<html><body>
Could this be Fishermans Bend's first tower to reach construction? A planning application first highlighted on Apartments.com.au during August 2013 looks likely to take the title of Fishermans Bend's first project to become reality.

<a href="/news/planning-application-91-montague-street-south-melbourne">91 Montague Street</a>, now better known as Gravity Tower @ 89 Gladstone Street is the latest project to be delivered by assiduous Melbourne-based developer Blue Earth Group. In line with Blue Earth Group's business plan the tower won't proceed to retail sales, but will be moved as investment stock nationally via a network of partners as per their previous projects.

<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/render001_exterior-ground1_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="89 Montague Street's distinctive facade. Image courtesy Fraher Design 3D"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1051" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/render001_exterior-ground1_1.jpg?itok=KKHmNKg4" title="89 Montague Street's distinctive facade. Image courtesy Fraher Design 3D" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>89 Montague Street's distinctive facade. Image courtesy Fraher Design 3D</figcaption></figure>Gravity Tower itself is a 28 level building designed by Plus Architecture which carries 144 residential apartments according to Blue Wealth Property's <a href="http://issuu.com/bluewealthproperty/docs/141105_-_gravity_tower_-_ddr__pdf_">due diligence</a> report on the project. One bedroom apartments begin from $405,000 at 51sqm whilst dual bedroom apartments begin at $549,000 and 68sqm as shown in the due diligence document.

Chinese website Yeeyi is also carrying <a href="http://translate.google.com.au/translate?hl=en&amp;sl=zh-CN&amp;u=http://www.yeeyi.com/bbs/thread-1733533-1-1&amp;prev=search">sales material</a> for the tower which shows a rooftop communal area, open air cinema and plunge pool whilst a retail space will be included at ground level. Given Gravity Tower looks set to be the first project within Fishermans Bend to reach construction, it will be afforded unfettered views upon completion.

Gravity Tower may not be alone for long with a number of additional projects within the Urban Renewal Area looking for imminent sales launches. Guangzhou-based R&amp;F Properties heads the list as it's reportedly preparing for the launch of <a href="/new-apartments/60-82-johnson-street-south-melbourne">60-82 Johnson Street</a> following its acquisition of the site during 2014.

<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/image5_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Grivity Towers' views. Image courtesy Fraher Design 3D"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="242" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_0.jpg?itok=G0_RArny" title="Artist's impression of Grivity Towers' views. Image courtesy Fraher Design 3D" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Gravity Towers' views. Image courtesy Fraher Design 3D</figcaption></figure>There is to a degree an implied assumption that Gravity Tower will proceed to construction based upon the previous work of Blue Earth Group; the company has become adept at advancing projects to construction with very little if any public knowledge of the project.

Recently competed apartment complexes by Blue Earth Group include Geox, Stratus and Mink Essendon whilst their current project, <a href="/buildings/a-apartments-92-albert-street-brunswick-east">A Apartments</a> at 92 Albert Street East Brunswick, is under construction and would have escaped public attention but for its listing on Apartments.com.au. In addition Blue Earth Group look to have found a willing cohort with Hamilton Marino undertaking their five most recent builds, hinting that Gravity Tower is indeed close to reality and that a builder may well be in place.
</body></html>

silvermb

Gravity Tower poised to become Fishermans Bend's first build

<html><body>
Architecture practice Rothelowman has capped an impressive year by scooping a number of prestigious awards recently. In addition to collecting UDIA Awards for Excellence in both Victoria and Queensland, earlier this month, UDIA Victoria also named Rothelowman as Consultancy of the Year.

The Victorian acknowledgement covers a commendation for Medium Density Development via their Lex Apartments design in South Yarra, as well the Award for Excellence in the Urban Renewal category for the adaptive reuse of Tip Top Brunswick.  Regular readers will be aware of Apartments.com.au's coverage of the Tip Top development, both from a <a href="/news/public-permeability-and-the-tip-top-brunswick-east-development">urban perspective</a> and also as an <a href="/news/little-projects-current-success-and-future-intent">onsite guest</a> of Little Projects Managing Director Michael Fox.

