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Two key projects have emerged in recent days within Docklands that will for differing reasons create an improved experience and/or environment within the oft maligned suburb adjoining Melbourne's CBD.

It's been announced that Harbour Town Melbourne will receive a multi-million dollar transparent roof canopy, providing shelter from Melbourne's variable weather. Instigated by AsheMorgan who purchased the 40,000sqm retail precinct from ING Real Estate, the canopy and associated facade/amenities regeneration represents the first in a series of upgrades set for Harbour Town Melbourne with the intent of establishing the northern Docklands precinct as one of Melbourne’s premier shopping and entertainment destinations.

Buchan Group and Red Design Group are responsible for the alterations and additions to Harbour Town Melbourne, having been charged with the task of creating a clean, contemporary and inviting feel for the area.

In addition to the sprawling canopy, certain pedestrian bridges and escalators which have been deemed to be underutilised will be removed, resulting in the creation of two new plazas. These new spaces are expected to accommodate public events and rotating interactive displays upon completion.

<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/image71_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial images of Harbour Town's upgrade. Images courtesy AsheMorgan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="393" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image71_1.jpg?itok=f3fo7uVv" title="Initial images of Harbour Town's upgrade. Images courtesy AsheMorgan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Initial images of Harbour Town's upgrade. Images courtesy AsheMorgan</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
We based our concept for the centre around the proposition that Harbour Town Melbourne was already unique in its outdoor living environment.

Using that, our design theme draws on the natural environment with recessed timbers contrasting with vegetation to soften the walkways – ultimately creating a ‘green oasis’ and an opportunity to engage with customers with a range of pause points along their shopping journey.
<cite>Colin Bell, Creative Director Red Design</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The overriding design imperative for the canopy project is to touch as lightly and unobtrusively as possible on the ‘open’ sense of the existing centre. We have the opportunity to enhance the customer experience by providing additional protection from the elements and incorporating a simple and elegant ‘floating’ canopy that allows natural light to penetrate and provide a year-round outdoor shopping experience.
<cite>Joe Genovesi, Buchan Group Design Principal</cite>
</blockquote>

AsheMorgan have indicated that this first phase is one of a number of initiatives that will see a substantial investment in Harbour Town Melbourne by the Brisbane-based outfit. AsheMorgan Principal Alton Abrahams expects the implementation of the first phase of Harbour Town Melbourne's masterplan will breathe new life into the precinct.

Including Harbour Town Melbourne (40,818sqm of GLA), associated car parks (2,818 car spaces) and the Medibank Ice House, AsheMorgan also hold a number of development sites with approved masterplan for the precinct.

<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/image70_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A first glimpse inside Docklands’ first five-star hotel. Image courtesy Peppers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image70_0.jpg?itok=G4J9E4qS" title="A first glimpse inside Docklands’ first five-star hotel. Image courtesy Peppers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A first glimpse inside Docklands’ first five-star hotel. Image courtesy Peppers</figcaption></figure>Nearby and the first image has emerged of the suburb's first completed five-star hotel suite within Peppers Docklands. Located at 679 La Trobe Street, Peppers Docklands is part of the <a href="/buildings/m-docklands-679-la-trobe-street-docklands">M Docklands</a> mixed-use tower which is being developed by Capital Alliance Investment Group as their first Melbourne project.

The completed prototype hotel suite has been delivered ahead of the project's scheduled completion during early 2016, with builder Hamilton Marino undertaking works on the $140 million project. Designed by Elenberg Fraser as an accompanying tower to the adjoining LaCrosse building, M Docklands features 87 five-star hotel suites and 186 private apartments atop a podium containing 11 retail tenancies.

<blockquote>
We’re proud to be playing a significant role in the emergence of a revitalised Docklands. Docklands is already home to world-class facilities such as Etihad Stadium, which attracts visitors from across Australia and indeed around the world.

If you look at the situation in Melbourne, demand for hotel rooms is projected to grow and grow. It made perfect sense for us to partner with a well-respected hotel operator like Mantra Group and lead the way in bringing luxury accommodation to the Docklands – keeping tourists in the area and driving the local economy.
<cite>Mohan Du, Managing Director and Founder of Capital Alliance</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Docklands is in need of a sophisticated hotel product to cater to an increasingly selective global market that is looking for quality, location and facilities of a world class calibre. Peppers Docklands has this, and will set a benchmark for future mixed-use developments in Australia.
<cite>Mantra Group (Peppers operator) CEO Bob East </cite>
</blockquote>

The delivery of Peppers Docklands is a boost for the precinct's ability to provide premium hotel suites following the stalled beginning to <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">The Altus</a> at 238 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands. Precious little has occurred onsite following a turning of the first sod ceremony held during October 2014.

Construction has yet to commence for the project which features 281 suites under the 4.5 star Parkroyal brand.
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silvermb

Docklands receives a double shot in the arm

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Already underpinned by a handful of current apartment developments, Moonee Ponds looks set to receive as many as 400 new apartments over two separate residential buildings.

