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The first physical iteration of a challenge that will confront a number of Melbourne's top end builders has appeared on the Melbourne skyline. Traditionally the work of luffing cranes, a top slewing tower crane has appeared on Brady Group's Vision Apartments project directly opposite Victoria Market.

With few if any top slewing tower cranes reaching such heights in Melbourne previously, the Potain unit is a direct response to Melbourne's ever increasing tower heights and the impact they have upon protected aviation airspace.

The different style of crane allows the same functions to be performed, albeit with considerably less penetration into the skies above Melbourne.

<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_0773_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Potain stands as Melbourne's highest tower crane"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="436" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0773_0.jpg?itok=zJTrsB-x" title="The Potain stands as Melbourne's highest tower crane" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Potain now stands as Melbourne's highest tower crane as the Favelle Favco is dismantled</figcaption></figure>The issue of aviation zones and built form overlapping one another has emerged as an issue for a number of Melbourne projects of late.

Covered previously on Apartments.com.au in articles by aviation consultancy specialist <a href="/news/aviation-impact-on-building-development-in-the-melbourne-cbd">Ian Thompson</a> and urban planner <a href="/news/flight-paths-and-tall-buildings-in-melbourne-explained">Nicholas Harrison</a>, the dual prong issues of PANS-OPS and OLS have combined to both limit the height of proposed towers in Melbourne's CBD in particular and to also adjust the methods in which builders can deliver skyscrapers.

<blockquote>
There are two types of prescribed airspace, an obstacle limitation surface (OLS) and PANS-OPS surface. It is important to emphasise that a planning permit granted by DTPLI does not enable a building to enter the prescribed airspace around an airport. Separate approval must be gained from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
<cite>Ian Thompson</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/141022_pans_ops_presentation_4_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Height limits increase as distance from an aerodrome increases. Image supplied by Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="306" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/141022_pans_ops_presentation_4_0.jpg?itok=culyYofX" title="Height limits increase as distance from an aerodrome increases. Image supplied by Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Height limits increase as distance from an aerodrome increases. Image supplied by Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>In the case of Vision Apartments, Brady Group's luffing Favelle Favco would have strayed into protected airspace for an unacceptably long period of time, thus the need for a new unit to be assembled along the towers eastern flank.

Aviation issues aside Brady's Favelle Favco (which was operational until last weekend) would have continued to climb Vision's exterior, completed the necessary works and then gradually lowered itself down to a point where it would have been dismantled by way of a mobile crane.

As it stands the newly assembled Potain which has its base set upon the roughly level 60 setback will likely need an additional recovery crane to be assembled in order to remove it, creating additional time requirements and expense to the build.

<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_0572.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Standing out, but not for long"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="979" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0572.jpg?itok=0O2ubDzI" title="Standing out, but not for long" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Standing out, but not for long</figcaption></figure>Vision Apartments itself has only a handful of floor to be formed and poured prior to the structure being completed, with overall completion slated for approximately mid year.

Projects in the immediate vicinity such as Swanston Central, Lighthouse and Victoria One may well face the same challenges regarding obstacle penetration as has Brady with Vision Tower, given they are all within the 215-240 metre bracket. It's also likely that Brookfield Multiplex as the constructors of Melbourne's tallest building, Australia 108 which is in its construction infancy, will also need to consider the style of crane it employs as the tower over time approaches its ultimate height of 319 metres.
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silvermb

A new challenge brings a new crane to Brady's Vision Apartments

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Yesterday's release of the Melbourne Metro Rail project business case has prompted us to take a closer look at Arden-Macaulay and with the ground work laid during 2012 paving the way for intensive urban renewal within the area, the urban regeneration precinct which consumes a fair amount of North Melbourne is beginning to see a slow yet steady stream of higher density residential development.

<blockquote>
The Arden-Macaulay structure plan encapsulated strategies and actions relating to land use including the delivery of new and improved open spaces and attractive and safe streetscapes. It also contains actions relating to transport, community infrastructure and sustainable infrastructure.

Arden-Macaulay offers a key opportunity to provide for sustainable growth that can achieve positive community outcomes. The Arden-Macaulay Structure Plan provides a long term vision and strategy to sustainably manage the renewal of the area.
<cite>City of Melbourne</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/image19_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MCC's precinct map with superimposed markers indicating current development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="495" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_5.jpg?itok=amjMkpIO" title="MCC's precinct map with superimposed markers indicating current development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MCC's precinct map with superimposed markers indicating current development</figcaption></figure>With the structure plan as a backdrop and a number of large projects such as Accord Property Group's 88 Laurens and HWD Australia's Gramercy Parks yet to be revealed, Arden-Macaulay's current development activity is essentially limited to two pockets. The precinct's southern tip within West Melbourne sees Journal and Wallace under construction while Cbus Property's Volaire has just commenced its sales campaign.

It is the heart of the renewal zone within North Melbourne that throws up a surprise. With such a large area set aside for renewal it is perhaps unexpected that development within North Melbourne is limited to a small pocket principally surrounding the corner of Haines Street and Shiel Street with the exception being 101-117 Canning Street.

<blockquote>
The Victorian Government and Local Government identified Arden-Macaulay Precinct as a key urban renewal site that could catalyse a new CBD-fringe mixed-use office precinct with a potential to accommodate 25,000 residents and in excess of 43,000 jobs.

