of 371 Spencer Street and surrounding projects that have well and truly breached local built form guidelines.

The State Government on the other hand has earmarked the area is a natural extension of the CBD, with high-rise towers in tow. That there is no consensus between both bodies leads to a bureaucratic back and forth that ultimately will achieve little as State Government maintains final say over any project exceeding 25,000 sq.m in area.

This in turn will encourage developers to super size their proposals to over 25,000 sq.m as evidenced by the recent application at 15-31 Batman Street, with the knowledge that the State Government will be more likely to green light their project. What does this all mean for 371 Spencer Street?

Given the State Government approved 420 Spencer Street diagonally opposite earlier this year at 38 levels and 131 metres, a precedent has been set. I can't see how 371 Spencer Street would gain anything but approval.
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371 Spencer Street finds no favour with City of Melbourne

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Australia on Collins has taken on a different complexion of late as tenants continue to move out in preparation for the centre's <a href="/news/st-collins-lane-vies-for-a-piece-of-the-luxury-market" target="_blank">considerable redevelopment</a> and ultimate rebirth as St. Collins Lane.

Capitalising on a gaggle of lease expiries while negotiating early lease terminations with others, centre operator LaSalle Investment Management finds itself with a unique asset that now resembles more of a ghost town than retail hub.

<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_6201_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australia on Collins in its final days"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6201_0.jpg?itok=uKhoWDwp" style="height:387px; width:580px" title="Australia on Collins in its final days"></a>

The centre's hiatus is temporary however, as leading national contractor <a href="http://www.built.com.au/" target="_blank">Built</a> are due to take site control soon enough, enabling the demolition of existing interiors to begin. With the majority of construction staged from Little Collins Street, the complex will be significantly and structurally refurbished according to management.

<blockquote>
St. Collins Lane will be transformed into a 9000 SQM home to highly desirable, international and local designer brands, offering 60 exclusive tenancies in a light-drenched, sophisticated and urbane shopping environment. Rising from the lower ground, with two levels atop, St. Collins Lane aims to become Melbourneʼs new retail ʻpasseggiataʼ in the tradition of Melbourneʼs historic shopping thoroughfares such as The Royal Arcade.

Located at 260 Collins Street, St. Collins Lane is Melbourneʼs new $200M luxury shopping destination, which is expected to bring the European sophistication of the ʻParis end of Collins Streetʼ down the hill, directly into the city centre.
</blockquote>

Triumphing over fellow architecture firms Buchan and NH Architecture, project lead ARM Architecture has conceived a design that draws upon the success of their previous retail experience. While a laneway strategy has been implemented once more akin to nearby ARM project Melbourne Central, the architect has incorporated a high degree of sophistication into St. Collins Lane with the intent of setting it apart from all-comers.

Chosen to convey an understated quality, 'champagne' is considered the dominant colour both internally and externally as the Collins Street frontage will be remodelled extensively to deliver a grand and glamorous yet practical entrance. The generous foyer coupled with terrace/dining options above constitutes a welcoming exterior, far from what is currently presented to street level.

<blockquote>
St. Collins Lane will now provide a direct linkage and clear sightlines from Collins Street to Little Collins Street. Gone are the days when customers were ʻtrappedʼ in shopping malls. St. Collins Lane has been conceived as a series of boutiques for the 21st century. It is not a traditional shopping centre. It is part arcade and part lane. An intimate experience at the centre of St. Collins Lane, integrated with the urban fabric of the city.
</blockquote>

<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/Image268.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The stylings of ARM are evident. Image courtesy ARM Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image268.jpg?itok=a_KiJuQP" style="height:372px; width:580px" title="The stylings of ARM are evident. Image courtesy ARM Architecture"></a>

In discussing the project with LaSalle Investment Management's National Director of Development, Matthew Bailey, he conveyed LaSalle's desire to create a showpiece for St. Collins Lane. This will be by way of the 'lighscape' seen above which will not only act as a focal point but also cast a dynamic shadow pattern through the complex as natural light permeates through the transparent ceiling above.

