<html><body>
It’s a great accomplishment to win best design for Sydney CBD’s first new luxury hotel in two decades, but to receive the unanimous vote from a 6-jury panel of experts makes this accolade even more remarkable.

Woods Bagot were among six architectural design firms to be given a brief by Urbis (in accordance with the <a href="https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/128065/Competitive-design-policy-adopted-09-December-2013.pdf">City of Sydney Competitive Design Policy 2013</a>) to produce a design for a new luxury city hotel for the central Sydney site owned by Singapore-based investment company SC Capital Partners Group. 

<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/sydneyhotel6.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sydneyhotel6.jpg?itok=9qzTlDin" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Woods Bagot award-winning design entry for new Sydney hotel. Credit: Woods Bagot</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/sydneyhotel1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="590" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sydneyhotel1.jpg?itok=ZJ9Vos9e" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The hotel will be operated by Andaz Hotels by Hyatt. Credit: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
“The Woods Bagot entry displayed a masterful architectural clarity and precision throughout the scheme.”

- Graham Jahn AM, City of Sydney’s director of City Planning, Development and Transport
</blockquote>

The sleek 55-storey skyscraper will complement its neighbouring heritage buildings (Sofitel &amp; CML Building), and has been designed with a focus on embracing Sydney’s natural environment to obtain the title of Australia’s first WELL-rated hotel.

<blockquote>
“In Sydney, we feel that nature is only ever held back, and if it were left unchecked it would quickly reclaim its domain – oozing like jam or glue into every crevice. Green walls, unexpected roof gardens, trees and generous landscaping at street level are part of the building’s integrated sustainability strategy.”

- Ian Lomas, Principal and Sydney studio Design Leader of Woods Bagot.
</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/sydneyhotel2.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sydneyhotel2.jpg?itok=Pi3B0mNT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level entranceway. Credit: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>At ground level, the hotel entry can be accessed via an elegant garden porte-cochére, where Sydneysiders and hotel guests are invited to enjoy retail stores and co-working spaces. The building also features a nine-level commercial office podium set within a tranquil garden and offering a clubroom with a pool, wellness centre and childcare 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/sydney6.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sydney6.jpg?itok=KCGM1p8u" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sydney's Short Lane development. Credit: The Australian</figcaption></figure>Back in 2017, Woods Bagot completed Sydney’s <a href="https://www.woodsbagot.com/projects/short-lane">Short Lane development</a>, a design that draws on a strong connection to nature, utilising innovative planning to create a lush environment. This idea has been mirrored in the hotel design, to create an ‘urban oasis’ in the heart of the city.

<blockquote>
“Ultimately, each solution is bespoke for its location and I think that's that 'magic' that gives it a real spirit as a place, rather than it being something that lacks any sense of identity and could be anywhere. For us it's fundamental that there's a strong contextual connection back to its neighbourhood”

- Peter Miglis, via Urban's <a href="/news/discussing-apartment-design-with-woods-bagots-peter-miglis">'Discussing apartment design with Woods Bagot's Peter Miglis'</a>
</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/sydneyhotel5.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="464" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sydneyhotel5.jpg?itok=DPXpB-PO" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spectacular views of the city skyline. Credit: Woods Bagot</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/sydneyhotel3.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="848" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sydneyhotel3.jpg?itok=mmp2uRqC" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 226 meter structure contains 55 floors making it the city's tallest hotel. Credit: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Guest suites then rise up the building, boasting incredible city views from every angle. The hotel reception and public sky deck can be found on level 15, and at the crown, a rooftop restaurant, bar and garden provide spectacular 360º views of Sydney Harbour, the Heads and parks.

<blockquote>
“The building will be instantly recognizable from every angle, as the tower changes form and emphasis in response to context, orientation and internal function,”

- Ian Lomas, Woods Bagot Principal
</blockquote>

The build will take place at 4-6 Bligh Street, and is due for completion September 2022.
</body></html>

Olivia Round

Woods Bagot impresses judges with design for Sydney’s first new luxury hotel in 20 years

<html><body>
An iconic heritage building on the corner of Argyle and Fitzroy streets, once home to a boot-maker, is due for a major upgrade, as renowned developer <a href="/news/piccolo-gets-busy-in-fitzroy">Piccolo</a> gets the green light to commence construction. The boutique residence will feature 34 apartments and commercial spaces, and has been designed in collaboration with Hecker Guthrie and <a href="/architects/jackson-clements-burrows-architects">Jackson Clements Burrows</a>.

