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When a planning application seeks to insert an apartment tower on a site with no discernable view lines, it warrants a closer look. At 16 levels, 22-24 Wells Place Southbank is by no means a monstrous tower, but it is interesting nonetheless.

With frontage only to Wells Place, itself not much more than a secluded laneway, the development will be hemmed in from all sides. West sees 22-24 Wells Place's views obscured by the recently completed Guilfoyle Apartments complex while southern views are inhibited by 10-16 Dorcas Street, save for the highest levels.

Easterly sight lines are impeded by 320 St Kilda Road and will only be compounded further by the approved 20 level, 180 apartment 25-27 Coventry Street development which may start in the near future according to Melbourne City Council's <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/enterprisemelbourne/Tools/publications/Pages/DevelopmentMonitor.aspx" target="_blank">Development Activity Monitor</a>.

That of course leaves prized northern views to Southbank and Melbourne's CBD, currently in tact although for how long? This northern panorama seems destined to evaporate as well given the approved 33 Coventry Street (which <a href="/news/going-nuts-for-coventry" target="_blank">Urban.com.au touched upon</a> mid last year) lies to the site directly north.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=22+wells+place,+southbank&amp;aq=&amp;sll=-37.829514,144.970305&amp;sspn=0.001837,0.003484&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=22-24+Wells+St,+Southbank+Victoria+3006&amp;ll=-37.82961,144.969742&amp;spn=0.001845,0.003484&amp;t=m&amp;z=14&amp;output=embed" width="100%"></iframe> <a href="https://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=22+wells+place,+southbank&amp;aq=&amp;sll=-37.829514,144.970305&amp;sspn=0.001837,0.003484&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=22-24+Wells+St,+Southbank+Victoria+3006&amp;ll=-37.82961,144.969742&amp;spn=0.001845,0.003484&amp;t=m&amp;z=14">View Larger Map</a>

As you can see in the cross sections below the intended development is extremely close to its northern and western neighbours, with the southerly Dorcas building within spitting distance as well.

It will be an interesting decision handed down by Melbourne City Council in due course. Factors such as tower setback requirements, the lack of a podium, amenity (namely view lines), adequate natural light and ventilation plus adequate street level activation will need to be considered.

Included within the planning documents are legal machinations highlighting the implications of VCAT's decision in approving the adjoining 33 Coventry Street proposal. VCAT's decision in effect sets a precedent for the area that is in direct contrast to Melbourne City Council's Design and Development Overlay; a precedent which the proponents of 22-24 Wells Place will likely wish to exploit.

Far more learned people than I will find resolution in what may turn into a messy approvals process; none the less it will be interesting to view the recommendations and decisions surrounding 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/Imaged2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Pandolfini Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Imaged2.jpg?itok=3kbKtEWw" title="Image © Pandolfini Architects" width="580"></a>

The development itself is the first entry on Apartments.com.au's database for <a href="http://www.pandolfini.com.au/">Pandolfini Architects</a>. At the behest of site owner and established Melbourne developer <a href="http://www.h-p.com.au/" target="_blank">Headland Properties</a>, the embryonic Melbourne architecture firm has devised an interesting tower. With shades of the former Jetset Building on Bourke Street it carries a retro look, yet with a contemporary twist by way of coloured perforated metal screens.

Owing to the small site size, car park entry via Wells Place leads directly onto a turn table with a car lift located behind. Levels 1-4 are split between a solitary 1 bedroom apartment and parking for two vehicles while subsequent levels consist of full floor apartments with ceiling heights of 3.15 metres.

Overall the project holds 16 apartments, complimented by 15 bicycle bays and 14 car parks. A residential foyer fronting Wells Place will be adorned with a public art/light installation display and cover an area of 12 square metres while a roof top terrace includes a open air spa and garden 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/2d-623.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Pandolfini Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="960" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2d-623.jpg?itok=B1aWZnlW" title="Image © Pandolfini Architects" width="580"></a>

Should this tower find approval and advance to construction it will be interesting to see how the appointed builder manages the delivery and materials lift aspects. Wells Place seems marginal at best as a loading bay given its mid block location and narrow dimensions; some innovative construction techniques would be called for.

With the application both received and placed on display by Melbourne City Council in the new year, it will be some time before any final result for 22-24 Wells Place is revealed.
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silvermb

In a tight spot > 22-24 Wells Place, Southbank

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The holiday season has come and gone, with February generally signifying increased activity and a rush of apartment developments released for sales.  So today we highlight a number of upcoming projects, both big and small, which will in the hopes and expectations of their respective developers grace greater Melbourne's skyline in the not too distant future.

<a href="/buildings/metrolitan-melbourne-137-bourke-street-melbourne">Metropolitan - 137 Bourke Street, Melbourne</a> 

Registrations are open for developer <a href="/developers/vimg">VIMG's</a> latest offering.  Located next to Citadines Hotel, "Metropolitan is a 19 floors luxury living apartments building, designed by leading architect <a href="/architects/metaxas-architects">Metaxas</a>. It contains 104 apartments which includes 19*1bed 1bath apartments, 31*1bed 1bath plus study apartments, 53*2bed 1bath and apartments and 1*2bed 2bath penny house. The internal areas for apartments are all over 43 square meters. The biggest internal area apartment which has 75.5 square meters."