<blockquote>
An enormous vaulted roof provides natural light throughout. The crowing glory is an undulating and sculptural ʻlightscapeʼ comprised of neon pendants that will cascade down. A dining terrace on level two will be defined by this lightscape, which is reminiscent of an illuminated canopy of leaves, a reflective place to sit and enjoy a meal.
</blockquote>

While Apartments.com.au will tour St. Collins Lane both during and post construction, tomorrow Laurence will highlight a recent <a href="/news/neil-masterton-talks-st-collins-lane" target="_blank">interview with ARM Architecture design director Neil Masterton</a>. Neil will offer first hand knowledge on the design ethos and guiding principles behind St. Collins Lane.
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St. Collins Lane nears construction

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When was the last time a sizable apartment project began construction, only to fall over and remain dormant? It certainly doesn't happen that often, particularly now given current market conditions and a buying/sales frenzy over any viable piece of land throughout inner Melbourne.

I'm sure there have been plenty before, but for the life of me I can't recall any bar one: 392 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North. Taken at the turn of 2012, the lead image shows a sorry state of affairs onsite for Tranquility Apartments as then head contractor Maxcon witnessed a build fizzle into the ether.

Then developer Brooklyn Projects suffered the ignominy of watching their headline development falter, leaving the site an overgrown mess for the best part of three years. Definitely not the norm for Melbourne.

<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/image21bro.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="For the sake of posterity, a Brooklyn Projects webpage screenshot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21bro.jpg?itok=VDyJaDCX" title="For the sake of posterity, a Brooklyn Projects webpage screenshot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A Brooklyn Projects webpage screenshot with Tranquility. Image courtesy creativeras.com</figcaption></figure>But as is the case so often, the dormant site had passed hands quietly with revised plans put before Yarra City Council. Studio Antonio Calabro (SACBW) have assumed design duties on behalf of new owner Blue Earth Group and have proceeded with a revised design of 72 apartments over six levels.

Overlooking Merri Creek Reserve, the project looks to make use of existing building footings prepared for Tranquility. With one bedroom apartments beginning from 52sqm, the one and two bedroom complex will be known as Northwood.

In a quirk of sorts the site has gone from one developer - who clearly struggled to advance the build - to another who appears to have little trouble pushing out masses of apartments with minimal fuss. A case in point sees commencement of construction this month on Blue Earth Group's <a href="/news/back-from-the-dead">A Apartments</a> project in East Brunswick without the project ever hitting the mainstream apartment sales channels; they have clearly mastered a winning formula.

<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/image23sac.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="392 St Georges Road reborn. Images courtesy Blue Wealth Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="150" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23sac.jpg?itok=kt6YnzQ7" title="392 St Georges Road reborn. Images courtesy Blue Wealth Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>392 St Georges Road reborn. Images courtesy Blue Wealth Property</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

Less empty sites doubling as blights on the urban landscape is a more than acceptable outcome, though this question must be asked: who is responsible for allowing a car park access ramp through the retained heritage facade?

A trivial issue in the grand scheme of things, but it does seem to defeat the purpose of retaining the facade to begin with. Certainly not the end of days, but it did bring forth an incredulous smile upon first viewing.
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Back from the dead

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Frankston City Council have taken a proactive step in enabling further investment to flow into the municipality by implementing further changes to their planning framework, designed to expedite planning applications and enhance investment potential in the area.

<blockquote>
Frankston City Council has developed an innovative program, called Priority Planning, to facilitate significant commercial precinct development within the Frankston city centre, and potentially other parts of the municipality, which demonstrate significant economic benefit.

The process seeks to ‘cut red tape’ by ensuring more efficient planning decisions are made on applications that drive employment and/or activate the Frankston city centre, while encouraging high quality developments.
<cite><a href="http://www.investfrankston.com.au/planning" target="_blank">Invest Frankston: Priority Planning</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Priority Planning revolves around pre-application meetings between Council and the applicant in order to communicate issues and mitigate points of difference, thus avoiding these once the application is submitted. Over a five year period average planning process days for delegated planning decisions have tumbled from near on 105 days to just 45 days.

