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Nightingale 1 now stands directly opposite The Commons in Florence Street Brunswick (which acted as the test bed project for the wider Nightingale series) as the completed first project in the mushrooming series of development which have social, environmental and financial sustainable goals at their core.

Designed by <a href="http://www.breathe.com.au/nightingale/">Breathe Architecture</a>, the project's completion heralds another landmark in the Nightingale series which has expanded rapidly in recent times due to intense public interest; so much so that <a href="/news/nightingale-housing-plans-seven-buildings-across-brunswicks-duckett-street">7 buildings are planned at nearby Duckett Street</a> in a village like configuration.

Urban.com.au has followed the progress of Nightingale 1 closely, reporting on builder Project Group's <a href="/news/nightingale-1-reaches-a-construction-milestone">topping out</a> of the development last year, with it subsequently reaching completion late last year and now fully occupied.

Nightingale 1 is a five-storey building containing 20 apartments, a ground floor tenancy and rooftop communal gardens. The project slant toward sustainability sees it with an average rating of 8.2 stars, and includes a shared 18kW solar array.

Championing sustainability and ingenuity across the entire series of developments, the forthcoming Nightingale 3 at 209 Sydney Road is likely to be built with cross-laminated timber panels provided by XLam.

<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_4525.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nighingale 1's mural dubbed 'Selene'"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4525.jpg?itok=3RyFOx3S" title="Nighingale 1's mural dubbed 'Selene'" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nighingale 1's mural dubbed 'Selene'</figcaption></figure>Nightingale 1's north and south elevations feature deep-set balconies. The southern facade is finished with a glass screen whilst the northern facade will in time sport a green exterior that will help shield direct summer sunlight exposure.

The development's abbreviated podium features a brick finish, a feature which has become commonplace over other projects in the Nightingale series. At street level design studio Urban Commons have provided Foodscape Plot planter boxes to soften the relationship between building and streetscape.

A striking design feature of Nightingale 1 is the commissioned building-wide mural which will unfortunately not be a permanent sight for passers-by. <a href="/new-apartments/mesh-apartments-8-florence-street-brunswick">Mesh Apartments</a> which is currently at sales adjoins the completed building and will in time cover the massive artwork.

In a nice synergy tying in with the buildings heightened design credentials, Branch Studio Architects are now in residence across a ground floor tenancy.

<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_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nightingale 1's various angles"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="566" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image56_5.jpg?itok=aM5lOL9v" title="Nightingale 1's various angles" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nightingale 1's various angles</figcaption></figure>Nightingale 1's completion rolls into the commencement of another in the series. Earthworks have begun on Nightingale 2 located at 72A Station Street, Fairfield.

Hard against Fairfield railway station, the site is now in the hands of builder Atelier Projects. Six Degrees Architects and sustainability agency HIP V. HYPE are overseeing the project which will add 20 owner occupier apartments to the area.

Not far behind in terms of construction is Nightingale Brunswick East with Liberty Builders announcing during December that it has won the right to build the project. 38 apartments were set aside within the development backed by Lucent Capital, effectively resulting in the project being divided in half to accommodate the Nightingale model.

The building will target an embedded energy network, helping to achieve a 7.5 star NatHers energy rating.

<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/1715littlemiller_lucentcapital_external_cafecopy_cg.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nightingale Brunswick East is poised to begin construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="303" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1715littlemiller_lucentcapital_external_cafecopy_cg.jpg?itok=HsTw7F9i" title="Nightingale Brunswick East is poised to begin construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nightingale Brunswick East is poised to begin construction</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Nightingale's initial project reaches completion as more in the series begin construction

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Fishermans Bend's largest land owner has teamed with Roberts Day to table a far-reaching report which forms its response to the Fishermans Bend Draft Framework Plan.

Across 437-481 Plummer Street, 153 Bertie Street &amp; 350 Bridge Street and 520 Graham Street, the Goodman portfolio spans six separate land parcels amounting to 33 hectares, or in excess of 330,000 square metres. 26 hectares of this land is continuous across both the Wirraway and Sandridge precincts.

As such both Goodman Group (Goodman Property Services Pty Ltd) and Roberts Day see the various development sites as a unique opportunity.