The suburb's two main property developers are behind the respective developments. The Moloney Group continues to add to their pipeline of projects in and around the Moonee Ponds Activity Centre with 687 Mount Alexander Road, while Cremorne-based Caydon by virtue of their purchase of the expansive 13,390sqm Readings site weigh in with that site's first offering, 36 Margaret 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/image58aw.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amnon Weber's design for 687 Mount Alexander Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="553" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image58aw.jpg?itok=xVFzDSe9" title="Amnon Weber's design for 687 Mount Alexander Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amnon Weber's design for 687 Mount Alexander Road</figcaption></figure>Revised plans have been submitted for <a href="/new-apartments/687-mount-alexander-road-moonee-ponds">687 Mount Alexander Road</a> in response to requests made by Moonee Valley City Council. In its current form 687 Mount Alexander Road would see 220 apartments created within a 14 level residential tower. Originally prepared during December 2014, the rejigged design also sees the creation of six new retail spaces at ground level with a total of 548sqm available.

Within the Amnon Weber-designed tower are 94 x 1 bedroom apartments, 122 x two bedroom apartments and 4 x three bedroom apartments designated as penthouses. 167 car parking spaces and 134 bicycle bays are catered for within two basement levels.

Post the completion of One9 Apartments, The Moloney Group have <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/west/moonee-ponds-to-become-mecca-for-highrises/story-fngnvmj7-1226880892573">four separate development plots</a> in their Moonee Ponds portfolio. 687 Mount Alexander Road joins fellow 14-level proposal <a href="/news/central-35-33-35-hall-street-moonee-ponds">33 Hall Street</a> as projects which have gone to council on behalf of the developer.

<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/image59mar.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Preliminary marketing image for 36 Margaret Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image59mar.jpg?itok=F2Doevr6" title="Preliminary marketing image for 36 Margaret Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Preliminary marketing image for 36 Margaret Street</figcaption></figure>Elsewhere and Fender Katsalidis Architects have landed in Moonee Ponds with a scheme for 176 dwellings within 36 Margaret Street. Conceived for Caydon, the project consists of 79 x single bedroom apartments, 34 singles with an additional flexi room and 63 x two bedroom options.

Oculus have devised a green and timber rooftop deck with entertainment pods, inground spa, hanging chairs and an expansive dining area included. 36 Margaret Street represents the first phase of Caydon's Moonee Ponds precinct, with a further three stages of development to follow. It's unknown whether Caydon will go with <a href="/buildings/hall-st-40-hall-street-moonee-ponds">40 Hall Street</a> which went to council under previous site owner Leighton Properties; 40 Hall Street shapes as forming part of Stage 2 of the site's development.

As part of future development of the Readings plot, a new pedestrian thoroughfare with bisect the site, linking Homer Street and Hall Street. Adjacent to the thoroughfare will be a half acre Oculus-designed garden and leisure area for use by residents.

<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/image62.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The private garden and public passage envisaged for the Readings site"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image62.jpg?itok=ei6Kq921" title="The private garden and public passage envisaged for the Readings site" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The private garden and public passage envisaged for the Readings site</figcaption></figure>Moonee Ponds has progressed inline with many Melbourne suburbs of late in that it has seen an increased amount of apartment development activity.

Set to join <a href="/buildings/the-montgomery-521-mt-alexander-road-moonee-ponds">The Montgomery</a> and <a href="/buildings/twenty-park-20-park-street-moonee-ponds">20 Park Street</a> under construction is <a href="/new-apartments/mopo-333-ascot-vale-road-moonee-ponds">MO.PO.</a> with the 11 level, 126-apartment development to be taken on by Buildcorp Commercial. Close-by and Giancorp have approval for a mixed-use building at <a href="/buildings/penny-lane-moonee-ponds-6-14-young-street-moonee-ponds">6-14 Young Street</a> while <a href="/new-apartments/sur-53-homer-street-moonee-ponds">Iliad on Homer</a> adds to the projects which are currently at sales in the area.

Rounding out the notable apartment developments within Moonee Ponds are <a href="/new-apartments/moore-21-moore-street-moonee-ponds">21-23 Moore Street</a> and CDG's <a href="/buildings/9-shuter-street-moonee-ponds">3-9 Shuter Street</a> which between them have the ability to add another 100 plus apartments to the locale.
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Moonee Ponds on the up and up!

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Hot on the heels of the news that a further <a href="/news/gurners-1-warde-street-adds-to-joseph-road-precincts-momentum">380 apartments have been approved</a> within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct, 8 Hopkins Street has re-emerged under the guidance of a new developer/architect combination.

After the site's sale via a public EOI campaign, St Kilda Road-based Golden Asset Group now maintains control over the 13,000sqm land holding, with Kavellaris Urban Design responsible for the redrawn plans which seeks approval for 939 apartments. Superseding the initial Hayball scheme with 795 apartments over one, two, three, loft, studio and townhouse options, the rejigged design calls for one and two bedroom dwellings to be progressively built over differing development stages.

In a report due to be tabled toward the end of July, Maribyrnong City Council's City Development Special Committee has been directed to rebuff the development in its current form, owing to a number of planning concerns.