<blockquote>
There are two streams in the streamlined application process. Stream 1 deals with moderate sized applications that can be delegated to Council officers. Stream 2 deals with major applications with a development cost of over $ 5 million and/or three or more levels, which must be considered by Councillors.
<cite><a href="http://www.investfrankston.com.au/planning" target="_blank">Invest Frankston: Priority Planning</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/20934Nepean03_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="446-450 Nepean Highway. Image © Doig Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20934Nepean03_0.jpg?itok=32lMjGUL" title="446-450 Nepean Highway. Image © Doig Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>446-450 Nepean Highway. Image © Doig Architects</figcaption></figure>Ultimately the revised process equates to major projects being resolved within a nominated 60 day period. An example of a Stream 2 project is the above 11-level office tower at which was <a href="/news/planning-application-446-450-nepean-highway-frankston" target="_blank">highlighted by Urban.com.au</a> earlier in the year. 446-450 Nepean Highway has since been approved and stands as an example of Frankston City Council's willingness to generate investment into the city via higher density developments.

<blockquote>
The delivery of prompt processes to prospective developers will send a strong message that Frankston is open for business. We are a city undergoing transformation and we have to capitalise on the interest in our city right now and Priority Planning is already reaping excellent results.
<cite><a href="http://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Your_Council/Media_and_Publications/Latest_News/Frankston_Council_fast_tracking_city_centre_development" target="_blank">Darrel Taylor, Frankston City Mayor</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Comment</h2>

Hats off to Frankston City Council for beating their drum in terms of encouraging investment, although one adage comes to mind: you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.

While the new $80 million South East Water HQ may act as a generator for investment, some of the good work seems to have been undone by the apparent failure of <a href="/buildings/allure-bayside-12-davey-street-frankston">Airio Apartments</a>. With online sales no longer visible and the project website banished, it seems demand is not quite there for a 14 level apartment tower in Frankston.

Regardless, see the good work of Frankston City Council via <a href="http://www.investfrankston.com.au/home" target="_blank">Invest Frankston</a>.
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Frankston City Council introduces Priority Planning

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Submitted earlier this year to the state planning body DTPLI, only recently have Maribyrnong City Council published the respective reports for 26-34 Buckley Street and 4 Neilson Place online.

Bought to our attention via the Apartments.com.au forum, both projects have seen Maribyrnong City Council provide feedback, although no final decision has been handed down by the State Planning Minister on either.

<h2>26-34 Buckley Street, Footscray</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/image135.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 26-34 Buckley Street, Footscray. Image © Rothe Lowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image135.jpg?itok=ZsWPRG1O" title="Artist's impression of 26-34 Buckley Street, Footscray. Image © Rothe Lowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 26-34 Buckley Street, Footscray. Image © Rothe Lowman</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site owner: Dobinson Nominees</li>
	<li>Architect: Rothe Lowman</li>
	<li>16 storey residential building at 50 metres</li>
	<li>182 dwellings with 96 x one-bedroom, and 81 x two-bedroom dwellings plus 5 x townhouses</li>
	<li>Below/above ground car park: 122 spaces &amp; 125 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Ground floor retail at 235.4sqm</li>
</ul>
Maribyrnong City Council have recommended the application be refused by the Minister for Planning on the following basis:

<blockquote>
It is considered that the proposal does not meet the overall intent and objectives of the State and Local Planning Policy Frameworks, including Planning Scheme Amendment C125. It is therefore considered that the application should not be supported and a letter of objection be forwarded to the Minister for Planning
<cite>City Development Special Report Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>4 Neilson Place, Footscray</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/image134.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 4 Neilson Place. Image © SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="378" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image134.jpg?itok=AAImENqH" title="Artist's impression of 4 Neilson Place. Image © SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 4 Neilson Place. Image © SJB</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site owner: Adelaide Banner Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: SJB</li>
	<li>15 storey mixed use building at 48.6 metres</li>
	<li>135 dwellings with 55 x one-bedroom, and 80 x two-bedroom dwellings</li>
	<li>Above ground car park: 112 spaces &amp; 96 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Two commercial tenancies at 97sqm food/cafe &amp; 95sqm retail</li>
	<li>Level 5 communal area</li>
</ul>
Maribyrnong City Council have recommended the application be approved by the Minister for Planning on the following basis:

