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As the scaffold progressively disappears, a new Melbourne icon will take its place in a highly prominent position perched above St Kilda Junction. Derided by detractors during the approvals process as a 'Lego Tower' due to its unique shape and multicoloured exterior, the term has now stuck in an endearing sense.

Officially called The Icon, the residential tower looks akin to a stack of irregularly sized building blocks placed atop one another. And it's The Icon's peculiar shape which represented a unique set of challenges for developer and builder Pace Development Group. Apartments.com.au visited the construction site to gain an understanding of the complexities represented by the irregular shaped tower, with Pace's Project Manager Ian Hastie providing a top to bottom guide of the 18 level complex.

With the basis of the structure designed by CBD-based Jackson Clement Burrows, the intricacies of the design documentation process were handled by Pace's internal team, aiding in the streamlining of the build process. Ian Hastie explained that when design to construction and everything that lies in between is handled internally, it provides a higher level of certainty for both the developer and apartment purchaser.

Whether it be a choice of material for a particular finish or a customer seeking to merge two apartments into a larger dwelling, the internalising of as many design and decision-making matters as possible allows for a streamlined process.

<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_6950_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Icon prior to yesterday's initial unveiling"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="848" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6950_0.jpg?itok=DLHXq2d5" title="The Icon prior to yesterday's initial unveiling" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Icon prior to yesterday's initial unveiling</figcaption></figure>Of course the above doesn't necessarily aid with the delivery of an irregularly shaped form. No perimeter safety screens could be employed during the build, resulting in the need for scaffolding to precede the form and pour of every level. A feat of engineering in itself, the scaffolding 'shroud' will be disassembled over a three month period as external finishes are progressively completed.

Posing a serious challenge were the cantilevered tower sections, the most prominent of which fronts St Kilda Road. Temporary steel girders set outwards at regular intervals were fixed to the slab below in order to support the formwork and platforms/scaffolding which have enabled the tower to jut out markedly, with nothing below the girders but the street level some 15 storeys below.

Ian Hastie conceded it's certainly not the most efficient method of delivering a residential tower, but is in line with Pace Development Group's aim to keep pushing boundaries, both in a design and building technologies perspective.

<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_6970.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="First look at The Icon's mid tower exterior"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6970.jpg?itok=wL0Zi7n9" title="First look at The Icon's mid tower exterior" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>First look at The Icon's mid tower exterior</figcaption></figure>It goes without saying that the the exterior is The Icon's highlight, with artist Matthew Johnson brought on board to aid in the final colour selections and patterns that will define Pace's tallest and most recognisable project to date. Cognisant that the developer will be associated with The Icon for years to come, Ian Hastie emphasised that much thought and effort went into achieving the desired finish to the tower's exterior.

Violet, indigo blue, moss green and luminous yellow are a handful of the chosen colours that will adorn the exterior by way of hundreds of individual perforated mesh screens. Pace’s care to detail is highlighted by the heads of all bolt fixings which are colour matched to their respective screens, also extending to the tracks which the screens are ultimately fixed to.

Double powder coated and holding a 20 year product warranty, the mesh screens will extend to the undersides of all the stacked volumes, thus providing The Icon with a complete exterior wrap. This is best demonstrated by the render below depicting the communal area with a more than unique ceiling.

Backing the screening will be precast panels or Kingspan composite panels which between them form the exterior wall. Lightweight yet impact resistant, the Kingspan panels provide excellent acoustic and thermal properties owing to their polyisocyanurate foam core - with the colours naturally changing to compliment the screening.

<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/image138.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Icon's communal area; current and intended"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="582" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image138.jpg?itok=XQxEtHi-" title="The Icon's communal area; current and intended" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Icon's communal area; current and intended</figcaption></figure>The first apartment interior has been completed (see slide show below) whilst work has begun in earnest of the podium-top communal area which will feature an indoor entertaining area and outdoor terrace. Sections of an above ground parking level has been commandeered to create what is essentially a production line churning out elements for The Icon's exterior.

Yesterday saw the unveiling of level 18 of The Icon, revealing the first layer of the structures multicoloured and intricate exterior. Looking ahead scaffolding will be pared back at roughly one level per week, with The Icon due to be seen in its entirety by the beginning of August.

Apartments.com.au will be present when The Icon is completed to provide readers with a overview of what is destined to become one of Melbourne's stand out residential projects. In the meantime, listen to relevant project members speak on The Icon at its <a href="http://theiconstkilda.com.au/">official website</a>.

Additional images of Apartments.com.au's site tour are below.
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silvermb

Constructing an icon: no ordinary build for a new St Kilda landmark

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The latest entrant into the bustling Doncaster Hill apartment market has unveiled itself with Nest at the Hill due for its public launch in coming weeks. A collaboration between established Singaporean developer Sin Heng Chan and architecture firm K2LD, Nest at the Hill located at 642-654 Doncaster Road will deliver 249 apartments and four townhouses.

Split between 40 one-bedroom, 180 two-bedroom and 29 three-bedroom apartments, Nest at the Hill also holds 10 penthouse dwellings with private rooftop terraces. Designed with a 7.2 energy star rating, the project will target both high-end purchasers and investors with a manned concierge desk, hotel-style lobby, swimming pool and keyless entry included.

Located on the highest point of Doncaster Hill, Nest on the Hill is 18.9 kilometres to Melbourne's CBD and will hold sweeping views with separate north and south facing terraces available to all residences. Other project amenities include the aforementioned outdoor pool, gym and multi-purpose meetings/functions rooms.