<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_0779_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rothelowman's Tip Top Brunswick upon completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0779_0.jpg?itok=WzmdVSUI" title="Rothelowman's Tip Top Brunswick upon completion" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rothelowman's Tip Top Brunswick upon completion</figcaption></figure>With 2014 the most successful year of Rothelowman's 23-year history in which the firm on average was commissioned to commence a new project every second day, Rothelowman have built upon their success by recently opening a Sydney office.  Apartments.com.au spoke with the new Principal of Rothelowman's NSW/ACT branch, Ben Pomroy recently in order to explore what lies ahead for the Harbour City and Rothelowman.

Having worked in an architectural practice elsewhere in Sydney Ben joined Rothelowman seven months ago with the Melbourne-based firm already enjoying a Sydney presence by way of a well-earned reputation with national clients.  It's this national understanding mixed with firsthand knowledge of Sydney's planning and design landscape that Ben believes will propel the Sydney practice forward rapidly.

Questioned on the state of the Sydney residential market Ben suggests that Sydney has been somewhat sluggish in recent years, although 2015 will bring the Harbour City back in line with Melbourne and Brisbane, which are both enjoying buoyant markets.  B-Point Tower seen below is the maiden Sydney project and features a 22 storey residential apartment building with146 apartments plus 7,900sqm of Gross Floor Area.  

<blockquote>
Through innovative design and spatial planning, Rothelowman have created a contemporary and sophisticated building that sits in direct contrast to its older style high rise neighbours. A true mixed use building, the blend of residents across all age groups, and a highly active ground plane provides a look at the future for Burwood CBD.

In a new and evolving context of taller buildings in Sydney, Rothelowmn have designed an iconic tower for Burwood Town Centre. The articulated and active retail podium sits directly adjacent the main train station. The podium responds to the immediate lower scale context, with the tower setback above street level to respond better to the district scale and access expansive views to the Sydney CBD.
<cite><a href="http://www.rothelowman.com.au/projects/project/135/bpoint-tower">B-Point Tower, rothelowman.com.au</a></cite>
</blockquote>

The Burwood project leads a string of projects, a mix of high and low rise, along with mixed-use buildings currently on the drawing board.  Though there a target number of projects/apartments to be delivered per annum has not been set, Ben points out that Sydney has suffered several consecutive years of dwelling supply shortfall relative to demand.  Prosperity for both Sydney and Rothelowman appear certain.

<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/image2bp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Burwood's B-Point Tower. Image courtesy Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="755" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2bp.jpg?itok=ZcyHlUPX" title="Burwood's B-Point Tower. Image courtesy Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Burwood's B-Point Tower. Image courtesy Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Local knowledge also comes into play, with the design dynamic naturally differing between each city. Recognising that New South Wales planning controls too play a part, with existing laws very much catered toward low and mid-rise multi-unit developments as opposed to high-rise apartment living. As Ben suggests, this leads to implications on apartment sizes and configurations, which require a new design approach if they are to be adapted to taller buildings. Commenting on the changes that are currently in motion, Ben said Sydney is “waking up" to high-rise amenity with New South Wales planning controls for high-density living realigning more closely with Victoria's.

Also managed via Rothelowman’s Darlinghurst office is the firm’s ACT and regional New South Wales operations. With many organisations and government departments holding national interests in Canberra, Ben sees the ACT yielding strong results. Though geographically small, Ben believes the ACT is a high-quality market that he is actively exploring.
</body></html>

Rothelowman's expansion plans pay dividend

<html><body>
Think of Melbourne's surge in residential towers over the preceding 18 months and one firm immediately springs to mind. Elenberg Fraser have nabbed the lion's share of large-scale apartment designs in and around the CBD of late and have become synonymous with tall towers.

In a refreshing move the integrated design and architecture practice has delivered a bespoke project on behalf of developer Sterling Global located on Toorak Road, South Yarra which highlights the subtle design nuances employed by the firm in respecting the heritage and parkland settings which define the site. Far from the 1000-apartment projects Elenberg Fraser are currently overseeing, Ralston South Yarra speaks a different architectural language to many of their other ongoing projects.

Apartments.com.au recently spoke with Elenberg Fraser's Project Leader and Senior Architectural Technician Nick Bruford as to why Ralston holds its own.

