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The decade-long bid to redevelop a vacant Downier Street site will come to fruition at the hand of <a href="/developers/little-projects-co">Little Projects</a>, with Hyatt Hotels Corporation signing on for their first Melbourne location.

Little Projects' intentions for a hotel development onsite were flagged last month, although the developer was reluctant to name the operator subject to agreements being finalised. Hyatt Centric Melbourne will include 278 guestrooms and suites, and is anticipated to be open for business during 2020.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation's take up of the Downie Street project continues the unparalleled flow of new hotel brands and capacity into <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's CBD</a>; this week IHG has also confirmed a new dual presence Holiday Inn and Hotel Indigo for a pending Bourke Street development.

Little Projects secured the Downie Street site during mid 2017 after the 1,187 square metre site had been offered for sale with a permit in place for a 30-storey <a href="/architects/peddle-thorp-architects">Peddle Thorp</a>-designed apartment tower of 255 apartments. Over a decade ago the site was intended to be home to Archer Apartments, a 35-storey building designed by <a href="/architects/edgard-pirrotta-architects">Edgard Pirrotta Architects</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image168_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Archer. Image: Edgard Pirrotta Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image168_1.jpg?itok=xOtZ8plp" title="The Archer. Image: Edgard Pirrotta Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Archer. Image: Edgard Pirrotta Architects</figcaption></figure>Although marketing began for that project, it never came to fruition.

After their purchase, Little Projects took the approved scheme back to planning with the intent of adding another hotel to Melbourne's burgeoning hotel sector. The amended design was given the green light last month and will adhere to the previously approved development envelope championed by Peddle Thorp Architects, although the newly reworked design is credited to <a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a>.

For Hyatt Hotels Corporation the Downie Street project adds to the existing Melbourne portfolio.

Hyatt Centric will supplement long-established outlets Park Hyatt Melbourne and Grand Hyatt Melbourne, plus Hyatt Place at <a href="/new-apartments/essendon-fields-vic-3041">Essendon Fields</a>. The latter $60 million project was completed during 2017 and remains Australia's sole Hyatt Place.

On the agreement with Hyatt Hotels Corporation and the renaissance of Melbourne CBD's western precinct, Little Projects head Paul Little stated:

<blockquote>
Finally, we have our answer to the Paris-end of Collins Street; what we have long seen as the developing end of the city is now presenting as a rival precinct in its own right. We are in the early stages of this change in perception and appreciation for an area of Melbourne that is only really just starting to unlock its potential.

Our Hyatt Centric Hotel brings together the existing advantages of a location that provides just enough breathing space from the city’s central business district, yet makes no sacrifices on amenities or hospitality offerings and boasts a culture unlike anything this city has ever known.

Couple the appetite for a more youthful hotel offering with a brand like Hyatt Centric and a location like Downie Street and the opportunity becomes evident.
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image167_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hobart's Hyatt Centric. Image: Hotel Management"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="811" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image167_0.jpg?itok=utBy27dg" title="Hobart's Hyatt Centric. Image: Hotel Management" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hobart's Hyatt Centric. Image: Hotel Management</figcaption></figure>The Downie Street presence will be the second Hyatt Centric for Australia after Hyatt Hotels and Resorts last year formalised a deal to launch the brand in Hobart.

Backed by Elizabeth Tasmania Pty Ltd, that project will see a 20 storey tower delivered with 221-guestrooms set over 17 levels in addition to a restaurant, bar/lounge and meeting facilities over lower floors.

Local firm JAWS Architects were appointed for the design, alongside Sydney-based Dreamtime Australia Design who was charged with the project's interior design.

With Hutchinson Builders are taking on the Hobart built, a contractor for Melbourne's Downie Street has yet to be announced although Little Projects expect site works to <a href="https://www.littleprojects.com.au/2018/04/23/downie-paul-little-gets-green-light-30-storey-melbourne-cbd-hotel/">begin this month</a>.
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silvermb

Little Projects lands Hyatt Centric for Downie Street

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The flow of student accommodation projects into planning across Melbourne's inner suburbs has slowed considerably, allowing for the massive associated spike in construction to take its place in the spotlight.