<h2>The revised 8 Hopkins Street in brief</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/merchant-square_image003.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/merchant-square_image003.jpg?itok=Tlv1jDhQ" title="Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy KUD</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Vacant island site of 13,100sqm</li>
	<li>Six building development over three stages</li>
	<li>10-24 levels with maximum height of 64.9 metres</li>
	<li>939 dwellings: 568 x 1BR and 371 x 2BR</li>
	<li>17 commercial tenancies with a total area of 3,592.5sqm</li>
	<li>690 car spaces, 320 bicycle spaces and 53 motorcycle spaces included</li>
	<li>Amenities including a gym, pool, running track and podium top terrace</li>
</ul>
<h2>An eventful planning history</h2>

The former Le Mans Toyota dealership is in the heart of Joseph Road Precinct, falling under the control of Places Victoria after the agency paid $21 million for the land asset. The Victorian Government's property development agency then went to planning with the aforementioned Hayball scheme in mind.

The application was first referred to Maribyrnong City Council during 2013 by the Minister for Planning, which envisaged eight buildings of up to 24 storeys. Coinciding with the assessment of the Hayball masterplan was a sales campaign which saw 8 Hopkins Road offloaded to an undisclosed buyer near the turn of 2014.

Golden Asset Group initiated demolition works onsite during early stages of 2015, with the bulk of all structures now non-existent. The Adjoining <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a> project as the first development within Joseph Road Precinct to advance to sales, is set to proceed with construction tenders now current.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The early masterplan design for 8 Hopkins Street. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_2.jpg?itok=tMlTK0vw" title="The early masterplan design for 8 Hopkins Street. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The early masterplan design for 8 Hopkins Street. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure><h2>Recommendation to the City Development Special Committee</h2>

Areas of concern as outlined within the Council report concerning 8 Hopkins Street:

<ul>
<li>The proposal lacks dwelling diversity (typology and size).</li>
	<li>The revised proposal shows little regard to Better Apartments Discussion Paper May 2015 as released by the Minister for Planning. It displays many flaws and issues affecting residential amenity.</li>
	<li>Proposal is yield driven and window dressed with superficial activation to disguise the shortcomings of a mass overdevelopment.</li>
	<li>All dwellings are too small and 25 per cent of dwellings are south facing.</li>
	<li>Building massing is poor, bulky podiums, blank frontages, landscaped podiums will suffer from induced winds.</li>
	<li>Visitor spaces are proposed to be shared by the retail spaces and will place further pressure on on-street parking demands.</li>
</ul>
Consequently the report recommends that the City Development Special Committee (read Maribyrnong City Council) advises the Minister for Planning that it objects to the revised 8 Hopkins Street proposal.

<h2>Consistency doesn't pay…</h2>

Within Maribyrnong City Council's analysis of 8 Hopkins Street is mention of the four approvals granted to date within Joseph Road Precinct, namely Riviera at 18-24 Hopkins Street, <a href="/new-apartments/12-moreland-street-footscray">10 Moreland Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2 Hopkins Street</a> and The Tannery at <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">4 Neilson Place</a>.

Including 8 Hopkins Street, Council is critical of the quintet in that none provide public, social or affordable housing options, little or no office space/meaningful employment generating uses and limited space allocated toward entertainment, recreational or community facilities. From the local council's perspective the same points of concern have arisen on every occasion.

Maribyrnong City Council have evidently been nothing if not consistent in their opposition to certain aspects of the proposals within Joseph Road Precinct to date. Ultimately though the final decision in determining whether 8 Hopkins Street is fit to join those projects already approved within the precinct lies with the Minister for Planning.

<h2>8 Hopkins Street planning team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Golden Asset Group</li>
	<li>Architect: Kavellaris Urban Design</li>
	<li>Landscape: Hansen Partnership</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: PLP Building Surveyors</li>
	<li>Traffic: Cardno</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Services Engineer: ADP Consulting : Engineering</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind Consultant: MEL Consultants</li>
</ul>
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Council apprehensive over the revamped 939-apartment 8 Hopkins Street

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The past fortnight has brought a number of high profile approvals which have been placed firmly in the public eye, but what of the lesser known planning applications that have been given or are poised to receive the green?

85-93 Lorimer Street, 1 Warde Street and Avant at 54-64 A'Beckett street have all had their time in the sun owing to their sizeable nature, with the three projects combining to add as many as 1,780 apartments to the Melbourne skyline. Avant in particular is set to make a striking addition to the northern end of the CBD due to it's reddish-pink exterior, carrying an expected $500 million development tag along the way.

There has also been a wave of other approvals of late, all of which will add to the city's development pipeline. In a variety of locations, some of the more notable developments to gain approval include:

<h2>3 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/1018_3-5_shielst_tp_-_3d_view_-_view_01_-_shiel_st.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="3 Shiel street has been given the green light. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1018_3-5_shielst_tp_-_3d_view_-_view_01_-_shiel_st.jpg?itok=YJ6c1Xfe" title="3 Shiel street has been given the green light. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>3 Shiel street has been given the green light. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>SPEC Property have secured a permit for a project dubbed The Shiel Apartments at 3 Shiel Street, North Melbourne. Melbourne City Council saw fit to provide a permit for the 65-apartment project earlier this month.

The Shiel Street development is notable in that it along with a handful of other projects sited on Shiel Street and the adjoining Haines Street represent the vanguard push of residential developers into the Arden-Macaulay Precinct; a large tract of North Melbourne and Kensington slated to become a high density residential zone.