<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.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exterior perspectives. Image courtesy K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="591" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43.jpg?itok=qQEeenTX" title="Exterior perspectives. Image courtesy K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exterior perspectives. Image courtesy K2LD</figcaption></figure>In fitting with the project's unique moniker, internal apartment finishes have been dubbed ‘Light Dove’ and ‘Dark Owl’ relative to the respective colour schemes on offer. Obligatory for top-end developments, Nest on the Hill will feature Miele appliances, reconstructed stone benchtops and splashblacks and timber floors, in addition to LED and track lighting throughout the living areas. Bathrooms include Porcelain tiles, while bedrooms will be fitted with wool blend carpet.

Entry price into Nest on the Hill is $395,000 for a single bedroom apartment with 52sqm of internal space, while the largest non-penthouse apartment on offer is a three bedroom/two bathroom dwelling with 104sqm of internal space valued at $800,000.

Maximising the site's elevated position, ten penthouses will occupy top billing within the project. The average penthouse internal size comes in at 172.9sqm with the average price per penthouse at $1.631 million. As sales have yet to commence, the largest penthouse is still available with 367sqm of internal area, while terrace areas of up to 224sqm are also available. The premier penthouse caries a list price of a cool $2.188 million.

Currently an open air car park, the project will also activate Doncaster Road by way of 6 retail spaces present at ground level, including an expected cafe. Basement car and bicycle parking services the development, and includes 43 retail and visitor spaces.

With the display opening May 16th, construction commencement of Nest at the Hill is expected at the turn of 2016.

<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/image44.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Internal finish and lobby space. Image courtesy K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="418" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image44.jpg?itok=Bm5ToV5h" title="Internal finish and lobby space. Image courtesy K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Internal finish and lobby space. Image courtesy K2LD</figcaption></figure>The site in question has been subject to a number of design proposals over the best part of a decade, including an imaginative beehive-like design some years ago. Most recently Englehart sold the site with a permit for a Peddle Thorp-designed residential building containing 273 dwellings over twelve levels.

The design below has been supplanted by the current K2LD scheme. Nest at the Hill add's to K2LD's Melbourne portfolio which has expanded in recent times. The Singapore and Melbourne based practice also has four additional large-scale residential projects active in Melbourne, in addition to a sizeable Burwood Highway commercial development.

<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/image2_211_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The superseded design. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_211_1.jpg?itok=fMvLHavx" title="The superseded design. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The superseded design. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>Nest at the Hill joins a bevy of other residential projects jockeying for position at Doncaster Hill. The Apartments.com.au project database shows Nest at the Hill to be the 16th large-scale apartment project in postcode 3108.

Projects at construction include <a href="/buildings/83-on-tram-83-tram-road-doncaster">83 on Tram</a>, <a href="/buildings/panorama-101-tram-road-doncaster">Panorama</a>, Imperial Doncaster, <a href="/buildings/88-doncaster-hill-88-tram-road-doncaster">88 Doncaster Hill</a> and <a href="/buildings/pearl-1-grosvenor-street-doncaster">Pearl</a> while those at sales are <a href="/buildings/ellia-802-elgar-road-doncaster">Ellia</a>, <a href="/buildings/gardenhill-5-elgar-court-doncaster">Gardenhill</a> which incidentally has nearly sold out, <a href="/buildings/magnolia-doncaster-hill-22-hepburn-road-doncaster">Magnolia</a> and <a href="/buildings/8-hepburn-road-doncaster">8 Hepburn Road</a>. There are an additional six approved developments in and around Doncaster Hill.

Should all 17 projects come to fruition, the total number of apartments pumped into Doncaster Hill would be approximately 2050.
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Nest the latest at Doncaster Hill

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Earmarked from the outset as a stand-out design, MAB Corporation's 429-437 Docklands Drive is poised to receive planning approval from City of Melbourne. Surfacing during 2013 as a <a href="/news/the-quays-to-success">crescent-shaped hotel</a>, MAB Corporation has elected to proceed with a purely residential tower on a sizeable development plot which was formerly part of Waterfront City.

The McBride Charles Ryan-designed residential tower is set to be joined by an expansive public park as was first mooted during MAB Corporation's purchase of the land some years ago. While discussions between Places Victoria, City of Melbourne and the development team predated the November 2014 planning application submission, a recommendation of approval included within a report will be assessed by the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee who sit this evening.

<h2>429-437 Docklands Drive, Docklands 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/image29.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The porposed eastern elevation. Image courtesy MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29.jpg?itok=R_8QrW5y" title="The porposed eastern elevation. Image courtesy MCR" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The porposed eastern elevation. Image courtesy MCR</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Lot C Newquay Promenade: 8,549sqm site</li>
	<li>17 level residential building at 68.8 metres in height</li>
	<li>118 apartments: 1/2/3/4 bedroom options</li>
	<li>Provision for 63 car parking and 42 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Additional car spaces and bicycle bays also located within adjoining 'Promenade' development</li>
	<li>Urban park atop basement car parking</li>
	<li>GFA: 15,187sqm</li>
	<li>​Rooftop amenities</li>
	<li>Cafe spaces at ground level</li>
</ul>
The development will hold a mixture of living options, seemingly with a slant toward the higher-end purchaser. 26 one bedroom apartments are included, as are 68 two bedroom and 19 three bedroom apartments. Somewhat unusually three four bedroom apartments are designed into the higher levels of the building while two four bedroom apartments will occupy the highest habitable floor; each approximately holding 335sqm of internal area.

<blockquote>
Building C is envisaged as an iconic building within a prominent location of New Quay Central. The built form of the proposed building has been the subject of much discussion and the current form is considered to be one of high design integrity that will make a positive contribution to the precinct.