Urban.com.au asked director Michael Piccolo for a bit of background on ‘<a href="/new-apartments/fitzroy-house-71-75-argyle-street-fitzroy">Fitzroy House</a>’, the third build in <a href="/developers/piccolo">Piccolo's</a> 'House' series following the success of ‘<a href="/buildings/elwood-house-2-pine-avenue-elwood">Elwood House</a>’ and ‘Garden House’.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/305891685" width="640"></iframe>

Urban.com.au: Given Fitzroy House’s unique heritage as a 19th Century boot maker shop, how has the development been designed to preserve the historic character of the property? What was the inspiration behind the design? 

Michael Piccolo: The heritage element of this building was fundamental to how we approached the design. We wanted to retain the iconic façade, including the striking arched windows and bluestone sills and the faded paint signage. Knowing the heritage building would remain as ground floor commercial space, we then looked at how to incorporate the new residences in a way that was sensitive to the façade and the local streetscape. This inspired the idea of the ethereal lantern-like structure that sits above and set back from the heritage element so as not to overshadow it. The interiors and materials used are also reminiscent of <a href="/new-apartments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy’s</a> history with gritty, tinted elements that speak to the tenacity of this environment.

U: Have there been any obstacles to reach the approval stage of this project? 

MP: No, local council were very supportive of our proposal and we’re happy to be working with them to ensure the end result adds vibrancy and character to the local surrounds.

U: What fuelled your decision to appoint a builder ahead of the residential pre-sales? 

MP: I think in today’s market buyers want to have confidence in the development they’re buying into and they want to know as much information as possible. We always aim to approach things from the purchaser’s point of view, and if I were buying into a project I would want to know who the whole project team is before I buy. By appointing a builder upfront, we can give our buyers confidence that not only will the construction definitely be moving ahead, but they can know who will be working on it from the start and can have peace of mind knowing they’ve made an informed decision.

U: Are there any design or structural themes which connect all three projects (Fitzroy House, Elwood House and Garden House)? 

MP: All three projects are distinct in their design and character, which reflect their local environment. The connecting theme across all our projects is the attention to detail that we implement and our consideration for how we can improve the lives of our residents. For that reason all the projects have several things in common including private outdoor areas for each apartment, expansive living spaces and bedrooms and homes that have access to abundant natural light.

U: What’s in the pipeline for future projects? Can we expect to see a fourth “House” in years to come? 

MP: Absolutely, we will keep building these houses for many years to come. We have an excellent team of collaborators and industry partners that we work with consistently, and together we continue to learn from each project and evolve, so each house is better than the last. Good things take time and in order to create these houses successfully you need to find the right location, so when we do there will be another house on the horizon.

Want to find out more about Piccolo Developments? Read our previous interview with Michael Piccolo where we discuss Elwood House <a href="/news/michael-piccolo-on-the-design-virtues-of-elwood-house">here</a>.
</body></html>

Renowned developer Michael Piccolo discusses exciting new project 'Fitzroy House'

<html><body>
Nightingale Housing has been given the go-ahead to proceed with its seven-structure complex ‘Nightingale Village’. <a href="/news/nightingales-magnificent-seven-on-show-for-the-first-time">First covered on Urban.com.au in August 2018</a>, the Duckett Street ensemble has been designed by an award-winning collective of Melbourne architecture firms: Architecture Architecture, Austin Maynard Architects, Breathe Architecture, Clare Cousins Architects, Hayball, Kennedy Nolan and WOWOWA. 

In the spirit of Nightingale Housing’s mission, all designs have a strong focus on community, sustainability and quality of build. To meet demand fuelled by population growth, Nightingale Village has opted for minimal parking spaces to allow for more living areas, and instead incorporated a Car Share facility and ample bike storage. Like other Nightingale projects, the village will be carbon neutral and 100% fossil fuel free.