Critically, the area is in close proximity to existing CBD employment and markets, particularly in Parkville, promoting the benefits of agglomeration essential to knowledge-based industries. The core Arden Precinct, in the southern part of the site, is particularly well suited to accommodating a major employment hub, with a large parcel of government-owned land.

Without a significant expansion to public transport access, making Arden accessible to broader metropolitan labour catchments, the area could still offer the opportunity for significant residential development, but the opportunity to support employment growth would be lost
<cite>Melbourne Metro Rail project <a href="http://mmrailproject.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/40677/MM-Business-Case-Feb-2016-Vol-1.pdf">business case</a>, pages 59 and 60</cite>
</blockquote>

Below is an overview of the current state of play for the crop of North Melbourne projects found within Arden-Macaulay:

<h2>Arden Gardens</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/image18_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Arden Gardens. Image courtesy CBD Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="426" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_5.jpg?itok=ds3m54qV" title="Arden Gardens. Image courtesy CBD Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Arden Gardens. Image courtesy CBD Development Group</figcaption></figure>CBD Development Group look set to launch this sizeable project located at 101-117 Canning Street, with site demolition underway. Offloaded by Woolworths during 2014, the pending development will feature roughly 300 apartments and 600 car spaces atop extensive ground floor retail offerings.

Woolworths have reserved 4,350sqm on a 20 year lease with another 1,500sqm of retail allowable within the Buchan Group-designed project.

<h2>3 Shiel Street</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/image8_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Knight Frank's render associated with the sales campaign"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_6.jpg?itok=gmwQi10L" title="Knight Frank's render associated with the sales campaign" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Knight Frank's render associated with the sales campaign</figcaption></figure>Spec Property have chosen to sell their permitted site with Knight Frank handling the sales campaign. Set over 1,300sqm and holding 38 metres of street frontage the scheme consists of 21 single bedroom apartments, 42 double and 2 triple bedroom dwellings.

Rising up to 9 levels to the rear of the site, 3 Shiel Street is notionally ready to go should the site be bought by a developer with intentions to deliver the project immediately.

<h2>1 Shiel Street, North Melbourne</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/img_0555.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1 Shiel Street under construction"><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_0555.jpg?itok=ZlqFn3bF" title="1 Shiel Street under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Shiel Street under construction</figcaption></figure>MAVGroup has begun construction on this residential development without the usual pre-sales campaign. The Fender Katsalidis-designed project is expected to house 34 apartments over six levels upon completion.

With a site area of 674sqm, the project had initially sought to be taller but was brought to its current level as the planning process transpired.

<h2>104 Haines Street</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/home-external.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="REVEL's Haines Street project"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="517" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/home-external.jpg?itok=NJ8_2b-6" title="REVEL's Haines Street project" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>REVEL's Haines Street project</figcaption></figure>The only project at marketing, Revel Development Group's residential pursuit dubbed Reflections holds 143 dwellings over 13 levels. The work of Plus Architecture, Reflections which takes its name from the highly reflective facade which is set to adorn the buildings lower levels.

At 143 dwellings it is second to Arden Gardens in terms of approved apartment numbers for a given project.

<h2>114-116 Haines Street</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/capture-v11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="114-116 Haines Street. Image courtesy Kyriacou Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="570" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/capture-v11.jpg?itok=wBA7a6-P" title="114-116 Haines Street. Image courtesy Kyriacou Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>114-116 Haines Street. Image courtesy Kyriacou Architects</figcaption></figure>Melbourne Acquisitions has this Friday pencilled in for an onsite auction of 114-116 Haines Street. Approval is in place for 27 apartments over 10 levels plus basement capacity for 18 vehicles.

The 476sqm plot is sandwiched in between 104 Haines Street and the current planning application at 36-58 Macaulay Road below.

<h2>36-58 Macaulay Road</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/download.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artisan Architects' impression of 36 Macaulay Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/download.jpg?itok=ZMoh9pNU" title="Artisan Architects' impression of 36 Macaulay Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artisan Architects' impression of 36-58 Macaulay Road</figcaption></figure>The latest entrant into the precinct is a scheme by Artisan Architects for Platinum Taxis Holdings Pty Ltd which calls for dual residential buildings abutting 114-116 Haines Street. Addressed 36-58 Macaulay Road, the project would see 177 apartments created within 10 and 13 storey buildings.

According to Artisan Architects the project includes the retention and refurbishment of the former Melbourne Omnibus Company Stables and its surrounding walls, a new community hall and a new public space.
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The current state of play within Arden-Macaulay

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Plus Architecture have unveiled another of their burgeoning portfolio of current projects by way of a new 57 level residential tower in the northern reaches of Melbourne's CBD. Developer Burbank Australia is seeking approval for the residential conversion of 96-102 Franklin Street which has acted as its inner city office for some years.

Burbank House as it's known is no stranger to proposed development with Burbank Australia gaining approval during 2002 for a residential conversion of the existing building into an 11 level complex holding 95 apartments. Prior to this a permit was also issued for a 25 level residential tower onsite.

It is in part a reflection of Melbourne's shift toward high-rise living that the current Plus Architecture-led planning application lodged during December 2015 is by far and away the largest proposal that the site has accommodated.

