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Only rarely would a project come across the desks of UrbanMelbourne.info that has the ability to stupefy all that see it.  Denton Corker Marshall (<a href="http://www.dentoncorkermarshall.com/" target="_blank">DCM Architecture</a>) recently upgraded their website and nestled in amongst a gaggle of great projects was their unsuccessful bid for Monash University's forthcoming Law, Business and Economics Complex at their Caulfield campus.

Very rarely does a design of this ilk come along which oozes a certain landmark status; unique in both looks and quality it would have been a building unlike any other in Melbourne.  With two main volumes divided by a trademark splash of yellow the DCM scheme would have been incredible if realised.  The renders within the article slideshow show the design from even more impressive angles yet the image below highlights the cantilevered nature of the design.

The seemingly haphazard nature of the scheme's windows leads to a fascinating facade but for mine the designs best feature - the continuation of the facade treatment to the under floor of the overhung sections. It's likely they wouldn't have been transparent, yet if they were  transparent what a sight that would be for the fortunate few looking down.  Simply a design that makes you think - Dammit! Just build it anywhere in Melbourne and I'd be happy!

 <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_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="DCM's Law, Business &amp; Economics complex. Image © DCM Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image4_10.jpg?itok=VCBhS0gJ" title="DCM's Law, Business &amp; Economics complex. Image © DCM Architects" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Of the initial forty or so entires for Monash University's new building a shortlist of five schemes were assembled for consideration. Joining DCM Architecture at the time were OMA and Donovan Hill, Grimshaw Architects with NMBW and Kerstin Thompson Architects, ARM Architecture and McBride Charles Ryan. 

Quoting <a href="http://architectureau.com/" target="_blank">ArchitectureAU</a>, " The proposed new Law, Business and Economics Complex is expected to bring more than 6,300 students and 714 staff to Caulfield, transforming the campus into the hub of Monash’s social sciences teaching, learning, research and public programs, as well as adding significantly to the diversity of the campus and community surrounds.  Occupying a prominent corner site on Dandenong Road (Princes Highway), the complex will have about 20,000m2 of floor space with teaching spaces, seminar rooms, lecture theatres, small group (syndicate) rooms and offices."

Seen below is an image of the joint Grimshaw Architects + NMBW + Kerstin Thompson Architects scheme, that was kindly passed on by <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/" target="_blank">Kerstin Thompson Architects</a>. The nine level complex featured a heavily glazed southern facade as opposed to the Dandenong Road frontage which featured a facade dominated by vertical fins punctured only by protruding glass pods.

<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/Station%20View1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kerstin Thompson's Monash university scheme as seen from Caulfiled Train Station. Image © Kerstin Thompson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Station%20View1.jpg?itok=9mL03fc_" title="Kerstin Thompson's Monash university scheme as seen from Caulfiled Train Station. Image © Kerstin Thompson Architects" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

As disappointing as seeing designs the calibre of DCM's unrealised, much solace can be taken from McBride Charles Ryan (MCR) <a href="http://www.mcbridecharlesryan.com.au/#/projects/monash-university-law-business-and-economics-complex-lbec/" target="_blank">winning the design competition</a> for Monash University's requirement.  With projects such as Grocon's <a href="http://www.mcbridecharlesryan.com.au/#/projects/carlton-united-brewery/" target="_blank">CUB site</a>, MAB's <a href="/news">The Quays</a> and the <a href="http://www.mcbridecharlesryan.com.au/#/projects/victorian-comprehensive-cancer-centre-vccc/" target="_blank">Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre</a> under their belt there can be two certainties for Monash University; the design will be spectacular and there will be MCR purple in the design.

MCR was revealed as the winning design late 2012 with the accompanying image below.  Construction is expected to start during 2015 following an extensive fundraising campaign that according to media reports is currently underway with the final design due to be released shortly.  Admirers of quality design wait with baited breath...

<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/mcr%20monash.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="McBride Charles Ryan's successful Monash competition entry. Image © MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/mcr%20monash.jpg?itok=ZBK04yoe" title="McBride Charles Ryan's successful Monash competition entry. Image © MCR" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

See below images of DCM Architects, KTA + Grimshaw + NMBW and OMA + Donovan Hill's unsuccessful bids for Monash University's Law, Business and Economics Complex.
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silvermb

Ahh dammit! DCM's unrealised Monash Caulfield design

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A stone's throw from the sacred cow that is Camberwell, a subtle yet concerted change has taken effect over both Hawthorn and Hawthorn East. While all three suburbs fall within the city of Boroondara, Camberwell remains staunch in its opposition to any development with the likes of Geoffrey Rush and Barry Humphries leading the charge, with the failed Camberwell Station development firmly in mind. Both Hawthorn and Hawthorn East have in recent years headed down a different path with apartment developments slowly, and now rapidly gaining a foothold.

Five large apartments developments are currently under construction in Hawthorn, they being <a href="/new-apartments/atria-291-burwood-road-hawthorn">Atria Apartments</a>, <a href="http://www.emblemapartments.com/welcome">Emblem Hawthorn</a>, Riva Hawthorn, The Collective and <a href="http://www.sconstruction.com.au/22-wattle-road-hawthorn/">22 Wattle Road</a>. Together these five projects will deliver an impressive 491 apartments into an area well served with Public Transport links, retail and commercial space, Swinburne University and a 119 room hotel run by Asian Pacific Group. Clearly the infrastructure exists for substantial apartment development and developers have come knocking, so in no particular order we will look at what's upcoming for the area.

<h2>Hawthorn Hill - 410-420 Burwood Road, Hawthorn</h2>

Set behind a historic mansion, Hawthorn Hill apartments is the latest project from developer Equiset. Designed by Bates Smart, the nine level building is currently at registrations via the project website. The building will carry 64 apartments and 62 car parking spaces in what will be a high-end apartment building with expansive views owing to its heightened location. A public launch is pending.