With the effective completion of <a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">Scape Melbourne</a> on Swanston Street and Iglu at <a href="/new-apartments/iglu-229-franklin-street-melbourne">229 Franklin Street</a>, there are still nine separate projects under construction. These nine alone will yield thousands of new beds for tertiary students.

<h2>At construction</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image157_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A small sample of student accommodation construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="610" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image157_2.jpg?itok=iwhnISTM" title="A small sample of student accommodation construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A small sample of student accommodation construction</figcaption></figure>Latest to construction is <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/melbourne/whitley-college-263-royal-parade-parkville">Whitley College</a> on Royal Parade. Builder Hacer has commenced early works across the site which will eventually see a new 6 storey building added behind the existing and unique circular brick building, for a total of 367 beds for GSA Australia.

Also in the starting blocks, UniLodge's 411-bed project across <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/melbourne/15-27-wreckyn-street-north-melbourne">15-27 Wreckyn Street</a> with LU Simon tasked with the build.

Beyond that, the balance of projects are at various stages of construction and are generally confined to Carlton and North Melbourne. The notable exception is <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">42-50 La Trobe Street</a> which is rapidly reaching its final height of 43 levels as builder Hickory utilises its HBS unitised building method onsite.

One of the tallest student accommodation towers anywhere, the development will see 783 beds built in studio, twin share and cluster formats.

<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/image159_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Atira La Trobe Street is approaching its highest point"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="853" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image159_3.jpg?itok=ptVZZT-C" title="Atira La Trobe Street is approaching its highest point" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Atira La Trobe Street is approaching its highest point</figcaption></figure><h2>All but complete</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image158_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Scape Melbourne and Iglu's first local offering"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image158_0.jpg?itok=kbhQE1-V" title="Scape Melbourne and Iglu's first local offering" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Scape Melbourne and Iglu's first local offering</figcaption></figure>Two developments are ready for handover as final touches are being applied.

<a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">Scape Melbourne</a> is the operator's first local tower and sees approximately 700 beds all but completed at the hand of contractor Built. The Denton Corker Marshall-designed high-rise is a vanguard project of sorts, ushering in the city's first student housing as skyscraper development.

<a href="/new-apartments/iglu-229-franklin-street-melbourne">Iglu Franklin Street</a> is a 594-bed student accommodation building that also resides in the northern reaches of Melbourne's CBD. Builder Hacer carries images of the project's <a href="http://www.hacer.com.au/projects/residential/iglu-229-franklin-street-melbourne">completed internals online</a>, although finishing work is still being carried out.

<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/image162_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Inside Iglu Franklin Street. Image: Hacer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="721" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image162_0.jpg?itok=AyF8nO09" title="Inside Iglu Franklin Street. Image: Hacer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Inside Iglu Franklin Street. Image: Hacer</figcaption></figure><h2>Developments in waiting</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image160_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="500 Swanston Street and 135 Bouverie Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image160_0.jpg?itok=TA_1fVia" title="500 Swanston Street and 135 Bouverie Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>500 Swanston Street and 135 Bouverie Street</figcaption></figure>Pending projects are among some of Melbourne's tallest projects inching toward construction. <a href="/news/atira-hits-melbourne-as-further-student-accommodation-projects-line-up">Atira A'Beckett Street</a>, <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/cbd-west-end/183-189-abeckett-street-melbourne">Wee Hur's 183-189 A'Beckett Street</a> and GreenFort Capital's <a href="/news/488-elizabeth-street-turns-to-student-accommodation">478-488 Elizabeth Street</a> are among the tallest towers in Melbourne expected to start construction in the short to medium term.

Wee Hur's A'Beckett Street project stands to become Melbourne's tallest approved student housing project; the approved permit allows for a 58 storey tower spanning 178 metres.

Scape's intended tower at <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/cbd-east-end/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin Street</a> was to have been the tallest student accommodation building on the planet at 199 metres, but has been rejected by the State Planning Minister. Whilst that project invariably goes back to the drawing board, Scape can pursue their freshly approved <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/melbourne/557-591-swanston-street-carlton">557-591 Swanston Street</a>; it will yield 870 new student beds.

The balance of projects looking to take their place in the skyline are via established operators. Iglu's <a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra tower</a> is at construction tender, Melbourne University is backing both the <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">Carlton Connect project</a> and <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">625-631 Swanston Street</a> whilst UniLodge are looking to make good on another location at <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">123-135 Bouverie Street</a>.

