The Apartments.com.au <a href="/developments">project database</a> has passed a milestone 800 listings, with the expectation that 1,000 listings will be reached by year's end. The ever expanding project database has gathered approximately 40 new listings in the last fortnight, with a raft of new (and mostly residential) planning applications collected in recent weeks.

Having always been particularly strong in capturing large projects delivered by notable developers, the focus now has shifted to enriching the project database with upcoming projects which are being championed by smaller developers and those new to the Melbourne development scene.

To that end, the following projects represent a selection of listings which are new to the Apartments.com.au project database.

<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/image30_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ascot Theatre followed by Leigh, 314-328 Swan, Prism and 3-9 Shuter"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_3.jpg?itok=cuAeUCLk" title="Ascot Theatre followed by Leigh, 314-328 Swan, Prism and 3-9 Shuter" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Ascot Theatre followed by Leigh, 314-328 Swan, Prism and 3-9 Shuter</figcaption>
</figure>

CDG Group enter the project database for the first time with two projects. With their initial project dubbed <a href="/new-apartments/summerhill-camberwell-1150-toorak-road-camberwell">Summerhill Camberwell</a> at sales, CDG's latest project is freshly lodged with Moonee Valley City Council. Designed by Jackson Clement Borrows, <a href="/buildings/9-shuter-street-moonee-ponds">3-9 Shuter Street Moonee Ponds</a> would see 67 apartments built over an eight level building. CDG also have a pending apartment project located on Hawthorn's Glenferrie Road.

Following the sell out success of recent projects MIYA and HAUS, Angelo Property Group have moved to shore up their future development pipeline with two new apartment projects. Lodged within days of one another, Ascot Theatre at <a href="/developments/ascot-vale-vic-3032">199-203 Union Road Ascot Vale</a> and Prism at <a href="/new-apartments/mac-robertson-lofts-365-smith-street-fitzroy">365 Smith Street Fitzroy</a> have the potential to yield a combined 100 dwellings in addition to a new Woolworths within the Ascot Vale redevelopment.

Last of the developers with multiple entires is Steller, which is seemingly going from strength to strength. In addition to a handful of current projects at registrations and sales such as <a href="/buildings/leigh-22-bent-street-bentleigh">Leigh</a> located within Bentleigh, Steller have embarked upon projects in both Armadale and Richmond. At planning, <a href="/buildings/acacia-74-wattletree-road-armadale">74-76 Wattletree Road Armadale</a> is modest at 29 dwellings relative to their largest development to date, namely <a href="/new-apartments/314-320-swan-street-richmond">314-328 Swan Street Richmond</a>.

Designed by architecture firm Ewert Leaf, the planning application sees 42 apartments and 75 serviced apartments over two 10 level buildings with retail and conference facilities located at ground level.

<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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="140 King, New Charsfield, The Lincoln, 308 Carlisle and 386-394 Spencer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="494" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_0.jpg?itok=JD3jQdPS" title="140 King, New Charsfield, The Lincoln, 308 Carlisle and 386-394 Spencer" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>140 King, New Charsfield, The Lincoln, 308 Carlisle and 386-394 Spencer</figcaption>
</figure>

Other developers have also been busy with notable projects mushrooming around the inner city. As <a href="/news/besgate-group-readies-their-surge-into-the-melbourne-apartment-market">foreshadowed by Urban.com.au</a> recently, Besgate Group has pushed into the local development sector with <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">140 King Street Melbourne</a>. The 186 metre ROTHELOWMAN proposal is expected to see 271 apartments above two retail tenancies.

Chinese-Australian firm Ever Bright Group is readying to re-enter the apartment sector with a tower behind The Hotel Charsfield. Located at 478 St Kilda Road Melbourne, <a href="/new-apartments/new-charsfield-478-st-kilda-road-melbourne">New Charsfield</a> will see an 18 level tower with 69 serviced apartments in addition to private dwellings.

Brisbane-based Metro Property Group are poised to launch their sales campaign for <a href="/buildings/the-lincoln-15-cromwell-road-south-yarra">The Lincoln</a> within South Yarra after having received planning approval earlier in the year, while local developer Danny Ciarma under his UrbanDC brand is behind a proposal at <a href="/buildings/no-308-308-carlisle-street-balaclava">308 Carlisle Street Balaclava</a>. With 46 dwellings over four levels, the proposal would also contain two retail tenancies and two restaurants at ground level, covering a combined 700sqm.

Lastly Alpha 14 are seeking approval for an 18 level proposal at <a href="/buildings/bond-quarter-386-spencer-street-west-melbourne">386-394 Spencer Street West Melbourne</a>. 54 one bedroom and 72 two bedroom apartments constitute the proposal which would also see a mostly retained existing street frontage, with dual office tenancies slated for those spaces.