<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/EXT4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawthorn Hill. Image courtesy 360 Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/EXT4.jpg?itok=_9pKZLQE" title="Hawthorn Hill. Image courtesy 360 Property Group" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Hawthorn Hill. Image courtesy 360 Property Group</figcaption></figure><h2>The Independent - 124-130 Burwood Road, Hawthorn</h2>

The Independent will be the latest offering from ICD Property. Turning to Orbit Architecture once more, the design supersedes a previous scheme and instead will seek to deliver this fetching project. Details are sketchy but the six level project will avail itself soon enough.

<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/Image55652.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Orbit Architecture have conceived The Independent. Image © Orbit Solutions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image55652.jpg?itok=E9QYeNlI" title="Orbit Architecture have conceived The Independent. Image © Orbit Solutions" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Orbit Architecture have conceived The Independent. Image © Orbit Solutions</figcaption></figure><h2>My Place Hawthorn - 10-12 Albert Street, Hawthorn East</h2>

One of the growing throng of apartment projects within close proximity to Auburn Station, My Place Hawthorn won approval via VCAT last year. A fully functional display suite is onsite yet the project has not launched publicly. The seven level, L-shaped project which also fronts Lilydale Grove has been designed by Carabott Holt Turcinov and will hold 151 apartments according to its planning application. The building will include an expansive courtyard designed by Jack Merlo.

<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/Image7441.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Renders of My Place Hawthorn. Images © Scharp Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image7441.jpg?itok=H6xrcviI" title="Renders of My Place Hawthorn. Images © Scharp Design" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Renders of My Place Hawthorn. Images © Scharp Design</figcaption></figure><h2>Alta Apartments - 456 Barkers Road, Hawthorn East</h2>

With a sales campaign held early last year Alta Apartments seemingly faltered. Quite honestly we don't know too much about this project but a number of online sources say the project will be launching soon - time will tell. Designed by Crosier Scott the project fits in 41 apartments in a project fitting in both scale and design quality.

<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/ALTA1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alta Apartments. Image © Crosier Scott"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/ALTA1_0.jpg?itok=SG2RWsdZ" title="Alta Apartments. Image © Crosier Scott" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Alta Apartments. Image © Crosier Scott</figcaption></figure><h2>Leo Apartments - 18 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East</h2>

70% sold at launch last weekend. Not too shabby at all for the team from Kokoda Property Group who with Artisan Architects have conceived Leo. The project will take its place on the ever popular Camberwell Road where projects up to six levels are/will be the norm. 88 apartments in total meaning roughly 26 still at market as of earlier this week - snap to it!

<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/Image66563.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Going strong at Leo. Image © Artisan Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image66563.jpg?itok=lh3QDWNE" title="Going strong at Leo. Image © Artisan Architects" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Going strong at Leo. Image © Artisan Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Hawthorn Black - 5-7 Montrose Street, Hawthorn East</h2>

A product of ITUM Property and BG Architects, Hawthorn Black will contain 55 apartments in an altogether decent looking building. Platinum Construction have been engaged to build the project so a start seems imminent. ITUM's website describes the project as "An economic and eco-friendly building, inflected with a touch of the area's history and an aesthetic affinity to its environment. The apartment complex features Hawthorn Black Brick which pays homage to the visual style of bygone Hawthorn."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_6728.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hawthorn Black by ITUM Development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6728.jpg?itok=87EJzwGl" title="Hawthorn Black by ITUM Development" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Hawthorn Black by ITUM Development</figcaption></figure><h2>Syracuse - 8 Queens Avenue, Hawthorn</h2>

Syracuse Hawthorn has ringed up 60% sales according to the projects website. Slowly but surely the little apartment project that could has moved the majority of its 27 apartments on offer. Apartments still available but this project in a quiet pocket off Burwood Road will move to construction seemingly quite soon.

<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/Image54524.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Syracuse Hawthorn has made steady sales progress. Image courtesy Beller Marketing"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image54524.jpg?itok=YwVMrLGl" title="Syracuse Hawthorn has made steady sales progress. Image courtesy Beller Marketing" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Syracuse Hawthorn has made steady sales progress. Image courtesy Beller Marketing</figcaption></figure><h2>Brilliant Hawthorn - 30-32 Lilydale Grove, Hawthorn East</h2>

66 apartments are up for grabs within Brilliant Hawthorn. A product of Topgan Group and Interlandi Mantesso Architects, the project has gone through the standard channels for construction tender with Hacer, Becon,Construction Engineering, Buildcorp Commercial and Harris HMC jostling to deliver the apartment project. A mix of one and two bedroom apartments are available with an overall sales worth of $45 million plus.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image8_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brilliant Hawthorn. Image © brillianthawthorn.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image8_10.jpg?itok=lvQDIScH" title="Brilliant Hawthorn. Image © brillianthawthorn.com.au" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Brilliant Hawthorn. Image © brillianthawthorn.com.au</figcaption></figure><h2>Solstice Apartments - 138 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East</h2>

The website has yet to divulge much information but Solstice looms as one the area's premier apartment developments with Fender Katsalidis and Benson Property Group teaming up to conceive this 108 apartment project. Visually top notch with a large internal courtyard, Solstice will carry 31 one bedroom apartments and 77 two bed options. Last night (21st August) Marshall White and Australian Finance &amp; Property Solutions Group (AFPS Group) held an information night onsite at 138 Camberwell Road, so a public launch is imminent.