<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_1183.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Burbank House as it currently stands "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1183.jpg?itok=AEt0rSiH" title="Burbank House as it currently stands " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Burbank House as it currently stands</figcaption></figure>Reaching 177 metres, the 57 level building will hold a total of 270 apartments split between a number of living options. 10 heritage apartments are designed into the tower's lower levels with 129 one bedroom, 109 two bedroom and 22 three bedroom/penthouses skyhomes rounding out the tower.

186 bicycle spaces and 86 vehicle bays have also been included, with a regeneration of the existing Franklin Street facade also expected. The following description of the tower was provided:

<blockquote>
The focus is on community and communal spaces with an artisan workshop and artisan heritage apartments within the podium. The building also consist of a dining/master kitchen area with a mezzanine lounge, 2 storey residents library and games room, yoga room, herb garden and pool.

The façade is inspired by crystalline structures. Each crystal module on the building is sized to reflect the internal programme behind. The overall language is both unifying and personalised.

The context is multiplied and refracted in the angular glass façade creating a kaleidoscope reflecting the multiplicity of the city surrounds.
<cite>Plus Architecture</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/franklin2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of the development. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="891" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/franklin2.jpg?itok=HLiiNW9Z" title="Hero perspective of the development. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the development. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>When placed in context, 96-102 Franklin Street would almost be lost in the upcoming crop of tall residential towers in the surrounding area. Earlier this month Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/the-northern-heights-cbd-north-model-updated">published an updated model of the CBD's north end</a> illustrating no less than 9 residential towers in the surrounding blocks ranging from planning to construction that are in excess of 200 metres.

With the addition of 97 Franklin Street and Swanston Central atop the former CUB site this number swells to 11 towers.

While 96-102 Franklin Street sits on the periphery of this cluster, the forthcoming 200 metre tower expected for Victoria Market's Munro site will share the same block as Plus Architecture Franklin Street design, further adding to the tremendous bulk this pocket of Melbourne's CBD is experiencing.
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Plus Architecture's shimmering Burbank House proposal revealed

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Once a stronghold for various industries, <a href="/new-apartments/richmond-vic-3121">Richmond</a> continues to evolve as a highly sought-after inner city apartment hub. While areas north and west of the Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre have seen intense levels of apartment development, the tract of land directly south of Victoria Gardens and east of Burnley Street is now set to continue the trend.

Doonside Precinct has risen to prominence with a string of apartment developments poised to make their mark.

In recent times the initial planning to-ing and fro-ing in order to realise the Doonside precinct have been in full swing. Noteworthy is a recent report delivered by <a href="/developers/urbis">Urbis</a> arguing that proposed amendment to the Yarra Planning Scheme seeking to apply a Heritage Overlay to parts of Doonside Precinct <a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/DownloadDocument.ashx?DocumentID=13738">would not provide a net benefit to the community</a>.

Regardless a handful of apartment developments are emerging, creating the first wave projects which will seek to call Doonside home.

<h2>Supply Co.</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/image27_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Supply Co. Image courtesy Forza Capital"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_0.jpg?itok=G5rs5tMD" title="Supply Co. Image courtesy Forza Capital" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Supply Co. Image courtesy Forza Capital</figcaption></figure>First out of the gates is <a href="/developers/forza-capital">Forza Capital's Supply Co</a>. which references the site's former use. At sales is a Peddle Thorp-designed 11 level apartment building with 140 apartments included.

The site's history has not been lost upon the design team with the exterior maintaining a facade of concrete, glass and mesh privacy screens. The industrial-inspired exterior is balanced out by interiors which have been described as "Sleek, sophisticated and stylishly functional, with the warm, light tones that contrast with bright metal and natural wood."

<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_0117_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A piece of history retained and integrated "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0117_0.jpg?itok=L8oYCQai" title="A piece of history retained and integrated " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A piece of history retained and integrated</figcaption></figure>At ground level a cafe has been incorporated, as will be the existing facade which will frame the active space.

<h2>Burnley Terrace</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/image25_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cera Stribley's take on a new Richmond landmark"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="428" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_4.jpg?itok=MWKfstHC" title="Cera Stribley's take on a new Richmond landmark" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cera Stribley's take on a new Richmond landmark</figcaption></figure>Architecture firm <a href="/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> recently took the wraps off <a href="http://cerastribley.com/burnleyterrace">a concept design</a> for a land parcel abutting Victoria Gardens. Selling agents for the adjoining 77 Burnley Street site have noted Salta Properties as the developer behind Burnley Terrace which is addressed 53-65 Burnley Street.

Producing a concept outlining what could be possible for the sizeable development site, the resultant 20 level tower could carry as many as 411 apartments with 488 basement car parks and 5,870sqm of retail included.

<blockquote>
The Burnley Terrace development presents a unique architectural opportunity as various constraints on the site such as its irregularity in shape and planning form controls encourage a bespoke and distinctive design outcome.

As the proposal gets higher, there is a requirement to set the building back to overcome overshadowing controls. The proposal celebrates the concept of ‘terracing’ by defining each layer with contrasting materiality.

The architecture is generally sympathetic to the area and the scale and building forms located to the main street interfaces are comparative to other surrounding buildings. Taller buildings are located to the middle to rear of the immediate precinct where they minimize the amenity impacts to the area.
<cite>Cera Stribley</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/image26_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Block forming a possible outcome. Image courtesy Cera Stribley"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_1.jpg?itok=w_K_J8gY" title="Block forming a possible outcome. Image courtesy Cera Stribley" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Block forming a possible outcome. Image courtesy Cera Stribley</figcaption></figure><h2>Upcoming projects</h2>

An all but completed display suite has appeared at 1-9 Doonside Street, most likely for the pending release of 36-44 Doonside Street.