<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/jpef.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of Goodman's four land parcels. Image: Roberts Day"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jpef.jpg?itok=lucocA7F" title="Aerial perspective of Goodman's four land parcels. Image: Roberts Day" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of Goodman's four land parcels. Image: Roberts Day</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The Goodman’s land has the potential scale to create a 21st century extension to the city. Since the inception of Fishermans Bend and as the precinct’s largest landowner, Goodman has always sought to proactively partner with government to shape a great place delivering real public benefit.

Our response to the Draft Framework reflects Goodman’s desire to embrace and evolve the vision and its sustainability goals.

The Draft Framework requires a significant amount of private land be dedicated for new streets, lanes and parks. It also identifies a range of other public benefits, including community-orientated hubs and affordable housing as desirable. Goodman supports in-principle these goals of the Draft Framework.

In realising the full potential of Fishermans Bend, a transport solution to match people’s mobility needs as renewal occurs has always been ‘’the challenge’’.
<cite>Submission to the Fishermans Bend Planning Review Panel</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An envisaged high-rise precinct. Image: Roberts Day"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hero.jpg?itok=RJ_dehO8" title="An envisaged high-rise precinct. Image: Roberts Day" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An envisaged high-rise precinct. Image: Roberts Day</figcaption></figure><h2>Give and take on the question of height and density</h2>

Goodman Group and Roberts Day have formulated two additional built form concepts after determining that the current Base Concept (a literal interpretation of the FAR, Height and other key design controls under the Draft Framework) has deficiencies. "The Draft Framework’s conundrum is that the ‘place density’ and ‘resident density’ are not optimised. In other words, the relatively low ‘resident density’ will undermine the inherent value of the public realm framework".

The two additional concepts look to "reconcile this conundrum by increasing the resident density in a way that is still consistent with the overall vision for Fishermans Bend and Draft Frameworks Sustainability Goals".

Consequently a Base Plus Concept and Value Add Concept have been included for consideration. Base Plus involves slight height increases across each precinct, whilst the Value Add Concept is intended to optimise both public realm inclusions, public benefits and residential density.

Goodman's stance is that an increased public realm intensity justifies an increase in average resident density to between 427 to 524 dwellings per hectare.

It is worth noting that although the majority of Goodman's land holdings maintain height controls, its most eastern developable land is height unlimited with the only caveat being that public spaces cannot be overshadowed.

<h2>Additional key recommendations</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/pedestrian.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of a low-rise precinct. Image: Roberts Day"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/pedestrian.jpg?itok=suXpiLWx" title="Artist's impression of a low-rise precinct. Image: Roberts Day" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of a low-rise precinct. Image: Roberts Day</figcaption></figure>Goodman's submission also touched upon the following topics:

<ul>
<li>
Revise FAU Uplift Control: Goodman will use the FAR Uplift Control to deliver a significant quantum of hubs and affordable housing at a district scale, but requires the numeric height limit of the Uplift Control be replaced by performance based measures.</li>
	<li>
Affordable housing: The revised FAU Uplift Control provides the appropriate mechanism for the private sector to deliver a rate of affordable housing in equilibrum with market housing. As such, the 6% target should be deleted.</li>
	<li>
Adjust apartment size and mix: The Draft Framework’s proposed three bedroom target lacsk flexibility in responding to the market and end user needs. A performance based objective is considered a more appropriate mechanism.</li>
	<li>
Delete heritage overlay: The Draft Framework incorrectly identifies a heritage overlay on a significant part of Goodman’s Sandridge land. The overlay artificially limits the potential of this land. It is not supported by the background reports or heritage experts and should be deleted. </li>
	<li>
Goodman future mobility network: Government support in-principle Goodman’s mobility vision and a ‘city deal’ or public private partnership discussion is initiated to create a roadmap for success.</li>
	<li>
Focus hubs in Wirraway: Using a revised FAU Uplift Control, Goodman will deliver a significant quantum of hubs in close proximity to JL Murphy Reserve. Wirraway’s job creation will focus on people working in health, education and creative sectors.</li>
</ul>
To digest the Goodman Group/Roberts Day submission in full, visit the Fishermans Bend Planning Review Panel submission <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/application/files/7515/1364/3984/Submission_149_-_Goodman.pdf">here</a>.
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Goodman Group outlines its future Fishermans Bend expectations

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Steller's hefty portfolio of current residential projects continues to tick along, as the developer pursues another multi-level development in Moorabbin.