<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/Untitled1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © vimg.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="871" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Untitled1.jpg?itok=wpCSV5Ii" title="Images © vimg.com.au" width="580"></a>

<a href="/buildings/panorama-101-tram-road-doncaster">101-105 Tram Road, Doncaster</a>

Hoardings are in place and a display suite fronting Doncaster &amp; Tram is midway through completion.  Gaining approval last year, 101-105 Tram Road is held by Dong Chen Trading and Investments according to the planning application.  With 201 dwellings consisting of a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments this pending development continues the measured flow of apartment stock into Doncaster Hill.

<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_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image8_15.jpg?itok=CEnIyqU0" title="Image © Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<a href="/buildings/vanguard-781-807-dandenong-road-malvern-east">Vanguard - 807 Dandenong Road, Malvern East</a>

From recent approval to appearing on the developers website in rapid time, Vanguard is a benchmark tower for the Malvern East stretch of Dandenong Road.  Benchmark in both height and number of apartments; a comprehensive write-up of the project can be found <a href="/news/living-the-high-life-in-malvern-east" target="_blank">here</a> with vitals showing 314 apartments over 18 levels.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image9_9_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9_9_0.jpg?itok=4iDuRFCS" title="Image © Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

The Saxon - Sydney Road, Brunswick 

Little is known of this pending apartment development aside from a number of sketches involving a multi-level complex, but if recent projects on and around Sydney Road are any example, The Saxon will sell handsomely in a very popular 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/Image9_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © thesaxonbrunswick.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9_14.jpg?itok=_lE0jmMu" title="Image © thesaxonbrunswick.com.au" width="580"></a>

<a href="/new-apartments/elysium-54-clarke-street-southbank">54 Clarke Street, Southbank</a>

Apartments.com.au hears that a May public sales launch is slated for this crystalline tower which has divided opinion owing to its position and height.  More artwork than tower, it will be interesting to see the pace of apartment sales given there are only 270 apartments within the near 240 metre structure.  Could this become a Melbourne icon? 

<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_50.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © 54clarke.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="486" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_50.jpg?itok=OibHsB6d" title="Image © 54clarke.com.au" width="580"></a>

<a href="/buildings/the-village-cheltenham-1228-nepean-highway-cheltenham">The Village Cheltenham - Park &amp; Nepean Highway, Cheltenham</a>

Developed by <a href="/developers/goldfield-group-0">Goldfields Living</a> and <a href="/developers/maple-development-group">Maple</a>, The Village Cheltenham is nearing its launch with one and two bedroom apartments on offer.  The sketch taken from the developments website is similar to imagery found on <a href="/architects/doig-architecture">Doig Architecture's</a> website, although Doig lists the project as fronting Railway Place.  Potentially one and the same or a future additional phase to this initial release which when completed will greatly solidify Cheltenham's Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image11_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © thevillagecheltenham.com.au &amp; Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="230" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image11_10.jpg?itok=OtSmmyU1" title="Image © thevillagecheltenham.com.au &amp; Doig Architecture" width="580"></a>

Reside Carlton - Swanston Street &gt; http://residecarlton.com.au/

Officially launching this weekend, Reside Carlton is the latest installment from Australand and Citta Property Group's joint venture which covers multiple Carlton sites.  "A distinctive Swanston Street entry lobby leads to a collection of 48 apartments across 5 levels. One, one plus study, two and three bedroom apartments offer everything you’d expect for life in the world’s most liveable city."

<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/building-exterior.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © residecarlton.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/building-exterior.jpg?itok=Q7hLbUs9" title="Image © residecarlton.com.au" width="580"></a>

<a href="/buildings/walter-280-neerim-road-carnegie">Walter Carnegie - Neerim Raod, Carnegie</a>

First impressions suggest developer <a href="/developers/bpm">BPM</a> are intent on bringing quality architecture to middle Melbourne.  Their website describes the project as "Walter, a striking new development in the heart of Carnegie, offers an enviable urban lifestyle.  Designed in collaboration with <a href="/architects/dko-architecture">DKO</a> architects, its progressive design offers an exciting new landmark that perfectly complements its surroundings.  This pioneering approach has forgone traditional architecture in favour of a simple yet strong and innovative building."

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image2_26.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © bpmcorp.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="297" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2_26.jpg?itok=RU-9Plc0" title="Image © bpmcorp.com.au" width="580"></a>

<a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">Eq. Tower - 127 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne</a>

This planning application covered late last year by Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/the-fahrenheit-tower-a-closer-look-at-127-141-abeckett-street" target="_blank">here</a> now has a name - Eq. Tower.  Developer <a href="/developers/icd-property">ICD Property's</a> website states "Designs for this project feature extensive residential amenities for the 632 apartments. These include but are not limited to exclusive dining rooms and lounges, a gym, karaoke suites, pool and communal garden. Pre-sales will be launching shortly so keep an eye out for this exquisite development which has no equal."