With planning approval given during 2012, the development is shaping as the next apartment release within the budding precinct. In its initial guise the multi-building development catered for in excess of 200 dwellings and held multiple retail spaces within the Rothelowman-designed scheme.

Given the lengthy time between approval and what is shaping as a likely sales launch in the near term, the project may have changed in its appearance.

<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/image32_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial designs for 36-44 Doonside Street and 77 Burnley Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_1.jpg?itok=KzILdSXN" title="Initial designs for 36-44 Doonside Street and 77 Burnley Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Initial designs for 36-44 Doonside Street and 77 Burnley Street</figcaption></figure>Changing in a different fashion is 77 Burnley Street which until recently was in the hands of St Kilda Road-based developer Pirovich. With its planning application review withdrawn during late January, the site has recently been moved on with TCI Property handling the sale.

Designed by SJB Architects, the ten level building would have featured 63 apartments split between 48 single and 15 dual bedroom dwellings. Using the neighbouring Burnley Terrace development as a template, the new proprietors may seek to add additional levels to any future planning application for their newly acquired development site.

Also waiting in the wings is Salta Properties' 25-35 River Boulevard which has the ability to deliver near on 500 new dwellings.

Factoring in the abundance of large low-rise sites both within and surrounding Doonside Precinct, the area looks capable of churning out apartment projects for many years to come.
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Richmond's Doonside Precinct emerges as a new apartment hub

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Minister for Planning Richard Wynne will be required to make a call on one of the CBD's taller proposals after Melbourne City Council chose to reject the scheme.

Lodged during mid 2015 prior to amended planning rules being implemented, proponents for 478-488 Elizabeth Street are seeking approval for a skyscraper that hopes to slot in between two of Melbourne's tallest residential buildings. Melbourne City Council chose last week to show no support for the tower based in part upon inadequate setbacks and equitable development rights for the adjoining site.

Elenberg Fraser have designed the tower for a development team comprising entities L1-2013 Pty Ltd, L2-2013 Pty Ltd and G2-2013 Pty Ltd, with private apartments set above the lower curvaceous levels which have been reserved for a hotel operator in order to manage 198 guest suites.

<h2>478-488 Elizabeth Street planning 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/image28_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As rendered with under construction towers surrounding the proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="815" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_2.jpg?itok=mUobRTGh" title="As rendered with under construction towers surrounding the proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>As rendered with under construction towers surrounding the proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>1,168sqm site currently utilised as a showroom and office</li>
	<li>Proposed 68 level tower at 208.4 metres in height</li>
	<li>Included are 198 hotel suites</li>
	<li>383 apartments: 149 x 1BR, 222 x 2BR, 12 x 3BR</li>
	<li>88 vehicle and 243 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>193sqm cafe at ground level</li>
	<li>Hotel and residential amenities over three levels</li>
	<li>GFA: 44,628sqm</li>
	<li>Estimated project value: $140 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>From the ground up</h2>

A cafe and dual purpose lobbies front Elizabeth Street whilst hotel and residential facilities account for much of the remainder of the podium structure; included within the podium is an all-day restaurant, function spaces and 1,036sqm of communal facilities over level 6 featuring an outdoor terrace.

Hotel suites absorb the initial ten floors above the podium where the tower form is at its widest and concave in shape.

Thereafter nine floors are dedicated to low-rise residential units where the towers form transitions to an altogether more typical rectangular shape. Subsequent floors are dedicated to high-rise apartments whilst the crown is slated for four levels of penthouse living.

Externally the tower begins with a solid complexion at ground level which progressively morphs into a translucent mid section and eventually a glazed crown. Accordingly terrazzo panels are dominant lower levels, rolling into translucent and then silver facade panes. Stainless steel and bronze perforated metal sheeting are also present over the exterior.

<h2>A setback setback</h2>

Below are passages taken from the Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee which was tabled last week. Key points of discontent with 478-488 Elizabeth Street from Melbourne City Council's perspective include:

<ul>
<li>The appropriateness of the built form including front, side and rear setbacks</li>
	<li>The proposed tower setback to Elizabeth Street is between 1.6 metres and 4.5 metres. This will result in a dominant built form that overwhelms the street and will compound the undesirable outcome of the nearby towers with limited/no setback to Elizabeth Street..</li>
	<li>The proposal relies upon the neighbouring undeveloped sites to achieve an acceptable tower separation. In the absence of acquired air/light rights over these properties, the tower should provide greater setbacks on its own site in order to guarantee ongoing acceptable internal amenity and to ensure that it does not restrict the development potential of neighbouring sites.</li>
	<li>The proposed rear setback will have a negative impact on the laneway and the existing amenity and development potential of the site to the east.</li>
</ul>
Last week's report also notes that similar issues were raised during a pre-application meeting between the development team and DELWP, yet the development team seem to have a degree of confidence in the tower passing through planning given there has been no fundamental change to the design since its submission.

<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/image40_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Existing and proposed built form conditions. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_3.jpg?itok=IZUkvoZH" title="Existing and proposed built form conditions. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Existing and proposed built form conditions. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

The development team could argue that their proposal is the shortest of three substantial towers on this particular block and that they employ similar if not greater setbacks than either 452 Elizabeth Street or 500 Elizabeth Street; two buildings which in theory were judged under the same planning criteria as 478-488 Elizabeth Street and could therefore act as a precedent.