<h2>20-22 Queens Road and 74 Eastern 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/image34_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queens Road and Eastern Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_3.jpg?itok=19_PZJCm" title="Queens Road and Eastern Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queens Road and Eastern Road</figcaption></figure>VCAT have ruled on both these projects which fell under the jurisdiction of Port Phillip City Council. Respective developers JD Group and GURNER are now free to pursue their approved schemes as they see fit.

20-22 Queens Road is the larger of the two developments at 17 levels, consuming a 4,598 sqm site and holding 269 dwellings. Both projects are at the foot of Albert Park, with 20-22 Queens Road set to enjoy unencumbered views.

<h2>6-10 Keele Street, Collingwood</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/image296.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SJB's Keele Street design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image296.jpg?itok=eHEkmgkP" title="SJB's Keele Street design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SJB's Keele Street design</figcaption></figure>Keele Street comes into focus as the latest project for local developer Pirovich. Submitted during late 2014, the SJB-designed project has gained approval according to Yarra City Council. With a determination dated June 25th, the 55-apartment project over a 930sqm block has a nominal value of $12 million and looks set to join the multitude of apartments projects within postcode 3066.

<h2>Incoming</h2>

Two high-profile projects are also set to gain approval in the not-too-distant future. A planning officer's report set to be tabled before Monash City Council on July 28th recommends the approval of The Glen redevelopment at 227 Springvale Road. Initially submitted with 515 apartments over three buildings, a variety of conditions have been suggested, chief of which is the reduction of the 'Signature Tower' from 86 metres to 63.7 metres in height.

<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/about-header-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the revamped Royal Womens Hospital"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/about-header-2.jpg?itok=bJA6Ih-7" title="Artist's impression of the revamped Royal Womens Hospital" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the Royal Women's Hospital first stage</figcaption></figure>July 28th also looms as the date where <a href="http://www.carltonconnect.com.au/">Carlton Connect</a> will formally be adopted by Melbourne City Council. The project involves rezoning the former Royal Women’s Hospital to allow for a comprehensive redevelopment yielding three buildings which are expected to accommodate Australia’s premier innovation precinct.

Melbourne University will anchor the redevelopment which will seek to deepen the application of knowledge throughout the Australian economy according to the project's website.
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Poised and primed: key developments gain approval

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White-hot developer GURNER has continued Footscray's apartment march by gaining approval for a twin tower development capable of accommodating between 350-380 apartments. Estimated at over $200 million in value, <a href="/buildings/liberty-one-1-warde-street-footscray">1 Warde Street</a> is another joint effort between GURNER and the irrepressible Elenberg Fraser.

Submitted for assessment during July 2012, the project which sits within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct has been subject to a very lengthy approvals process which has seen the initial design consisting of 19 and 26 level buildings adjusted to carry dual 25 level towers. Consequently the apartment yield has increased from an initial 311 to as many as 380 within the approved version, with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments expected.

With such a long lead in time prior to approval GURNER has stated they expect to reflect the low cost of site purchase (relative to today's robust market) via highly competitive apartment pricing at the time of the project's release.

<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/image1warde.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial and approved schemes. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser &amp; GURNER"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1warde.jpg?itok=W1LnwV_K" title="Initial and approved schemes. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser &amp; GURNER" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Initial and approved 1 Warde Street designs. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser &amp; GURNER</figcaption></figure>Dubbed Romeo and Juliet on GURNER's website, 1 Warde Street will hold 4,000sqm's of retail space at ground level, in part servicing the wider Joseph Road Precinct precinct which is expected to see thousands of apartments constructed.

<h2>Tim Gurner's take</h2>

<blockquote>
The site was purchased over four years ago when prices were siting below long-term averages so we are now able to pass this on to purchasers by delivering a project that will rival our crowning ‘FV’ project in Brisbane at prices that sit under market rates, ensuring our clients enjoy long term capital gains.

This regeneration precinct in Footscray is the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into a former industrial precinct and create a thriving residential, retail and cultural hub within five kilometres of the CBD. People who buy into the early stages of new precincts such as this one, tend to do incredibly well as they buy against the market trends and then see a large upswing when the precinct really starts to take shape.

We saw it with Port Melbourne and Richmond’s former industrial precincts which have now been transformed into luxury apartment pockets so I believe Joseph Road will be another example where people will kick themselves down the track if they don’t get in early.

Having just received planning approval from the State Government we will now move into the early design stages and we hope to bring this project to market in early 2016. We are excited to bring this project to the market as soon as possible; I’m happy to see there are other developers already in the market there as the activity will help put this precinct on the map.

There has been talk that this precinct may become over populated with new developments however we see it no differently to opening an Italian restaurant or cafe on Lygon Street - as long as you ensure you are delivering the best possible coffee or product in the market at a competitive price, it is sure to be a success.
<cite>Tim Gurner</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>On a wider note</h2>

1 Warde Street is the latest development to enter the GURNER stable, which includes <a href="/buildings/107-cambridge-street-collingwood">107 Cambridge Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/28-stanley-street-collingwood">28 Stanley Street</a> (both of which have sold out prior to construction) and the recently announced apartment conversion of 57 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. In addition <a href="/buildings/74-eastern-road-south-melbourne">74 Eastern Road</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/278-282-kings-way-south-melbourne">278-282 Kings Way</a> shape as forthcoming projects.