The building is proposed to be in an egg shaped form which is different to the rectangular form shown in the development plan. This form has resulted in a reduction in width and an increase in the overall height to maintain a gross floor area consistent with that anticipated in the DP. Although the height has increased the slender, narrower footprint allows for wider view cones in and around the proposed tower, including to Victoria Harbour.
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

Above the ground level colonnade, 429-437 Docklands Drive's exterior will be draped in a 'lattice work' finish consisting of white aluminium panels arranged to provide an elliptical pattern over the tower. The remainder of the exterior will consist primarily of black aluminium finishes coupled with grey tinted glass.

<h2>Central Park</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image28_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected view from Central Park. Image courtesy MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="397" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_0.jpg?itok=xYcN9pH6" title="Expected view from Central Park. Image courtesy MCR" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Expected view from Central Park. Image courtesy MCR</figcaption></figure>Encompassing a greater area than just the tower's footprint, 429-437 Docklands Drive will see an elongated basement/services level under what will become yet another park for Docklands. Dubbed 'Central Park' and covering approximately 2,000sqm, the majority of the park will be accounted for by open lawn.

In addition to expected art installations, the park will include rain gardens, native plant species plus feature garden beds. Subject to further design, 'Central Park' would be delivered in conjunction with the tower component.

<blockquote>
The Urban Park has been designed in a manner that will provide an inviting, highly adaptable area of public open space that will be able to be utilised for community events while also providing smaller spaces that can accommodate community events such as markets and art exhibitions. The park will achieve the objective of providing a focal point for New Quay Central that is pedestrian in scale.
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

With construction commenced on the adjoining Promenade and Aqui residential towers, 429-437 Docklands Drive and <a href="/buildings/elm-stone-387-docklands-drive-docklands">387-395 Docklands </a><a href="/buildings/elm-stone-387-docklands-drive-docklands">Drive</a> shape as MAB Corporation's next residential releases within their NewQuay precinct. To date eight residential towers have been completed by MAB Corporation since construction of NewQuay's initial buildings began in the early 2000s.
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MAB Corporation's Lot C edging closer to reality

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To be more specific, <a href="/new-apartments/mulgrave-vic-3170">Mulgrave</a> in Melbourne's South East is experiencing somewhat of a commercial office space surge with a handful of projects currently under construction. With well established credentials as home to in excess of 300,000sqm of office space, Mulgrave and to a lesser extent adjoining <a href="/new-apartments/mount-waverley-vic-3149">Mount Waverley</a> continue to expand at pace.

Largest of the current crop is <a href="/builders/australand">Australand</a> and Commercial &amp; Industrial Property's 211 Wellington Road in Mulgrave which is well into construction of its first phase. A five star NABERS rated, seven-level office building valued at $62.6 million is under development alongside a multi-level 650 bay car park.

<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/image45.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The first phase of 211 Wellington Road. Renders courtesy Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="401" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45.jpg?itok=1B2jJ6kC" title="The first phase of 211 Wellington Road. Renders courtesy Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The first phase of 211 Wellington Road. Renders courtesy Colliers</figcaption></figure>With a lettable area of 12,718sqm, the under construction office building covers a fraction of the 10,930sqm development site which is expected to see additional commercial buildings delivered in due course. Monash University have elected to take 7,825sqm within the initial office building that has an expected completion date of early 2016.

In addition, last week's <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/australand-wins-new-suburban-office-tenants-20150416-1mmisk">AFR reported</a> that Mazda Australia will commit to its new Australian headquarters at the facility. Covering 6710sqm, the development is also seen above and represents the next phase of 211 Wellington Road which may yield in excess of 40,000sqm of lettable space upon completion.

Nearby and construction has begun on 545 Blackburn Road, the follow-up to Fortune Building's initial 549 Blackburn Road office project which is now headquarters to business solutions company, Pentana Solutions.

<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/main_1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Under construction. Image courtesy 545blackburn.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/main_1_0.jpg?itok=HlMiaN-E" title="Under construction. Image courtesy 545blackburn.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Under construction. Image courtesy 545blackburn.com.au</figcaption></figure>The new accommodation, seen above, will hold 7,400sqm of commercial office space above a basement catering for in excess of 330 vehicles. As has become the norm with many commercial developments citywide, end of trip facilities have been designed into the building, as has been a ground level cafe and rooftop recreation area.

Rounding out the trio of current builds is <a href="/developers/salta-properties">Salta Properties</a> ever expanding Nexus Corporate development. The recently completed nine level car park/office structure has been replaced by another build, namely a new corporate office complex at the north east corner of the development site.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image48_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nexus' most recent and upcoming. Render courtesy Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="195" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_1.jpg?itok=ggRtzQot" title="Nexus' most recent and upcoming. Render courtesy Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nexus' most recent and upcoming. Render courtesy Colliers</figcaption></figure>The 4.5-star NABERS rated building under construction will not be the last for Nexus Corporate either with Salta holding the adjoining 2-22 McDonalds Lane. With a site are aof approximately 15,000sqm, the development plan shows the potential for 14 separate buildings within the precinct, as opposed to the six currently completed.

The redevelopment of the remaining plots is a long term prospect, given the existing buildings are leased.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image46_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Development plan. Image courtesy nexuscorporate.com.au/"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_1.jpg?itok=v2FwrWnU" title="Development plan. Image courtesy nexuscorporate.com.au/" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Development plan. Image courtesy nexuscorporate.com.au/</figcaption></figure>
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Commercial development on the rise in the south east

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Malaysian-based Mitraland Group has flagged its intention to enter the Melbourne apartment sector with plans currently on display with City of Stonnington for a 20 level residential tower within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct. Lodged with council during December 2014, the Fender Katsalidis-designed tower is nominated to have an end value of approximately $50 million.