<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/Image6_7_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image6_7_0.jpg?itok=aASR2k6C" title="Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

It's an interesting group of projects shown above distributed throughout metropolitan Melbourne, but really just a small fraction of projects relative to the apartment stock expected to be released throughout 2014.  Melbourne's insatiable appetite for apartments shows no sign of abating.
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The good oil - forthcoming apartment releases

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It's the peak of summer so no better opportunity to visit one of Melbourne's great gems.  Naked on the Sky is the relatively recent rooftop extension to the madly popular <a href="http://www.nakedforsatan.com.au/" target="_blank">Naked for Satan</a> bar and eatery which specialises in Pintxos and Vodka.

Originally the Moran &amp; Cato Merchants building, the structure at 277-285 Brunswick Street commenced construction during 1897 and remains one of Brunswick Street's premier buildings.

<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_2215_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Naked for Satan interior"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_2215_0.jpg?itok=0D4mZonZ" title="Naked for Satan interior" width="580"></a>

Whilst the externals have changed little for well over a century, the internals are a different story as seen above.  Dark and intriguing, the lower floors are worth the time taken to fully appreciate the fit-out, yet it's the rooftop terrace and associated views that steal the show.

The Naked for Satan website states the following of the rooftop:

As an extension of Naked for Satan, we bring you Naked in the Sky. An open terrace with an attached bar, lounge and restaurant. Naked in the Sky floats over Fitzroy with spectacular views of the city on one side and a full length vista of Brunswick Street on the other. You are beamed to the roof via an old lift shaft in the bowels of the building. Construction work has been carried out by the brilliant guys at Scalzo Constructions

And best of all, entry is free for all comers.  Well worth a visit during summer, but for those unable to, enjoy the image set below - click for a larger image.
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Naked in the Sky

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Tower cranes are always an excellent indicator as to the health of the local construction scene, and by extension the economy at large. Long gone are the gloomy days of the early 1990's when a tower crane was a rarity, replaced today by a brigade of new operators successfully carving out their niche fuelled by Melbourne's seemingly insatiable population growth.

Whereas four months ago we provided a static list of <a href="/news/the-cranes-have-it-a-melbourne-construction-overview" target="_blank">tower cranes operational in Melbourne</a>, included today is an active map highlighting tower crane locations throughout greater Melbourne.

<h2>Then and now</h2>

To understand today's state of play it's worth considering what has transpired post 2000. When the author began taking more than just a passing interest in Melbourne's development and construction scene, it was a different beast to what exists today. Boom Logistics, Verticon and Caelli Cranes were the dominant players of the day, erecting cranes on large build projects generally within a tight radius of the CBD.

While Caelli marches on, Vertigon fell by the wayside and Boom morphed into General Cranes. Joining these survivors though were a raft of new operators such as Active Crane Hire, Clark Cranes, MCG Cranes, Hudson Peat and Select Cranes who all required work for their fleet.

Perhaps the best example is that of Clark Cranes; call it luck or exceptional forecasting, but by concentrating on providing tower cranes for smaller scale project generally outside the CBD, the operator has successfully ridden the boom in suburban apartment living, something that was not plausible a decade ago.

<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/Upper-West-Side0094.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="View from the top. Image © Hudson Peat "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Upper-West-Side0094.jpg?itok=-qoiEUa8" title="View from the top. Image © Hudson Peat" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View from the top. Image © Hudson Peat</figcaption></figure><h2>Far and wide</h2>

With a little help, we have devised the map below, providing a visual recognition of Melbourne's current large scale construction activity. Accurate to within one or two units, the map sees 84 tower cranes currently in use, with areas east of the CBD well represented.

Pascoe Vale, Ringwood, Hawthorn East and Doncaster East all sport projects between 3-5 levels, yet command tower cranes. These are relatively small projects but very much symptomatic of construction practices changing to meet the sustained surge toward higher density living in suburban Melbourne.

Where 70 cranes in the mid 2000's indicated boom times, it's now considered the norm. Of the 84 tower cranes currently operational, 70% are dedicated toward residential projects demonstrating how the attached dwelling sector has surged ahead in recent years.

<iframe height="480" src="https://mapsengine.google.com/map/embed?mid=zqdl6A2iXb4Y.kULlyqp67wXU" width="580"></iframe>

<h2>What lies ahead</h2>

We thought it worthwhile to include an additional map forecasting expected tower cranes within the next quarter. That is, projects where site works have or are about to begin, facilitating the installation of a tower crane in the near term.

The map highlights the further spread of tower cranes throughout greater Melbourne, with Dandenong benefiting in particular. Often maligned, the envisaged 'Second CBD' should kick ahead with four tower cranes likley on Mosaic Apartments, 27 Scott Street and the new ATO complex at 11-13 Robinson Street in the near term.

<iframe height="480" src="https://mapsengine.google.com/map/embed?mid=zqdl6A2iXb4Y.kCvQb5GjyV1E" width="580"></iframe>

While manufacturing in Victoria may be under the pump, it's worth noting that population growth is strong, apartment build starts are solid and commercial office requirements/construction remains fair. This in turn maintains momentum in one of the state's largest employment sectors; and not just held to the confines of the inner city.