With sales of 1 Warde Street expected to hit sales at the beginning of 2016, the interceding period will see GURNER and Elenberg Fraser embark upon an expanded design process prior to the project's launch. Incidentally Warde Street also caps off a successful fortnight for Elenberg Fraser, with planning approval also secured for two additional projects. <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">85-93 Lorimer Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">Avant</a> within Melbourne's CBD are also the handy work of the Queen Street-based architecture practice.

<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_3578.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Joseph Road Precinct set to rise"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="257" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3578.jpg?itok=M-t40ddz" title="Joseph Road Precinct set to rise" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Joseph Road Precinct set to rise</figcaption></figure>The approval of 1 Warde Street is also another shot of momentum for Joseph Road Precinct, with 2015 a year of excel for the designated urban renewal area. In addition to GURNER's Warde Street approval, AZX Group's <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a> has sold strongly, with a construction tender now open on the first phase of the 968-apartment project.

Joining the above two developments is <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">The Tannery</a> which is slated for a construction start as of late 2015 while directly opposite Joseph street Precinct another large project is on the verge of commencing sales. The Riverside located at <a href="/buildings/the-riverside-1-moreland-street-footscray">1 Moreland Street</a> is set to carry in excess of 200 apartments, with an onsite display suite nearing completion.​
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GURNER's 1 Warde Street adds to Joseph Road Precinct's momentum

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Not another apartment development on <a href="/buildings/e-s-smith-368-374-smith-street-collingwood">Smith Street</a>? Well, no, Trilby is not like any other in certain regards with the team at SPEC Property going to great lengths in order to tailor the development toward the owner-occupier market.

Apartments.com.au visited the display at 410 Smith Street Collingwood in recent days following SPEC Property's latest residential release. The broad-ranging discussion encompassed topics such as the shifting dynamics of the residential sector, successfully designing a project relative to its surrounds and harnessing the target buyer for a development aiming to achieve an 80% owner-occupier buyer rate.

<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/shot01-hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Trilby as envisaged from smith Street. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="406" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shot01-hero.jpg?itok=XUrZsymn" title="Trilby as envisaged from smith Street. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Trilby as envisaged from smith Street. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>SPEC Property like many local developers has recognised a shift toward smaller scale, non-CBD developments which are more intimate in nature than the sizeable towers within Melbourne's CBD. Shying away from large, investor-grade apartment stock is nothing new to SPEC Property, with a sweep through the Apartments.com.au Project Database showing <a href="/developers/samma-property-group">eight small and medium-scale residential developments</a> currently under the guidance of the Cremorne-based property outfit.

<a href="/buildings/trilby-466-smith-street-collingwood">Trilby Apartments</a> is the latest to join this stable of projects. Upon purchasing the site the developer immediately went about redesigning the initial scheme which was still with Yarra City Council. Chief architect Ariel Lopez of Inhabit Design explained that the previous scheme was not in line with the developers expectations and ethos, thus the decision was made to rework every aspect of the project to better suit its setting.

Consequently Trilby apartments now presents as being more open to Smith Street, and with a softer exterior relative to the previous proposed design. Timber and greenery have been introduced, as has been a revised podium that better integrates with the retained facade.

<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/shot06-loft-apartment.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of a loft within Trilby. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shot06-loft-apartment.jpg?itok=f0qzsgkM" title="Artist's impression of a loft within Trilby. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of a loft within Trilby. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>Maintaining every aspect of development from design to delivery in-house, SPEC Property have gone with a revamped interior layout in order to create living options that will best suit the target market. The in-house nature of the business allows for, and almost demands that the developer taps into their customer database in order to gain critical feedback on issues of design, livability and the like.

Consequently loft apartments have been introduced throughout the Trilby podium; a direct result of the success of their experience of placing lofts within <a href="/buildings/helio-91-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Helio</a> on Flemington Road.

The sales team have been delighted to date with the volume of foot traffic through the display suite. Quizzed on the catchment area of both prospective and actual purchasers, it's explained that the bulk of traffic to date is from Collingwood and surrounding suburbs, with a skew to areas such as Kew and Hawthorn. Tram 86 which stretches to Bundoora also accounts for a notable amount of display traffic, with a tram stop in close vicinity to the display front door.

Downsizers have also been prevalent in the buyer profile, with the most notable being a couple who have chosen to leave Shepparton behind in favour of a podium loft-style apartment.

In addition to the lofts, terrace apartments are located over level three with the balance of the building's 106 dwellings dedicated toward one and two bedroom apartments; all of which have been given the touch befitting of an apartment set to be owner-occupied. As Ariel Lopez explained, it serves no purpose going to such great design lengths to simply churn out further investor-driven apartment stock.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image55_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A two bedroom interior. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_2.jpg?itok=DmBd6IZ1" title="A two bedroom interior. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A two bedroom interior. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>As such the apartments are finished to an exceedingly high level and carry a number of features previously unseen by Apartments.com.au. The surprise within the display are the kitchen kickboards which are actually draws, providing additional storage space.

All apartment finishes carry an industrial edge in their design. Aged bronzed tapware, Smeg appliances and powder-coated steel island benches define the kitchen spaces, with a similar motif throughout the bathrooms. Resembling plywood in appearance, the novel finish to the joinery continues the industrial theme, but with an underlying quality.