Long earmarked unsuccessfully for development and surrounded by larger forthcoming towers such as <a href="/buildings/661-chapel-street-661-chapel-street-south-yarra">661 Chapel Street</a> and LK Property's <a href="/buildings/capitol-grand-241-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a>, Mitraland are no doubt hoping the current planning application will find a favourable outcome in due course.

<h2>649 Chapel 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/image7_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 649 Chapel Street. Image courtesy FK Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="960" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_3.jpg?itok=uj6_M5oz" title="Artist's impression of 649 Chapel Street. Image courtesy FK Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 649 Chapel Street. Image courtesy FK Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current use: two storey commercial/retail building over a roughly 500sqm site</li>
	<li>Proposed: 20 level residential development at 61 metres in height</li>
	<li>72 apartments: all with two bedrooms</li>
	<li>71sqm retail outlet at ground level</li>
	<li>44 car parking and 21 bicycle spaces located within three basement levels</li>
	<li>GFA: 8,794sqm</li>
	<li>​Communal rooftop space: dining/BBQ area and open-air roof garden</li>
</ul>
The site in question has been to VCAT in recent years, unsuccessfully, with the then proponent trying to gain approval for a 17 level residential building holding 82 apartments. Urbis state within the current planning application that any proposal put forward for the site:

<blockquote>
Must demonstrate design excellence that will result in an outstanding building for the precinct. It is also imperative that any new proposal responds positively to the previous VCAT determinations
<cite>Urbis, 649 Chapel Street Planning Submission</cite>
</blockquote>

Issues VCAT raised for the site during the previous proposal's hearing include that the northern facade be well articulated given the adjoining and substantially lower Quest apartment complex is unlikely to be redeveloped, and that there be a clear differentiation between podium and tower. The latter point was further articulated at the time where VCAT stated they don't necessarily consider a setback pivotal, rather that there be a visible difference in treatment between lower and upper levels.

Project architect Fender Katsalidis have employed metal fins over lower levels with a red ochre-like finish to provide contrast.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image18_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A previously unsuccessful proposal for 649 Chapel Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_2.jpg?itok=lYyd-8N7" title="A previously unsuccessful proposal for 649 Chapel Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The previously unsuccessful proposal for 649 Chapel Street</figcaption></figure>Generally the exterior is dominated by precast walls to the north and south with an embossed pattern and applied colour designed to break its bulk. The northern facade has a considerable light court running the height of the tower included within the floorplan, accounting for roughly 42sqm of a typical floor's area.

Separated by the light court and the abutting lift, habitable areas within the proposal are essentially split into east and west wings. A generic plan covers levels 5-18, where each wing consists of two apartments with four per floor the norm. While all the apartments carry two bedrooms, the average internal area per apartment is approximately 75sqm with 66sqm and 83sqm the extremities.

<blockquote>
Within its context, the proposed building contributes significantly through a well-designed and dynamic piece of architecture. Its form is sleek and slender, while being both sensitive and striking. A suited mix of glass and concrete fold into one another, and an otherwise continuous form is interjected by central voids and light courts that allow light to filter through the centre of the building.

The slender vertical tower element provides a distinct separation between podium and tower forms through varied materials and visible recesses.
<cite>Urbis, 649 Chapel Street Planning Submission</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/16ban_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="16 Quartz as per the Mitraland website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="232" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/16ban_01.jpg?itok=YPfAoeFb" title="16 Quartz as per the Mitraland website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>16 Quartz development as per the Mitraland website</figcaption></figure>Incorporated during February 2014, Mitraland Australia is the Australian affiliate of Petaling Jaya-based Mitraland Group. Formed during 1998, Mitraland Group has completed a host of medium and high-density residential projects predominantly in and around Kuala Lumpur.

Mitraland Australia is the latest Malaysian developer to enter the local market, following in the footsteps of well established players such as SP Setia and Mammoth Empire. Another Malaysian developer soon to make an impression upon Melbourne is PJ Development Holdings which holds a 20,000sqm land parcel at 93-119 Kavanagh Street, Southbank. Speculation is that a tower of up to 300 metres is in the offing for the site, in a development value at approximately $1 billion.

<h2>649 Chapel Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Urban Context Report: Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Architectural plans: Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Sustainable Management Plan: Ark Resources</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering: Cardno</li>
	<li>​Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
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Malaysia's Mitraland looks to enter the Melbourne apartment market

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<a href="/architects/hassell-studio">Hassell Studio</a> have published images of their unsuccessful yet amazing bid to snare the prime <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">447 Collins Street</a> development site, known as Market Quarter, which references Melbourne's first market. Along with partner design firm <a href="/architects/unstudio">UNStudio</a>, dual designs were conceived to fulfil separate briefs; a structure similar in height to the under demolition tower currently onsite and a much taller tower with landmark qualities.

According to Hassell, key to <a href="/developers/cbus-property">Cbus Property's</a> design brief was to create "A striking, new visual landmark and a vibrant, new public realm for the Melbourne community."

Hassell Studio dubbed the shorter design '<a href="http://www.hassellstudio.com/en/cms-projects/detail/447-collins-street-taper/">Taper</a>', which at 151 metres would still have been a considerable development. A highly distinctive design, Taper would have appeared unlike any other building on Melbourne's skyline with its bowed form and sleek lines, which at a lesser height would have seen it free from any Southbank overshadowing concerns.