<blockquote>
The proposal, while three storeys in excess of the preferred height is considered to present an acceptable built form and design response for the site given its context adjacent to the railway line. The generous setbacks from the side and rear boundaries enables sufficient light and air into dwellings and enables adjoining properties to be equitably developed without impacting on the buildings own amenity.
<cite>City Development Special Report Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Join the Conga line?</h2>

These two applications have the potential to join the ballooning number of apartment tower proposals in Footscray. Of the developments shown below, only two (top right) are concept images indicative of what is likely to be built, while the remainder represent a fraction of the brigade of developments which have been approved.

Footscray's proximity to the CBD and abundant land zoned for redevelopment such as the Joseph Street precinct should ensure that at some point in the near future the ever increasing queue of apartment development will come to fruition. The area has seen stuttered redevelopment of late, but when will the development dam gates really open - that is the question.

<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/image139.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images copyright to respective parties"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="948" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image139.jpg?itok=bpZWLwtz" title="Images copyright to respective parties" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images copyright to respective parties</figcaption></figure>
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New applications join the queue in Footscray

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Rarely - very rarely - will a planning application come along that resonates on so many levels; a planning application that delivers an amazing design and a few uncomfortable truths simultaneously.

Consider the following planning application excerpts:

<blockquote>
More recent additions reflect the de-skilling of the building industry and the increasing unaffordability of quality construction. These newer buildings are unlikely to age as well as those built prior to 1970, and will possibly be replaced as building fabrics become increasingly disposable. Alternatively the building fabric in this section of Nicholson Street will remain poor.

The need to improve the quality of higher density development in inner suburbs of Melbourne is well known and the city of Moreland has recognised and formalised this in its Higher Design Code and Structure Plans. We seek to work in chorus with these aims.
</blockquote>

These are the words, and truths delivered by project architect and multi-disciplinary design firm <a href="/architects/hachem" target="_blank">Hachem</a>. I like their candour. In fact I admire them for it.

<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_8407.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Noy every persons cup of tea - Gateway on Nicholson"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_8407.jpg?itok=2aoof2qR" style="height:435px; width:580px" title="Not every persons cup of tea - Gateway on Nicholson"></a>

Ever so briefly Hachem have been engaged by a private developer to conceive a high quality apartment development consisting of 17 dwellings, restaurant and retail outlet. Located at 38 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North the design is of such a quality that I'd expect it wouldn't look out of place in St Kilda or South Yarra - high wealth areas with an almost expected lofty design standard to match.

While deriding developments such as Gateway on Nicholson (seen above) within the planning report, Hachem have designed 38 Nicholson Street as beacon of exemplary design in an area bereft of contemporary quality. With an unique, active, articulated and undulating facade the design is a step - no make that giant leap - above what the area currently has to offer.

Defined by an external polycarbonate cellular wall wrap, and ably accompanied by brickwork, glazing and a lush forecourt I can't help but love the design. But what I love even more is that Hachem have raised the bar for apartment developments within the vicinity.

We all know that developers are experts in extolling the virtues of their projects, yet 38 Nicholson Street is so far beyond the design norm it may just drag future surrounding apartment developments up a cog or two in terms of design for fear or being made to look comprehensively mediocre.

<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/Image108.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective. Image © Hacham"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image108.jpg?itok=3SP1_gtQ" style="height:614px; width:580px" title="Hero perspective. Image © Hacham"></a>

Now I realise there's a wide spectrum of views out there regarding higher density living in <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a>; no doubt some people would turn their nose at the prospect of a five level apartment complex in this location. If (and I mean when) higher density living is to infiltrate certain areas of Melbourne, is it fanciful to expect the quality of the built form to be beyond reproach?

Hachem via 38 Nicholson Street have demonstrated a no compromise attitude toward design, thus creating a cracking apartment project that just works on every level. Put simply this is the gold standard for low-rise, inner suburban apartment design that will put many others to shame... more please!