Crowning Trilby will be an external rooftop deck incorporating a lounge and kitchen, library, bar, ping pong facilities, playground, outdoor cinema and Teppanyaki grill. Bricks salvaged from the site demolition will be reused throughout the rooftop deck, bringing a lived-in quality to the communal area while avoiding the perception of sterility which tends to define many communal areas of recent residential projects through Melbourne.

In-house builder TriUrban Construction is set to commence construction works on Trilby Apartments.

<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_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Recycled bricks frame the rooftop area. Image courtesy SPEC Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image56_1.jpg?itok=NF_Ey5xE" title="Recycled bricks frame the rooftop area. Image courtesy SPEC Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Recycled bricks frame the rooftop area. Image courtesy SPEC Property</figcaption></figure>
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Trilby Apartments a reflection of its target market

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A planning application has been lodged with Yarra City Council for one of Melbourne's most recognisable development sites. Following a Colliers campaign to sell the Richmond Malt site during 2014, Caydon was revealed as the purchaser and has recently lodged plans for the first phase of the expansive site which includes the famed Nylex Clock.

With a land area in excess of 11,000sqm, the Richmond Malt site joins Caydon's existing adjoining development plot at 17-21 Harcourt Parade. The combined and expansive tract of land fronting Cremorne Street, Gough Street and Harcourt Parade has seen the development team indicate that a new residential-based precinct will be rolled out over stages.

The current planning application designated 2 Gough Street is relevant to a portion of the Richmond Malt site, with the balance of that site which includes the concrete silos and Nylex Clock, and the Harcourt Parade development site subject to future planning applications.

<h2>2 Gough Street (Stage 1A) 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/image3malt.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Renders of the proposed residential tower. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3malt.jpg?itok=MKvPqPQs" title="Renders of the proposed residential tower. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Renders of the proposed residential tower. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Total site area: 11,337sqm with 1A site area of 2,128sqm</li>
	<li>19 storeys at 57.25 metres in height</li>
	<li>271 apartments: 187 x 1BR / 83 x 2BR / 1 x 3BR</li>
	<li>6 SOHO dwellings: 4 x 2BR / 2 x 1873BR</li>
	<li>2 retail tenancies, including a 474sqm IGA supermarket</li>
	<li>366 car parks and 184 bicycle bays over basement and podium levels</li>
	<li>GFA: 37,722sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Tower design</h2>

<blockquote>
The Parcel 1A building has been designed by Fender Katsilidis, a well-regarded Melbourne architecture firm, and utilises a design response which reflects the existing disorder, layering and eclectic mix of building styles, ages, shapes, materials and colours present across the Richmond Malt site.

This existing character is referenced through the inclusion of the B4 heritage building, angular podium, retained wall fragments, and twin tower components, which each have their own distinct visual appearance. This conglomeration of building styles reflects the existing characteristics as set out above. Landscaping pockets including creepers, green walls and planter boxes work to further emphasise the building’s form, whilst also referencing the existing, ad hoc landscaping across the wider Richmond Malt site.
<cite>Urbis: Town Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Site permeability a focus</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.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Conceptual laneway format and landscaping. Image courtesy Oculus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="297" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image132.jpg?itok=sB5lqbuq" title="Conceptual laneway format and landscaping. Image courtesy Oculus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Conceptual laneway format and landscaping. Image courtesy Oculus</figcaption></figure>Oculus have been charged with creating enhanced public spaces, with three design principles in place:

<ul>
<li>Public Theatre: Creating opportunities for people to occupy and use the landscape</li>
	<li>Indoor / Outdoor: Creating a permeable landscape that bridges both internal and external spaces to devise a responsive and fluid landscape</li>
	<li>Domesticating: Utilising an adaptive approach to greening</li>
</ul>
Arranged in a semi-grid format, the public realm surrounding Parcel 1A will be framed by green walls, elevated lawn terraces and a viewing platform above the Yarra.

Nominated landscaping materials include recycled brick, concrete, bluestone, corrugated iron and steel; elements which are currently present onsite and which are expected to be incorporated into eventual works. The tower's podium also features a mixture of finishes designed to compliment both the landscaping and existing chararcter of the site.

Ochre and brick elements through the podium will reflect the existing brickwork seen over the wider Richmond Malt site, with the ochre referencing a section of the existing street which is expected to be retained.

<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/image131_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative ground level landscaping within the development. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis / Oculus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image131_1.jpg?itok=lO729jTJ" title="Indicative ground level landscaping within the development. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis / Oculus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative ground level landscaping within the development. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis / Oculus</figcaption></figure><h2>2 Gough Street (Stage 1A) development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Caydon Property Group</li>
	<li>Architect: Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Planning: URBIS</li>
	<li>Landscape report: Oculus</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Acoustic report: Renzo Tonin</li>
	<li>Waste management plan: RB Waste Consulting</li>
	<li>Wind report: Vipac</li>
	<li>Sustainability report: Simpson Kotzman</li>
</ul>
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The Richmond Malt site heads to planning

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The State Government has unveiled a team of experts and community representatives to guide Fishermans Bend beyond its formative stages, with emphasis placed upon achieving planning success. The Ministerial Advisory Committee has been assembled post an assessment period where in excess of 100 expressions of interest were fielded.