<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/1552_27-03-2015_1870.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Street perspective of Taper. Image courtesy Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="421" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1552_27-03-2015_1870.jpg?itok=jILcZIPC" title="Collins Street perspective of Taper. Image courtesy Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Street perspective of Taper. Image courtesy Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
By uniting an elegantly formed medium-rise tower with a series of welcoming public spaces, our design delivers a development that creates opportunities for commercial growth while also enabling increased cultural and recreational offerings.
<cite>Mark Loughnan, HASSELL Principal and project design leader</cite>
</blockquote>

Incorporating 156.000sqm of GFA, the design would have also made Taper one of Melbourne's largest buildings, particularly in girth. Consisting of commercial, residential and retail/communal use at ground level, Taper would have been a sight to behold from any angle.

<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/1553_31-03-2015_9860.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of Twist. Image courtesy Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1553_31-03-2015_9860.jpg?itok=81C79t1D" title="Aerial perspective of Twist. Image courtesy Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of Twist. Image courtesy Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure>Perhaps not as stunning was the taller design, referred to as 'Twist' would have reached 286 metres in height. With 179,000sqm of GFA, Twist would have presented as a fairly simple form from Southbank, although the rear of the tower would have included a higher level of articulation as seen above.

Also maintaining a predominantly residential and commercial use, Twist's lower levels would have spanned the width of the sizeable development site, producing floorplates in excess of 2000sqm.

<blockquote>
We imagined the development as a major focal point for commercial activity and as a symbol of Melbourne’s status as a leading, innovative city. But we also saw it as a place where people would come to experience Melbourne’s cultural life.
<cite>Mark Loughnan, HASSELL Principal and project design leader</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/1553_31-03-2015_2296.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Taper from Southbank. Image courtesy Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1553_31-03-2015_2296.jpg?itok=LCEGBHi8" title="Artist's impression of Taper from Southbank. Image courtesy Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Taper from Southbank. Image courtesy Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure>Although the <a href="/news/cbus-property-seeks-a-sky-high-planning-scheme-amendment-for-447-collins">chosen Woods Bagot/SHoP Architecture design</a> for 447 Collins Street was rejected by then Minister for Planning Matthew Guy during late 2014, it received unanimous support from Melbourne City Council as it included a new CBD park at its base. Cbus Property have yet to show their hand as to what design will be fut forward for approval.

As seen below <a href="/builders/probuild">Probuild</a> and <a href="/developers/delta-property-group">Delta Group</a> are methodically demolishing the existing onsite structure, with total deletion of AXA's former headquarters slated for the latter part of 2015. What replaces it remains the question.

<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/16c8562a58413f4443d4e6fa7995a924.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Current status of 447 Collins Street. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/16c8562a58413f4443d4e6fa7995a924.jpg?itok=TYh4xjg0" title="Current status of 447 Collins Street. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Current status of 447 Collins Street. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
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Taper and twist: an opportunity missed

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In one of our very early articles, Apartments.com.au covered what we refer to as the <a href="/news/anstey-in-development">Anstey precinct</a>: a tract of land adjoining Anstey Station which was and continues to be subsumed by proposed and under construction mid-rise apartment developments. Now the best part of two years on, the former industrial pocket nestled in behind Sydney Road has seen enough redevelopment to pass comment on the respective successes or failures of the area.

There's clearly no doubt that the Anstey precinct has been a hit with apartment buyers, as evidenced by the seven apartment projects finished in recent years. There seems to be no slowing down either, with <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">8 Breese Street,</a> Maycon's Hendrix Apartments and <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Nighingale Apartments</a> the next in line.

In this regard, a massive tick goes to Moreland City Council for advancing the cause for urban regeneration and higher density living in a totally appropriate area. But what of the street level activation and generally public amenity for all these new 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/img_6824_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Take that, sensible urban design!"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6824_0.jpg?itok=ppmyWRqY" title="Take that, sensible urban design!" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Take that, sensible urban design!</figcaption></figure>Quite simply, there is none. Apartments.com.au raised the issue during 2013 and 2014, but now as Breese Street in particular continues to fill out, it's evident that all things street level have been completely neglected.

What has become a disappointing norm in the area is the practice of building to site boundaries with no setbacks and little articulation in form. This is the case for all buildings bar two - Anstey Square and The Commons - which incidentally happen to be the two more meritorious developments in Anstey, by way of softening their street level interface.

So big deal if there are no setbacks and zero street level consideration. Well you get the above scenario where there's no greenery, no compromise, no incentive or stimulation for passers by and absolutely no urban design nous. Maybe a little harsh, but is it unrealistic to expect that once in a generation change as is going on in Anstey could bring with it an equivalent level of sophisticated, contemporary street level public amenity? No, the plastic chairs in the above photo don't count!

As new buildings appear, footpaths seem all the more narrowed and barren, while greenery… well, don't bother. For mine, Moreland City Council has missed a trick; surely the Anstey of today was not what they had in mind say three, five or seven years ago? Have they fallen behind the development curve or simply given little credence to the need for a pleasant and safe streetscape to service a rocketing population?

<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_6831.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Anstey Square proves something for the eye, within its site boundary of course."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6831.jpg?itok=tfyNSJVJ" title="Anstey Square proves something for the eye, within its site boundary of course." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Anstey Square provides something for the eye, within its site boundary of course.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Ultimately though, it shouldn't be in the hands of the developer/architect to create these spaces of their own volition, but rather adhere to a well formulated green/structure plan devised by Council. If every high density project within Anstey delivered a little of what 12 Duckett proposes, the area would be the benchmark for urban renewal.