<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/image37_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="103-105 High Street, 67 Rufus Street, 719 High Street, 5-7 Nepean and Lincoln Square South"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37_1.jpg?itok=eW9oQdzd" title="103-105 High Street, 67 Rufus Street, 719 High Street, 5-7 Nepean and Lincoln Square South" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>103-105 High Street, 67 Rufus Street, 719 High Street, 5-7 Nepean and Lincoln Square South</figcaption>
</figure>

The balance of those projects in the spotlight are more obscure in nature, either by location or by virtue of being championed by lesser known development entities.

With an estimated development value of $12 million, <a href="/buildings/marque-105-high-street-prahran">103-105 High Street Prahran</a> is a planning application seeking 63 apartments within a nine level building. While 103 High Street Prahran Pty Ltd is shown as the applicant, Healey &amp; Co is believed to be the developer with 103-105 High Street set to follow after their current project The Carlson, within Melbourne's CBD and which is nearing completion.

Two already approved and sizeable projects have surfaced in Epping, with 67 Rufus Street and <a href="/new-apartments/empire-epping-719-high-street-epping">719 High Street</a> both holding in excess of 90 dwellings. The former development site is for sale with planning approvals in tow.

Elsternwick continues to gain momentum as an apartment hot spot with Vantage Point Projects seeking approval for 53 apartments over five levels. Adjoining the McDonalds outlet on the corner of Nepean Highway and Glen Huntly Road, <a href="/new-apartments/elk-apartments-5-nepean-highway-elsternwick">5-7 Nepean Highway Elsternwick</a> sits on a 1585sqm site.

Last but not least is 23-31 Lincoln Square South Carlton. Plus Architecture have conceived a banded exterior for the 18 level proposal which would contain 124 studio, one, and two bedroom apartments if and when approved. Lodged during May on behalf of Ambertree Vic Mel (Lincoln) Pty Ltd, the proposal looks to replace the home of call centre specialist Salesforce, albeit within a retained building shell.

<hr />
&nbsp;

silvermb

New projects in focus as the Project Database passes 800 listings

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The National Gallery of Victoria's Clemenger BBDO Auditorium is set to host the inaugural Housing Futures forum which is designed to gather a select group of industry professionals in order to explore/speculate on the future or residential architecture.

Covering the gamut of living options from detached through to high density living, and everything in between such as aged, multigenerational and student housing, the event is set for Friday the 31st of July.

Spanning the entire day, Housing Futures will feature both international and local keynote speakers, interspersed with panel discussions where the audience is encouraged to join the deliberations.

<h2>Keynote addresses</h2>

Anchoring the event will be four keynote addresses, with topics and speakers outlined below:

<dl>
<dt>What lessons, if any, does the bespoke, one-off house offer for housing futures?</dt>
	<dd>Presented by Kerstin Thompson, Principal, Kerstin Thompson Architects (Melbourne)</dd>
	<dt>Urban Housing: Architecture’s role in making our cities sustainable, equitable and liveable</dt>
	<dd>Presented by Philip Thalis, Founding Principal, Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects (Sydney)</dd>
	<dt>City Limits: Why Australia's cities are broken and how we can fix them</dt>
	<dd>Presented by Paul Donegan, Fellow, Grattan Institute (Melbourne)</dd>
	<dt>Housing shapes the the way we live and the cities we inhabit</dt>
	<dd>Presented by Charles Renfro, Partner, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, New York City, USA</dd>
</dl>
<h2>Audience input welcome</h2>

Dual hour long discussion periods are slated which will feature panels consisting of both keynote speakers and invited panel members. During the discussions the audience is welcome to provide opinion and input of the matters under discussion.

Eli Giannini (Director at MGS Architects) along with Marcus Foth (Founder and Director at Urban Informatics Research Lab) will team with Paul Donegan and Philip Thalis to deliver the first discussion period. Shelley Penn (Director, Shelley Penn Architect) and Ben Hewett (Director, Strategic Services NSW GAO) will join Charles Renfro and Kerstin Thompson for the second moderated panel discussion.

Readers seeking further information on the Housing Futures forum are encouraged to visit <a href="http://designspeaks.com.au/">Design Speaks</a> for further details.
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Housing Futures forum set for July 31st

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Urban.com.au can reveal Singaporean firm Figtree Holdings Limited's proposal for what was formerly the Duke of Kent hotel on La Trobe Street. Better known as a builder of commercial and industrial facilities throughout east Asia, the group will press into Melbourne's high-rise residential sector via its subsidiary Figtree La Trobe Pty Ltd.

Securing the Duke of Kent for $14.08 million during 2014, Figtree subsequently added the adjoining <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">301-303 La Trobe Street</a> in order to amalgamate both sites in the hope of gaining approval for a 213 metre residential tower.

Responsible for the preliminary development scheme devised for the Duke of Kent's sales campaign, <a href="/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> were also engaged in order to conceive the scheme for approval, with the application currently before the State Government. If successfully approved, 293-303 La Trobe Street would see 370 apartments delivered, consisting of one, two and three bedroom dwellings.