Melbourne City Council on the other hand have been consistent in recent years regarding their opposition to developments with what they deem as maintaining inadequate setbacks. That similar issues were raised by both DELWP and Melbourne City Council points towards fundamental inadequacies with the design of 478-488 Elizabeth Street.

Six and half on the face of it… and an interesting decision looming for this particular planning application.

<h2>478-488 Elizabeth Street project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: L1-2013 Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>Town Planning &amp; Landscape Architect: Urbis</li>
	<li>EDS Consultant: ARK Resources</li>
	<li>Wind &amp; Acoustic Engineer: ViPAC</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Bosco Jonson</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: PLP</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Services Engineer: Murchie</li>
	<li>3D Visualisation: Pointilism</li>
</ul>
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Room for one more? 478-488 Elizabeth Street in the spotlight

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Prolific South Yarra developer Michael Yates has banked upon the continued success of the luxury apartment sector within the suburb by positioning his latest apartment offering squarely at the expanding baby-boomer sector of the market.

After a string of successful apartment and commercial developments spanning the best part of two decades and predominantly within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct, Michael L Yates &amp; Co. have released 55 Claremont with the intention of capturing the “boomer-boom." Discerning the shift of a certain part of the market toward premium apartment living, 55 Claremont will contain a comparatively modest 37 apartments over 16 levels.

<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/yate9001_55_claremont_e01_heroa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of the upcoming development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1160" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yate9001_55_claremont_e01_heroa.jpg?itok=67_hgbmp" title="Hero perspective of the upcoming development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the upcoming development</figcaption></figure>According to the developer the first signs of the strengthening luxury apartment market appeared when fellow Michael L Yates &amp; Co. development Yarra House sold more than 70 percent of apartments to owner occupiers in the over-50 bracket. With Yarra House freshly completed, 55 Claremont has been positioned to absorb the “boomer-boom” defined by their desire for high quality, spacious apartments in inner city pockets.

In excess of 40 percent of stock has traditionally gone to investors in the developer's earlier apartment projects, although with baby boomer demand for apartment living on the rise projects such as 55 Claremont will continue to emerge as the industry steps up to cater for this emerging apartment dweller.

<h2>The boomer shift</h2>

<blockquote>
We ensured our next development, 55 Claremont, ticked the boxes for baby boomers – spacious and flexible floorplans, a boutique development in a prime location and a dress circle view of Melbourne.

Another trend we’re seeing is the downsizers’ desire to merge floorplans. The ability to create your own, bespoke apartment combined with a five-star hotel ambiance has been embraced by empty nesters looking to enjoy their encore years.

With the kids out of home, or retirement on the way, these buyers value being in close proximity to Melbourne’s best restaurants and cafes, cinemas, recreational facilities, parks and the city.
<cite>Michael Yates of Michael L Yates &amp; Co</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/in03_type_b_kitchen_lighta.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/in03_type_b_kitchen_lighta.jpg?itok=SPBbQ5sk" title="Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area</figcaption></figure>Michael L Yates &amp; Co.'s preferred architect Bird de la Coeur is responsible for the overall design of 55 Claremont, with Hassell appointed to deliver interiors for the premier project that will see a maximum of three apartments over any one floor

Designed with clean finishes, apartments feature and abundance of space, stainless steel Gaggenau appliances, stone-finish island benches and oak timber flooring.

As South Yarra and Forrest Hill in particular continue to develop, Michael L Yates &amp; Co. also consider 55 Claremont's position as a strong selling point. Panoramic, never-to-be built out views are on offer with the CBD a focal point.

<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/yate9001_55_claremont_in02_bedrooma.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A bedroom with CBD views"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yate9001_55_claremont_in02_bedrooma.jpg?itok=PF5CxdQ_" title="A bedroom with CBD views" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A bedroom with CBD views</figcaption></figure>One bedroom apartments within 55 Claremont range in size from 41sqm to 53sqm with large two bedroom apartments holding 95sqm. Three bedroom apartments range between 95sqm and 151.5sqm with prospective purchasers having the option of combining floorplans to create bespoke apartments.

With only 37 apartments on offer construction of 55 Claremont is due for completion by the end of 2017.
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The boomer-boom: 55 Claremont targets the luxury apartment market

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Melbourne City Council are set to make the early running in 2016 in terms of providing feedback on seven high-rise towers which are still at planning at a state level. This evening's first sitting of the year for the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee will consider the merits of four separate planning applications covering Melbourne's CBD and Fishermans Bend.

In a new planning climate where Melbourne City Council's support or opposition carries a greater weight on the decision making process, the events of this evening may well provide the clearest indication yet on the fate of a number of notable Melbourne projects.

Outlined below are the four projects under consideration this evening.

<h2>850-868 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne</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/image11_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="850-868 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_5.jpg?itok=2opb2sWu" title="850-868 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>850-868 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>Melbourne City Council supports the proposal subject to conditions

First appearing on Apartments.com.au during mid 2014, the Fishermans Bend proposal put forward by commercial and industrial property player Goodman Group has been subject to design changes in the interim.