Not to be left behind is the Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne which is pushing for a new accommodation project at <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">197-235 Bouverie Street</a>. The design has changed markedly since its initial submission and is now seeking approval for a mid-rise building sporting a new vivid exterior.

<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/carl1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MGS Architects have designed 197 Bouverie Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/carl1.jpg?itok=FNFoXPb_" title="MGS Architects have designed 197 Bouverie Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MGS Architects have designed 197 Bouverie Street</figcaption></figure>
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An overview of Melbourne's hyperactive student accommodation projects

Apartment buyers may soon have another option atop Doncaster Hill on the back of developer Metro Equity gaining approval for a substantial apartment development across&nbsp;90-96 Tram Road.

Council voted in favour&nbsp;of the Fender Katsalidis-designed apartment building earlier last week, with a permit granted on Friday for the high density project. Documents which were first lodged for the development at the tail end of 2016 show the project has a build value of $45.4 million.

By far and away Metro Equity&#39;s largest project in Melbourne, the developer may well pull the trigger on a sales campaign shortly, already labelling the project Casablanca on its website.

<h2>90-96 Tram Road approval details</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image151_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Internal communal space. Application image: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="657" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image151_0.jpg?itok=y4FgjAp8" title="Internal communal space. Application image: Fender Katsalidis" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Internal communal space. Application image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption>
</figure>

<ul>
	<li>Submitted: 12/2016</li>
	<li>Site area: 4097sqm</li>
	<li>Floor count &amp; height:&nbsp;8 / 21.5m</li>
	<li>Number of Dwellings:&nbsp;158 - 4 x 1BR / 133 x 2BR / 21 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Total NSA: 13,602sqm</li>
	<li>Car Spaces:&nbsp;203&nbsp;</li>
	<li>NLA commercial: 672sqm</li>
	<li>Amenities:&nbsp;Communal courtyard, Pool, Gym, Cinema</li>
	<li>Cost of construction:&nbsp;$45.4 million</li>
	<li>Approved: 04/2018 by Manningham City Council</li>
</ul>

Council was suitable impressed by the design aesthetics and functionality of the proposal during their sitting last week, easily carrying the motion of approval. Indeed&nbsp;90-96 Tram Road does look to be quite progressive relative to the first wave of apartment projects that &#39;graced&#39; Doncaster Hill; these earlier projects can be summarised as &#39;cookie cutter&#39; precast developments.

The large size of the site has seen&nbsp;Fender Katsalidis place the development&#39;s communal facilities in the centre of the development, creating a sizeable void in the built form. This allows for&nbsp;a primary source of natural light for certain apartments, with others receiving natural light on two fronts.

The communal zone sees a pool, gym, library, lounge, dining room and exercise/yoga room arranged around a central&nbsp;landscaped area.

<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/image152_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tram Road interface. Application image: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image152_2.jpg?itok=ViHC-k7w" title="Tram Road interface. Application image: Fender Katsalidis" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Tram Road interface. Application image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption>
</figure>

<h2>Here&rsquo;s looking at you, Doncaster Hill</h2>

The prospect of&nbsp;Metro Equity launching Casablanca to the market in the not too distant future does give cause to look at the current state of Doncaster Hill and surrounds.

Urban.com.au has 24 separate current apartment developments within our <a href="/developments">Project Database</a>&nbsp;in Doncaster. It is a generally soft time in the market for 3108 in terms of apartment projects at registrations and sales; only a handful of&nbsp;developments are at registrations and sales with Delta Property Group&#39;s <a href="/buildings/the-point-doncaster-hill-600-doncaster-road-doncaster">The Point</a> and WinEx Property&#39;s <a href="/buildings/manning-doncaster-399-manningham-road-doncaster">Manning Doncaster</a> the standout projects.

A further five developments are well down the path of construction and are poised to add a further 550 apartments to Doncaster&#39;s supply in coming months.

For Metro Equity, Casablanca is a sizeable step up is scale of project. To date the developer has worked on a number of small-scale luxury townhouse and apartment projects in and around Doncaster Hill.

Metro Equity enters the Doncaster limelight with Casablanca

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Brisbane's outer suburban Mango Hill is playing host to a major development application that is likely to rank amongst the largest Australia-wide for 2018. The application also reinforces the trend of large-scale apartment projects landing in growth corridor suburbs on the perimeter of Brisbane and Sydney in particular.