As for when north and western areas of greater Melbourne will match the output of the south and east? That's near impossible to pinpoint although there's no lack of proposals ready to propel Footscray, Moonee Ponds and Sunshine onto the above maps.

By and large, Melbourne's construction sector remains resilient.
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February major construction activity mapped

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Time today for another installment of some of Melbourne's best street art. As the title suggests, a pocket of Collingwood bound by Johnston Street, Alexandra Parade, Wellington Street and Smith Street forms the boundary in which today's photo tour is located.
The area is also subject to a number of quality small and medium sized property developments, but for the purposes of today the subject matter is that which is visible for all to see.
From random skeletal figurines to totem poles to a 15 metre long mural in the most unusual of places, this area of Collingwood is supremely interesting. Enjoy.
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JAWS > Johnston Alexandra Wellington Smith < street relief

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Many readers would recall an article published early December titled '<a href="/news/are-200-metre-residential-towers-the-new-norm-for-melbourne" target="_blank">Are 200m residential towers the new norm for Melbourne?</a>' in which Apartments.com.au touched upon fourteen towers aiming to take their place in the city's burgeoning skyline.  From planning assessment to construction fourteen is a sizeable number, yet such is the dynamic state of Melbourne's apartment market coupled with the willingness of Asian-backed developers, Apartments.com.au can today unveil further proposals that would have a profound presence on Melbourne's silhouette if realised.

<a href="http://www.metier3.com.au/" target="_blank">Metier 3</a> architects design generally atypical buildings and 25-35 Power Street Southbank is no exception.  The firms first large-scale design will see the now vacant block transformed into a unique Melbourne built form landmark.  With a concave form accentuated by a swept wing facing Power Street, the 70 storey, 274 metre mixed-use complex has been conceived for recent site purchaser Freshwater No 6 Pty Ltd.

Another behemoth is also seeking approval with <a href="http://www.axfproperty.com.au/" target="_blank">AXF Group</a> championing the redevelopment of their plot at 180 Russell Street, seen below right.  Seeking to replace the 1965 Total Car Park complex, <a href="http://buchan.com.au/" target="_blank">Buchan Group</a> architects have created a shimmering 70 level, 271 metre mixed-use complex.  With impressive street frontages and a chameleon-like facade this development may encounter opposition from heritage groups expecting the retention of the existing Japanese Burtalist-style complex, which <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/BuildingandPlanning/Planning/heritageplanning/Pages/iHeritagesearchresults.aspx?heritageid=1829" target="_blank">carries a B grading in terms of heritage</a> according to Melbourne City council.

<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/Image4_26.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © Metier 3 &amp; Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image4_26.jpg?itok=gHFUYPBX" title="Images © Metier 3 &amp; Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

No article could be written at the moment without the presence of <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/">Elenberg Fraser</a>, with three additional entries complementing their existing 200 metre + designs &gt; <a href="/new-apartments/150-queen-street-melbourne">Tower Melbourne</a>, <a href="/news">Victoria Tower</a> and <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne" target="_blank">127-141 A'Beckett Street</a>.  

Below left is the current version of 450 Elizabeth Street which at 61 levels and 197 metres is now subject to a revised planning application which would boost the floor count to 67 levels and height comfortably beyond 200 metres.  The jungle drums say site owner Sixth Grange Pty Ltd has formed a joint venture with an Asian-backed developer currently active within Melbourne's CBD and that a sales campaign will commence within months.

Inset sees the only image currently available of 250 La Trobe Street, directly opposite Melbourne Central.  The 50 and 78 level tower at approximately 250 metres in height is set to feature 500 plus residential apartments in a star shaped complex with opulent finishes. According to Elenberg Fraser principal Callum Fraser, “This development will offer one of the most generous provision of communal facilities to the residents and this will set the project apart from the rest in the market.” 

Last but not least is Elenberg Fraser's revised scheme for 380 Lonsdale Street. At the behest of bullish Singaporean developer Hiap Hoe, Elenberg Fraser have delivered a 50 and 60 level mixed-use complex with the taller northern tower nigh on if not over the 200 metre mark.  With Aloft Hotels waiting in the wings to operate the hotel component, 380 Lonsdale like the previous two is looking for a 2014 public sales launch.

<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/Image5_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="551" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5_18.jpg?itok=CJLfaaAH" title="Images © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

So, a Melbourne Cup-sized field of 200 metre plus residential towers looms on Melbourne's horizon.

As outlined in December's piece, Asian developers operate beyond the stringent conditions that local developers face in financing their projects.  Additionally the majority of Asian developers are generally robust, well established, well financed property development firms overseas prior to inserting themselves in the local market.

Consequently the likelihood of most of the now 19 proposals of 200 metres or more coming to fruition is quite high.  With this in mind it's plausible to suggest this is a watershed time for Melbourne.  The size, character and feel of Melbourne will change markedly, along with its skyline, most likely triggering debate once the scope and size of these proposal in their entirety are realised by the wider public - although this is a topic for another day.  