In due course Apartments.com.au will take a pictorial tour of Anstey precinct, highlighting its hits and misses, and why 12 Duckett Street is so important.
<cite>Mark Baljak, <a href="/news/giving-something-back-12-duckett-street-brunswick">"Giving something back &gt; 12 Duckett Street, Brunswick"</a> (July 7, 2014)</cite>
</blockquote>

12 Duckett Street which the above quote refers to, proposed eliminating vehicle traffic on Duckett Street for the sake of a public piazza between two intended buildings. Incidentally the application received a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit in the first quarter of 2015.

With the piazza comes a string of ground level tenancies expected to draw in pedestrians to a communal focal point, rather than the transient movements currently witnessed to either Anstey Station or Sydney Road.

<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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A piazza for Anstey Precinct. Image courtesy MOS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image71_0.jpg?itok=LAcbOKr4" title="A piazza for Anstey Precinct. Image courtesy MOS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A piazza for Anstey. Image courtesy MOS Architects</figcaption></figure>The Anstey precinct to date is an abject let down where arguably it matters most: street level. One thing is certain, it would now take a considerable amount of funding to fix the wrongs as opposed to placing a minimal levy on the sale of each apartment that would go toward public realm works; not an altogether uncommon practice.

Perhaps removing car parking along Breese Street in certain areas in favour of remodelled footpaths and/or water-sensitive urban design raingardens is in order; City of Yarra alone has in excess of 50 <a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/environment/Saving-water/Water-Sensitive-Urban-Design-WSUD/">on-street raingardens</a>. If no forethought, then a little retrospective effort at least would go along way to bringing the Anstey precinct up to scratch.

<h2>Extrapolating the Bend</h2>

In some small way there is a viable comparison between Anstey, Docklands and Fishermans Bend.

Where vast areas of Docklands were delegated out to a single developer with the purpose of creating a masterplanned outcome along with the associated services and public amenity, Anstey is much like Fishermans Bend in that there are many sites within the area under the control of a multitude of developers. Anstey is a clear example of what occurs if there is no cohesive overarching plan to which developments need to adhere to, particularly regarding the public domain contributions.

Both Anstey and Fishermans Bend are industrial areas finding a new purpose by way of higher density redevelopment. In certain quarters Fishermans Bend has already been likened to another Docklands: should Fishermans Bend fail to get the critical public realm right in addition to its built form, it may worse yet be likened to Anstey.
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The Anstey precinct failing at a basic level

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The second attempt by Goodyear Properties to raise a tower from a high-profile Elizabeth Street site has hit a stumbling block with a Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee asserting the proposal should be objected to, with multiple concerns cited. Published online in recent days, the report acts as a basis to which City of Melbourne will take a formal stance on the proposal, which holds frontage to both Elizabeth Street and Franklin Street.

While the current application is marginally shorter than the previous Peddle Thorp design, apartment yield has risen sharply from 306 to 445 dwellings. The design too has taken an about turn with a green glazing and mesh facades replacing a punctured white precast edifice which defined the initial proposal.

While the Minister for Planning is the responsible authority for determining the application, Richard Wynne's public determination that more weight be placed in City of Melbourne's assessment of a given project may point toward another disappointing outcome for Goodyear Properties.

<h2>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/image64_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression from Elizabeth Street. Image courtesy Peddle Thorpe"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="417" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image64_1.jpg?itok=3ypo6LYF" title="Artist's impression from Elizabeth Street. Image courtesy Peddle Thorpe" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression from Elizabeth Street. Image courtesy Peddle Thorpe</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Planning application submitted September 2014</li>
	<li>Full site includes 441-451 Elizabeth Street and 139-141 Franklin Street</li>
	<li>Development site a consolidation of five allotments over three titles</li>
	<li>Proposed 49 level residential tower at 156.44 metres</li>
	<li>​445 apartments: 173*1BR / 260 * 2BR / 12*3BR</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 45,010.7sqm</li>
	<li>Six retail spaces at ground level between 37sqm and 216sqm</li>
	<li>​127 car parking spaces</li>
	<li>Communal area and terrace included within the project</li>
	<li>1850's Royal Saxon Hotel and Menzies International buildings retained</li>
</ul>
<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/image66_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Royal Saxon Hotel circa 1965. Image source SLV Picture Collection"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image66_0.jpg?itok=rTMhUtc0" title="Royal Saxon Hotel circa 1965. Image source SLV Picture Collection" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Royal Saxon Hotel circa 1965. Image source SLV Picture Collection</figcaption></figure><h2>The Royal Saxon retained</h2>

Where the initial planning application sought to facade the Royal Saxon Hotel, the revised scheme would see the contemporary build detached from the original hotel’s form and volume according to the associated heritage impact statement. In contrast to the initial plans, the revised tower has maintained a greater setback to the Elizabeth Street frontage, while both original and new structures would retain separate footprints.

<blockquote>
The project will retain the original building and proposes demolition of the later annexes and rear yard wall only. New development will be up to the north and west boundaries, and will jut at high level over the hotel’s west end. The rear section of 138-141 Franklin Street will be demolished, a front section of building to a depth of 6 metres will be retained including the bluestone and brick facade and the much re-worked east boundary to the laneway.

The main physical affects will be the building repair, maintenance, and reconstruction of original detail which is integral to understanding the building’s age, appearance and use. The former hotel will be restored to an earlier known appearance. The condition and external envelope will be consolidated and improved from its current state.