<h2>293-303 La Trobe 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/image43_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Facing demolition. Image courtesy DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_1.jpg?itok=Fub3elRH" title="Facing demolition. Image courtesy DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Facing demolition. Image courtesy DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Planning application lodged April 2015</li>
	<li>Site area: 667sqm with the Duke of Kent to be demolished</li>
	<li>66 level tower at 213m above ground (OLS ceiling)</li>
	<li>Total GFA sought: 34,353sqm</li>
	<li>​370 apartments: 1/2/3 bedroom options</li>
	<li>Podium parking for 61 vehicles and basement allowances for 168 bicycles</li>
	<li>50.2sqm of ground floor retail tenancy space</li>
	<li>Level 1 amenities area and level 13/44 communal spaces</li>
</ul>
<h2>Ground level greatness?</h2>

DKO Architecture have employed a visually unique and highly interesting ground level interface to the site's three frontages, namely La Trobe Street, Sutherland Street and Flanigan Lane. To avoid creating a 'choke point' of sorts by building to the site's boundaries, the lower levels has been arched inwards so as to improve the pedestrian experience to both Sutherland Street and Flanigan Lane.

Framed by perforated golden metallic screens, a new plaza to the eastern perimeter will open up Sutherland Street in particular while also allowing for enhanced solar penetration.

According to the town planning report, the proposed urban realm will not only allow for increased pedestrian movement north and south along Sutherland Street, but also create a space where pedestrians can relax and congregate. Landscape consultancy T.C.L have envisaged bluestone public seating and Bower Vines climbing the metallic screens as a means of softening the space.

<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_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level interface. Image courtesy DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="532" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_1.jpg?itok=zMpdx4GO" title="Street level interface. Image courtesy DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level interface. Image courtesy DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure><h2>Tight site, tight fit</h2>

<blockquote>
The tower is architectural resolved in a cylindrical shape with convex ends east and west which make a tower form unique to Melbourne. The use of dark blue glazing to the façade, interspersed with gold-colour glass, complements the perforated gold metal of the ground level plaza to create a building that will be an iconic building within the CBD.

The proposed built form has been sensitively designed to offer improved public amenity at ground level and excellent internal amenity, while also responding to the surrounding built (existing and approved / under construction).
<cite>Urbis, town planning report</cite>
</blockquote>

The tight nature of the site has led to minimal setbacks to La Trobe Street and Flanigan Lane, although there is precedence in the area with current towers under construction also maintaining minor setbacks to all frontages. The design's intended setback to La Trobe Street ranges between 0 and 2.3 metres over levels 14 to 43, while the west boundary is setback between 4 and 5.57 metres in anticipation of a possible redevelopment of the adjoining property into the future.

Beyond level 44 the tower's form bulges, resulting in decreased east and west setbacks. It is noted within the planning documents that although 293-303 La Trobe Street's setbacks are minimal, recent projects in the area such as <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a> and <a href="/developers/brady-group">Brady Group's</a> completed Melbourne Star &amp; Sky employ little if any setbacks.

<h2>The tall and the short of it</h2>

As per many other pockets of inner Melbourne, the southern footpath of La Trobe Street between Elizabeth Street and Queen Street is in the grips of mass development with five residential towers at various stages of the development process. <a href="/buildings/eporo-tower-279-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Eporo Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/la-trobe-tower-323-la-trobe-street-melbourne">La Trobe Tower</a> and <a href="/buildings/the-carlson-321-la-trobe-street-melbourne">The Carlson</a> are all under construction, with another 48 level residential development approved atop the <a href="/buildings/paragon-318-queen-street-melbourne">Celtic Club</a>.

The above projects border the Guildford Lane Heritage Precinct which is a prime example of early twentieth century low-rise industrial and warehousing buildings, and quite a unique aspect of <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's CBD</a>. With limited blocks fronting La Trobe Street available for development, 293-303 La Trobe Street shapes as one of the last sizeable residential towers that will front both La Trobe Street and the heritage precinct.

Only in the last year has the scale of La Trobe Street as depicted below begun to change immensely; it remains to be seen how Figtree's proposal along with the aforementioned towers slot into the streetscape and what effect, if any, they have upon the adjoining Guildford Lane Heritage 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/731003w-latrobest-dofkhotel-rsmith.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Duke of Kent in times gone by. Image courtesy tdu.to"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/731003w-latrobest-dofkhotel-rsmith.jpg?itok=WD4x7J_Z" title="The Duke of Kent in times gone by. Image courtesy tdu.to" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Duke of Kent in times gone by. Image courtesy tdu.to</figcaption></figure><h2>293-303 La Trobe Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Figtree La Trobe Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: DKO Architecture</li>
	<li>Town Planner: Urbis</li>
	<li>Structural: Webber Design</li>
	<li>Services &amp; ESD: ADP Consulting</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: SW Partners</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Bosco Johnson</li>
	<li>Wind: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape Consultant: T.C.L</li>
</ul>
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Figtree's Melbourne foray: 293-303 La Trobe Street, Melbourne

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Two new planning applications with Stonnington City Council are seeking to continue the trend of increasingly taller towers making their way into South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct. Lodged during late June, CBD-based entity Lantern River Pty Ltd is behind a proposal located at 671 Chapel Street which would see a 30 level residential tower replace a low-rise retail outlet, while Fridcorp have also sought approval for a mixed-use development at 627 Chapel Street.