<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/Imagevc9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The curves of Solstice. Images © Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Imagevc9.jpg?itok=2GkOGMU_" title="The curves of Solstice. Images © Fender Katsalidis" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>The curves of Solstice. Images © Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

While the nine above projects are set to add approximately 640 apartments to the area's stock, they also ensure that Hawthorn/Hawthorn East will be home to a number of tower cranes for the foreseeable future. Coupled with the cluster of projects mentioned at the head of the article already under construction and over 1000 new apartments will be added to the area in the short/medium term with a broad choice of designs, layouts and amenity available.

Impressive yes, but in an upcoming article, we will look at a number of planning applications/projects within Hawthorn/Hawthorn East that have yet to make their mark.
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Hawthorn apartment market: the quiet achiever

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And so another chapter today for what is expected to become suburban Melbourne's tallest tower with a revised planning application recently submitted for 545 Station Street, Box Hill.  Speaking volumes to the developer's intent to deliver a landmark for the area, <a href="http://www.axfgroup.com.au/" target="_blank">AXF Group</a> have once more facilitated a new planning application for Whitehorse City Council's consideration.

The latest incarnation for the site follows years in which property developers have tried to deliver a landmark development for Melbourne's Eastern suburbs.  Initially holding a permit for a 23 level tower granted during 2004, Barton Australia Group tried revising the approved plans to include a 133.3m mixed-use proposal holding 232 residential and 176 serviced apartments, 4110 sqm of retail space and 4350 sqm of commercial floor area.  Eventually scuttled by VCAT during 2010, the 33 level building seemed to fall by the wayside.

2012 heralded a new planning application with AXF Group publicly taking the reigns for the project. Still with 33 levels, yet smaller at 111m in height, 545 Station Street drew considerable comment due to the near chaotic design (below right) put forward by <a href="http://buchan.com.au/" target="_blank">Buchan Group Architects</a>. Columnists such as <a href="http://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2012/06/06/does-this-look-like-a-landmark-building/" target="_blank">Alan Davies</a> questioned the merits of the design while Whitehorse City Council remained conspicuously quiet, and with good reason as it was revealed that the project had been put on hold due to an amended design taking shape.

<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/Imageggg5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Defunct 545 Station Street schemes. Images courtesy Whitehorse Leader &amp; AXF Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Imageggg5.jpg?itok=OxmW60i7" title="Defunct 545 Station Street schemes. Images courtesy Whitehorse Leader &amp; AXF Group" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Submitted in recent weeks, the new 545 Station Street proposal is now with Whitehorse City Council.  Ostensibly dumbed down, one could argue the revised design is an altogether more refined project which has seemingly listened to concerns and addressed them by way of an all glass, gold and silver tower.  Buchan Architects are once more responsible for the design; its showpiece being the 'tiled' north and south facades that draw design parallels to another Melbourne project - <a href="/news">Silver &amp; Bronze</a> currently at sales within Melbourne's Docklands.

Once more at 33 levels, the scheme now measures 114.2m in height on a site area of 2417sqm. A total of 419 apartments have been included within the tower, consisting of studio, one, two and three bedroom options with a typical floor plate holding a net floor area of 1055sqm. Studio apartments number 70 while one bedroom options number 72.  A healthy 264 two bedroom options are included with the balance consisting of 13 three bedroom apartments located through the towers highest 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/Image25_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Buchan's revised Box Hill submission. Image © Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image25_1.jpg?itok=nagHH9as" title="Buchan's revised Box Hill submission. Image © Buchan Group" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

The lower levels have come in for particular attention with Buchan Group significantly increasing the interactive nature of the immediate areas facing Station Street and surrounds.  A total of 288 car parking spaces have been provided for within five levels of underground parking, as have been 168 bicycle and 15 motorbike spaces. Vehicle access is via Carrington Road, allowing a full active frontage facing Station Street whilst a truck turntable is incorporated into the loading bay, maximising use of space.  A potential pedestrian link to Box Hill Centro Shopping Centre has been allowed for within the plans, further enhancing the public realm should the tower proceed.

Lower levels host a number of uses, with multiple restaurants totalling 2677sqm incorporated into the podium.  A further 715sqm of food and drink premises have also been allowed for, indicating the podium has been designed to be heavily used by the public, particularly outside normal business hours - a good outcome indeed.  2263sqm of serviced office space is also included whilst level six hosts 572sqm of residential gym/club/pool facilities.

<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/Image3_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The street scape, a quantum leap forward. Image © Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3_16.jpg?itok=OFXXzcop" title="The street scape, a quantum leap forward. Image © Buchan Group" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

For those who know the area well the podium of the new 545 Station Street proposal is in itself a vast improvement over the previous design and a quantum leap forward relative to what is found onsite at the moment. An open air car park, 545 Station Street is the ultimate detraction to the public realm in an area that has for sometime seemed tired and uninviting.

AXF Group would certainly be hoping that after years of trying to gain approval for 545 Station Street Box Hill, the revised planning application may finally curry favour with Whitehorse City Council. A 'bomb site' ripe for renewal surrounded by transport options, retail and services within an activity centre - if ever the Eastern suburbs were to gain a landmark tower, 545 Station Street seems the logical location for it.  Time will tell.