The planning application can be viewed on <a href="https://eservices.moreland.vic.gov.au/ePathway/Production/Web/GeneralEnquiry/EnquiryDetailView.aspx?Id=510989" target="_blank">Moreland City Council's website</a>.

Unfortunately, like many online planning systems in Victoria, it's not easy to directly link to the planning application on Moreland's site - the first draft of this article had a direct link however upon testing returns an error. To view the application, go to the <a href="https://eservices.moreland.vic.gov.au/ePathway/Production/Web/GeneralEnquiry/EnquiryLists.aspx?ModuleCode=LAP" target="_blank">main search page</a>, then select "Planning permit applications advertised" under Enquiry Type and click next, go to the second page (as at time of publishing) and then click on the hyperlink for application number MPS/2013/949.
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Isn't it funny when things just work

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Urban.com.au's chat with Neometro Director James Tutton continues, following the <a href="/news/james-tutton-on-all-things-urban" target="_blank">first part</a> published earlier this week.

Neometro was the first property developer in Australia to gain <a href="http://www.bcorporation.net/" target="_blank">B Corporation</a> status - what are you doing above and beyond the norm?

To become a B Corporation member we really didn't have to change much in terms of what we were doing, although we did need to document a lot of what we were doing by way of community engagement, ESD, governance, equity participation from members, directors and so forth. A great example would be what we call in Australia the HR section of the questionnaires; if a staff member leaves your organisation under good terms - do you welcome them back should they want to return?

We had to document our policy where if a staff member expresses an interest in coming back, even if we don't have a job for them, we kind of just find one for them.

Can the process of gaining B Corporation status be daunting?

The experience can be daunting, there's no two ways about it. I think its quite sensible that the process is broken into two stages.

Initially you jump online, register, complete the questionnaires and I think we came up with roughly 70% - we're now on 86%. Post assessment, B Lab contact the prospective member and identify areas that need to change in your business in order to get certification. Thereafter what is effectively a random audit is conducted prior to certification.

Why is B Corporation status important in Australia?

I've worked quite a lot in the not-for-profit sector and I've seen the lack of entrepreneurialism in the sector. For profit used in the right way can be a massive force for good, ultimately though for-profit tends to attract the hungrier people, smarter people. Leveraging capitalism for positive social, community and environmental outcomes is not necessarily the norm in Australia.

The challenge is there hasn't been a language and metric around that and that's definitely emerging in America and continental Europe more than Australia. Currently there's a real tribe of like-minded entrepreneurs in Australia that aren't satisfied with merely working to climb the corporate ladder - <a href="http://www.bcorporation.net/" target="_blank">B Corporation</a> can give recognition to those people willing to make a difference.

Moving to your current project, 9 Smith Street. You've gone to effort to establish pop-up venues within the existing structure prior to construction. What purpose does this serve when the existing building is to be demolished?

We have <a href="https://www.facebook.com/3000acres" target="_blank">3000 acres</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/slopesprojects" target="_blank">Slopes Gallery</a> and <a href="http://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/food-and-drink/article/place-holder-pops-fitzroy" target="_blank">Place Holder</a> which I feel can create or enhance the sense of community. Our display suite sits in behind Place Holder; personally I take the view that by offering people a well designed, beautiful space to engage and meet, it's a highly desirable outcome, even if they are temporary.

<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/9SMITH_IMAGES_FINAL_1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Neometro"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/9SMITH_IMAGES_FINAL_1_0.jpg?itok=u2IMyYHC" style="height:336px; width:580px" title="Image © Neometro"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Neometro</figcaption></figure>When will construction commence at 9 Smith Street?

We've committed to a twelve month period for the pop-up businesses, so early 2015 is anticipated start.

Will Neometro be in charge of the choice of commercial tenants for 9 Smith Street?

Absolutely, often you could look at some of our leasing decisions and say that's uncommericial. From our perspective if we develop a building and place a KFC down stairs, not only does that not sit well with us in terms of our social views, but when prospective buyers go reference our past projects and see that... it's a terrible impression.