Moreton Bay Regional council fielded the application in the past fortnight for 700 plus apartments in the staged development.

Entity Mango Hill Property Pty Ltd is backing the development which is sited across a massive vacant 41,710 square metre plot which has multiple street frontages. Brisbane City-based Ellivo Architects has designed the development which is expected to be delivered over 13 separate stages.

<h2>1785 Anzac Avenue, Mango Hill application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image94_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Application image: Ellivo Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image94_3.jpg?itok=l6DIpfsN" title="Application image: Ellivo Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Application image: Ellivo Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 41,710sqm</li>
	<li>Anzac Avenue &amp; Mango Hill Boulevard frontages</li>
	<li>13 buildings to 6 levels in height</li>
	<li>715 apartments: 179 x 1BR, 480 x 2BR, 56 x 3BR</li>
	<li>2 retail tenancies amounting to 183.7sqm</li>
	<li>843 car parking bays across basement levels</li>
	<li>4 communal spaces</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 62,698sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design intent</h2>

<blockquote>
Within this framework, Ellivo Architects developed an overall vision for the project which, identifies the key design themes and traits that will help create unique sense of place within the community and establish the bench mark for higher density residential development within the Mango Hill / North Lakes area.

Amongst other things, the vision document identifies the following key design elements which have informed the overall aesthetic and design:

<ul>
<li>Precinct Creation – Each of the communal areas are linked through a consistent landscape expression that continues through the site.</li>
	<li>Cohesion, simple and refined – It is important to establish a common thread of materials and forms that are refined and recognisable.</li>
	<li>Human scale individuality – The units located on the lower two levels of each building will directly interface with the street edge.</li>
	<li>An entry within the landscape – each entry is to sit as a feature within the landscape, marking the entry to each building as a focus point that draws you into the building.</li>
</ul>
PSA Consulting Australia - Planning report
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image96_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Staging plan. Image: Ellivo Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="250" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image96_0.jpg?itok=XlqHfoBA" title="Staging plan. Image: Ellivo Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Staging plan. Image: Ellivo Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Popular in in QLD and NSW, but not so Victoria</h2>

The Mango Hill application is very much reflective of the development model applied to outer suburban apartment projects nationwide in that multiple medium-rise buildings are envisaged in order to roll the project out progressively. 

The strengthening trend of low and mid-rise higher density apartment developments creeping into peripheral suburbs across both Brisbane and Sydney is not necessarily the case in Melbourne's outer suburbs though. Comparatively few apartment projects have made it into Melbourne's growth area corridors.

MAB Corporation's Merrifield and GPC's Mason Point developments well north of Melbourne's CBD is the notable exceptions; since inception they have included higher density living options.

The Mango Hill proposal inserts itself into an area light on for high density development, but heavy with other uses such as education, retail and transport. It underlines Brisbane's drift toward peripheral higher density living, but Sydney is by far and away the most advanced Australian city in this regard.

Multiple locations can be cited where greenfield development applications are heavy with apartment projects. Camden City council's Leppington is a prime example; Urban.com.au keeping tabs on six separate major projects amounting to 1,200 plus apartments within the suburb which is  55 kilometres south-west of Sydney's CBD.

<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/image46_10_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Leppington's 202 Byron Road. Application image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_10_0.jpg?itok=5jxjIY_3" title="Leppington's 202 Byron Road. Application image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Leppington's 202 Byron Road. Application image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>
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Mango Hill shapes as one of the nation's largest applications for 2018

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The ‘Agent of Change’ provision has been cited by respondents in relation to a planning application seeking an 8 storey apartment development adjacent to live music venue Howler.

Introduced by the Victorian state government during 2014, the ‘Agent of Change’ principle effectively protects live music venues from residential development. A key planning consideration for Brunswick's <a href="/buildings/archer-8-14-michael-street-brunswick">8-14 Michael Street</a> was whether future occupants would be protected from unreasonable noise impacts emanating from Howler.

Moreland City Council's failure to determine the application within prescribed timelines has seen the proposal book a date with VCAT, with negotiations scheduled prior to a June 25th hearing.

VCAT's involvement though may be streamlined given that Council has been urged by internal planners to recommend a permit be granted by VCAT subject to conditions.