Design firm Architecton has drawn inspiration form fine jewellery and faceted forms in order to conceive <a href="http://www.architecton.com.au/34556/7097762/select-projects/chapel-street-south-yarra">671 Chapel Street</a> with the predominantly black tower contrasted by bronze highlights. Abutting Melbourne High School and with a nominal value of $115 million, the proposal adds to the rapidly evolving streetscape within the Forrest Hill Precinct which has seen the northern stretch of Chapel Street subject to multiple tower proposals.

<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/da4b74f0b938098d9fcb9964b6af56bc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 671 Chapel Street. Image courtesy Architecton"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/da4b74f0b938098d9fcb9964b6af56bc.jpg?itok=Mi385Bal" title="Artist's impression of 671 Chapel Street. Image courtesy Architecton" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 671 Chapel Street. Image courtesy Architecton</figcaption></figure><h2>671 Chapel Street overview</h2>

<blockquote>
The design seeks to deliver on one of the key objectives of the DDO control which is… 'to provide tall slender building forms rather than bulky, monolithic buildings in order to minimise visual bulk'.

The site context has been carefully analysed and considered, which has generated a sculptural building form that responds to key influences within its surrounding context.

The project leverages the incredible view amenity offered by the location of the site and its location within the Forest Hill North Precinct. The proposed development will create public interface that provides a vibrant, attractive and safe pedestrian connection through the Forrest Hill Precinct.

The proposal provides new residential apartments over 30 storeys and a 6 level basement carpark inclusive of residential amenity spaces such as shared lounges, rooftop bar, pool, library, gymnasium and yoga room. Activated public realm at Chapel Street with highly exposed retail and commercial spaces all integrated via a landscaped porte cochere.

The form and facades of the proposed tower have been influenced and moulded by the key heritage components of the immediate precinct, resulting in an architectural language which is responsive and deferential to the sites surrounding history, yet embracing the changing characteristics of Chapel Street, but also avoiding the unreasonable visual bulk of new development when viewed from surrounding areas by ensuring appropriate scales, form and articulation.
<cite>Architecton website</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/chapelh.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of Chapel Street's Forrest Hill Precinct. Image courtesy Architecton"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="237" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/chapelh.jpg?itok=RNWB_8dP" title="Aerial perspective of Chapel Street's Forrest Hill Precinct. Image courtesy Architecton" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of Chapel Street's Forrest Hill Precinct. Image courtesy Architecton</figcaption></figure>Fridcorp's proposal for 627 Chapel Street would see a tower with a nominal cost of $130 million delivered, consisting of retail, hospitality and residential uses. Both 627 Chapel Street and 671 Chapel Street are in and amongst a handful of current projects intent on redefining South Yarra's emerging skyline.

Next to 671 Chapel Street Malaysia's Gamuda Land has launched <a href="/buildings/661-chapel-street-661-chapel-street-south-yarra">661 Chapel Street</a> within Malaysia, with a local sales campaign expected to begin during September. Valued at $146 million, Gamuda Land's first foray into the Melbourne residential sector will see 169 apartments delivered with one, two and three bedroom layouts available.

Adjoining 661 Chapel Street is <a href="/new-apartments/royal-como-663-chapel-street-south-yarra">Royal Como</a> at 21 levels while <a href="/buildings/esque-649-chapel-street-south-yarra">649 Chapel Street</a> at 20 levels and with an estimated value of $50 million is still under planning assessment. Rounding out the spike in development along this pocket of Chapel Street is LK Property Group's <a href="/buildings/capitol-grand-241-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a> which recently gained planning approval, and at 50 levels will stand as the suburb's tallest building.
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Hitting the heights on Chapel Street

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Interesting times abound for one of Melbourne's more flamboyant development firms, with BPM in the midst of a development push that sees no less than six apartment projects currently active on Apartments.com.au's Project Database. With a penchant for all things <a href="http://www.bpmcorp.com.au/">beautiful and exotic</a> the firm which was founded by Jonathan Hallinan in 1995, has gone about creating a unique niche for itself in an industry where the majority of developers are trying to set themselves apart.

Underpinning the flair however is the aim of delivering quality living spaces, with <a href="/buildings/shadow-play-105-clarendon-street-southbank">Shadow Play</a> on Southbank acting as the firm's 'flagship' project and first Melbourne high-rise. Apartments.com.au recently spoke with BPM founder and Director Jonathan Hallinan in order to better understand the company's current anf future intentions.

Beginning with Shadow Play, the question was posed as to why BPM chose to move into the high-rise sphere and how was the prized Southbak site secured?

<blockquote>
Moving into the tower market was a courageous move for BPM, which had cemented itself as the premier developer of boutique, medium density developments in Melbourne. Fundamentally I always knew that BPM had further potential beyond just the medium density market, and that’s why I decided to move the business forward into developing residential towers.