Forming a Ministerial Advisory Committee is in line with the Labor Government's intent to reform Fishermans Bend's planning framework, with the most notable changes to date being the introduction of an Employment Precinct within and a prohibitive 40 level height limit across both Montague and Lorimer Precincts.

Fishermans Bend looms as Australia's largest urban renewal project with 450 hectares of land available for development, shadowing Docklands for size in the process.

<blockquote>
Fishermans Bend is a big urban growth opportunity for Victoria. We’re making sure we get it right, to ensure Melbourne can accommodate a growing population and remain the envy of the world.

I’ve chosen a committee which brings together the best in planning experts and community members, giving locals a direct voice in the process.
<cite>Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>The committee</h2>

With a long and distinguished career in the public sphere, Meredith Sussex will chair the committee. In addition to her role with the Fishermans Bend Ministerial Advisory Council, Meredith Sussex also currently holds the position of Non Executive Director at the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute and Director of Meredith Sussex and Associates. The latter consultancy specialises in city planning.

Also present on the Ministerial Advisory Council are:

<ul>
<li>City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle</li>
	<li>City of Port Phillip Mayor Amanda Stevens</li>
	<li>Lucinda Hartley - urban renewal, design and community engagement expert</li>
	<li>Michelle Howard - social infrastructure, strategic and statutory planning expert</li>
	<li>Eric Keys - integrated transport planning expert</li>
	<li>Rob McGauran - architecture, urban design and housing expert</li>
	<li>Tania Quick - business, local industry and land development expert</li>
	<li>Janet Bolitho - community representative and former mayor</li>
	<li>Helen Halliday - community representative, former councillor and Fishermans Bend Network member</li>
	<li>Phil Spender - community representative and local businessman.</li>
</ul>
According to Richard Wynne the first stage of Fishermans Bend's strategic planning is expected to be completed during early 2016 with the renewed precinct plans available for public viewing later next year.

<h2>Comment</h2>

It will be interesting to see what tangible results are directly attributed to the Ministerial Advisory Committee. How much can actually be achieved now the the Urban Renewal Area has been up and running for a number of years?

One could only surmise that the Committee would have had a far greater impact if implemented at the time of Fishermans Bend's genesis, but that of course strays down a path of politics and the like. Cynics could also suggest that the Ministerial Advisory Committee if nothing else is an exercise in being seen to be doing something… an exercise of inclusion to make everyone feel better?

Whatever the case, here's hoping the State Government and the Fishermans Bend Ministerial Advisory Committee can indeed make a tangible difference in the delivery of one of the State's largest projects. Drawing upon Docklands' positive aspects and avoiding the urban realm pitfalls of Southbank would be an excellent start.
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A Ministerial Advisory Committee appointed to oversee Fishermans Bend

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There's been some interesting citations in recent times regarding design generators/inspirations for skyscrapers here in Melbourne. Perfume bottles, Beyonce's curves and now can we assert… the classic wrist watch!

ROTHELOWMAN's latest design on behalf of Sydney-based Besgate Group for 140 King Street is very much reminiscent of a luxury watch, or more specifically a solid link wrist band. Arranged in an interwoven pattern, 140 King Street's continuous 188 metre facade is designed to provides a unified and formal response to the site's surrounds.

Forming one of three sites which constitute Besgate Group's Melbourne portfolio with a combined yield of 1,300 dwellings, 140 King Street was the first to hit planning and now rests with the State Government.

<h2>140 King Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image47.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of 140 King Street. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47.jpg?itok=xZA65-OO" title="Aerial perspective of 140 King Street. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of 140 King Street. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Planning application lodged May 2015</li>
	<li>Existing 3 level office complex over the 793sqm site to be demolished</li>
	<li>Approval sought for a 57 level skyscraper at 188 metres above King Street</li>
	<li>271 apartments included: 103*1BR / 6*1BR + Study / 162*2BR</li>
	<li>Level 13 podium rooftop residential amenities area</li>
	<li>117 car spaces and 81 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>107sqm retail space over two tenancies</li>
	<li>GFA: 25,090sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
The podium form blends with the tower to achieve a unified formal response.

A building of this scale has to work on two very distinct levels, firstly at streetscape pedestrian scale with a finely detailed facade at a human scale and secondly on a citywide level, with clean large gestures clearly legible from distant vantage points. The nature of the scalable facade pattern allows these two very different scales to seamlessly coexist and work with each other from ground floor to roof.

The streetscape has been addressed with the patterned facade coming to ground, creating large elegant framed windows allowing glimpses and access to the activity behind.
<cite>ROTHELOWMAN, town planning submission</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Facade nous</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/image49_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Form and function. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image49_1.jpg?itok=OVaVJyRV" title="Form and function. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Form and function. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>According to the application the east and west facades are comprised of lightweight modular metal panels which are fixed between slabs at regular intervals. The employed link pattern allows for adequate light penetration and ventilation to apartments, while also acting as shading due to the depth of each module.

East and west facades aside, the southern aspect is finished with curtain wall glazing, only broken by intermittent bands of charcoal metal cladding. Glazing and dark grey concrete panels complete the northern exterior.

Ground floor to King street will feature exterior marble cladding which masks a through link between King Street and Gallagher Place.