<blockquote>
We have an opportunity to deliver multi-residential housing in cities that is environmentally sustainable, financially affordable and socially inclusive. What we do can positively impact the urban environment, and promote better health and well-being outcomes.
</blockquote>

- Nightingale Housing

Balloting for interested residents is already underway, with the Hayball-designed CRT+YRD the first of the Nightingale Village seven taking registrations. Balloting closes at 6pm on the 13th March with the ballot drawn two days later and successful participants notified thereafter.

<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/wow.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="563" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wow.jpg?itok=H3x-xvjj" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nightingale WOW. Credit: Nightingale Housing</figcaption></figure>#1 NIGHTINGALE WOW

Architect: WOWOWA X BREATHE ARCHITECTURE

Located on the corner at 11 West Street (adjacent to the Upfield cycleway), Nightingale WOW brings a sense of vibrancy and colour to its Brunswick site. With an aim to promote communal living, the design offers shared laundry facilities, gardens and social spaces all of which can be found on the rooftop for optimum privacy. The design consists of four vertical towers with space in between to promote natural light and airflow throughout the complex. Unique features include chain-link mesh, sunrooms and metal balustrades which emulate the traditional picket fences found throughout Brunswick. <a href="/news/nightingale-village-episode-i-nightingale-wow">Read more</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/hayball.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="436" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hayball.jpg?itok=_MQHzdbg" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CRT+YRD by Hayball Architects. Credit: Nightingale Housing</figcaption></figure>#2 CRT+YRD

Architect: Hayball

CRT+YRD is a sturdy design to be constructed of concrete, breeze bocks and brickwork which will give the building an organic feel, fitting into the urban neighbourhood effortlessly. A central courtyard will act as a free-flowing light source for the surrounding apartments, and will feature lush planting, seating areas and communal walkways. Rather than designing with a prospective buyer in mind, Hayball has produced a concept that can be modified to suit a differing lifestyles and living requirements. <a href="/news/nightingale-village-episode-ii-crt-yrd">Read more</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/cca.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cca.jpg?itok=gq8u_S8O" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nightingale CCA by Clare Cousins Architects. Credit: Nightingale Housing</figcaption></figure>#3 Nightingale CCA

Architect: Clare Cousins Architects

At 12 Duckett Street you’ll find Clare Cousins’ eco-conscious design which contains 25 apartments across seven floors. Each dwelling offers generous storage space, x2 bike parks, access to Nightingale Villages Car Share facility and targeting a 7.5 star NatHERS rating. Nightingale CCA embraces community and contains many shared spaces including a 206 sqm landscaped garden. <a href="/news/nightingale-village-episode-iii-nightingale-cca">Read more</a>.

<blockquote>
Nightingale CCA incorporates the social, environmental and financial sustainability principles of the Nightingale model. These projects look to facilitate connected communities both within the building and the wider community. 
</blockquote>

- Clare Cousins Architects' Design Statement

<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/kennedy_nolan.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="536" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kennedy_nolan.jpg?itok=sHGbCNhx" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kennedy Nolan. Credit: Nightingale Housing</figcaption></figure>#4 Kennedy Nolan

Architect: Kennedy Nolan

Kennedy Nolan’s Nightingale Building is situated at 9 Duckett Street, and has been designed to appear as two separate buildings to reduce the visual bulk. Tones of pink and red give the design a point of difference, and the use of red steel framing and oxide colouring make the build practical and low maintenance. On the rooftop you’ll discover two outdoor zones - the ‘Sky Garden’ which is designed for leisure and relaxation, and the ‘Working Yard’ which features a communal laundry, outdoor dining and more. <a href="/news/nightingale-village-episode-iv-kennedy-nolan">Read more</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/skye.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/skye.jpg?itok=CUjBJRw9" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Skye House by Breathe Architecture. Credit: Nightingale Housing</figcaption></figure>#5 Skye House

Architect: Breathe Architecture

The striking arch motif of Skye House reflects the Mediterranean style housing of the area and was inspired by the iconic Ricardo Bofill’s ‘The Factory’. The apartments are constructed using up-cycled materials with a design focus of celebrating the beauty of unique imperfections. Residents are invited to enjoy sensory gardens, a yoga deck, induction BBQ, garden beds, as well as a lawn for pets and even a beehive. <a href="/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Read more</a>.