The natural extension then becomes does Neometro have an ideal tenant in mind for 9 Smith Street?

Including retail is a bit of a no brainer, but I feel there's a real risk when you get dominated by hospitality. This precinct hasn't really attracted corporate retailers and I suspect that will be the case for quite some time; if that were change anywhere it might be along Gerturde Street but I think that's unlikely to be honest.

Independent retailers are our target and we're speaking to overseas brands who don't currently have a presence in the Melbourne market. Possibly a publishing or cycling apparel outlet, mind you we're looking to bring a number of brands to this site. In general I think this end of Smith Street is just amazing..it's really interesting. To see brands like Aesop next door, David Bromley doing his thing across the road, Double Monk, its a really positive thing and we're not looking to disturb the vibe of the area by introducing inappropriate retailers.

Clearly Neometro prides itself/beats the drum on the high quality living spaces you deliver?

I personally take the view if you deliver a well designed, beautiful space for people to live in, it has an impact upon their wellbeing and happiness - it's a critical factor which is quite often is overlooked. In saying that I'm not being defensive of the fact that we're selling apartments here between $495,000- $800,000, that is what it is. But I would argue that we're selling homes that people will be happy in as opposed to selling glossy pictures of what apartments might look like and then finding out a large margin exists between render and reality.

Without sounding in any way presumptuous on behalf of Neometro, I think we can play a small role in leading the sector toward a more socially driven outlook, and I think that's something that is possible. It's a sector that has a long way to go.

<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/Image8_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="9 Smith Street, internally and externally. Images © Neometro"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image8_17.jpg?itok=wptQDhiA" style="height:211px; width:580px" title="9 Smith Street, internally and externally. Images © Neometro"></a>

<figcaption>9 Smith Street, internally and externally. Images © Neometro</figcaption></figure>Any plans to upscale to high-rise projects?

I think we would be reluctant to deliver a project over 80 apartments; we want to grow as a business doing more of the same as opposed to doing huge projects. A critical factor is depth of market as we find that with a quality of product, it's difficult to sell 200 units in an efficient timeframe whereas selling 50 units is doable, plus we have a focus on the owner occupier market with our projects which demands more intimate developments.

So brand recognition and hitting the target market are critical to Neometro?

Many developers sell through financial planning channels, we don't at all so sales are largely to owner-occupiers and sold by Neometro, not by some accountant in Wollongong. It's been very interesting in terms of Neometro being able to effectively articulate who we are and what we do to our market.

Neometro is in business to make a commercial return but we're also in business to make homes which we're immensely proud of. From a design perspective and in terms of build quality and amenity, I think we've articulated what we do a bit better in this project than what we have in others.

We're proud of what we do, if you look at our credentials it paints a history of the projects we've completed and it also talks about what we've done from a social and community perspective.

What's next for Neometro?

We're about to start construction on George Corner, it's a great project. We're also halfway through Walsh Street, South Yarra and are about to start construction on a project in Toorak.

Right now we're also looking at three other development sites, one south of the river and two north which in a broad sense are not dissimilar to what we've done here at 9 Smith Street. One in particular has a very substantial community interface to it for a variety of reasons - it will be one interesting project!
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James Tutton on all things Urban (continued)

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The eastern flank of Haymarket roundabout is set to bulk up further, with a planning application lodged with Melbourne City Council during April for 221 Pelham Street, Carlton.

Put forward by developer-builder Vaughans Constructions, below is an image of the proposed development which was sourced via the Vaughans website. If approved, 221 Pelham Street will join a growing number of mixed-use towers surrounding Haymarket roundabout, inline with City of Melbourne's <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/BuildingandPlanning/FutureGrowth/StructurePlans/CityNorth/Documents/City_North_Structure_Plan_2012.pdf" target="_blank">City North structure Plan</a> which seeks to densify the area.