The interior spaces and rooms may be opened up to a resemblance of the original cellular composition. The upper level fitouts shall be stripped out revealing anew the hotel’s original planning and internal arrangement.

<cite>Michael Taylor Architecture &amp; Heritage</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Recommendations to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</h2>

Council's report on the planning application urges that City of Melbourne object to the proposal in its current form. Citing a number of inherent and undesirable planning outcomes with the proposal, the report is best summed by the below excerpts:

<blockquote>
The proposal is a gross overdevelopment of the site that fails to respond to the policy provisions of the Melbourne Planning Scheme. It will overwhelm the existing heritage buildings on the site and represents a significant departure from the height controls set out under the DDO. The proposal provides for poor internal amenity and will significantly inhibit the development potential of adjoining sites.

Further, if the development were approved in its current form it would set an unacceptable precedent for development in this area that could conceivably be replicated on adjoining sites.
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee, 14 April 2015</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Comment</h2>

The site in question is of a size and orientation that doesn't lend itself to being a particularly easy design to deliver, nonetheless there's something very awkward about the proposal.

Peddle Thorp has persisted in a particular architectural 'language' which sees perforated mesh screens shrouding the exterior. First used on <a href="http://www.lasgroup.com.au/residential-mixed-use/completed/guild-apartments-152-sturt-street-southbank">The Guild</a> and more recently The Vic (seen below), the finish may well be excellent for sun shading and privacy, but does little for design intrigue or activation over 441-451 Elizabeth Street's lower levels.

The solid elements running the height of the tower also detract from a design, but then again this proposal wouldn't be the first to employ such a trait. Compared to other recent Peddle Thorp designs 441-451 Elizabeth Street is middle of the road at best.

<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/image68_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed and existing. Images courtesy Buildcorp Commercial"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image68_3.jpg?itok=ZguSAxdo" title="Proposed and existing. Images courtesy Buildcorp Commercial" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposed and existing. Images courtesy Buildcorp Commercial</figcaption></figure>On a positive note the revised plans would see a new east west pedestrian laneway running along the southern boundary of the site. This laneway would link with the under construction Fulton Lane, providing a direct connection to Elizabeth Street.

<h2>Application team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Goodyear Properties Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect / Urban Context Report / Town Planning: Peddle Thorp</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>​Traffic Engineer: TTM Consulting</li>
	<li>Heritage: Michael Taylor Architecture &amp; Heritage</li>
</ul>
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Planning Application: 441-451 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

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Following industry murmurings at the apparent slow progression of many big ticket planning applications in recent months, a flurry of decision making has ensued minus the highly public announcements associated with the previous government. While 380 Lonsdale Street and 85 Spring Street have found resolution of late, other projects are also heading toward or have met their fate.

Heading the list is <a href="/buildings/kings-domain-southbank-68-dorcas-street-southbank">68-70 Dorcas Street</a>, Southbank which has progressed to the point where DELWP has indicated a <a href="http://dsewebapps.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/planning/phbppat.nsf/InternetAppListing/A42815DEAAA1021ACA257D38000E6452?OpenDocument">notice of decision</a> during early April. Generally an affirmation of approval, 68-70 Dorcas Street would add to a Southbank precinct loosely bound by Dorcas and Coventry which is already heavy with existing and approved residential towers.

Designed by SJB, the 92 metre tower would hold 274 one, two and three bedroom apartments in addition to ground floor retail for 20Q Development.

<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/image164.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="68-70 Dorcas Street. Image courtesy SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image164.jpg?itok=bNj-CWE6" title="68-70 Dorcas Street. Image courtesy SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>68-70 Dorcas Street. Image courtesy SJB</figcaption></figure>Mirvac has reason to smile with their intended premium office tower at <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">477 Collins Street</a> recently attaining a permit. After gaining unanimous support from City of Melbourne, the proposed was quietly approved at a State level in recent weeks.

The Grimshaw Architects-designed 165 metre tower will hold approximately 54,000sqm of leasable floor area with 2,461sqm of leasable retail space and end of trip facilities included to support a sizeable work populace. With <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/melbourne-office-market-shows-hint-of-recovery-20150407-1mft4k">increased confidence and activity</a> in Melbourne's commercial sector, Mirvac look to have gained approval at the right time although other projects such as Brookfield's <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">405 Bourke Street</a> are also on the hunt for large tenancy deals.

<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/477_collins_full_height.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved 477 Collins Street. Image courtesy Grimshaw Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="526" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/477_collins_full_height.jpg?itok=pPxUApbS" title="The approved 477 Collins Street. Image courtesy Grimshaw Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved 477 Collins Street. Image courtesy Grimshaw Architects</figcaption></figure>Elsewhere in the CBD <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">The Forum</a> redevelopment is now seemingly in limbo, with City of Melbourne's Councillor Rohan Leppert <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/RohanLeppert/status/586432021775323138">announcing via twitter</a> on Friday that the previously approved tower is now no more. VCAT has found that former Planning Minister Matthew Guy acted beyond his scope of powers in approving the restoration and mixed-use tower development; that decision should have been solely with City of Melbourne.

It looks increasingly likely the 220-room, 107 metre hotel will be consigned to history, at least in its current guise.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Forum tower. Image courtesy Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="547" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_2.jpg?itok=F2d3_H7_" title="The Forum tower. Image courtesy Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Forum tower. Image courtesy Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Reports to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee have also appeared within the last week surrounding two proposed CBD residential towers. <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">54-64 A'Beckett Street</a> has been well documented on Apartments.com.au, with the <a href="/news/one-up-one-down-in-the-residential-tower-stakes">most recent article</a> surrounding its considerable loss of height and subsequent apartment yield.