 
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Suburban Melbourne's tallest proposal redefined

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Another installment today in a series of urban street art tours, this time focusing on Little Smith Street Fitzroy. As is generally the way, stumbling into an area unintentionally can often lead to interesting results as seen in the article slideshow.  Little Smith Street as per the image below seems like a typical laneway, yet devote the time to walk its length and a myriad of street art works are there to be viewed adding to an otherwise uneventful walk.
Laneways such as Little Smith Street may not be the most visible or popular topic on Melburnians minds yet it's little gems such as these that add to the urban experience and the fabric of a suburb; and that's why UrbanMelbourne.info will always find interest in areas such as this.
<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_7013.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Little Smith Street from the south"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_7013.jpg?itok=21z5-1JT" title="Little Smith Street from the south" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
No doubt by now many of these have faded into obscurity or have been replaced by new works. If for no other reason it gives UrbanMelbourne.info a reason to visit the area once more down the track.  Enjoy the photo set below captured earlier this year.
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Little Smith Street, big style

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Today we take the wraps off yet another intended residential development for Fishermans Bend. 91 Montague Street South Melbourne (also known as 89-103 Gladstone Street) adds to Melbourne developer <a href="http://www.blueearth.com.au">Blue Earth Group's</a> burgeoning portfolio of residential projects over all stages of the development process. Following a recent collaboration with <a href="http://www.plusarchitecture.com.au">Plus Architecture</a> for an intended residential development located at <a href="/buildings/the-lantern-195-wellington-street-collingwood">195 Wellington Street Collingwood</a>, the two firms have teamed up once again to produce a striking 30 level residential tower within the Montague Precinct.

Located on the south east corner of the Gladstone Street and Montague Street intersection (below), and with the elevated 109 Tram line in close proximity to the north, 91 Montague Street can expect excellent sight lines to both the CBD and Port Phillip Bay for the foreseeable future. Immediately to the east of the subject site sits the recently built four level Industry Business Hub complex; also designed by Plus Architecture it was delivered by MAB Corporation. While the low rise complex will further enshrine potential views for 91 Montague Street, the balance of the MAB site will at some point hold three additional residential towers. Should their scheme be approved, MAB can expect a yield of 700 apartments, with the tallest tower reaching 34 levels.

Also visible in the urban analysis plan below is the intended Carlins Automotive development. Currently seeking approval, the Carlins planning application calls for a mixed-use four tower complex ultimately holding 900 apartments with the tallest tower at 39 levels or approximately 125 metres in height. Should the complex gain approval media reports suggest Carlins will sell the site in stages to property developers intending to deliver a staged development. Both of these planning applications will be looked at by Apartments.com.au in due course.

<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/002_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site position with the neighbouring Carlins site development plan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/002_3.jpg?itok=KQonNBxJ" title="Site position with the neighbouring Carlins site development plan" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Site position with the neighbouring Carlins site development plan</figcaption></figure>As is the way of Plus Architecture, the firm never fails in producing a visually stimulating design and 91 Montague Street is no exception. Rising the best part of 98 metres, the scheme is defined by a multitude of offset fins alternating between one and three floors in length which band together to create a chevron pattern. While providing design merit, the fins also serve a more practical purpose in that they're angled in such a fashion that allows for maximum shading from the harsh western summer sun. On a southwest-northeast axis, the fins also provide privacy screening while maximising views toward both Melbourne's CBD and Port Phillip Bay.

The intended tower's mass is essentially broken in two along an east-west axis where the northern facade carries a high articulation, the southern mass is less spectacular, almost staid, enforcing the distinction between the two elements. A southern boundary lift well is flanked by precast elements, catering for the likelihood of another tower abutting 91 Montague street in the future. Incorporated into the design is a six level podium of approximately 20 metres in height which has full coverage over the 815sqm site, while the towers northern form maintains a setback of 3.31 meters from the podium/street.

<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/Image7_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of 91 Montague Street, South Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image7_15.jpg?itok=PaJPEi--" title="Hero perspective of 91 Montague Street, South Melbourne" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of 91 Montague Street, South Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Ground floor for the intended tower consists of lobby, associated services and a retail space of 289sqm fronting Montague Street while access for services, 86 bike spaces and 77 car parking bays lies off Gladstone Place. Thereafter levels one and two maintain living areas fronting Montague Street while the balance of the floors in question are absorbed by car parking. Levels 3-5 are solely for the use of car parking and are serviced by a car lift system.

The diagram below shows the bulk of two bedroom apartments located either side of the lift well for the entirety of the tower while one bedroom options monopolise floors 7-26, enjoy northerly views. Levels 27-28 contain limited north facing three bedroom options with what one could imagine to be sublime views. Level 29 sees two recreational areas combining for an impressive 303sqm of amenity space.

Ten varying apartment layouts have been included in the planning document, the smallest of which comes in at a combined internal/external 50sqm of space for a one bedroom apartment while the most expansive three bedroom option weighs in at 97sqm of internal/external space which is by no means massive but encouraging nonetheless. Three bedroom apartments over Melbourne tend to be quite large and therefore expensive putting them beyond the reach of the average family, yet if this tower comes to fruition I'd be intrigued to see what the three bedroom options are priced at. With one bedroom apartments currently out of favour, compact yet reasonably priced three bedroom apartments may find their niche in the market.

<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/003_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="91 Montague Street orientation and apartment positioning"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/003_5.jpg?itok=I6s5mxCL" title="91 Montague Street orientation and apartment positioning" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>91 Montague Street orientation and apartment positioning</figcaption></figure>A multitude of planning applications for Fishermans Bend have been filed with the State Government seeking approval and like all others 91 Montague faces a lenghthy wait until the State Government releases a comprehensive structure plan for the impending renewal area.

All images © Plus Architecture.
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Planning Application > 91 Montague Street, South Melbourne

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Somewhat sleepy and neglected for too long, Port Melbourne has over the last fifteen years transformed itself into one of Melbourne's premier suburbs.  The steady infiltration of apartment living kicked off with Beacon Cove and the likes of the converted Sandridge Bay Towers, and has shown few signs of abating ever since.  In close proximity the the CBD and holding waterfront views, the area seemed destined to become a high-end residential enclave. 