<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/Pelham_1_650x469.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Image © Vaughan constructions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Pelham_1_650x469.jpg?itok=TS0Y-fJ9" style="height:418px; width:580px" title=" Image © Vaughan constructions"></a>

<h2>Project Summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>205-223 Pelham Street @ 708 sq.m, currently a Reece Plumbing outlet</li>
	<li>Proposed is a 15 level, 50.2 metre residential tower</li>
	<li>Ground floor incorporates 25 bicycle bays, 37 car parking spaces plus a 75 sq.m retail outlet</li>
	<li>82 apartments with 8 x 1BR + 74 x 2BR generally within the 50-70 sq.m bracket</li>
	<li>Podium to boundary with a street wall of 24m, upper levels recessed</li>
	<li>Urban Garden atop the podium included within the proposed development</li>
</ul>
<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/Image68.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southern wall activation. Image © Jonh Davey Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image68.jpg?itok=ON197SeE" style="height:408px; width:580px" title="Southern wall activation. Image © Jonh Davey Architects"></a>

John Davey Architects design statement:

<blockquote>
Pelham Apartments aims to create a building that, through the use of definable sculptural elements, engages with its surroundings and occupants alike. A repetitive 'zig-zag' sculptural pattern creates a rhythm that envelopes the building along its four facades, transforms in material in response to height &amp; translates internally through fenestration &amp; form. The overall mass of the proposal ties in with the higher built forms fronting University Square, and the uniquely shaped site affords the opportunity for flexible internal layouts with uncompromised access to views &amp; natural light.
</blockquote>

Having said that the planning report also states not all bedrooms are provided with direct source of natural light. To counter this the architect has devised a flexible floor plan layout (via partitions) where second bedrooms can be adapted to other uses; living room, a study etc.

<blockquote>
These 'flexi' apartments can be modified for different functions via full height, extra wide sliding timber panels and flexible joinery, in a similar manner to the development at 103 Pelham Street for the 'Bravo' apartments. While there are a number of bedrooms which rely on borrowed light, they have been appropriately positioned to ensure that they are able to receive adequate daylight from the main living areas.
</blockquote>

Externally the tower is dominated by precast concrete panels carrying a feature pattern. Silver and grey perforated metal screens act as balustrades over lower levels while glass, aluminium window frames and aluminium cladding dominate elsewhere. The southern blank wall has been earmarked for an urban art piece, but will be subject to further design works separate to this application.

<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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-size: 12px;" title="Envisaged ground level. Image © Jonh Davey Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image64_0.jpg?itok=5Gsfiy0W" style="height:286px; width:580px" title="Envisaged ground level. Image © Jonh Davey Architects"></a>

Owing to its current use, the existing warehouse makes little effort to engage with its surrounds and is subject to a Building Order issued by City of Melbourne which requires remediation works. With demolition the likely outcome, Pelham Apartments would enliven the streetscape by way of a glass fronted corner retail outlet, whilst the opposite corner would contain the tower entrance/lobby which promotes foot traffic to all three street frontages.

221 Pelham Street represents Vaughans Constructions latest foray into the buoyant Melbourne apartment market. The predominantly industrial builder turned apartment developer is set to finish vanguard development <a href="/buildings/bravo-103-pelham-street-carlton" target="_blank">Bravo Apartments</a> located at 103 Pelham Street shortly. Joining 221 Pelham Street in waiting will be <a href="http://www.vaughans.com.au/_uploads/Photo_Gallery/Residential_Gallery/650x469/Argyle_1_650x469.jpg" target="_blank">Argyle Apartments</a> which fronts Cardigan Street, marking Carlton as a honey pot of sorts for the developer.

<h2>Project team</h2>

<dl>
<dt>Developer</dt>
	<dd><a href="http://www.vaughans.com.au/default.aspx" target="_blank">Vaughans Constructions</a></dd>
	<dt>Architect</dt>
	<dd><a href="http://www.johndaveyarchitects.com.au/" target="_blank">John Davey Architects</a></dd>
	<dt>Town Planning</dt>
	<dd><a href="http://fulcrumup.com/" target="_blank">Fulcrum Urban Planning</a></dd>
	<dt>Traffic &amp; Transport</dt>
	<dd><a href="http://www.cardno.com/en-us/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Cardno Victoria Pty Ltd</a></dd>
	<dt>Waste Management Plan</dt>
	<dd><a href="http://www.leighdesign.com.au/" target="_blank">Leigh Design</a></dd>
	<dt>Accessibility &amp; DDA Report</dt>
	<dd><a href="http://www.onegroupid.com.au/" target="_blank">One Group</a></dd>
	<dt>Sustainability Management Plan</dt>
	<dd><a href="http://sdconsultants.com.au/" target="_blank">Sustainable Development Consultants</a></dd>
</dl>
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Planning Application > 221 Pelham Street, Carlton