Detailed articles on the above proposals/planning applications will follow in due course, beginning with 25-35 Power Street later this week.
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New proposals seek to join the 200m club

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Blink and you would have missed it!  Within weeks of this prime <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a> development site at <a href="/new-apartments/38-freshwater-place-southbank">25-35 Power Street (also known as 38 Freshwater Place)</a> landing a new owner, a planning application landed in the lap of determining body <a href="http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">DTPLI</a>.  Having the site purchase announced during October, new owner Freshwater No 6 Pty Ltd, a company located within the <a href="/new-apartments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> suburb of <a href="/new-apartments/rhodes-nsw-2138">Rhodes</a>, wasted no time in submitting detailed plans for a 70 storey mixed-use tower with an expected end value of approximately $400 million.

<a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>-based firm <a href="/architects/metier3">Metier 3</a> were commissioned for the design, located on a 3096 m2 site in an area already heavy with high-rise developments.  If approved 25-35 Power Street seeks to join four other 200 metre plus towers on this 'Southbank block of strength,' including <a href="/buildings/prima-tower-31-queensbridge-street-southbank">Prima Pearl</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank" target="_blank">Queensbridge Tower</a> and 25 Queensbridge Street, although for reasons unbeknown the latter 236 metre approved tower was omitted from the diagram below.  Minimum distance to 25-35 Power Street's closest residential neighbour is 27.5 metres.

Surrounded by towers with regular, if not interestingly shaped floor plates, Metier 3 have chosen to design a tower with an irregular, tapering floor plate which they describe as:

<div class="rtejustify">"Taking the curvaceous two dimensional forms of those buildings both existing and proposed in close proximity and translating this into a true three dimensional form the building mass draws inspiration from the feminine form. With flowing curves and material patterning reminiscent of ballroom gowns and highly detailed junctions, the evoking comparison to Pavé jewellery, the built form will entail a sense of materiality and form in counterpoint to the more rigid forms adjacent."</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<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/Image5_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design inspiration and context. Image © Metier 3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5_20.jpg?itok=9q9JofdM" title="Design inspiration and context. Image © Metier 3" width="580"></a>

<div class="rtejustify">"My work is not about form follows function, but form follows beauty, or, even better, form follow feminine"</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">Quoting Oscar Niemeyer above, Metier 3's objective was to create a unique tower form and that box has been ticked.  What pleases the author to no end is the use of textured stone cladding over lower levels and also the tower's leading edge fronting Power Street.  Stone is a quality, timeless material that is exponentially better than painted precast panels, yet has fallen out of favour in <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a> seemingly.</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">Complementing the stone will be aluminium composite panels and metal trim finishes, while the dominant element will be the towers glazing which according to the materials schedule is verging on army green in appearance - it surely won't be missed in the skyline!</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">It's also refreshing to see a continuous tower form from the ground up where the podium is not clearly defined and tower not set back from Power Street, although one wonders whether DTPLI and Melbourne City Council will be suitable impressed. And what of the all important street activation where the public will predominantly interact with the complex?  Whilst the absolute street frontage is dominated by a Port Cochere entry servicing the hotel lobby and existing vehicle access to the adjoining office tower, plantings and an arched canopy seek to soften the street view.</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">The ground floor sees a public access arcade link Power Street to the existing internal garden and retail facilities of Freshwater Place, and Queensbridge Square beyond.</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<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_49.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected view from Queensbridge Street. Image © Metier 3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1575" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_49.jpg?itok=M92gmQ6v" title="Expected view from Queensbridge Street. Image © Metier 3" width="580"></a>

With one basement level car park, ground floor as mentioned hosts seven separate retail spaces fronting the arcade, in addition to the expected hotel/apartments lobbies and ancillary services such as loading etc.  Mezzanine floor also hosts four retail spaces for a total of 1,300 m2.  With the proceeding five levels of podium car parking, a total of 240 vehicles and 146 bicycles are accommodated.

178 one and two-bedroom boutique apartments cover the first ten inhabitable floors, with the assumption that these are short stay and/or serviced apartments. Thereafter 32 levels of traditional apartments follow with 318 in total spread between 82 one, 156 two and 80 three bedroom options - 80 three bedders at between 120-150 square metres each equates to 25% of total traditional apartment offerings.  

This is the highest percentile of three bedroom apartments in any development covered by Apartments.com.au and speaks toward the intended quality/target market for this development.

Proceeding these will be an entire commercial floor containing 21 office suites, a hotel sky lobby and back of house services located on level 51 while dual floors covering conference, restaurant and function facilities follow.  15 hotel floors absorb levels 54-68 with the typical hotel floor containing 24 single bed dwellings, while hotel facilities line the remaining two floors which include a sky bar and pool the best part of 260 metres above ground.