On the back of this a number of exceptionally designed apartment buildings call Port Melbourne home, even those of a lower ilk are still far superior to apartment developments found in other parts of Melbourne (hello Preston). To that end developers and architects alike clammer to make their mark in Port Melbourne as the freedom of architectural expression, and prices for that matter, are generally higher than elsewhere in Melbourne.

<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_5587.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Port Melbourne as seen from Eureka Skydeck"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5587.jpg?itok=Uk9UoNxS" title="Port Melbourne as seen from Eureka Skydeck" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Purely the authors opinion but <a href="http://www.buxtongroup.com.au/cms-projects/armada.phps" target="_blank">Armada Port Melbourne</a> is the area's premier development for aesthetics. Seen below left, the apartment block was designed by Plus Architecture for developer Buxton Group. Completed during 2012, Buxton Group's website describes the development as being sympathetic to its surrounds; make of that what you will but it's just a well balanced, incredibly well designed building.

As for current developments, <a href="/buildings/aqueous-25-nott-street-port-melbourne" target="_blank">Aqueous Apartments</a> (below right) finds itself under construction. Concocted by Rothe Lowman for developer Prince Group the buildings will carry a unique facade upon completion and continue the evolving Port Melbourne style which generally encompasses 3 level podiums + tower / high-rise setback thereafter.  Housing affordability issues aside and focusing on the built form, if ever there were a real world example of how to fill in brownfields sites right across Melbourne's metropolitan area, Port Melbourne is the poster-child.

<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_32.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Armada &amp; Aqueous. Images © Buxton Group &amp; Rothe Lowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_32.jpg?itok=M9OSV11Q" title="Armada &amp; Aqueous. Images © Buxton Group &amp; Rothe Lowman" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Overall the striking twin towers that are HMAS Port Melbourne are the area's tallest structures, comfortably rising above all others as the suburb's dominant landmark, yet what if Port Melbourne were to go truly highrise either past or future? Would its charm and liveability lessen as a result?  I can't answer that with any authority but I can say emphatically that the diversity of design and a near uniform building height suburb-wide as a result of maintaining relatively stringent height controls makes it a great place to meander on a sun drenched day; and the sight lines to the CBD's skyline aren't half bad either.

Port Melbourne like a number of other Melbourne suburbs does have immense liveability, amenity and heritage aspects to boot. Whereas some are blatantly against urban development I'd contend the Port Melbourne is the benchmark for urban apartment design.  Certain areas of Melbourne do lend themselves to highrise towers yet I see Port Melbourne the the clear cut leader in terms of urban development versus design quality versus public and resident amenity. That they've managed to achieve this with predominantly mid-rise apartment buildings is commendable.

<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_689056.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Herald Sun"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_689056.jpg?itok=WVX0YcFS" title="Image courtesy Herald Sun" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Conversely readers may be interested to note the Kennett-led government of the day had drawn up plans to transform Port Melbourne into a satellite highrise suburb similar to Southbank's expansion plans for the time.  Taken from the Herald Sun and dated 3rd March 1999, the above graphic shows vast areas of Port Melbourne set aside for substantial change.  The Gateway to the Bay policy as it was dubbed would have led to Port Melbourne becoming an "International water-transport gateway with new piers and recreation facilities and a high-rise extension of the city and Southbank."

Which brings me to tomorrow's article; Blockhead makes a return with a concept design for sections of Port Melbourne's Station Pier. A design worthy for any city, 'The Dunes' complex intends to provoke thought and whilst utilising dead spaces, namely the at grade car park.  Regardless that's for tomorrow; as for today see below a catalogue of photos taken earlier this year highlighting the varying build form styles of Port Melbourne.

For those interested in following Port Melbourne's evolution in both detached and attached living, view this <a href="http://porthouses.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">blog</a>.
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Port Melbourne style