Sited at 13-15 Taylor Street, the pending project would account for a JAX Tyres outlet, and is a continuance of Steller's preference for apartment projects across Melbourne's South Eastern suburbs. Submitted for approval is a 10-storey mixed-use building created by Steller's in-house design team; a move that sees the developer's long favoured architecture firm Ewert Leaf overlooked on this particular project.

In store are 71 apartments across the 1,254 square metre site which holds a frontage of 30 metres to Taylor 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/image48_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="13-15 Taylor Street. Planning image: Steller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="594" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_10.jpg?itok=fn_jFFia" title="13-15 Taylor Street. Planning image: Steller" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>13-15 Taylor Street. Planning image: Steller</figcaption></figure>Steller has veered away somewhat from their stock-in-trade of large two and three bedroom apartments with 13-15 Taylor Street, electing to add 15 studio apartments into the mix. Not often detected through the Apartments.com.au Project Database, the addition of studio dwellings may well be reflective of the target buyer Steller has in mind.

Studio apartments are supplemented by 52 dual bedroom and 4 triple bedroom apartments within the proposal.

3 retail outlets amounting to 268 square metres, an office of 320 square metres and 86 car parking spaces are present across the design's lower levels.

At 32.6 metres in height, the application's east and west facades are its design highlight featuring white angular balconies contrasting against a black background. 

<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_6532_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Taylor Street site with Steller's 11 Central to the rear"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6532_0.jpg?itok=5G0mgJmb" title="The Taylor Street site with Steller's 11 Central to the rear" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Taylor Street site with Steller's 11 Central to the rear</figcaption></figure>This particular pocket of Moorabbin is beginning to receive a heightened degree of residential activity, as suitably sized sites are secured by developers.

First off the rank was PPHA and MAB Corporation's joint 7 level project fronting South Road, followed by Milbex's 10 level Elenberg Fraser-designed apartment project at 6 Station Street Moorabbin.

Most recently completed was Steller's initial high-density project in this pocket of Moorabbin dubbed 11 Central. Settled during 2016, the seven-level buildings is diagonally opposite the Taylor Street development site.

In the event that Steller's latest project gains approval, it would sit next to a Shangri-La Constructions-controlled approved development of 52 apartments at <a href="/buildings/moor-apartments-17-taylor-street-moorabbin">17 Taylor Street</a>.
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Steller dips back into Moorabbin

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Box Hill's drive toward increased apartment living rolls on with developer Golden Age Group on Friday further elaborating on its planned $350 million mixed-use residential development at 517-521 Station Street.

The project's move to planning tails initial success for Golden Age Group during 2017, when the site was rezoned from Public Use Zone to a Mixed Use Zone outcome. Golden Age Group picked up the current car park and childcare centre for $51.8 million in August 2016.

Initial plans drawn up by DKO Architecture have now been firmed and consist of two 18 level towers supplemented by a smaller building. Under those initial plans 429 apartments and 77 serviced apartments spanned the 7,244 square metre site.

Although not elaborating on the intended apartment mix, Golden Age Group's press release reinforces the developer's liking for Box Hill, along with a new childcare centre onsite that will roughly double in size the existing facility.

<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/170207_517-521_station_st_s010_hero_final_opt03-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Golden Age Group's next Box Hill project "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="697" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/170207_517-521_station_st_s010_hero_final_opt03-1.jpg?itok=26cRhJjl" title="Golden Age Group's next Box Hill project " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Golden Age Group's next Box Hill project</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Our plans for this project demonstrate our commitment to facilitating the expansion of the transforming suburb of Box Hill and we pride ourselves on delivering site-sensitive plans that complement the urban context.

The proposed plan will feature a large public realm and multiple street frontages, with a mix of commercial and retail spaces, residential accommodation and a new pedestrian crossing over Station Street to enhance linkages to the existing Box Hill commercial precinct. The site will also cater to the community’s needs including a childcare centre, which is twice the size of the previous facilities that occupied the site.

The development of Sky One and this project reflect Golden Age Group’s commitment to the rich culture and vibrant community of Box Hill, which is slated to become Melbourne’s second CBD.”
<cite>Golden Age Group managing director, Jeff Xu</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_6001.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Progress across the Sky One site"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6001.jpg?itok=R9c11IEW" title="Progress across the Sky One site" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Progress across the Sky One site</figcaption></figure>In mentioning Sky One, Golden Age Group's current Box Hill project now has its jump form emerging above ground after extensive basement works.