Shadow Play is positioned in a sought after location that aligns with BPM’s strategy to develop in areas that appeal to successful, passionate people, with a strong coffee and food culture. When the opportunity presented to secure the Shadow Play site, we moved quickly to negotiate with the vendor.

On the day of the negotiations, I was scheduled to board a flight to the US late that evening. I spent the day at the solicitor’s office of the vendor, negotiating into the night before finalising the deal minutes before I was due to be at the airport. It would prove to be one of the most significant days in the history of BPM, marking our first endeavour into the high rise market and signifying a new era for the business.
<cite>Jonathan Hallinan</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/shadowplay_ext_5_2100px_landscape_large.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Shadow Play taking centre stage. Image courtesy BPM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shadowplay_ext_5_2100px_landscape_large.jpg?itok=Yjd5X7ks" title="Shadow Play taking centre stage. Image courtesy BPM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Shadow Play taking centre stage. Image courtesy BPM</figcaption></figure>Shadow Play to date has seen 70% of the apartments on offer sold, with 30% of those sales accounted for by overseas buyers. The success of Shadow Play has seen BPM take steps to initiate further high-rise projects, while also maintaining their willingness to tackle smaller, high-end projects.

<blockquote>
The move into large scale projects does not represent an abandoning of smaller boutique developments for BPM. Rather, as a business we see a great opportunity to apply the same luxury approach and design aesthetic typically associated with our boutique properties to our larger scale projects.

Therefore we aim to be across every market from boutique projects, medium density and high rise developments, taking what we do so well at the boutique level and applying that approach to the tower market, in order to make luxury apartment living more accessible and achievable for people on any income, without compromising on design or quality.

We are currently finalising negotiations on a further four high rise development sites, where we will continue to adopt our retention strategy of keeping 10-15% of the project.
<cite>Jonathan Hallinan</cite>
</blockquote>

The commitment to smaller boutique developments is underlined by BPM creating an internal construction arm specialising in luxury, medium density apartments developed by its parent. <a href="/buildings/walter-280-neerim-road-carnegie">Walter Carnegie</a> which is well advanced and <a href="/buildings/the-standard-brighton-209-bay-street-brighton">The Standard</a> located on Bay Street, Brighton are under the guidance of BPM Built.

<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/image30_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Night Fall set for South Melbourne. Images courtesy BPM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_2.jpg?itok=Z2xX4l-A" title="Night Fall set for South Melbourne. Images courtesy BPM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Night Fall set for South Melbourne. Images courtesy BPM</figcaption></figure>Looking ahead BPM are set to release their first project within Fishermans Bend, with Night Fall the moniker assigned to <a href="/buildings/night-fall-165-gladstone-street-south-melbourne">165 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne</a>. Registrations of interest for the project are open with late July expected to see its public sales campaign launch.

Described as a cultural barometer and beacon by the development firm, Night Fall will see approximately 45 apartments delivered with large balconies a feature, allowing for flow between interior and exterior spaces.

Elsewhere and BPM are in the process of creating two additional Melbourne projects. Richmond will be home to a new apartment development at <a href="/buildings/light-edge-34-elizabeth-street-richmond">34-40 Elizabeth Street</a>, with the project at the final stages of planning and slated for a late 2015 release to market while Collingwood will see the developer diversify by fostering creative designer office spaces within a project that will be launched during 2016.
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Jonathan Hallinan on the rise of BPM

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Planning &amp; Property Partners has spearheaded the latest development push into Fishermans Bend, covering six separate residential towers fronting Normanby Road. The multi-disciplinary Melbourne-based practice is acting on behalf of six separate land owners who have seen it fit to amalgamate their land holdings into an integrated master planned development.

Lodged with DTPLI last week, the six separate properties straddling either side of Normanby Road would add 1,578 apartments to the Fishermans Bend mix over six 40 level towers, the maximum number of floors permitted under current Fishermans Bend interim height limits.

Designed by Hayball, the combined value of the six towers is an estimated $600 million and would see apartments start from 50sqm for a single bedroom apartment, moving up to 64sqm. Dual bedroom apartments begin at 91sqm while three bedroom dwellings see a minimum of 110sqm of living space.

As part of the development Port Phillip Housing Trust stands to benefit with the allocation of a number of apartments set aside for affordable housing use.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m0!3m2!1sen!2sau!4v1436210241959!6m8!1m7!1sOV_8HEvxi7GQjQPij4K_kQ!2m2!1d-37.829419!2d144.947599!3f2.1498087339594747!4f-10.576575587953641!5f0.7820865974627469" style="border:0" width="600"></iframe>

While the sites in question currently offer light commercial uses, the planning applications seeks to reinvigorate ground level activities by way of an overhauled public realm. The combined urban design response will see increased mid-block activation with laneways between Normanby Road and Munro Street and Normanby Road and Woodgate Street.

Retail and commercial tenancies are set to line ground level spaces with podium level tenancies earmarked for commercial use, specifically ‘business incubator’ spaces designed to support start-up businesses within the precinct.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
The net community benefit from a precinct approach is the creation of public spaces that feel good to be in and that people want to return to. We’ve carefully considered the human experience at street level with small-scale activities and spaces like laneways, pocket parks and plazas that feel intimate and engaging.