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A display suite for 62 Wests Road, Maribyrnong is rapidly coming together for a development which garnered much local opposition during the town planning process.  Designed by Interlandi Mantesso Architects on behalf of prevalent local developer <a href="http://www.jmcgroup.com.au/" target="_blank">JMC Group</a>, the development consisting of five buildings which will seemingly be delivered over stages.  Following site demolition, the display is being constructed upon land that will eventually take the development's largest building at 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/Img_6644.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="62 Wests Road display suite"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6644.jpg?itok=CIEPXX8_" title="62 Wests Road display suite" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
As mentioned the VCAT-endorsed scheme (below) sees five buildings of varying heights with the smallest buildings of four and three levels set to front Wests Road.  Buildings of seven and ten levels are also likely to be built first with the 18 level, 165 apartment, tower the likely last cab off the rank.  Overall numbers see 354 apartments endorsed over a site of 8907sqm with built coverage of 84% and site permeability of 9%.  Project car parking spaces total 516, quite large relative to apartments offered yet of those spaces, 73 will be available for visitors.  230 bicycle spaces have been approved with 76 allocated to visitors; essentially one visitor bike space to every two offered for residents which seems a proportionally high amount.
Seven differing apartment layouts will be offered over the development, starting with three differing one bedroom options ranging in size between 59sqm and 76.7sqm which include external spaces according to the endorsed planning application.  Thereafter three two bedroom options are available with the smallest starting at 79sqm, and the largest 2 bedroom + 2 bathroom + study delivering 130.8sqm of living space, 96.2sqm of which is internal.  The final 3 bedroom + 2 bathroom layout sees a total of 142sqm available with 128.6sqm of internal living space.
<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_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="62 Wests Road. Image © Interlandi Mantesso"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9_10.jpg?itok=1T4Rwq_R" title="62 Wests Road. Image © Interlandi Mantesso" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
The images below are interesting in that they allude to where the future of Maribyrnong lies.  62 Wests Road sits at the junction of two tram lines, they being lines 82 connecting Moonee Ponds with Footscray and 57 linking Melbourne CBD with West Maribyrnong.  Coupled with a bus interchange at Highpoint, Highpoint itself and the associated homemaker hubs plus community facilities and this particular pocket of Maribyrnong very much lend itself to intensive high density renewal given the immediacy of transport and services.  Currently utilised as self storage and light industrial, the land bound by Wests, Rosamond and Raleigh Roads is prime real estate as envisaged by Interlandi Mantesso below, and supported by VCAT during its approval of 62 Wests Road.
The unknown to date is what form the <a href="http://www.places.vic.gov.au/cs/Satellite?pagename=Places%2FLayout&amp;cid=1316149683264&amp;c=VPage" target="_blank">Maribyrnong Defence Site</a> (brown form below left) redevelopment will take.  Factoring in atrocious soil conditions leading to an incredibly expensive remediation process plus the growing propensity for individuals to choose apartment living, and high rise residential towers in part seem likely for Places Victoria's Maribyrnong Defence Site plan.  Cast your minds forward a decade or so and it's not beyond the realms of possibility that a multitude of apartment towers up to twenty levels will be Maribyrnong's highly visible signpost.
<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_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The future face of Maribyrnong. Image © Interlandi Mantesso"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image11_6.jpg?itok=eVC13Cxc" title="The future face of Maribyrnong. Image © Interlandi Mantesso" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
Unlikely?  Quite possibly although the push toward highrise living in Maribyrnong has gathered momentum of late.  Below is an image taken from the 2 Wests Road planning application currently before Maribyrnong City Council.  At 15 levels and containing 192 apartments the proposal is further enforcement of the notion that vast tracts of unused land around major transport/infrastructure centres should be used to their maximum potential, that is within the scope of appropriate local council framework of course.  VCAT in its decision for 62 Wests Road has set a precedent of sorts for the area in terms of height and density, one that the below proposal seems to fall within so it will be interesting to see Maribyrnong City Council's stance on 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/Image6_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2 Wests Road. Image © Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image6_10.jpg?itok=R0A77olC" title="2 Wests Road. Image © Doig Architecture" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
Without even broaching the subject of Edgewater Estate Maribyrnong, itself a hotbed of apartment construction, it's clear that Maribyrnong has the land, infrastructure and developer intent to become a higher density, highrise suburb.  And like most other suburbs of Melbourne, the speed and shape in which this occurs are the unknown quantities.
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Maribyrnong on the radar

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Collins Square seemed another run-of-the-mill development until I had the chance last week to take a guided tour through the complex with no less than the development's General Manager, Michael Spence.  Externally it displays all the restrained elegance that's expected of a <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart design</a>, and internally the innovative layout and finishes are of the highest order, culminating in The Lunch Room; a high quality communal retail space that’s accessible to the public.

Initially though, consider the likely access point for most pedestrians arriving via Collins Street as it connects from Spencer Street over Wurundjeri Way to Batman’s Hill Drive.  707 Collins Street aka The Lantern building is small in stature, yet striking in appearance.  Its interface with the street was deliberately set-back to provide pedestrians with a clear line of sight into the project, whilst also making a contribution to the public realm; a plaza has been constructed over Village Street to connect The Lantern with the main Collins Square site.  Works are for the most part complete, yet two striking markers will appear shortly reinforcing the notion of sense of place.  Designed by sculptor Dion Horstmans, a large yellow steel canopy will be erected between The Lantern and 727 Collins Street creating a public marker that's expected to be an instantly recognisable meeting place for visitors and workers alike.

<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/Horstmans.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Walker Corporation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Horstmans.jpg?itok=YGZWj6jS" title="Image courtesy Walker Corporation" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

The above render provides an indication as to the scale and intricacy of the glazed sculpture that will cast an ever changing light pattern across the plaza.  Further to this, high-profile restaurateur Pete Evans will deliver two new dining concepts at either end of the plaza, providing activation of the space.  These venues are now under construction and will add to the public experience, bringing life to this section of Collins Street outside of business hours.

As for the star of the show, The Lunch Room was opened to the public last week and will make an instant impression upon those who visit.  The spatial planning was designed by <a href="/architects/the-buchan-group">The Buchan Group</a>, with Walker’s own interior designer working with Blackmilk Interior Design on the fit-out.   The Lunch Room is accessed via a large atrium that seamlessly flows into a food court allowing for a grand feel to the area.  Similar in certain aspects to the internal food court found at QV, yet with a more brooding sophisticated element.   The Lunch Room is a high quality public space with attention given to the slightest detail; so much so Sydney-based developer Lang Walker was a weekly visitor inspecting progress and assuring all finishes met his exacting standards.

Currently home to nine food outlets such as Sobo Japanese and Edamama, the offerings will expand as more towers are developed.  With this in mind Collins Square has intentions of opening over weekends in due course; visitors to Etihad Stadium currently have limited options available.  Pete Evans' restaurants will go a long way to activating an area of Docklands that needs more critical mass to be successful outside of business hours.  In due course it's expected that over time 48,000 people will traverse Collins Square daily enjoying a choice of services, food outlets, cafes, restaurants, fashion, grocery and specialty retailers once the complex is complete.

<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_6653.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Lunch Room during its first week"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6653.jpg?itok=KIDwWFuF" title="The Lunch Room during its first week" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Another focal point recently unveiled is King Sun, a 48sqm mural conceived by renowned artist John Olsen.  Located in the lobby of the recently completed Tower 1 anchored by Marsh &amp; McLennan Companies, the Collins Square website carries the following description

"Olsen’s 6×8 metre piece is des­tined for the lobby of “Tower B” at Collins Square, Walker Corporation’s bil­lion dol­lar com­plex of retail and office build­ings at Dock­lands, designed by archi­tects Bates Smart. It is the largest piece the 85-​year-​old has worked on since 1982′s Salute to Five Bells, his vibrant, blue mural for the Syd­ney Opera House." “In this mural it’s based on the sun and we’ve got these incredible images that were taken by NASA,” he said. “Work­ing on that theme, the sun goes into dark cor­ners, the sun gives us light – what’s at the end of it?”