The suburb's's soon-to-be tallest tower will be supported by 7 basement levels accommodating 325 car spaces. The emergence of the jump form is a noteworthy construction marker in the project's 32 month designated construction time frame stretching through to September 2019.

Upon completion the DKO Architecture-designed Sky One will rise 36 storeys and house 438 apartments above 3 levels of retail and dining. 517-521 Station Street and Sky One are a mere 100 metres apart from one another.

Later this week Apartments.com.au will cover a variety of other <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">emerging Box Hill projects</a>.
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Golden Age leads a flurry of Box Hill activity

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Two fresh planning applications have emerged for West Melbourne, increasing the suburb's push toward higher density living.

Most recent to enter planning is 164-184 Roden Street, a site that is not unfamiliar to Apartments.com.au. The 3,637 square metre site initially went to planning during mid 2016 for developer Oliver Hume, with Jackson Clements Burrows Architects handling the project's design.

Picked up by Oliver Hume during late 2014, the initial proposal included 206 dwellings ( including 21 x warehouse shells), provision for 120 vehicle and 150 bicycle bays over two basement levels, plus a Jack Merlo-designed internal courtyard.

<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/image19_11_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A JCB Architects render of the initial Roden Street development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_11_0.jpg?itok=1xxJbIc3" title="A JCB Architects render of the initial Roden Street development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A JCB Architects render of the initial Roden Street development</figcaption></figure>With the <a href="/news/oliver-hume-and-jcb-add-to-the-west-melbourne-dynamic">initial 2016 proposal covered by Urban.com.au</a>, the application was eventually refused during August last year.

Still listed as an upcoming project on <a href="https://www.oliverhume.com.au/personal/project/277-merchantbyoliverhume">Oliver Hume's webpage</a>, the new application put forward during late January seeks "Partial demolition of the existing heritage building on-site, mixed-use building comprising food and drink, retail and residential and a reduction to the carpark requirements."

Nearby and a site that may have hosted a major residential tower in previous years has gone to planning, seeking what for West Melbourne is a midrange 20 level residential tower.

<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_3455.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="404-418 Spencer Street will not be reaching the height of its neighbour at 420 Spencer Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3455.jpg?itok=wynIikP6" title="404-418 Spencer Street will not be reaching the height of its neighbour at 420 Spencer Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>404-418 Spencer Street will not be reaching the height of its neighbour at 420 Spencer Street</figcaption></figure>404-418 Spencer Street sits adjacent to the recently completed Spencer Melbourne at 420 Spencer Street which includes 445 apartments and 5 retail tenancies over 40 levels. 

Covering 1,070 square metres, 404-418 Spencer Street could now host a ClarkeHopkinsClarke-designed apartment development on behalf of City Gate Pty Ltd. Submitted mid last month, 404-418 Spencer Street is the latest of a string of residential buildings that have called upon the West Melbourne end of Spencer Street.

Immediately south of the site developer Alpha 14 is adding the finishing touches to its tower dubbed Bond Quarter whilst diagonally opposite builder Maxcon has begun bulk excavation of Melbourne Village which will see 531 apartments created over two towers.

<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_6398.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Village with 404-418 Spencer Street behind"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6398.jpg?itok=6fXqyhC1" title="Melbourne Village with 404-418 Spencer Street behind" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Village with 404-418 Spencer Street behind</figcaption></figure>
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West Melbourne in line for two additional projects

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Prospective buyers have the best part of February to secure a permitted development site on the edge of the Box Hill Activity Centre.

Savills are marketing 813-823 Whitehorse Road under an EOI campaign closing Wednesday 28 February. At stake is an approved 994 square metre site with approval for a Bruce Henderson architects-designed apartment tower spanning 16 levels.

Interestingly the site on the corner of Whitehorse Road and Elgar Road went through planning under Mont Albert, although selling brochures list the project in Box Hill; likely in order to boost buyer interest.

<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/image16_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective from Whitehorse Road. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="750" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_11.jpg?itok=kRUt704Y" title="Hero perspective from Whitehorse Road. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective from Whitehorse Road. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>Approved within the tower are 89 apartments above retail and commercial spaces. Savills state the apartments are majority two and three bedrooms, with expansive view over the CBD. 

With a slim Box Hill TAFE site and Kingsley Gardens between 813-823 Whitehorse Road and the CBD, those uninterrupted views are likely to stay.

Applicant Doyen Tower Pty Ltd lodged plans for the project during December 2016, with the tower finding favour via VCAT.