Initially with four towers, the revised scheme now sees three towers ranging between 28 and 44 storeys with the tallest at 144.75 metres. 1,354 apartments and 1,100 car spaces were set for the development when first submitted, although these figures have come down to 1,134 and 936 respectively.

The project has a revised value of half a billion dollars and has the ability to be built over two separate stages, with the taller two buildings forming stage 1.

<h2>111-125 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne</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/image132_0_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="716" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image132_0_0.jpg?itok=kJYq_HPM" title="Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Melbourne City Council supports the proposal subject to conditions

Singaporean developer Tong Eng Group is on the road to gaining approval for their first Australian project. 111-125 A’Beckett Street's 632 dwellings would rank it as one of the CBD's largest apartment projects.

At 210 metres the Elenberg Fraser-designed tower would feature a tinted glazing system which would see a base neutral/silver reflective glazing gradually transition to a multi-coloured tinted glazing. Spandrels over the tower would be arranged in an inverse manner giving the project a point of visual difference relative to many of its existing and future neighbours.

Planning documents show that DEWLP held an initially favourable response to the application and coupled with Melbourne City Council's support 111-125 A’Beckett Street looks set to add to the emerging forest of towers in the CBD's northern end.

<h2>478-488 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne</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/image13_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="478-488 Elizabeth Street's lower floors. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="424" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_5.jpg?itok=fGEn3FU4" title="478-488 Elizabeth Street's lower floors. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>478-488 Elizabeth Street's lower floors. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Melbourne City Council does not support the proposal

A trio of nominated entities are behind the proposal which is also the handy work of Elenberg Fraser. The proposal as it stands has fallen foul of Melbourne City Council, with issues such as acceptable tower separation and setbacks, impact upon adjoining as yet undeveloped sites, lack of a five star green star rating and parking arrangements cited.

Mixed-use in nature, 478-488 Elizabeth Street would see 383 apartments, 198 hotel suites and a variety of resident/guest-driven amenities included within the 68 storey structure that would rise 208 metres.

Apartments.com.au will highlight the planning application for 478-488 Elizabeth Street next week.

<h2>212-222 La Trobe Street and 17-25 Little La Trobe Street, Melbourne</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/image14_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy JCB and DCM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_2.jpg?itok=tiFVbfdt" title="A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy JCB and DCM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy JCB and DCM</figcaption></figure>Melbourne City Council supports the proposal subject to conditions

212-222 La Trobe Street is also subject to planning assessment as Scape Student Living seek to amend the approved scheme from residential to student accommodation use. Previous architects JCB have been replaced by DCM, having been responsible for Scape's first Melbourne project nearby at <a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">393 Swanston Street</a>.

Accordingly the revamped La Trobe Street towers hold similar design traits to the Swanston Street project, with 212-222 La Trobe Street gaining a lattice-like structure over its podium. The development team have sought to square off the tower floorplates with Council describing the outcome as "Effectively a ‘dumbing down’ of the building and is not acceptable."

Internally the buildings will hold a cumulative 827 student dwellings, a doubling of the previous scheme which gained approval for 413 dwellings over essentially the same floor area.

Beyond the planning process, regardless of whether the planning minister approves this application or not, there will be plenty more planning work over the next few years in this immediate area due to the CBD North station, as part of the Melbourne Metro Rail project, being mooted to have its surface buildings constructed on or near the Swanston and La Trobe Street corners.
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Melbourne City Council set the planning tone for 2016

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The recent upward trajectory of St Kilda Junction has received an exclamation mark of sorts with a massive mixed-use planning application currently with City of Port Phillip.

Located at <a href="/new-apartments/8-12-punt-road-st-kilda">8-12 Punt Road</a> and 3-7 Wellington Street, the project which has been dubbed One St Kilda Junction would stand at over 90 metres if given the green light. Developer Drekoncile Pty Ltd has engaged <a href="/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architecture</a> who have in turn created a uniquely shaped tower which incorporates a spiral form over its lower levels.

One St Kilda Junction would carry on the recent apartment push into St Kilda Junction, with the area's most recognisable recent addition, <a href="/buildings/the-icon-6-st-kilda-road-st-kilda">The Icon</a>, adjacent to the current Plus Architecture-driven proposal.

<h2>One St Kilda Junction 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/image33_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the project. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_4.jpg?itok=Sf-Ogmkh" title="Aerial perspective of the project. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the project. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site address: 8-12 Punt Road and 3-7 Wellington Street, St Kilda.</li>
	<li>2,336sqm site with current commercial and limited residential use.</li>
	<li>Proposed 28 level mixed-use tower at 95.55 metres.</li>
	<li>286 apartments: 4 x studio, 130 x 1BR, 130 x 2BR, 18 x 3BR, 4 x 4BR.</li>
	<li>5,230sqm of commercial office space.</li>
	<li>958sqm of retail space over five tenancies.</li>
	<li>Six level basement holding 403 car spaces, 247 storage areas and 103 bicycle bays.</li>
	<li>Communal terrace and resident facilities over level 11.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Plus Architecture design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
Positioned right on the “Junction” the site has a responsibility to achieve significant site status. It must also elevate the built form conditions in the immediate context by setting a new precedent for any future development aspirations.

The result is a spiralling massing that begins at a historical scale of old St Kilda Road, then extrudes vertically to respond to the existing context heights of Wellington Street, with the spiral completing its turn at a height suitable for a symbolic building. The spiral form allows for the landscaping to continue vertically above the street tree canopies on the many terraces that are formed by the spiral shape.