Making great places takes time and involves many complex ingredients to create a local experience which feels authentic. Early activation of the public realm and ‘seeding’ strategies to stitch new activities into the existing urban fabric are key to a celebrated local identity taking shape over time.
<cite>Tom Jordan - Managing Director, Hayball</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
This coordinated effort will create benefits for both occupiers and the broader community. It is a benchmark for a quality-driven, design response to residential apartment development, fostering a sense of community and providing a positive social contribution to the evolving Montague Precinct.

Doing 6 towers together can only mean a better coordinated outcome in both an urban design sense and how it will interact at street level. It is an exceptionally well put together proposal.
<cite>Mark Naughton - Managing Director, Planning &amp; Property Partners</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/image24_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Normanby Road precinct. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="393" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image24_0.jpg?itok=LWbmwN3E" title="Normanby Road precinct. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Normanby Road precinct. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure><h2>The bigger picture</h2>

Further along Normanby Road there are two nearby properties currently hold planning permits for substantial towers. An Artisan Architects designed 40 level complex at <a href="/buildings/normanby-199-201-normanby-road-southbank">199 Normanby Road</a> has approval for 262 apartments while Perpetual Normanby Pty Ltd recently received the green light for a 49 and 39 level dual tower scheme at <a href="/new-apartments/228-238-normanby-road-southbank">228-238 Normanby Road</a>.

Overall Apartments.com.au is currently tracking 43 towers within Fishermans Bend, spread over 20 separate development plots. This figure is expected to fluctuate as a number of projects within the precinct such as <a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">6-78 Buckhurst Street</a> are back in the hands of architects seeking an improved outcome.
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1500 new apartments slated for Fishermans Bend

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Over a decade ago works began on the 2006 Commonwealth Games Village which post event was rebadged as Parkville Gardens. The development and subsequent retrofit was headed by The Village Park Consortium; a joint venture between Citta Property Group and Australand which still endures onsite today.

During the initial development, a sizeable tract of land abutting Citylink was set aside for the purpose of flanking the arterial road with multiple high-rise apartment towers. Recent years have seen the development partners pursue a string of low-rise and medium density apartment projects, far from the 15-20 level buildings envisaged in earlier concept designs.

Relatively minimal builds such as Ville, The Green and Hyde have taken their place within the Freeway Apartments Precinct bounded Cade Way and Galada Avenue, with no high-rise towers in sight.

<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_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Thrive and Flourish. Images courtesy Citta Property Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="256" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_3.jpg?itok=M6hhAauO" title="Thrive and Flourish. Images courtesy Citta Property Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Thrive and Flourish. Images courtesy Citta Property Group</figcaption></figure>The tide however began turning with Jardin, an eight level apartment complex which was recently completed by Buildcorp Commercial. With the sell out success of Jardin's 90 apartments under their belt, Citta and Australand have reeled off three high-rise projects in rapid succession, capitalising on the robust demand for apartments in inner city locales.

With its tower crane freshly erected, Thrive Parkside represents the first high-rise in the precinct with its 15 levels of 134 one and two bedroom apartments mostly accounted for. Buildcorp Commercial are once more the builder for Thrive which is officially Stage 7 of the Freeway Apartments Precinct, and may be favoured to undertake the next tower dubbed Flourish Parkside.

At 12 levels Flourish contains 81 one and two bedroom apartments and abuts Thrive. As per previous projects within the precinct, Flourish is also a creation of SJB.

<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/header.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Prosper Parkside. Image courtesy Enrich Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/header.jpg?itok=6dj0dQi0" title="Prosper Parkside. Image courtesy Enrich Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Prosper Parkside. Image courtesy Enrich Property</figcaption></figure>With Flourish yet to break ground, another project within the precinct has emerged carrying the name Prosper Parkside. With some distinctive SJB design features, Prosper is a 14-15 level residential apartment project located on what is currently a vacant block of land on the corner of Cade Way and Galada Avenue.

Nestled between existing buildings and fronting Village Oval, Prosper looks to be the largest project undertaken within the precinct to date. It remains to be seen whether Prosper correlates to an active planning application currently before authorities which was submitted during February of this year covering Stage 8 of the Freeway Apartments Precinct, or whether the application is for yet another forthcoming project.

<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_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Freeway Apartments Precinct. Image courtesy australand"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_1.jpg?itok=3fRFGIgi" title="Freeway Apartments Precinct. Image courtesy australand" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Freeway Apartments Precinct. Image courtesy australand</figcaption></figure>What is apparent is the upward trajectory in scale that recent projects have taken within the Freeway Apartments Precinct. Accounting for the three towers outlined above, the precinct master plan still allows for a further four residential buildings east of Flourish.