<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/image18_23.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level retail. Image: Savills"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_23.jpg?itok=sAUgoee_" title="Ground level retail. Image: Savills" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level retail. Image: Savills</figcaption></figure>In the interim City of Whitehorse rejected the proposal during April last year.

As is often the case, revised plans were submitted for the development during the approvals process. <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/vcat-approves-16storey-apartment-building-in-mont-albert/news-story/52b4246e043853bb0c782cdeb9c3069e">According to the Herald Sun</a>, VCAT approved the tower at 813-823 Whitehorse Road during October despite the council’s decision to reject the application.

<blockquote>
We are satisfied that the substituted plans have effected significant improvements and that the proposed building (with some tweaking via the permit conditions) will be a very positive addition to this streetscape/activity centre and sit in an appropriate manner alongside its nearest neighbours.
<cite>VCAT tribunal</cite>
</blockquote>

Planning machinations aside, the eventual buyer of the site will be able to deliver the glazed tower which will effectively become a gateway project for those travelling north along Whitehorse Road.
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Mont Albert's premier development site goes to market

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<a href="/developers/capital-alliance-investment-group">Capital Alliance</a> is ramping up exposure of its Docklands development prior to the developer's formal launch of the residential component of the project.

The Docklands Residences will share the <a href="/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a>-designed tower with a new Marriott hotel; the first to be built in Australia in 20 years. 106 apartments are included above 200 five star Marriott hotel rooms, located across 6 levels on the southern side of the 17 level building.

Described as two interlinked sculptural petal-shaped towers, the $250 million development is the final outcome after what has been a sustained effort by the development team to realise a project at 3-43 Waterfront Way, adjacent to the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.

The Docklands Residences' apartment configurations are reflective of Capital Alliance's positioning of the project as a premium offering. 

28 single bedroom apartments range in size from from 68 to 71 square metres, 66 two bedroom one bathroom apartments span 77 to 102 square metres whilst The Docklands Residences 12 premium apartments cover three bedrooms and range from 122 to 212 square metres.

<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/capital_alliance_e01_hero_dusk_b.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Image: Capital Alliance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/capital_alliance_e01_hero_dusk_b.jpg?itok=UOTaqQrC" title="Street level perspective. Image: Capital Alliance" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Image: Capital Alliance</figcaption></figure>In addition to a gym and function centre, the project's crowning glory is a 28 metre long infinity edge swimming pool which commands a southerly view. The curving rooftop pool encompasses 200 degree wrap-around views include the CBD, West Gate Bridge and Port Philip Bay.

Directly behind the infinity pool is a bar and dining area, with the entire rooftop area open to the public.

<blockquote>
The Docklands will draw tourists both internationally and locally, offering a Marina Bay Sands style experience atop our city.

We hope that being able to call this destinational address a home, and live like a five-star hotel guest 365-days of the year, is a proposition many will leap at. The Docklands offers a truly unique opportunity to live a lifestyle deserving of Melbourne’s Most Liveable City in the World title.

Australians have been slower than our American and European counterparts to move to apartment living and some of this is because of the disappointing size of apartments here.

We very much wanted to create apartments that can be lived in for an entire life – apartments that don’t scrimp on storage, layouts that offer privacy and dimensions that mean you can buy full size lounges.
<cite>Capital Alliance founder and Chief Executive Mohan Du</cite>
</blockquote>

Construction is slated for a mid-2018 start with completion by 2020.

<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/capital_alliance_e04_south_facing_nk.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Marriott pool deck resplendent with infinity pool. Image: Capital Alliance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="589" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/capital_alliance_e04_south_facing_nk.jpg?itok=M-FZzhGi" title="Marriott pool deck resplendent with infinity pool. Image: Capital Alliance" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Marriott pool deck resplendent with infinity pool. Image: Capital Alliance</figcaption></figure>Meanwhile both developer and architect have teamed once more for Capital Alliance's recently acquired Fishermans Bend land parcel.

<a href="/buildings/normanby-199-201-normanby-road-southbank">199-201 Normanby Road</a> was picked up by the developer during late 2017, with revised plans since being submitted under the guidance of DKO Architecture. Capital Alliance nabbed the site with a permit for a substantial 40 storey tower including 262 apartments.

The revised scheme is similar in height.