<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/Image5_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cross section and uses. Image © Metier 3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="834" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5_19.jpg?itok=Aab_PVfN" title="Cross section and uses. Image © Metier 3" width="580"></a>

The associated traffic report prepared by <a href="http://www.gta.com.au/home.aspx" target="_blank">GTA Consultants</a> shows 480 car spaces within the development meets statutory requirements, whilst also remaining under the total 2,300 car park threshold for the entire Freshwater site.  Also noted is the failure of 146 bicycle spaces in meeting statutory requirements, with a minimum 171 spaces required.

Quoting the report, "The site is expected to generate up to 190 and 230 vehicle movements in the AM and PM peak hours respectively.  There is adequate capacity in the surrounding road network to cater for the traffic generated by the proposed development."  Adequate capacity there may be for 25-35 Power Street, but the sheer number of proposed towers in Southbank and the traffic they would generate if realised would surely make Southbank an 'interesting' place to navigate in a decade's time.

Overall a total of 846 separate dwellings within 25-35 Power Street would not only see it become one of Melbourne's tallest buildings, but likely the densest liveable structure in Melbourne; a planning decision is not expected for some months.
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Not so straight forward > 25-35 Power Street, Southbank

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Before you foster grand plans of outdoing Homer Simpson's "Persephone" or adding a Wet and Wild atop the upcoming Terminal 4, Australia Pacific Airports Corporation Pty Ltd (APAC) last week released a statement calling for public design input into the finer grain aspects of the new terminal which will house Melbourne's two low-cost airlines. It reads as follows:
We're seeking feedback on the design of its new domestic terminal.  Construction is underway on the new Terminal 4, which will be home to growing low-cost airlines Jetstar and Tigerair. A survey has been compiled based on a fly-through animation of the new Terminal 4, and we're seeking input from the general public and a range of stakeholders. Frequent Melbourne Airport passengers and visitors, aviation enthusiasts and anyone interested in the development of the new terminal are invited to participate in the survey. 
Survey respondents are asked their opinion on the look and feel of the design, as well as questions around how they would like to spend time while waiting to depart or visitors to arrive. Melbourne Airport will monitor the survey site regularly for useful feedback on the design of the new terminal, which will be updated as progress continues.
Whilst our article title may be slightly facetious, it's a wise move on APAC's behalf to involve public feedback where possible given the bare bones (if not shambolic) nature of the current low-cost facility.  
Designed by <a href="http://www.hassellstudio.com/" target="_blank">Hassell</a>, Melbourne Airport's new southern terminal precinct will be delivered by <a href="http://www.leighton.com.au/" target="_blank">Leighton Holdings</a> with a construction contract valued at $370 million. Covering 20,000 square metres, the initial phase now under construction will be capable of handing 10 million passengers per annum upon completion, doubling in capacity if and when expansion plans are enacted upon.
Impressive enough yet what would be a worthwhile addition to Melbourne Airport's Terminal 4 given the complex's design for the most is set in stone? Reinventing the wheel and suggesting truly ground breaking ideas would be a pointless exercise given APAC's penchant for function over form, as evidenced by the 1970's international terminal facade still greeting passengers upon their arrival.  
It's a domestic terminal with minimal layover times therefore the need for a terminal user to relax or be stimulated for a few hours maximum is paramount; making the terminal a passenger experience rather than a choir would be ideal, therefore:
<ul>
<li class="rtejustify">
		Incorporate a well sized, low maintenance, functional rooftop garden akin to Freshwater Place Southbank's (below right) which would double as a viewing platform where users could relax, have a drink or meal, and take in sweeping views of the aircraft before them to the CBD beyond.  Introducing a much more diverse material palette - brick pavers, timber, high quality concrete finishes etc. </li>
	<li class="rtejustify">
		Mimic <a href="http://www.a-r-m.com.au/projects_MelbCentral" target="_blank">Melbourne Central's rejuvenated retail precinct</a> or QV's food hall with a multi-level retail and service dominated layout - give users a high quality offering and those excruciating one to three hours of dead time will be no more.</li>
	<li class="rtejustify">
		Have institutions such as Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Scienceworks, Melbourne Museum or the NGV sponsor mini exhibits where columns (not necessarily structural) such as that below left are placed within the terminal acting as aquariums, displays or reptile/insect exhibits - keep the kids occupied whilst also exposing Melbourne's tourist attractions at the first point of contact for most travelers.</li>
	<li class="rtejustify">
		Paraphrasing this article '<a href="http://www.futuretravelexperience.com/2013/10/new-technology-influencing-design-future-airport/" target="_blank">How new technology is influencing the design of the future</a>,' implement the technologies that passengers find highly useful to allow their terminal experience to be enjoyable, rather than an obstacle.</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" height="395" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/pictures/article-images/Image1_47.jpg" title="Images courtesy Yelp &amp; Fytogreen" width="1073">
Why stop there!  The oversized car park masquerading as a Ground Transportation Hub is abysmal if the below render is anywhere near accurate in its depiction.  Surely APAC which rakes in stupendously high revenues from car parking fees can loosen the purse ever so slightly more and allow those charged with designing the complex to actually design?  
A search of 'car park facades' in Google Images yields both impressive and intriguing.  The array of facade materials and the technologies backing those facades is impressive and makes the below render look quite pathetic in the process.
The ideal outcome for the Ground Transportation Hub - a functional, efficient facility that has minimal ongoing maintenance costs whilst also being aesthetically pleasing given it is a massive facility not easily missed.
<img alt="" height="600" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/pictures/article-images/MLS_06.jpg" title="Potentially average. Image © Gareth Servant" width="1442">
The solution - <a href="http://archrecord.construction.com/features/designvanguard/2013/1312-JOHO-Architecture-slideshow.asp?slide=2" target="_blank">Herma Parking Building</a> by JOHO Architecture.  Located in Seoul, the impressive structure is both functional and daring in its design.  Rather than the above eyesore, a clad of polycarbonate and stainless steel panels punctuated by diagrid metal vents (below) offers a slightly more expensive, immeasurably more impressive design outcome with essentially no long term maintenance costs due to the materials used.
Better yet, what chances of a mixed use development where a hotel or admin/office space is placed atop the car park in akin to this mixed-use <a href="http://www.big.dk/#projects-mtn" target="_blank">Bjarke Ingles Group</a> project? Its been done with the opposing Melbourne Airport Car Park &amp; PARKROYAL, why not once more?
<img alt="" height="991" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/pictures/article-images/Image3_26.jpg" title="Herma parking centre. Images courtesy Architectural Record" width="921">
See the link below to Melbourne Airport's webpage inviting feedback and should you have any suggestions we'd love to hear them as well via the comment section below.
http://melbourneairport.com.au/News-Events/Listing/Overview/have-your-say-on-our-new-terminal.html#sthash.MCBWzTQk.dpuf
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Melbourne Airport says design your own terminal