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They're unlikely to demand the media hype of their taller inner-city siblings, but the wave of smaller suburban apartment developments continues unabated.
Spread far and wide, a raft of new small and medium-sized apartment developments have just entered the registration and sales period. Below is a sample of the dozens of residential projects that have hit the market, representing a fraction of the upcoming projects that will be entered into the Apartments.com.au project database shortly.
<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/Image56.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © thegeneralnorthcote.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image56.jpg?itok=oGl40tcN" title="Image © thegeneralnorthcote.com.au" width="580"></a> <figcaption><a href="http://www.thegeneralnorthcote.com.au/" target="_blank">The General</a> - Cnr High and Bent Street, Northcote</figcaption></figure><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/Image54.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © butleronbutler.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image54.jpg?itok=5d3VvOA-" title="Image © butleronbutler.com" width="580"></a> <figcaption><a href="http://www.butleronbutler.com/" target="_blank">Butler on Butler</a> - 2 Butler Street, Camberwell</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/01-interior.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © holmeshill.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/01-interior.jpg?itok=hDwLQnFs" title="Images © holmeshill.com.au" width="580"></a> <figcaption><a href="http://holmeshill.com.au/home" target="_blank">Holmes Hill Apartments</a> - 70 Batesford Road, Chadstone</figcaption></figure><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/exterior1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © thegilbert.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/exterior1.jpg?itok=E8BtmQK6" title="Image © thegilbert.com.au" width="580"></a> <figcaption><a href="http://www.thegilbert.com.au/" target="_blank">The Gilbert</a> - 14 Gilbert Road, Preston</figcaption></figure><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/ettaro-external-render-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © ettaro.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/ettaro-external-render-1.jpg?itok=DNuX1cZH" title="Image © ettaro.com.au" width="580"></a> <figcaption>Ettaro - 21 Brunswick Road, Brunswick East</figcaption></figure><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/8_09-05-2014_5284.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © citiplan.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/8_09-05-2014_5284.jpg?itok=w-9ZQuvL" title="Image © citiplan.com.au" width="580"></a> <figcaption><a href="http://www.elsternwickplace.com.au/" target="_blank">Elsternwick Place</a> - Riddell Parade &amp; Stanley Street, Elsternwick</figcaption></figure><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/facade.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © districtfitzroy.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/facade.jpg?itok=S667g-PK" title="Image © districtfitzroy.com.au" width="580"></a> <figcaption><a href="http://districtfitzroy.com.au/" target="_blank">District Fitzroy</a> - 160 Argyle Street, Fitzroy</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image1_mainslider.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © blackburnvillage.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_mainslider.jpg?itok=MlgaBvEo" title="Image © blackburnvillage.com.au" width="580"></a> <figcaption><a href="http://www.blackburnvillage.com.au/" target="_blank">Blackburn Village</a> - 20 Queen Street, Blackburn</figcaption></figure><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/Image61.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Enrich Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="285" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image61.jpg?itok=p9VY9lFG" title="Image courtesy Enrich Property" width="580"></a> <figcaption><a href="http://www.thriveparkside.com.au/" target="_blank">Thrive Parkside</a> - Galada Avenue &amp; Cade Way, Parkville</figcaption></figure><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/Image62_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © rimaapartments.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="246" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image62_0.jpg?itok=TNlAYRAg" title="Image © rimaapartments.com.au" width="580"></a> <figcaption><a href="http://rimaapartments.com.au/" target="_blank">Rima Apartments</a> - 22 Lygon street, East Brunswick</figcaption></figure>
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Charge of the light brigade

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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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.

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Mark Baljak

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