While the composition of these four projects is as yet publicly unknown it might be assumed that based on the success of the projects released to date, future builds will be of a similar high-rise nature. It may have taken the best part of a decade but Parkville Gardens looks to be finally gaining its high-rise mojo as envisaged many years ago.
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A Parkville vision finally realised

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Long thought of as a site prime for high-density development, 830 Plenty Road is again subject to a planning application which would radically alter the local landscape should it gain approval. The 10,194sqm land parcel atop Reservoir's Summerhill Village currently sees a variety of vacant low-rise buildings languishing onsite, with all set to make way for 326 dwellings.

Project manager and development manager Ouson Group is behind the proposal which would see four separate apartment buildings delivered along with 17 townhouses under the moniker Reservoir Reflection.

<h2>830 Plenty Road 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/image10_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the intended development. Image courtesy Architeria Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="277" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_1.jpg?itok=Ez80YU9U" title="Aerial perspective of the intended development. Image courtesy Architeria Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the intended development. Image courtesy Architeria Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged 29th June with Darebin City Council</li>
	<li>Site area: 10,194sqm</li>
	<li>Four apartment buildings of up to 12 levels</li>
	<li>326 apartments: 73*1BR, 15*1BR+S, 194*2BR, 24*2BR+S, 20*3BR</li>
	<li>391 basement car park spaces &amp; 106 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Retail and recreational uses at ground level</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design impetus</h2>

Urban.com.au spoke with project point Architeria Architects to gain an insight into Reservoir Reflection:

<blockquote>
Our response to the clients's brief to develop this site, situated next to a recently developed shopping precinct, was to exceed their expectations by designing a landmark apartment complex which includes over 320 apartments and townhouses along with over 1000 Sqm of retail and commercial space.

Communal areas such as a swimming pool, lush landscaped gardens, barbecue and play areas, all enrich the compound. Reservoir Reflection is aiming to introduce signature architecture to the rapidly growing and changing suburb of Reservoir in Melbourne. A rhapsody of architectural elements and materials create an exciting mix of twisted cubes, glass curtain walls, metal cladding and coloured concrete.

My vision was inspired by the movement of waves and their reflection. I pictured falling dices wrapping along Plenty Road, creating that landmark for Reservoir.
<cite>Mel Gawi, Principal Architect, Architeria Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Key to the design is a reflective purple facade band which is designed to stand out as the signature element of the proposal. Loosely designed in a horseshoe configuration, the buildings surround an internal amenities area which are akin to resort facilities in their design and quality.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image11_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the facade treatment. Image courtesy Architeria Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_2.jpg?itok=I4CeqFOm" title="Artist's impression of the facade treatment. Image courtesy Architeria Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the facade treatment. Image courtesy Architeria Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Second time lucky</h2>

The site in question does have a planning history with approval in recent years for a Fender Katsalidis-designed dual tower scheme. Consisting of 294 dwellings and with the taller tower at 16 levels, the Fender Katsalidis design would have seen 273sqm or retails space and 424 car parking spaces included.

Both the initial Fender Katsalidis design and current Reservoir Reflection represent a marked change to the character and scale of the locality, although Reservoir Reflection's development team have held design meeting with Darebin City Council prior to it's submission in the hope of expediting the planning process.

With 326 dwellings included, Reservior Reflection shapes as one of suburban Melbourne's larger apartment projects, and one that would sit prominently atop the Summerhill Village precinct.
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Reservoir Reflection one of suburban Melbourne's largest proposals

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There's nothing like a new levy to flush out a multitude of fresh planning applications, all seeking to avoid the financial imposition which came into effect on Wednesday of this week.

The Metropolitan Planning Levy sees all planning permit applications for developments in metropolitan Melbourne with an estimated development cost of over $1,000,000 attract a $1.30 levy for every $1,000 of the estimated cost of the development. A <a href="/news/the-napthine-governments-planning-tax-legacy">full description of the levy</a> was previously provided by James Lofting of HWL Ebsworth Lawyers.

In recent days there's been a rash of new applications throughout metropolitan Melbourne, with the most notable suburban project lodged this week found at 830 Plenty Road, Reservoir. Holding in excess of 300 apartments over four buildings, the project's submission prior to July 1st has saved developer Ouson Group in excess of $100,000 according to Principal Architect Mel Gawi of Architeria Architects.

While notable project submissions have been spotted throughout Melbourne this week, the real action occurred in close proximity to the big smoke with no less than 18 major planning applications lodged on either Monday or Tuesday of this week. Major applications in that they landed on the State planning register, inferring that aside from Fishermans Bend all the proposals are in excess of 25,000sqm GFA.

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Seen above is a map marking the 18 major applications submitted earlier this week, with a distinct bias toward Normanby Road, South Melbourne. Seven projects line the Fishermans Bend thoroughfare, with the name Paul Little appearing on six of the seven applications. Planning &amp; Property Partners are handling the six applications at this point which if approved would add to the already popular pocket of Fishermans Bend.

Fishermans Bend aside the remaining projects are spread almost evenly between Melbourne's CBD, Southbank and Docklands.