The site shares three boundaries to three separate streets all with activated facades to achieve a day long activity at the ground plans and the immediate levels above. A pedestrian link running North South between Nelson Street and Wellington Street will give Nelson Street the opportunity to have some thriving North facing retail space.

The digital façade which holds the podium together as a horizontal band is a response to existing on site conditions, the unique traffic environment, and the vibrancy of St Kilda. This digital façade will also assist to elevate the identity of St Kilda Junction and this proposal.
<cite>Town planning report for One St Kilda Junction</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Digital desire</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/image6_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light and colour are set to dominate lower levels. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_4.jpg?itok=DKwfeGUd" title="Light and colour are set to dominate lower levels. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light and colour are set to dominate lower levels. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Very few Melbourne planning applications have sought to include integrated digital façades as part of their development, yet given One St Kilda Junction 's positioning and existing exposure to billboard adverts the development team have chosen to apply digital screening over levels three and four.

Adverts, urban art installations and public information announcements are possibilities for the digital overlay which would capture passing traffic from Punt Road, St Kilda Road, Fitzroy Street and Barkly Street.

Consisting of semitransparent panels which would be internally illuminated by LED's the digital façade would still allow for external views and light penetration as it would for the most shroud office space over levels 3 and 4.

<h2>Expectations and reality</h2>

The development falls within the St Kilda Road South Precinct which is a preliminary strategic framework aiming to create new planning controls for the area.

At the time of One St Kilda Junction's submission the strategic framework plan had not yet been fully fomalised. It would seem that the development team has sought to utilise this 'grey area' with a proposal of 95 metres as opposed to the 35 metre limit called for within the preliminary strategic framework.

The Icon directly south of One St Kilda Junction passed successfully through VCAT during 2012 at 57 metres, thus providing a midway point or potentially a precedent between the developers want of 95 metres and Council's expectations of 35 metres. Council will not make a decision upon the merits of the proposal until this Wednesday at the very earliest.

<h2>One St Kilda Junction development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Drekoncile Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Project Manager: Pomeroy Pacific</li>
	<li>Architects: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Town Planning Consultants: <a href="/developers/urbis">Urbis</a>
</li>
	<li>Structural Engineers: BG &amp; E</li>
	<li>ESD and Services Engineers: Simpson Kotzman</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineers: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind Engineers: Vipac</li>
	<li>Building Surveyors: Floreancig Smith</li>
	<li>Shrine of Remembrance Vista Property Assessment Report: Bosco Jonson Pt y Lt d</li>
</ul>
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St Kilda Junction subject to its biggest development yet

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The campaign to green building rooftops has been championed in earnest for some time, but Melbourne City Council has taken a different tact of late by encouraging two existing buildings to install considerable solar power systems in a push toward renewable energy.

101 Collins Street as arguably Melbourne's premier commercial address has invested in the highest commercial solar panel system in the country, with a new 59.4kW system placed around the building's lift motor room. At 56 levels and 195 metres above ground the design of the $230,000 system incorporated allowances for wind loads and took some months to complete.

A modest rebate partially funded the overall cost via the City of Melbourne’s Commercial Solar Rebate Program.

<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/image29_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="101 Collins Street's new system in place. Image courtesy City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="714" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_3.jpg?itok=Z8FGgQb6" title="101 Collins Street's new system in place. Image courtesy City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>101 Collins Street's new system in place. Image courtesy City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The 180 panels have been installed vertically to maximise energy from the sun while taking up minimal roof space. They will generate 47,000kWh of electricity per year and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 59 tonnes each year, which is equivalent to the annual electricity usage of more than 12 residential homes.

This blue chip building is home to some of the world’s most prominent financial institutions: they know a good investment when they see one.
<cite>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
 This system, Solar PV, will generate a virtually guaranteed output of carbon free energy for years to come. It fits with one of our operating principle which is, “Do It Right and Do It Once.”
<cite>Senior Manager of Engineering and Sustainability at 101 Collins St, Ross Boreham</cite>
</blockquote>

Not to be outdone the owners of Russell Street's Hero Building have installed the largest solar system ever retrofitted to a Melbourne apartment block. Above 149 apartments, the new 50kW solar panel system will now power the lighting and ventilation systems in the common areas of the 60 year old building. 

<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/image31_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The distinctive features of Hero Apartments. Image courtesy Peter Maltezos"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image31_1.jpg?itok=TDpE5_mA" title="The distinctive features of Hero Apartments. Image courtesy Peter Maltezos" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The distinctive features of Hero Apartments. Image courtesy Peter Maltezos</figcaption></figure>The original cream brick building acted as the Russell Street Telephone exchange and Post Office and was the <a href="http://heroapartments.com.au/history/">first postwar government building</a> of any size completed after 1945. During 1999 additional floors were added as the building was repurposed into its current residential use.

Costed at $103,857, the building's new solar system was partially funded through the sale of $34,188 of small scale technology certificates (STC’s), a $3000 rebate from the City of Melbourne’s Smart Blocks initiative and financing of $30,000 from the Sustainable Melbourne Fund according to City of Melbourne.

Generating roughly 53,000 kWh of electricity per year, the 200 panels will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 66 tonnes each year with City of Melbourne equating the figure to the annual electricity usage of more than 13 residential homes.