<blockquote>
“ Our design strategy is to build more, with less. To give texture, space, height, light and air. Apartment planning is kept simple. Materiality takes precedence over form. ”
</blockquote>

- Breathe Architecture

<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/coup.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/coup.jpg?itok=gDqAbHTt" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nightingale Coup by Architecture Architecture + Breathe Architecture. Credit: Nightingale Housing</figcaption></figure>#6 Nightingale Coup

Architect: Architecture Architecture + Breathe Architecture

Nightingale Coup will be located on the Southern side of Nightingale Village at 24-26 Hope Street. The goal for the design was to incorporate familiar design features of the area including tradition roof shingles and chimney line forms, with a modern twist. On the ground floor, the design team have created seating areas in the semi-public laneway to encourage community involvement, keeping with Nightingale Housing's communal focused mission. <a href="/news/nightingale-village-episode-vi-nightingale-coup">Read more</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/ama.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="721" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ama.jpg?itok=nlVbMdLy" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>AMA by Austin Maynards Architects. Credit: Nightingale Housing</figcaption></figure>#7 AMA

Architect: Austin Maynards Architects

Brunswick’s iconic warehouses were the inspiration behind the design of Austin Maynard's AMA development. The goal was to increase quality by using modern industrial materials to achieve the look in an innovative, yet economical way. Shared balconies screened with durable chainlink have been used to encourage air to circulate the complex, while providing privacy from the street below. Entry breezeways also deliver a multifunctional purpose, acting as bicycle/resident storage as well as a BBQ area. <a href="/news/nightingale-village-episode-vii-austin-maynard-architects">Read more.</a>
</body></html>

Approval granted for Nightingale Village in Brunswick

<html><body>
A collaboration between developers Pellicano and hospitality experts Zagame, could see Melbourne open the Southern Hemisphere’s largest indoor waterpark by summer 2021. 

Not only will the park be home to adrenaline seekers and holiday makers, but an education-focussed initiative will mean students can tour Zagame Wild Water Park behind-the-scenes to discover unique engineering and technology advancements.

The $100 million project, announced earlier this week, contains numerous exciting features such as the ability to launch yourself from towers on zip-lines, play interactive video games through water tunnels, zoom skyward in uphill waterslides, float beneath a giant aquarium of marine-life and more. 

Zagame’s Wild Water Park has been in the planning process for seven years, under the management of award-winning architects Peddle Thorpe. The team also employed the help of Canadian company WhiteWater West, who will bring new innovative technology down-under.

<blockquote>
“The park will be home to some of WhiteWater’s latest innovations in technology and design, bringing a truely one-of-a-kind experience to all Australians.”
</blockquote>

- James Corbett, Managing director of WhiteWater West Australia.

Once open, primary, college and tertiary students will be invited to explore the engineering and technological aspects of the design on a guided tour.

The park will also provide multiple hands-on learning stations such as interactive iPad’s where children can learn about the lifecycle of food, a freshwater aquarium exhibit and a community vegetable garden. Pellicano’s managing director Nando Pellicano explains the ‘learn while playing’ philosophy will provide the wider community with “safe and educational fun for all-ages”. 

THE FACTS:

<ul>
<li>Situated in Dingley Village, only 40 minutes south-east of Melbourne’s CBD</li>
	<li>The park is estimated to create 1184 full-time jobs</li>
	<li>18,200 sqm indoors / 20,000 sqm outdoors</li>
	<li>Will deliver year-round, all-weather experiences</li>
	<li>Forecast visitation numbers at over one million annually</li>
	<li>Zagame and Pelliccan have committed to implementing multiple sustainable practices such as solar power, reuse of rainwater collection, extensive indigenous wetland planting, focus on composing/recycling/biodegradable processes </li>
	<li>The two companies have previously collaborated on Paradise Resort in the Gold Coast</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

New waterpark gives students exclusive access to world-class technology

<html><body>
As Melbourne's population continues to skyrocket, Australia’s top architects are coming up with environmentally conscious solutions to meet demand, while maintaining the city’s famously high standard of living.