<h2>Already in the spotlight</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/image9_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sturt and Bourke. Images courtesy Hayball and Besgate"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="221" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_0.jpg?itok=JmmnZ7ZE" title="Sturt and Bourke. Images courtesy Hayball and Besgate" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sturt and Bourke. Images courtesy Hayball and Besgate Group</figcaption></figure>The above images are by no means definitive, but give a fair indication as to what two of the eighteen planning applications will resemble. Currently located within 135 Sturt Street, architecture firm Hayball have conceived a residential tower to replace their offices at the Southbank address, while Apartments.com.au reported on Besgate Group's plans to deliver a <a href="/news/besgate-group-readies-their-surge-into-the-melbourne-apartment-market">sizeable tower at 640 Bourke Street</a> during May. Both sites respective planning permit applications were lodged on Tuesday.

Elsewhere Docklands News is <a href="http://www.docklandsnews.com.au/editions/article/new-towers-planned-for-harbour-town_11008">reporting</a> that Capital Alliance Investment Group is seeking approval for separate towers at 26-38 Pearl River Road and 3-43 Waterfront Way. With the group's current <a href="/buildings/m-docklands-679-la-trobe-street-docklands">M Docklands</a> build topped out, the South Wharf-based developer is seeking approval for a 36 level residential/hotel building and a 30 level residential apartment building close by. Both applications were also submitted on Tuesday.

One of Melbourne's most prolific developers, Central Equity have also sought to shore up its future residential stock with two new proposals on Southbank. 268-274 City Road and 71-87 City Road are set for redevelopment ,with the latter which is located directly behind Eureka Tower slated for a 67 level residential tower; the first such time Central Equity has sought to push beyond a tower of 200 metres in height.

Most notable of the remaining applications is 162-188 Turner Street Port Melbourne where six towers are seeking approval while AZX Australia has weighed into the CBD with a sizeable proposal at 183-189 A'Beckett Street Melbourne. This follows from the recent launch of their maiden Victorian project which sees 968 apartments earmarked within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct under the moniker <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a>.

In due course Apartments.com.au will endeavour to cover all the above projects in detail.

Lead image courtesy stuffpoint.com.
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New planning applications come flooding in

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The jungle drums are beating for Melbourne's next big development with word that 254-260 La Trobe Street is subject to a tower that if approved will rival its neighbour, <a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> for size. The height of the intended development, which approaches the PANS-OPS ceiling for this section of the CBD has seen the proposal referred to aviation authorities for input.

This is somewhat unusual as the application for the tower has not appeared on the State planning register as yet, which is usually the first port of call. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) will instead initially make a call on the project which would see two tower cranes utilised during its construction breach the PANS-OPS barrier for an extended period of time. Post a consultation period the project is expected to move through standard planning channels.

CBD-based Landream are understood to be behind the project, which would add to their portfolio which also sees apartment projects in <a href="/buildings/northcote-hill-1a-campbell-grove-northcote">Northcote</a>, <a href="/buildings/carrington-109-carrington-road-box-hill">Box Hill</a> and further east along La Trobe Street, namely <a href="/new-apartments/the-trillium-36-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Trillium</a>. Currently under construction, Trillium's head contractor Built is also involved in the early planning for 254-260 La Trobe Street, having aided in construction feasibility and the placement of the all important tower cranes as seen below.

<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/location.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tower crane positioning for the intended development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/location.jpg?itok=dNCBrz5u" title="Tower crane positioning for the intended development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tower crane positioning for the intended development</figcaption></figure>Incidentally a post on Apartments.com.au's forum has linked to an <a href="/news/3l-alliance-pushes-for-twin-246-metre-towers-at-350-queen-street">online document portfolio</a> for a project dubbed Skyline Melbourne located at 254-260 La Trobe Street, which looks to be a concept created within University of Melbourne's design studio on behalf of Landream.

Irrespective of the design's purpose, the 83 level mixed-use concept does provide a fair indication as to what can be expected onsite once an official planning application is lodged.

<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/c139e915b0e1f829d18e6708384aa3fc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Skyline Melbourne. Image courtesy Studio 11"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/c139e915b0e1f829d18e6708384aa3fc.jpg?itok=zo56aIk8" title="Skyline Melbourne. Image courtesy Studio 11" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Skyline Melbourne. Image courtesy Studio 11</figcaption></figure>If and when 254-260 La Trobe Street does eventuate it will sit alongside Aurora Melbourne Central which is currently due to see its site demolition works commence, prior to Probuild undertaking construction works. Located at 224-252 La Trobe Street, Aurora weights in at 267 metres above ground and will carry in excess of 1,000 habitable dwellings split between private apartments and serviced apartments.

Only last week Apartments.com.au covered plans for <a href="/news/3l-alliance-pushes-for-twin-246-metre-towers-at-350-queen-street">dual 246 metre towers</a> further west along La Trobe Street for developer 3L Alliance. Coupled with Aurora and 254-260 La Trobe Street, this quartet of towers has the ability to radically alter the skyline in this section of Melbourne's CBD which has for so long been dominated by the lone presence of Melbourne Central.

Lead image courtesy Google maps.
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260 La Trobe shapes as Melbourne's next big tower

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

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Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

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Mark Baljak

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