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/CollinsSquare-012_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="King Sun in frame and focus. Image courtesy Walker Corporation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/CollinsSquare-012_0.jpg?itok=ne0brtV2" title="King Sun in frame and focus. Image courtesy Walker Corporation" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Visible from Collins Street the mural takes pride of place, but only for now.  Mounted on a wall that will eventually make way once the adjoining Tower 2 office tower is constructed, the mural will be relocated elsewhere within the expanded lobby.  Upon completion of Tower 2, the common lobby will result in a cavernous, functional space with great connectivity between all areas, including The Lunch Room.  As for Tower 2, Walker Corporation last week submitted plans for the Hassell-designed commercial building to the State Government (DPCD) for consideration.  The approximately 60,000sqm complex is an evolution of the restrained Bates Smart designed commercial towers and is slated to include a three level mid-tower void laden with greenery.

Two other development sites round out Collins Square, one of which fronts Wurundjeri Way and lends itself to an exceptional design given it's in effect a marker into Melbourne's CBD for those arriving via the West Gate.  Regardless Walker Corporation has made excellent strides in enhancing the user experience at Collins Square, one which will only improve as the development expands to its intended size.

 

www.collinssquare.com.au

See below further internal design features of The Lunch Room located within Collins Square, 727 Collins Street

 
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The Lunch Room...and much more at Collins Square

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A chance to let the mind wander today via the workings of masterful ecoarchitect <a href="http://www.kenyeang.com/" target="_blank">Ken Yeang.</a> Renowned for blending greenery, ecological principles and extraordinary design to create memorable buildings, Ken Yeang is a champion of sustainable design with high aesthetics to match. A recent interview with Ken Yeang via The Architects Newspaper can be found <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://blog.archpaper.com/wordpress/archives/65234" target="_blank">here</a>.
Melbourne for the most is slowly progressing in terms of green architecture, with the majority of new towers (particularly commercial developments) still rather boxy and light on visible greenery and innovation. Two notable exceptions are Melbourne City Council's domicile aka Council House 2 (below left) and 720 Bourke Street. Currently under construction and the future home of Medibank Private, 720 Bourke Street is the only Docklands tower that actively incorporates greenery into its facade - this sole example is somewhat disappointing given Docklands should be Melbourne's showcase for contemporary design.
Click each image for a larger perspective.
<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_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="CH2 and 720 Bourke Street. Images Mark(LP) via Flickr and CBUS Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image8_8.jpg?itok=0zft2wzI" title="CH2 and 720 Bourke Street. Images Mark(LP) via Flickr and CBUS Property" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
Baring that in mind, here are UrbanMelbourne.info's top 5 Ken Yeang designs we'd love to see in Melbourne, specifically on sites throughout Melbourne which are prime for redevelopment.
5 - Compilation of Ken Yeang Skyscrapers @ 689 Collins Street
Allow me to indulge and bend the rules first-up. Last week it was announced Lend Lease had secured development rights to the last prime piece of Docklands real estate, which also fronts Collins Street. Given the scale of the site, aspects of three different Ken Yeang designs could be accommodated. See a concept design for Lend Lease's scheme below; good it may be but with a slightly more considered green approach, the result could be far more spectacular and sustainable.
<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/Comp_Ex47.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Porter Models"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Comp_Ex47.jpg?itok=-WhlIvC5" title="Image © Porter Models" typeof="foaf:Image"></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/Image15_16565.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Compilation image © Ken yeang"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image15_16565.jpg?itok=cZgANn_f" title="Compilation image © Ken yeang" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
4 - EDITT Tower @ Flinders Street Station
Most readers would have viewed the submissions for the <a href="http://vote.majorprojects.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">Flinders Street Station design competition</a> by now. It's generally expected the western end of Flinders Street Station will host some form of commercial space, yet a number of designs have seemingly added this as an afterthought. I say make a statement with the commercial component, a tower that residents and visitors alike would acknowledge as progressive, sustainable and environmentally responsible - enter EDITT Tower. At 20-25 levels it's an appropriately sized tower which could have visual oomph over the Yarra.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image14_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy inhabitat.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image14_2.jpg?itok=NGDY0fOh" title="Images courtesy inhabitat.com" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
3 - Spire Edge @ 695 La Trobe Street
695 La Trobe Street is currently a vacant block that has been subject to a number of proposals over the last decade, the most recent of which was a Fender Katsalidis-designed 36 level mixed-use tower seen inserted below. Holding a prime, open corner position with expansive city and waterfront views over Victoria Harbour, the site lends itself to a quality building with impressive green facades over all sides. Enter Ken Yeang's Spire Tower with its impressive green facade it makes the perfect ESD-credentialed statement for this particular site.
<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_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Base images © TR Hamzah &amp; Yeang. Inserted image © FK Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9_8.jpg?itok=CXDlTaeG" title="Base images © TR Hamzah &amp; Yeang. Inserted image © FK Architects" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
2 - Solaris @ Southern Cross Station (664 Collins)
The deck abutting Southern Cross station has sat dormant for a number of years, ready to accommodate a medium sized commercial building. Travelling along Collins Street west-bound it acts as a gateway site for Docklands. Opposite 689 Collins Street, the site screams for an innovative statement. A design of Solaris' quality would be fitting for 664 Collins Street and is in stark contrast to a number of commercial proposals put forward for the site to date (below left).
<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/Image12_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © Scharp Design &amp; TR Hamzah &amp; Yeang"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image12_3.jpg?itok=_L2ZDyau" title="Images © Scharp Design &amp; TR Hamzah &amp; Yeang" typeof="foaf:Image"></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/Image10_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © TR Hamzah &amp; Yeang"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_4.jpg?itok=qGLo03K1" title="Images © TR Hamzah &amp; Yeang" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
1 - Jianshe HQ Tower @ Fed Square East
Fed Square East demands a lot of factors be considered in its impending design. Public space, existing building sight lines, greenery &amp; ESD, arts and exhibition spaces, retail offerings, ease of access to Birrarung Marr, commercial space to offset construction costs etc. leads to an altogether complex yet exciting future project for Melbourne. Ken Yeang has seemingly solved the majority of listed issues with his masterful design for <a href="http://www.trhamzahyeang.com/project/skyscrapers/Jianshe_01" target="_blank">Jianshe HQ Tower</a> as part of architecture firm TR Hamzah &amp; Yeang. Imagine a design of Jianshe's ilk taking its place aside Fed Sqaure - a magnificent sight I'd suggest.
<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/05.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © TR Hamzah &amp; Yeang"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/05.jpg?itok=5l6NSq_R" title="Image © TR Hamzah &amp; Yeang" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
As for Ken Yeang actually designing a project in Melbourne? Melbourne should be so lucky!
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Top 5 Ken Yeang green designs we'd love to see in Melbourne