8-14 Michael Street's application garnered 426 objections and presentations to Council from Howler owner Brendan Brogan and Music Victoria. Despite Council planners recommending approval, Moreland City Council elected to reject the application based upon the weight of public discourse.

Brendan Brogan <a href="http://themusic.com.au/news/all/2018/04/27/howler-bar-safe-after-council-rejects-proposed-developments/">was quoted in The Music as follows</a>:

<blockquote>
The councillors rightly believed that 74 apartments next to a live music venue would be problematic. They saw that the design didn’t take into account the Agent Of Change principle and that more design would be needed to enable residents and Howler to co-exist.

It is a massive win for the music industry. It means music venues are genuinely starting to feel the protection of the Agent Of Change law.

They saw that Moreland needed development, but they also saw that live music formed a key part of why people would live in Brunswick.
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image116_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="8-14 Michael Street is still up for approval. Image: SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="378" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image116_2.jpg?itok=B62xf8MO" title="8-14 Michael Street is still up for approval. Image: SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>8-14 Michael Street is still up for approval. Image: SJB</figcaption></figure>Moreland City Council's Deputy Mayor, Natalie Abboud was also quoted in The Music regarding the application's perceived shortcomings. "We felt that the interface between it and Howler was too sensitive and the requirements regarding Agent Of Change and sound assessments (specifically related to vibration) had not been fully met."

To counter this, acoustic attenuation recommendations form part of the planning officers report on the intended development which will carry on to VCAT. Acoustic modelling prior to occupancy and testing post occupancy are recommended in order to satisfy concerns, with further works mandated if needed in order to make the apartments compliant with noise level guidelines.

Moreland City Council fielded the initial application for the intended development during December 2016.

Designed by SJB the application includes a mix of 33 single, 38 double and 3 triple bedroom apartments for developer Brunswick Holdings, with apartment sized ranging between 50 and 127 square metres.
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VCAT now the 'Agent of Change' for Brunswick's Michael Street apartments

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The next squadron of mid-sized apartment projects are closing in on a construction start if current build tenders are any indication.

With large-scale apartment projects in somewhat of a lull, small and mid-sized apartment projects have stepped in to absorb current demand. The varied locations of these projects at tender is also set to reinforce the continued proliferation of apartment developments to all corners of Melbourne.

First though a trio of projects that are being retendered due to the demise of contractor Project Group. Having gone to the wall during March, the builder has left a number of apartment projects and their respective developers in a bind.

Curve on Essendon North's Keilor Road was set to begin piling during March, whilst the builds on both Herbert King and Merri Green were in progress.

After a short hiatus the newly selected builders will seemingly have the apartment projects back on track in the weeks to come.

<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/image79_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Former projects under the control of Project Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="480" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image79_10.jpg?itok=K3E76zlC" title="Former projects under the control of Project Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Former projects under the control of Project Group</figcaption></figure>The remaining nine projects are dotted across Melbourne.

Burbank Group's Edge One in Werribee is at construction tender, with 100 apartments slated for the 10 level building. Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/burbank-advances-plans-for-werribees-riverbend-site">covered the planning application</a> at the turn of the year.

Also on Melbourne's periphery is Gibson Property Corporation's latest apartment release within Mason Point. Set for a public release shortly, the project's tender is for delivery of the final stage within the mixed-use precinct consisting of a six storey build; 55 apartments above multiple retail spaces at ground level.

Swinging to Melbourne's South East and two further projects have progressed to construction tender.

Mercuri at 8 Elliott Avenue Carnegie is poised to join the throng of apartment projects under construction in the immediate area whilst Balfour Development Group is ready to advance Malvern &amp; York. That project consists of 16 luxury apartments across 3 levels, and much like Mercuri it finds itself in the middle of much higher-density construction activity.

<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/image88_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mason Point, Malvern &amp; York and The Rochester are closing to"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="285" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image88_7.jpg?itok=R0CV-WGv" title="Mason Point, Malvern &amp; York and The Rochester are closing to" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mason Point, Malvern &amp; York and The Rochester are close to beginning</figcaption></figure>The balance of projects are within inner city suburbs; Brunwick, Fitzroy, Abbotsford and North Melbourne are all set to see additional construction in the near future.