<blockquote>
“Sustainability is the basis of all Future Melbourne goals. It requires current generations to choose how they meet their needs without compromising the ability of future generations to also meet their needs,” 
</blockquote>

- City of Melbourne 

From 2017 to date, here are 5 new-build highlights which have been designed with a green initiative for a more sustainable future.

#1 COLLINS ARCH

<figure><a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="387" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collinsarch_0.jpg?itok=alE1N5rJ" title="Collins Arch, Melbourne CBD. Credit: Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Arch, Melbourne CBD. Credit: Cbus Property</figcaption></figure>With construction well underway, Cbus Property have worked closely with Woods Bagot &amp; SHoP Architects to produce a world-class sustainable skyscraper due for completion this year. The dual 41-floor buildings will comprise of 202 residences, 294 resort-style hotel rooms, 50,000 square metres of premium grade office space and state-of-the-art communal spaces, including a tiered amphitheatre.

<a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">Collins Arch</a> is the third development to receive a platinum level WELL Precertification, where nutrition, fitness, mood, sleep patterns and cognitive performance of occupants are highlighted as key considerations in the overall design. This has been accomplished through indoor air quality monitoring, superior natural lighting and ventilation, an emphasis on bicycle access, and more. To round off Collins Arch’s sustainability endorsement, the building has also been submitted for 6-star Greenstar accreditation and 5.5 star NABERS energy rating.

#2 SOUTHBANK BOULEVARD

<figure><a href="/news/stage-1-of-transforming-southbank-boulevard-and-dodds-street-commencing-this-month" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="387" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbankbvld.jpg?itok=lIXFJhv7" title="Southbank Boulevard and Dobbs Street. Credit: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank Boulevard and Dobbs Street. Credit: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The transformation of <a href="/news/stage-1-of-transforming-southbank-boulevard-and-dodds-street-commencing-this-month">Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street</a> is taking shape, and due for completion late 2019. As the gateway to Melbourne’s Arts Precinct, the plan is to create a Melbourne Experience for Southbank by constructing 2.5 hectares of new public space, including a new civic square for the precinct, more neighbourhood parks and the aim of prioritising pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. The project will also see 300 new trees planted (predominantly the Platanus X acerifolia), which will meet the City of Melbourne’s biodiversity and urban forest targets. 

#3 435 BOURKE STREET

<figure><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="387" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/435bourke.jpg?itok=FFWzySUA" title="435 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD. Credit: Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>435 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD. Credit: Cbus Property</figcaption></figure>The 55-level commercial tower designed by Bates Smart in association with Cbus Property will add a striking new icon to Melbourne’s urban skyline by 2023. Located on the corner of Queen and Bourke Streets, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">435 Bourke Street</a> boasts environmentally friendly features and is targeting a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating, a minimum 5 Star ‘Green Star’ Office Design and WELL Platinum Certification.

Cbus Property aims to invest in new technologies and materials to maintain its notable eco-conscious reputation for both new and existing buildings. With a sustainable focus in mind, the sculptural design will fit seamlessly into the city landscape, with six different landscaped terraces throughout for occupants to enjoy.

<blockquote>
“The building’s design references the neighbouring streetscape and is crafted to be more organic in form, aspiring to enliven the precinct and create a more people-friendly environment that stimulates the senses and imagination.”
</blockquote>