With Waterfront Way on the verge of construction, the Normanby Road development joins a Pearl River Road site in <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a> and 115-129 King Street in the <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">CBD</a> as potential development sites.
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Capital Alliance and DKO Architecture showcase Docklands and prepare Fishermans Bend

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Years after completing the initial stage of the GTV9 site redevelopment on Bendigo Street, Lendlease has raised the prospect of a larger scale outcome for the balance of its land holding.

City of Yarra is considering an application to amend the currently approved Development Plan dated 2012, which would see a higher-density precinct realised, with the focus on aged care, retirement living and affordable housing. Lendlease has enlisted Catholic Healthcare Limited and Women's Housing Limited as onsite operators once the project has been delivered.

The current planning maneuver overseen by Bates Smart focuses on seven separate land plots, with the project's two major buildings sited either side of Khartoum 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/image19_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Central and South Precinct intended floor heights in red. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="478" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_17.jpg?itok=0xPdlKD9" title="Central and South Precinct intended floor heights in red. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Central and South Precinct intended floor heights in red. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>According to City of Yarra, the amendments to the Development Plan proposed in the application include: 

<ul>
<li>An increase in height of built form from six to nine-storeys in the Central Precinct (north of Khartoum Street) and use of the building as a retirement village; </li>
	<li>A building for retirement living accommodation of up to four-storeys at the north-west of Bendigo and Khartoum Streets (Central Precinct); </li>
	<li>An aged care facility of up to six-storeys in the South Precinct (south of Khartoum Street); </li>
	<li>A building for affordable housing of up to three-storeys in the South Precinct to Stawell Street; and </li>
	<li>An increase in height of townhouses across Stawell Street, the extended Kennedy Avenue and at the south-east corner of Khartoum Street from two and three-storeys to three-storeys.</li>
</ul>
Just shy of 45,000 square metres of built form is envisaged, with 322 dwellings nominated as a target outcome.

<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/image20_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Conceptual site massing images. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="265" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_11.jpg?itok=mYANSsMc" title="Conceptual site massing images. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Conceptual site massing images. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Once the second stage is realised, Lendlease would have had the massive site under development for over a decade.

An indicative staging plan sees the last build stretching to 2021, a decade after demolition commenced onsite. Should the current Development Plan gain the nod promptly, construction could begin as early as next year on the townhouse component fronting Stawell Street, with subsequent buildings to follow.

The initial Hayball-designed Northern Precinct was completed in 2014. Built by Lendlease and Glenvill, it consists of private apartments and townhouses across four separate precincts.

<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/image21_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Old and new combined for Studio 9 apartments "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_16.jpg?itok=MbGv__UA" title="Old and new combined for Studio 9 apartments " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Old and new combined for Studio 9 apartments in the development's initial stage</figcaption></figure>Lead image: Hayball
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Lendlease revisits Richmond's GTV9 site 

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The construction contract for InterContinental Hotels Group's new Southbank Holiday Inn Express at 35-47 City Road has been awarded to Hickory; it becomes Hickory's fourth Melbourne high-rise project to utilise the construction method. An 18-month construction timeline is planned for the tower which is expected to be complete by September 2019.

Hickory have previously utilised the construction method on another hotel, that being Peppers Kings Square in Perth. This will be their first hotel project in Melbourne and their maiden project for developer Pro-invest Group.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hie2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="35-47 City Road, Southbank. Image: Hickory Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="838" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hie2.png?itok=KIJdAvUU" title="35-47 City Road, Southbank. Image: Hickory Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>35-47 City Road, Southbank. Image: Hickory Group</figcaption></figure>In addition to 345 hotel suites, 35-47 City Road will also include approximately 5,000sqm of high grade commercial office space across 3 podium levels. Rising to a height of 23 levels, the project's podium will be a traditional concrete structure, with prefabrication elements trucked in to form the tower component thereafter.

Upon completion, 35-47 City Road will include ground floor retail spaces and public laneway linking to Fawkner Street, plus separate hotel and commercial office lobbies. The Holiday Inn Express lobby on level 7 has been dubbed the “Great Room” and features a landscaped winter garden.

Spanning 17,400 square metres of built form and valued at $82 million, the development is aiming for a 5 star NABERS performance rating.

<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/tactical_group_pro_invest_group_ihg_holiday_inn_express_melbourne_little_collins_st_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pro-Invest Group's intended Little Collins Street tower. Image: Tactical Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tactical_group_pro_invest_group_ihg_holiday_inn_express_melbourne_little_collins_st_1.jpg?itok=Em1y5RgO" title="Pro-Invest Group's intended Little Collins Street tower. Image: Tactical Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pro-Invest Group's intended Little Collins Street tower. Image: Tactical Group</figcaption></figure>Not too far behind 35-47 City Road in the development timeline is Pro-Invest Group's second Holiday Inn Express planned at 595-599 Little Collins Street.