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Late last month a scheduled VCAT hearing was held for an interesting proposed residential development situated at 781-807 Dandenong Road, Malvern East. Currently a low-rise office complex, <a href="http://www.bensonsgroup.com.au/" target="_blank">Bensons Property Group</a> have facilitated plans to deliver an 18 level apartment block in an area where 6-8 levels has been the accepted norm in the emerging activity centre. After the success of their last high-rise project, ALT Apartments in Travancore, Bensons have once more turned to Fender Katsalidis Architects to deliver this scheme.
Stonnington City Council chose not to make a planning decision within the prescribed time frame although raised a number of concerns. Subsequently Fender Katsalidis produced an amended planning application that went before VCAT. Changes to the initial scheme included addition of visitor bike spaces, an enhanced landscape plan, changes over lower levels to maximise privacy concerns for intended future residents and neighbouring properties along with increased setbacks in areas. Architect Karl Fender in his witness statement to VCAT noted the following:
"The size and location of the subject site offers a compelling opportunity to provide a comprehensively designed mixed use development which provides a much needed higher density residential accomodation in a strategic location and which in turn respects the neighbours while appropriately marking this evolving precinct with architecture of excellence."
<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/Image24_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="781-807 Dandenong Road seen from John Street, Malvern East. Image © FloodSlicer "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image24_0.jpg?itok=-Go7Ritf" title="781-807 Dandenong Road seen from John Street, Malvern East. Image © FloodSlicer " typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
The intended development sees 314 apartments and 10 home offices as the main use spaces within the complex. Of the 314 apartments, 96 are slated to be one bedroom dwellings while a further 11 one bedroom options will come with a study. The remaining 207 apartments will hold two bedrooms over a variety of different floor plans. Lower levels see up to 28 dwellings per floor owing to the large size of the floor plate while upper levels of the tower carry 18 apartments per floor, the exception being level 17 where only 10 apartments are available of which two are single bedroom dwellings that will enjoy expansive views.
Supplemental to the above are multiple retail spaces totaling 365sqm while residential amenity areas total 138sqm, including a multi purpose meeting space. The required large setback from podium to tower has enabled an expansive landscaped area of 844sqm to be designed atop level four. The overall height of the tower is 61.7 metres and offers views in all directions, including those of the 'Phoenix Precinct' than encompasses nearby Monash University and Caulfield Racecourse, both of which have been slated for high-rise development.
Three basement levels will see car parking as will portions of the initial three levels above ground, which includes a double height first floor. 374 car parking spaces accessed via Dandenong Road are called for with 11 tandem spaces also included, as are provisions for 441 bicycle spaces and storage facilities. The total 365sqm of retail space will be split between three shops either side of a large residential lobby also facing Dandenong road.
<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/Image21_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="North-South section. Image © Fendet Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image21_0.jpg?itok=pcdv87xB" title="North-South section. Image © Fendet Katsalidis" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
In terms of ESD aspects and design impacts, consultancy firm ERM prepared a report for VCAT with a number of interesting elements. Outlined in the report is the developer's intention to include two electronic promotion signs measuring 9.6 metres by 3.55 metres, these will be located on level two of the Dandenong Road facade. Large advertising screens current exist above the occupying two level structure, nonetheless it's not that common to see a residential development with large electronic signage included.
Typical ESD principles are included such as water harvesting for re-use over landscaped areas, a host of efficient fittings and finishes and the use of solar panels. ERM also contends that given the current poor nature of the public realm, should the development be approved it will promote positive public interaction due to the developments active frontages and retail offerings.
Harking back to ALT Travancore, the podium-top landscape design is quite similar to that of ALT's in terms of layout and use of colour. Aspects of the 844sqm space seen below include barbeque facilities, large areas of synthetic turf, coloured paving, large planter boxes and a large pergola with hanging greenery attached.
<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/Image20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rooftop landscape plan. Image © Fendet Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image20.jpg?itok=O_TDed9A" title="Rooftop landscape plan. Image © Fendet Katsalidis" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
VCAT has yet to release a decision on 781-807 Dandenong Road, Malvern East.
See below a selection of high quality photo montages provided for the VCAT hearing. All images below © FloodSlicer
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Living the high life in Malvern East?

The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

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

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

Mark Baljak

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