Now at 167 metres in height as opposed to 253 metres, 54-64 A'Beckett Street - likely to be named Avant - has gained a recommendation that City of Melbourne (via Future Melbourne) should not oppose the redesigned tower. In the current planning climate this looks to be a considerable step forward for the 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/image46_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="54-64 A'Beckett Street and 441-451 Elizabeth Street. Images courtesy EF &amp; PT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_0.jpg?itok=L9TIrm3B" title="54-64 A'Beckett Street and 441-451 Elizabeth Street. Images courtesy EF &amp; PT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>54-64 A'Beckett Street and 441-451 Elizabeth Street. Images courtesy EF &amp; PT</figcaption></figure>Conversely​ <a href="/new-apartments/441-451-elizabeth-street-melbourne">441-451 Elizabeth Street</a> has not fared so well in its second visit to the planning approvals process. The redesigned tower on behalf of Goodyear Properties is in stark contrast to the initial Peddle Thorp-designed application which carried many similarities to Dubai's <a href="http://www.greenprophet.com/2011/03/dubai-o-14/">O-14 Tower</a>.

Although greener and leaner, the revised scheme has still fallen short of planning expectations with its associated Future Melbourne report urging Melbourne City Council to object to the application. Read our <a href="/news/planning-application-441-451-elizabeth-street-melbourne">detailed application summary</a> on 441-451 Elizabeth Street.

Beyond the realms of the CBD a tri-towered St Kilda Road project recently scored a win via VCAT. <a href="/news/planning-application-601-st-kilda-road-melbourne">First revealed</a> on Apartments.com.au, <a href="/buildings/st-boulevard-601-st-kilda-road-melbourne">601 St Kilda Road</a> consists of dual 20 level towers fronting Melbourne's premier boulevard, with a smaller nine level building nested in behind. Combined the project holds in excess of 470 apartments for developer Summerhill Property.

Lodged with Port Phillip during September 2013, VCAT gave the project the nod during March.

<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_9699.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="601 St Kilda Road. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9699.jpg?itok=kIiTk5qb" title="601 St Kilda Road. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>601 St Kilda Road. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>
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Some proceed, others falter as planning decisions are made

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It was reported last week that developer Future Estate is the successful new owner of a vast tract of development land within Pentridge Village. Expected to fetch $30 million via a sales campaign held by CBRE, the final price tag was a <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/commercial/developer-buys-last-pentridge-prison-sites-20150408-1mgkw9">reported</a> $27 million.

And for that price Future Estate now holds land reserves totalling approximately 41,000sqm, located 7.5 kilometres from the CBD. Covering twelve separate sites with the largest at 5,591sqm, the purchase allows Future Estate the opportunity to deliver multiple buildings over an elongated timeframe.

Included within the 41,000sqm plot are a handful existing/semi-completed retail spaces. The retail offerings are expected to be expanded within the development, in line with existing masterplan which seeks mixed-use outcomes for the land involved.

Pentridge Village hasn't been the only success for Future Estate of late with their current Melbourne apartment project selling strongly. <a href="/buildings/parc-vue-1091-plenty-road-bundoora">Parc Vue</a> at Bundoora Park has sold in excess of 85% of apartments within the first stage of the development, which will see 138 one and two bedroom apartments delivered over eight levels.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/141112parcvueextb-1024x719.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Parc Vue Bundoora. Image courtesy MAP Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/141112parcvueextb-1024x719.jpg?itok=-RbWRIHn" title="Parc Vue Bundoora. Image courtesy MAP Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Parc Vue Bundoora. Image courtesy MAP Architecture</figcaption></figure>Designed by MAP Architecture, the project will upon completion see six buildings and 361 apartments built in middle-ring Bundoora, with ancillary commercial space totalling 1,100sqm included.

Gazing upon Pentridge Village once more, Future Estate's purchase joins a recently released apartment development in bolstering the until recently languishing precinct. Horizon Coburg is the first apartment release of any note for the precinct since the ill-fated <a href="http://architizer.com/projects/air-pentridge/">AIR Pentridge</a> tower the best part of five years ago which would have injected hundreds of apartments into the area.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/coburg-high-rise-apartments-01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Horizons Coburg. Image courtesy PRO_ARK"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/coburg-high-rise-apartments-01.jpg?itok=n74dV2nH" title="Horizons Coburg. Image courtesy PRO_ARK" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Horizons Coburg. Image courtesy PRO_ARK</figcaption></figure>Covered on Apartments.com.au at the turn of 2014, the then application on behalf of Taiwanese-backed Shayher Group sought to <a href="/news/h-division-likely-to-go-as-pentridges-rebirth-gathers-momentum">demolish the infamous H Division</a> within the prison grounds. With demolition now complete, civil works have commenced with the construction commencement on the radar.

Horizon Coburg seeks to add two and three bedroom apartments within two buildings.

On a wider note the stirring of Pentridge is in line with a general increase in planning activity throughout Coburg. Epworth Hospital are seeking to deliver <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/epworth-healthcare-launches-private-hospital-bid-on-moreland-council-land-bordered-by-bell-drummond-and-urquhart-streets/story-fnglenug-1227020120310">a new facility</a> fronting Bell Street, the long vacant <a href="/developments/coburg-vic-3058">81 Bell Street</a> is subject to a new 391 apartment project whilst <a href="/new-apartments/coburg-vic-3058">Major Anderson Apartments</a>' site demolition is complete with SP Projects poised to begin construction.
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Future Estate: The future of Pentridge Village

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

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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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Mark Baljak

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