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Currently before Melbourne City Council is a plan to create a weekly market with ACCA's forecourt nominated as the preferred site.  Supported by marketing/communications firm <a href="http://communicado.com.au/index">Communicado</a> and design studio <a href="http://www.racket.net.au/" target="_blank">Racket</a>, the weekly event will be known as <a href="http://theupmarket.com.au/" target="_blank">The Upmarket</a>.
<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/ACCA.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Wikipedia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="202" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ACCA.jpg?itok=yQ1vpj_H" title="Image courtesy Wikipedia" width="580"></a>
The marketing spiel via the events website reads as follows:
Reinventing Melbourne's weekly market scene forever, creating a permanent hub for weekly design.  The Upmarket is a carefully curated &amp; truly local Melbourne design market.
The Upmarket recognises true talent and offers a platform for unique, innovative and emerging designers, artists, artisans &amp; musicians to showcase fine wares, made here and elsewhere.
Visitors can buy direct from inspired &amp; creative talent, whilst sipping on great coffee, eating gorgeous treats and enjoying the lively atmosphere.  A local, relaxed and vibrant feel with great tunes, entertainment for kids and something for everyone.  The Upmarket is lively, fun and uniquely Melbourne.
After ridding myself of the sudden urge to sip coffee and hug every person within the vicinity whilst extolling the virtues of Melbourne, The Upmarket does seem to be a worthwhile initiative for a number of reasons.
Southbank has been derided seemingly forever and a day as lacking general street level character - beyond the banks of the Yarra little effort has been vested into humanising the public realm with the <a href="http://blog.thatsmelbourne.com.au/blog/2012/07/13/boyds-bold-future-in-southbank/" target="_blank">JH Boyd School redevelopment</a> a notable exception.  In this regard any push to bring pedestrian activity to Southbank is a plus.
Sustainability is key to The Upmarket, with the promoters pushing green transport options.  In addition to an iPhone app tracking local transport links to and from the site, incentives will be on offer for those who catch public transport or cycle.  These include market offers, discounts and even a bike valet service - drawing people to Southbank without bringing additional vehicles into the area is a worthwhile pursuit.
ACCA itself is a prime example of Southbank's hostile street environment; granted ACCA's facade serves its purpose and would be otherwise compromised if altered, but it is externally inactive and features a large forecourt with only the 'Yellow Peril' as a focal point, yeah....!  Activating the forecourt, if only on Saturdays, helps to maintain and more importantly draw in additional people to the area.  The majority of Southbank foot trips would be from apartment door to CBD, anything reversing this trend is a bonus.  With 80 stalls trading regardless of weather, The Upmarket may well turn the area into a hub of human activity from 7am to 6pm over an otherwise quiet weekend.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image11_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="374" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image11_9.jpg?itok=-H8GdWgT" title="Image © Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp" width="580"></a>
Small step The Upmarket may be in correcting Southbank's street level misfortunes, but it would have been helped no end if the proposed redevelopment of Sturt Street materialised.  Floated simultaneously with the redevelopment of Hamer Hall, the rejuvenation of Sturt Street as a pedestrian friendly spine through the arts precinct would have acted as a funnel. The above option conceived by <a href="http://www.fjmt.com.au/projects/projects_scpr" target="_blank">FJMT</a>  would have channeled foot traffic from Melbourne's heart via a grand thoroughfare down Sturt Street and into arguably Melbourne's cultural heart.  
Ultimately the above was not to be but The Upmarket may succeed where other Southbank initiatives have failed - here's hoping!
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Southbank to benefit from a weekly market?