<h2>Besgate Group settles in</h2>

As was <a href="/news/besgate-group-readies-their-surge-into-the-melbourne-apartment-market">foreshadowed by Urban.com.au during May</a>, 140 King Street represents the vanguard project for Besgate Group in the Melbourne residential market, with two additional developments in the pipeline. 640 Bourke Street has also been submitted for approval while 558-566 Swanston Street in Carlton is set to pass through the approvals process shortly.

<a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/besgate-times-entry-perfectly-into-hot-melbourne-market-20150721-gih176">Fairfax Media have today ran a piece on Besgate Group</a>, outlining ROTHELOWMAN's design for 640 Bourke Street, or more appropriately dual designs. An 85-storey tower with 980 apartments has been put forward pending feedback from aviation authorities, while a smaller 66-storey tower which would slip in under the OLS ceiling has also been included within the 640 Bourke Street application.

<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/1437475304437.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative render of 640 Bourke Street at a lower height. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1437475304437.jpg?itok=u5GPDcUZ" title="Indicative render of 640 Bourke Street at a lower height. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative render of 640 Bourke Street at a lower height. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure><h2>140 King Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Besgate Group</li>
	<li>Architecture: ROTHELOWMAN</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Project Manager: KM Develop</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant: Wood and Grieve Engineering</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Services Engineer: Wood and Grieve Engineering</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: AECOM</li>
	<li>Wind Engineer: Vipac Engineers &amp; Scientists</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Gardner Group Pty Ltd</li>
</ul>
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ROTHELOWMAN's solid link skyscraper: 140 King Street, Melbourne

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What's in a tower, or two? Last Friday Little Projects received planning approval for a twin tower scheme nestled in behind Yarra's Edge, that the developer believes will act as an entrance point to Lorimer Precinct within Fishermans Bend. Initially submitted as a 74 level tower with provisions for public space and a tram line through the site, the scheme was subsequently scaled downwards resulting in two towers of 47 and 49 storeys.

85-93 Lorimer Street will see the delivery of 940 apartments, marginally more than was sought within the initial scheme. Lower levels within the approved Elenberg Fraser-designed complex will house 778 car parks and 400 bicycle bays, retail spaces and a gym - all within a podium heavy with exterior greenery.

2,100 square metres has been designated onsite as a public park, naturally garnering strong support from both the State Government and City of Melbourne.

Valued at $200 million, 85-93 Lorimer Street is the latest apartment scheme approval for Fishermans Bend, which according to the State Government brings the total value of inner-city developments approved by the Andrews Labor Government to over $3 billion. Under Planning Minister Richard Wynne's tenure in excess of 3,300 apartments within Fishermans Bend have gained approval, equating to in excess of $800 million worth of investment.

<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/lorimer_lowres-1art.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved 85-93 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Little Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="698" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lorimer_lowres-1art.jpg?itok=830l0vb8" title="The approved 85-93 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Little Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved 85-93 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Little Projects</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
This development reflects our vision for the future of Fishermans Bend, offering open space and well-designed apartments close to transport and services.

We encourage innovative developers to put forward projects which we can be proud of decades after construction.
<cite>Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
​The re-submission of our plans for the South Wharf site has given us the ability to design a development that will contribute to Melbourne’s dynamic skyline.

We’ve identified South Wharf as a key area with potential for growth, as it is evident that Melbournians enjoy living on the fringe of the CBD, with immediate access to the best cultural and lifestyle precincts, including Melbourne’s new financial district, which is only 1km away. Through this project, and its thoughtful design considerations, the team at Elenberg Fraser and Little Projects has a unique opportunity and responsibility to shape and elevate the liveability of this city for future generations.

The oval-shaped towers maximise the amount of natural light entering the apartments’ interiors and bring spectacular bay and city views inside.
<cite>Michael Fox, Managing Director, Little Projects</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Comment</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/lorimer.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The original Lorimer Street proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lorimer.jpg?itok=uQXgmfTD" title="The original Lorimer Street proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The original Lorimer Street proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>In a broader sense the aversion to height within certain pockets of Fishermans Bend by the current State Government is something which serves no great purpose in my eyes. There are limited and appropriate areas such as Lorimer Precinct where height limits shouldn't apply.

The blanket 40 level height limit over areas of Fishermans Bend if sustained over the long term will result in a rather contrived outcome where every building will essentially be built to 120 metres; it's a matter of aesthetics more than anything but a forest of towers all terminating at the same height lacks an organic feel or natural progression that the CBD for instance maintains.

Site specific now, and I can't see why two towers over one taller tower has been lauded as a "refined" or superior outcome. The original plan for a 74 level building <a href="http://www.docklandsnews.com.au/editions/article/concerns-remain-over-fishermans-bend_10824/">sparked concerns</a> from surrounding residents, why? 85-93 Lorimer Street is located to the south of Yarra's Edge and therefore holds no overshadowing concerns. Whether a tower is 49, 74 or 100 levels is effectively irrelevant, but apparently the taller the tower, the higher the Yarra's Edge residents insecurities seem to sprout.

In fact the only consequence I can see of having two towers as opposed to one is that more future residents of 85-93 Lorimer Street will have direct lines of sight into existing apartments within Yarra's Edge, go figure…
</body></html>

Tall stories and big Little Projects on Lorimer Street

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Joel Robinson

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

Mark Baljak

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