Breese Apartments in Brunswick was <a href="/news/emphasis-on-sustainable-design-for-milieus-latest-in-brunswick">highlighted earlier in the week</a> whilst 22-28 Courtney Street's sales campaign has seen it also advance to a build tender.

The remaining three projects all front Johnston Street. GURNER's The Spanish Club and The Rochester are both dedicated apartment developments in Fitzroy whilst 344 Johnston Street in Abbotsford is also at tender. The mixed-use scheme for the site was during August last year and looks to be edging closer to reality.
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A dozen mid-sized apartment projects inch closer to construction

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An oddly placed and shaped sliver of land is up for development as City of Port Phillip processes an application for 195-199 Ferrars Street.

Tucked up against a light rail embankment and bound by Ferrars Street and City Road, the narrow site is now subject to a 10 level residential building looking to replace what was the Python Choppers Motorcycle Company digs. The site falls between the South Melbourne Central Activity Centre and Fishermans Bend.

The irregularly shaped and effectively isolated plot holds a roughly 50 metre frontage to Ferrars Street, with little more than 10 metres to City Road.

Tandem Design Studio have handled the design on behalf of 195 Ferrars Street Pty Ltd.

<h2>195-199 Ferrars Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image111_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Versus draft planning controls. Planning image: TANDEM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image111_4.jpg?itok=-vMYR-yY" title="Versus draft planning controls. Planning image: TANDEM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Versus draft planning controls. Planning image: TANDEM</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 594sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed: 10 storey building plus rooftop terrace at 34m to lift overrun</li>
	<li>47 apartments: 27 x 1BR, 18 x 2BR, 2 x 3BR</li>
	<li>26 apartment types on offer</li>
	<li>21 parking spaces and 21 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>Double storey 228sqm cafe + 140sqm office space</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $16m</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design aspects</h2>

Tandem Design Studio have referenced a handful of South Melbourne buildings and their heritage brick character as influencing the Ferrars street design. Corten steel, glazing and concrete play secondary roles behind the application's use of brick.

<blockquote>
The subject site presents an opportunity to realise architecture deeply embedded in the past, present and future.

Our proposal for 195-199 Ferrars Street acknowledges this rich masonry architectural heritage by choosing brick as its primary material. This choice displaces the current practice of sheathing buildings in glass, reducing embedded energy, heat loads and adding thermal mass.

This banded treatment benefits apartments, creating freedom for furniture placement, enhancing privacy and the opportunity to build in terrace gardens and planted edges.
<cite>Tandem Design Studio: Design Statement</cite>
</blockquote>

Internally the development intends to create 26 separate apartment types with 97% of the included apartments subject to natural cross ventilation. The wide, narrow site leads to apartment floorplates that have been designed to capture as much light and natural ventilation as possible.

It is noted that 17 apartments comply with Better Apartments Design Standards, with the balance falling marginally short of the standards.

<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/image110_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: TANDEM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image110_1.jpg?itok=LtddrfLf" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: TANDEM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Planning image: TANDEM</figcaption></figure><h2>CoPP responds</h2>

Upon assessing the initial application, City of Port Phillip have noted some concerns with the proposal, although the major point of contention related to the building's scale and height.

Town planning consultancy Contour have countered by noting that the site has no sensitive interfaces, based upon its isolated position. Further to this the area directly opposite within Fishermans Bend is the Montague Precinct which is subject to developments spanning up to 18 levels.

195-199 Ferrars Street landed with Council just prior to the new year.
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Tandem tackles a tight Ferrars Street site

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Southbank's premier development site will be subject to an elite level design competition as Beulah International pushes ahead with the rebirth of 58 Southbank Boulevard.

After paying $101 million for the prominent 6,191 square metre site which also fronts City Road, the developer has today released a design shortlist which includes a handful of acclaimed international firms. The international contingent will partner will Australian-based architecture practices for the competition.

The BMW Southbank site is expected to have an end value in excess of $2 billion, elevating it to one of the city's largest developments based upon value and invariably size.

Under Beulah International's intended process, the six invited partnerships will during the next stage of the selection process make their designs public. According to the developer, initial concepts will be presented to a jury "comprising of seven highly regarded individuals from academia, architecture and design, property and government on Thursday 17 May."