<blockquote>
The solar panels were installed by a local business, Envirogroup. The panels will be paid off in around eight years and will produce ongoing savings on our electricity bills. We’re all proud to live in a boutique building, but now we have the feel good factor that comes from doing something good for the environment as well. We see installing solar as an investment in the value of the whole building.
<cite>Member of the Hero Owners Corporation Committee, Tricia Caswell </cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
There are 58,000 dwellings in the municipality covered by strata schemes and more than 1.5 million square meters of commercial strata titled property. Residents and businesses within these properties can access 100 per cent finance for environmental upgrades through the Sustainable Melbourne Fund. 
<cite>Councillor Arron Wood</cite>
</blockquote>

City of Melbourne has over the previous year facilitated the installation of 415.12kW of solar panels atop apartment buildings, single-family dwellings and commercial buildings within its municipal boundaries. In partnership with VECCI, the City of Melbourne also provides a free service to support businesses in assessing their solar opportunities and obtaining and comparing quotes to install a solar system on their premises.
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Two records set as retrospective solar systems power two Melbourne landmarks

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During 2015 Apartments.com.au highlighted Essendon's Keilor Road and surrounds as <a href="/news/essendons-high-density-development-a-model-example">a prime example of progressive high density living along a transport corridor</a>.

More specifically Keilor Road's drift toward medium density development is essentially what was envisaged by City of Melbourne's Director of City Design, Rob Adams in his <a href="http://www.transformingaustraliancities.com.au/%5C">Transforming Australian Cities</a> study. Principally focused on exploring "The potential yield that could accrue through good urban design of the urban corridors/strategic sites," Keilor Road and the adjoining Mount Alexander Road fit the bill with both tram and bus services present.

Fast forward beyond last year's article and Moonee Valley City Council are assessing the latest development looking to call upon Keilor Road with Romano Property Group seeking to add 142 apartments to the evolving strip.

<h2>165-169 Keilor Road Essendon Development 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/image16_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Keilor Road perspective. Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_2.jpg?itok=blBHaawH" title="Keilor Road perspective. Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Keilor Road perspective. Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Currently vacant former car dealership covering 4,470sqm.</li>
	<li>Three apartments buildings proposed of up to seven levels or 21.6 metres.</li>
	<li>142 apartments: 59 * 1BR, 68 * 2BR, 15 * 3BR.</li>
	<li>203 car parking spaces, 135 bicycle spaces and 114 storage units included.</li>
	<li>Three ground floor tenancies: 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li>Dual rooftop terraces.</li>
	<li>Project value: $30 million.</li>
</ul>
ClarkeHopkinsClarke have designed 165-169 Keilor Road, continuing their relationship with Romano Property Group which now see's a handful of ClarkeHopkinsClarke-designed projects in development for the North Melbourne-based outfit.

At 4,470sqm and with 107 metres frontage to Keilor Road, the former ŠKODA dealership continues the trend of large development plots in the area being repurposed into sizeable apartment developments. A former stronghold of various car dealerships which have since been lured to Essendon Fields, 165-169 Keilor Road represents one of the last sites along the strip to go this way.

<h2>One in, all in</h2>

The domino-like fall of these prime Keilor Road and Mt Alexander Road sites has accelerated in recent years, while the scale of apartment buildings proposed has also increased.

Directly opposite 165-169 Keilor Road, Blue Earth Group have sought approval for an apartment development on what was a former Nissan dealership. Amended plans would see 232 apartments created within a multi-staged, CHT Architects-designed apartment building. The project at 144-160 Keilor Road is now in the hands of VCAT after the adjusted plans were submitted during October.

<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/image22_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="CHC's Parkside alongside CHT's 144-160 Keilor Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="392" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_4.jpg?itok=gopv1O6C" title="CHC's Parkside alongside CHT's 144-160 Keilor Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CHC's Parkside alongside CHT's 144-160 Keilor Road</figcaption></figure>ClarkeHopkinsClarke are also enjoying further exposure within Essendon with two additional projects in development. Accord Property Group's Alexa is under construction while Parkside Essendon is Goal Property Group's latest pursuit.

CBD Development Group shapes as the latest entrant into the area, running with a sizeable apartment development at 1144 Mt Alexander Road. Yet to reach City of Moonee Valley's planning channels, the project dubbed Unique on the Park is the design of Peddle Thorp and will feature a full size Coles supermarket at ground level along with ancillary retail.

<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/image28_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Leake Street, Alexa and CBD Property Group's pending 1144 Mt Alexander Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_1.jpg?itok=43MiPtxp" title="Leake Street, Alexa and CBD Property Group's pending 1144 Mt Alexander Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Leake Street, Alexa and CBD Property Group's pending 1144 Mt Alexander Road</figcaption></figure>Keilor Road's most recent apartment project completion was BPM Group's Collins and Queen which provides an additional 116 apartments for the strip. Over recent years Keilor Road alone has seen seen seven substantial apartment developments completed, with the likes of Amne, Essque, Erantis, Horizon, Mink and 386-388 Keilor Road joining Collins and Queen in pumping 520 additional dwellings into the area.

Recently completed Mount Alexander Road apartments total 240 dwellings.

The influx of apartment developments through Keilor Road and Mount Alexander Road has also served to alter the streetscape with increased retail and commercial tenancies replacing what were previously for the most inactive street frontages.
</body></html>

Essendon's model example set for another addition

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Baljak

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