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During the latter months of 2013 the constant hum of demolition and bulk excavation emanated from behind the walls of Pentridge Prison, once Melbourne's premier correctional facility.  Nothing particularly out of the ordinary given the "Bluestone College's" slow transformation into a medium to high density residential enclave.  Yet the latest planning application for the site's northern bounds seeks to demolish a slice of Melbourne's disreputable history.

Second only to the comparatively short lived and brutal Jika Jika unit, the notorious H division within Pentridge was an area of high security where prisoners were kept as a form of discipline or held for their own protection.  Such was the harshness of H division, the likes of Mark Brandon "Chopper" Reed found it fit to cut his ears off in order to escape the wing during the late 1970's, if only temporarily.

Fast forward to present and State planning body DTPLI is considering the merits of a planning application which seeks to demolish H division and replace it in part with dual seven level apartments buildings.  With plans currently displayed under DTPLI's <a href="http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/heritage/permits/currently-advertised-permits#boyd" target="_blank">heritage</a> page, those in charge must now determine whether this notorious piece of Melbourne's history will disappear forever. 

<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/Image6_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected demolition plans. Image © PRO-ARK"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" height="424" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image6_16.jpg?itok=H4r2HZUn" title="Expected demolition plans. Image © PRO-ARK" width="702"></a>

Architecture firm PRO-ARK has devised the scheme designated <a href="/developments/coburg-vic-3058">1 Champ Street</a> on behalf of <a href="/developers/shayher-group" target="_blank">Shayher Group</a> (itself an affiliate to Taiwanese conglomerate Pau Jar Group), which has a number of high profile developments within Australia including the impressive <a href="/developments/brisbane-city-qld-4000">300 George Street</a> development in Brisbane. Within the Pentridge development, 46 apartments are expected over seven level 'east' and 'west' apartment blocks.

Of the 46 dwellings, 41 will carry two bedrooms while the remainder will consist of three bedrooms, with apartment sizes ranging between 73 square metres and 114 square metres - and large balconies to boot.  Somewhat impressive is the development teams stance that no single bedroom dwellings be included with the development; a rarity in contemporary apartment developments.  This may be explained away to a degree by the immediate site surrounds where large, multi-bedroom dwellings hold sway whilst in the wider context Pentridge's surrounds are dominated by older, family dwellings where many of Melbourne's early migrants still reside.

Overall the development if delivered will add an extra 46 cars to the area by the way of an underground car park.  In addition 28 bicycle spaces are provided for with 3 set aside for visitors.

<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/Image7_22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artists 3D perspective of the intended development. Image © PRO-ARK"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" height="414" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image7_22.jpg?itok=VOhYxwzZ" title="Artists 3D perspective of the intended development. Image © PRO-ARK" width="702"></a>

New development plans the above may be, but they are certainly not the first to grace Pentridge's northern precinct aka Pentridge Piazza.  A far back as a decade ago a sixteen level apartment block was slated for the corner site directly north of 1 Champ Street, which would have featured a podium art piece sculpted to resemble the mask of Ned Kelly.

Subsequently, now failed developer Valad Property Group put to market Air at Pentridge apartments as the first public offering if its 6.5 hectare development site.  Featuring 259 apartments in a scheme designed by <a href="/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the 18 level tower (seen below left) was to be the first of a number of skyscrapers for the site.  With its fractal facade Air at Pentridge was to feature a host of environmental initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, solar hot water and dual wind turbines located at the towers peak, whilst also setting new benchmarks for apartments living in the City's north. 

Saddled with debt, Valad consequently listed the site for sale during 2011 and in the process put to rest notions of a grand master-planned precinct high in amenity and dotted with cafe/retail spaces.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image9_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="What could have been? Images © Rothe Lowman &amp; NH Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" height="403" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9_15.jpg?itok=UsdPx4Qe" title="What could have been? Images © Rothe Lowman &amp; NH Architecture" width="702"></a>

In submitting their evidence for 1 Champ Street, heritage architecture and urban design firm <a href="http://bryceraworth.com.au/" target="_blank">Bryce Raworth</a> explains that H division amongst other existing buildings is of primary significance according to the Pentridge Conservation Management Plan, yet "given the constraints posed by the way the highly significant early buildings are located across the site, there is little option but for part of Road A (service road) to run through the eastern portion of H Division."  Bryce Raworth summarises the loss of H division with the following, "Although it will result in a substantial and readily appreciable change to the character and appearance of the place, it will also provide an opportunity for the revitalisation of the historic building stock and for conservation works that are, in many instances, long overdue."

The application shows Shayher Group controls the current plot under planning assessment, yet for the sake of the overall Pentridge development one hopes that whoever the owns the balance is prepared to action plans to redevelop the site which has been dormant for the best part of 17 years.

Submissions regarding 1 Champ Street were due New Yars Day, with a decision on awarding planning approval or otherwise to follow in coming months.

 
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H division likely to go as Pentridge's rebirth gathers momentum

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

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Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

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Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

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The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Mark Baljak

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