- Cian Davis, Director of Bates Smart

#4 LITTLE MILLER 

<figure><a href="/buildings/neighbourhood-10-16-little-miller-street-brunswick-east"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="387" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/littlemiller.jpg?itok=MosoOmoR" title="55-63 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East. Credit: Castran" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>55-63 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East. Credit: Castran</figcaption></figure>Developer Lucent teamed up with design trio ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects, Breathe Architecture and Openwork Landscaping to put Brunswick East’s ‘<a href="/buildings/neighbourhood-10-16-little-miller-street-brunswick-east">Little Miller</a>’ on the map as one of Melbourne’s most sustainable residential developments to date. The sold-out apartment building has been awarded a 7.5 star average NatHERS thermal performance rating, and has been designed as a 100% fossil fuel free building. From induction cooktops and energy-saving LED light fittings, to rainwater tanks for irrigation and solar power, the environmentally conscious design makes use of natural resources without compromising luxurious living. Venture up to the rooftop and you’ll find a multi-functional garden featuring all kinds of plants and greenery, communal al fresco dining and even a ‘gin and tonic’ room surrounded by edible plants to make your own cocktails. 

<blockquote>
“What is labelled sustainable, is often just common sense. While we do design responsibly, we also design robust homes that just feel right.”
</blockquote>

- Toby Lauchlan, ClarkeHopkinsClarke

#5 THE GENERAL

<figure><a href="/buildings/the-general-421-high-street-northcote" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="387" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/thegeneral.jpg?itok=y6QNTC9S" title="421 High Street, Northcote. Credit: C.Kairouz &amp; Associates" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>421 High Street, Northcote. Credit: C.Kairouz &amp; Associates</figcaption></figure>What was once a small family butcher on Northcote’s High Street, has now become the site for '<a href="/buildings/the-general-421-high-street-northcote">The General</a>',  arguably one of Melbourne’s most exciting technological advancements in structural design to date. Architect Chahid Kairouz had a goal to transform the site of his family’s business into not only a sophisticated mid-rise apartment, but use the opportunity as a means to pioneer new technology with a sustainable focus in his late father’s honour.

<blockquote>
“It was extremely important to reflect my father’s values in the design of the general; not only for sentimental value but to stand the test of time in its design and its use of cutting-edge sustainable technology on the facade; a combination makes the building and the apartments be relevant for longer." 
</blockquote>

the general is Australia’s first ever residential building to use Onyx Solar photovoltaic glazing which works as both a balustrade and power source. The sustainable design also contains a 25,000 litre rainwater tank for flushing toilets, 137 bicycle parks and a green rooftop terrace.

THE  FUTURE

With temperatures on the rise and an endeavour to achieve a more sustainable society, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects have called for increased investment in green infrastructure. <a href="/news/victorian-election-2018-aila-victoria-calls-for-increased-investment-in-green-infrastructure">Read the full article</a>. 

<blockquote>
“There is the need to prioritise landscapes and green infrastructure in the planning scheme to build a healthy, liveable city as Melbourne’s population grows steadily.”
</blockquote>

- Adrian Gray, Victorian Chapter president

<figure><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="312" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tallest-timber-tower-tokyo-japan-dezeen-col4.jpg?itok=SEiw0U5-" title="Timber high rise proposed for Tokyo. Credit: Dezeen" width="580"><figcaption>Timber high rise proposed for Tokyo. Credit: Dezeen</figcaption></figure>Could timber high-rises be a way forward? Following Japan’s proposal to build the world’s tallest wooden skyscraper, there has been discussion of the environmental benefits and low carbon footprint of building with wood. <a href="/news/the-cost-efficiency-of-mid-rise-timber-structures">Have your say 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/verticalgardens.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="Futuristic vertical gardens. Credit: MAD Architects" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/verticalgardens.jpg?itok=OvEWziKr" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Futuristic vertical gardens. Credit: MAD Architects</figcaption></figure>What happens when you plant 150 trees and plants haphazardly across the face of an apartment complex? You get 150,000 litres of oxygen each hour, and 200,000 litres of carbon dioxide is absorbed per hour by night. Are we likely to see more vertical gardens on the rise in Melbourne? <a href="/news/exploring-the-merits-of-a-vertical-forest-has-it-a-lasting-place-in-melbourne">Learn more</a>.

<h2>Some sustainable Melbourne properties on the market right now:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22699]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22803]
</body></html>

5 of Melbourne’s environmentally conscious new-development highlights

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" dir="auto">
The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

Olivia Round

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Olivia Round

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News