July will see the winning design announced. The shortlisted design partnerships are:

<ul>
<li>Bjarke Ingels Group with Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Coop Himmelb(l)au with Architectus</li>
	<li>MAD Architects with Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>MVRDV with Woods Bagot</li>
	<li>Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) with Conrad Gargett</li>
	<li>UNStudio with Cox Architecture</li>
</ul>
With the aim of delivering a development of genuine distinction, Beulah International Executive Director Adelene Teh touched upon the calibre of entrants and their vision for the site.

<blockquote>
These architects are known to push boundaries and have worked on progressive large scale projects across the globe that have redefined architecture.

Our vision for the site is to create a landmark that innovates and redefines the way the built environment responds to how Melburnians and visitors live, work and interact, and each of the shortlisted architects have adopted this vision in their own way.
</blockquote>

Fender Katsalidis created a concept plan for the site during its sales campaign, seeing dual towers incorporating 800 plus apartments, 600 hotel rooms and 10,000 square metres of retail space.

Although not a binding design, the below concept render does provide readers with an indicative scale of what Beulah international intend to deliver across the site.

<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/image3_6_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concept design for 58 Southbank Boulevard"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3_6_0.jpg?itok=tVjyTOk1" title="Concept design for 58 Southbank Boulevard" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concept design for 58 Southbank Boulevard</figcaption></figure>Lead image: FM Digital
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A design tour de force beckons for Beulah International's BMW Southbank site

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Already no stranger to major suburban skyscrapers, Sydney may well host a duo of hulking towers in Crown Nest.

The push is on to capitalise upon the NSW Department of Planning and Environment's strategic review of the St Leonards and Crows Nest Station Precinct, with the new Crows Nest Metro Station at the heart of the renewal area. Entity Eastern Property Alliance Pty Ltd is behind the bid to realise two skyline changing towers of 193 and 162 metres within the precinct which is earmarked for greater densification.

Both towers are slated for a triangular site bound by Falcon Street, Alexander Street and Pacific Highway. Known as the five ways intersection site, the 3,010 square metre plot acts as a southern gateway site for both Crown Nest and adjoining St Leonards.

North Sydney Council fielded the application earlier this month, and is officially addressed 395-419 Pacific Highway.

<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/image53_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective. Planning image: Sydney Design Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1145" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image53_6.jpg?itok=PnYTMw-f" title="Hero perspective. Planning image: Sydney Design Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective. Planning image: Sydney Design Studio</figcaption></figure>Darlinghurst-based Sydney Architecture Studio have conceived the dual tower design, describing the project within their concept design report in the following manner:

<blockquote>
The proposal addresses the aspirations outlined in the Preliminary Urban Analysis by creating a ‘gateway’ site. Furthermore, it is appreciated that the project needs to deliver a work of international significance in order to establish the southern ‘gateway’ to the new Crows Nest and St Leonards CBD.

Balancing the needs and interests of the local community while addressing the bigger picture changes as a new CBD is part of our work.

The proposal seeks to present an architectural expression that reflects the mixed-uses &amp; diversity within. Rather than a singular repetitive tower facade, we will be exploring architectural devises that are in direct response to orientation, height above ground, and drone by user needs within.

In order for Crows Nest to continue to play an important role as a vibrant activity centre, it is critical there are opportunities to accommodate a mix of economic activity.
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image55_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium and hotel articulation. Planning image: Sydney Design Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="431" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_8.jpg?itok=XZF0S9Zk" title="Podium and hotel articulation. Planning image: Sydney Design Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podium and hotel articulation. Planning image: Sydney Design Studio</figcaption></figure>The development team's intent in delivering a mixed-use project sees in inclusion of all uses aside from the typical residential outcome. More specifically 10-15% of the 60 and 50-storey towers uses will be dedicated to non residential (retail/ office/ hotel).

7 basement levels are envisaged, with the common podium structure above incorporating multiple levels of retail and commercial space, childcare facilities and recreational areas.

Hotel areas are envisaged within the lower portion of the towers proper, with dedicated residential apartments above.

395-419 Pacific Highway is not the only site in Crows Nest expecting a tower of considerable size. Consultancy firm Property Development Systems is showcasing <a href="https://www.propertydevelopmentsystems.com/the-wentworth/">The Wentworth at 286 Pacific Highway</a> which is directly opposite 395-419 Pacific Highway.