According to lead consultant Tactical Group "The project includes ground floor retail, separate hotel and commercial office lobbies, a podium that aligns to adjacent heritage assets, a multi-level basement car park, approximately 4,500sqm of high grade commercial office space, and a 4.5 star hotel comprising front and back of house facilities, and an accommodation tower of 313 quality rooms." 

<h2>Comment</h2>

Certain design elements of this tower are a throwback to decades gone by in terms of design sophistication, a throwback which is evident at other Southbank locations as the suburb has evolved over recent decades.

The treatment of the original 1930s City Road facade and its glazed terracotta faience tiles presents as little more than tacking a heritage facade onto a brand new edifice, which in this instance looks cheap and completely swamps any heritage value in retaining the exiting facade. That aside the podium has merit but the tower section is once more cheap and nasty based on every render generated to date.

There is a total lack design nous across the tower element.

35-47 City Road looks to be Sydney firm Reid Campbell's first Melbourne project; the architecture firm "has developed the Australian design for the Holiday Inn Express; which is the fastest growing brand of limited service corporate hotels in the world."

Put simply and succinctly on the Apartments.com.au forum, "The '90s called, they want their tower back."
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City Road scores an altogether questionable design

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Hospitality company Marriott International is moving closer to securing a new West Melbourne hotel presence.

Developer Ousia Properties Pty Ltd submitted during December revised plans for its development site at 50-56 Batman Street, with "the proposed amendments generally required due to the specific design and operational needs of the future hotel operator (The Marriott), which has only been confirmed recently following the grant of the permit."

That permit was given the green light by VCAT during 2017, allowing for a 53 metre tower at a development cost of $29 million.

With Marriott International seemingly on board, Skematics Architects have revised the tower's exterior design and interior configuration to reflect the needs of the likely new operator. Gone is the approved mixed-use hotel and apartment scheme, replaced by a purely hotel-based development of 150 suites.

<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/image12cmwm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="West Melbourne's proposed Courtyard by Marriott. Planning image: skematics"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="597" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12cmwm.jpg?itok=TFoZik_6" title="West Melbourne's proposed Courtyard by Marriott. Planning image: skematics" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>West Melbourne's proposed Courtyard by Marriott. Planning image: skematics</figcaption></figure>Initially including 174 hotel suites and 24 apartments, the deletion of apartments within the newer design has allowed the overall size of the hotel suites offered within the tower increase, with a larger proportion of suite and double rooms included. This is likely reflective of the Courtyard by Marriott brand which Marriott International has earmarked as the operator of the West Melbourne hotel.

50-56 Batman Street's refined outcome will be serviced by 42 bicycle bays and basement parking for 37 vehicles.

The tower will be capped by a pool deck, bar and roof terrace for use by hotel patrons. At podium level amenities include a Club Lounge,  gym, conference rooms and cafe/bar. 

<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/image14fwm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site in context. Image: Fitzroys"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="381" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14fwm.jpg?itok=anp3SlLo" title="Site in context. Image: Fitzroys" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site in context. Image: Fitzroys</figcaption></figure>Marriott International's play for a West Melbourne presence shapes as the end game for the development site which was snapped up by Ousia Properties Pty Ltd during 2015. Two initial designs for a mixed-use tower were submitted, with the latter finding approval at the turn of 2017.

For Marriott International the West Melbourne property would be their third inner city presence, following on from the Melbourne Marriott Hotel on the corner of Exhibition &amp; Lonsdale Streets and the approved Marriott Docklands on Waterfront Way.

50-56 Batman Street covers 868 square metres and sits adjacent to a number of other developments both complete or at construction. 

Most notable is SPEC Property's Flagstaff Green development of some 200 plus apartments which is at construction. Agent JLL also has for sale a substantial development site on the intersection of  <a href="http://property.jll.com.au/land-sale/west%20melbourne/404-418-spencer-street-1469">Batman and Spencer Streets</a> metres away from the intended Courtyard by Marriott, with the prospects of a mid to high-rise outcome likely.
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Marriott International scopes a new West Melbourne address

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.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

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.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“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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