Imagery suggests it will span approximately to levels although no development application relative to this development has been lodged to date.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image56_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Wentworth. Image: Property Development Systems"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image56_7.jpg?itok=uE0VDn0_" title="The Wentworth. Image: Property Development Systems" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Wentworth. Image: Property Development Systems</figcaption></figure>
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Crows Nest earmarked for Sydney's next major skyscrapers

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Milieu Property's latest Brunswick residential project is looking to bolster the suburb's growing design-driven credentials in higher density living.

The area in and around Anstey Station, in particular, is establishing a reputation for high-end sustainable and community-driven design, with Milieu's Breese Street the latest project intent on becoming reality. DKO Architecture and Breathe Architecture have collaboratively designed the seven level project which Milieu notes as being their most community-centric to date.

So much so, design presentations took place last week with prospective residents, with the intent of refining the design further. 

This week's round of consultation follows on from a ‘Liveability Survey’ conducted for the project earlier in the year, facilitating the free exchange of ideas on all aspects of the building’s design. One outcome of the design symposium will see Breese Street limited to a maximum of five apartments per floor.

<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/180410_albion_preview.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Breese Street rendered in situ. Image: Milieu Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="814" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/180410_albion_preview.jpeg?itok=0Dm8t-8N" title="Breese Street rendered in situ. Image: Milieu Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Breese Street rendered in situ. Image: Milieu Property</figcaption></figure>With sustainability high on Milieu's agenda, the design team has shadowed other developments in the Anstey precinct by incorporating a highly active rooftop area. Described as a “backyard in the sky”, the building’s rooftop will see a communal vegetable plot plus native plants selected by landscape design practice MALA.

The intent is to create a bionetwork capable of attracting and sustaining butterflies, birds and introduced animals such as frogs.

Rooftop aside, Breese Street is targeting a 7.5 Star Energy Rating, positioning it as one of Melbourne's most environmentally sustainable developments. No energy will be required to heat or cool the building due to the characteristics of the project's design, although a 30-kilowatt PV solar panel system will be incorporated across Breese Street's sloping roof.

<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/180409_b_rooftop_preview.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Intended rooftop terrace. Image: Milieu Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/180409_b_rooftop_preview.jpeg?itok=BGpwQFLa" title="Intended rooftop terrace. Image: Milieu Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Intended rooftop terrace. Image: Milieu Property</figcaption></figure>Additional energy requirements for the development will come from 100% GreenPower purchased by the future owners’ corporation, which "utilises renewable energy sources, off-sets carbon and allows residents to access wholesale energy prices" according to Milieu. 
Further to this, the development is proposed to create or consume no fossil fuels.

Breese Street will join a trio of additional high density residential projects in the Anstey precinct that boast progressive design and sustainability credentials. Apartments.com.au has over recent years reported on <a href="/news/is-this-melbournes-best-new-residential-development">The Commons</a> which was a watershed development in the area. 
Directly opposite The Commons and a stone's thrown from Breese Street is <a href="/news/nightingales-initial-project-reaches-completion-as-more-in-the-series-begin-construction">Nightingale</a>, also the work of Breathe Architecture.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/180410_interior_living_00_preview.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior space. Image: Milieu Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/180410_interior_living_00_preview.jpeg?itok=9punk4Xd" title="Interior space. Image: Milieu Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interior space. Image: Milieu Property</figcaption></figure>The trio of developments along with the forthcoming Nightingale Village development further south on Breese Street has prompted Milieu to describe the Anstey precinct as "on the precipice of a housing revolution of international significance." 

Nightingale Village has previously been <a href="/news/nightingale-housing-plans-seven-buildings-across-brunswicks-duckett-street">covered</a> by Apartments.com.au, and will see the collaboration of seven architecture firms in designing multiple buildings that will adhere to the social, environmental and financial sustainability principles of the Nightingale model. 

<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/nightingalevillagemap.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nightingale Village. Image: http://nightingalehousing.org"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nightingalevillagemap.jpg?itok=PjClHjF5" title="Nightingale Village. Image: http://nightingalehousing.org" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nightingale Village. Image: nightingalehousing.org</figcaption></figure>
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Emphasis on sustainable design for Milieu's latest in Brunswick

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

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“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

Mark Baljak

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