<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/ralston_ext.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ralston's subdued exterior"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ralston_ext.jpg?itok=KECvtA-c" title="Ralston's subdued exterior" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ralston's subdued exterior</figcaption></figure>The obvious distinction between Elenberg Fraser's CBD projects and Ralston is location and scale. While the CBD towers are each set to house many hundreds of people upon completion, Ralston is a six level development fronting Toorak Road in the heart of an established low-rise precinct.

With a new developer and architect superseding previously endorsed plans for the site, both parties set out to deliver a project sympathetic to its surrounds while also representative of prospective buyers wishes. Typical undulating glazed facades have been replaced by stone and plaster wash finish panels in order to provide a level of rhythm and context. The facade is most prominent at street level, providing a level of privacy to ground level dwellings, and slowly opens up over upper levels allowing for panoramic CBD views.

In addition to providing scale the vertical panels also compliment the retained historic streetscape fronting Toorak Road. Melding original structures with new forms is a method that has been shied away from in recent Elenberg Fraser CBD designs; perhaps more a reflection of developers wishes than anything else. Regardless the revised plans for Ralston were received warmly by City of Stonnington.

<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/ralston_pent.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A penthouse resplendid with fireplace and expansive views"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="310" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ralston_pent.jpg?itok=8kTL8Ciu" title="A penthouse resplendid with fireplace and expansive views" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A penthouse resplendent with fireplace and expansive views</figcaption></figure>Nick Bruford explains the project has been a chance to explore different design qualities and opportunities, giving rise to an increased amount of detail throughout the development. Rather than statement exteriors and ample communal facilities typical of much taller projects in the CBD which are designed to attract volume buyers, Ralston delivers a understated yet refined development aimed toward the owner-occupier in what has traditionally been a sought after location.

Internally too Ralston features a variety of living options ranging from tri-level townhouses fronting Caroline Park through to two and three bedroom apartments ranging in size from 110sqm to 160sqm with large balconies in tow. Two penthouses crown the development and occupy the top two levels.

According to Nick hundreds of interior finish combinations were considered before the design team settled upon the chosen configurations which are evidenced within the complete display suite onsite. Chevroned wood floors and bathroom wall tiles are a standout and are ably supported by brass fittings, Combi ovens, composite marble splash backs and stone bench-tops in the kitchen. Sculptural lighting by Melbourne-based industrial designer Christopher Boots also point toward the heightened level of consideration given toward internal finishes.

<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/image1ralston.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Display suite finishes"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="270" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1ralston.jpg?itok=ZqY9Kb__" title="Display suite finishes" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Display suite finishes</figcaption></figure>This 'departure from the norm' for Elenberg Fraser has produced results with 65% of apartments within the development sold after three weeks. Construction is set to commence on the Ralston in the new year and Apartments.com.au hopes to tour the completed complex in due course.
</body></html>

Ralston South Yarra brings out Elenberg Fraser's subtle side

<html><body>
The lead image says it all really. CBD-based aerial photography firm <a href="http://www.lensaloft.com.au/">Lenasoft</a> captured Melbourne at its magnificent best, with no shortage of cranes visible. In a year like no other relating to development, we've witnessed an ever increasing batch of highly impressive projects come into the pipeline, while the overall construction scene has never been busier.

Opinions will vary tremendously, but this is Apartments.com.au's the good, the bad and the ugly for 2014.

<h2>The Good</h2>

The continued influx of Asian developers has bought on a different design dynamic throughout 2014. With comparatively grander intentions than domestic developers and with the financial backing to match, some exceptional proposals have been put forward and approved in the course of this year. If development is to occur, it should be of the highest possible design quality and our perception is there's no shortage at the moment; <a href="/buildings/380-melbourne-380-lonsdale-street-melbourne">380 Lonsdale Street</a> nudging out all others as our favourite design for 2014.

In a market sense, Melbourne just keeps going! Perhaps it is a sign of the underlying strength of the residential sector, but I can't think of an apartment project during 2014 that failed to materialise once sales had begun; there'd be a handful out there no doubt. Elsewhere commercial, retail and particularly institutional development has fired throughout the year. Has the development cycle flattened out to be perpetually busy in a sign of Melbourne's increasing population and overall maturity?

<h2>The bad</h2>

Is there an ongoing, subtle erosion of Melbourne's heritage character? Yes.

I'm not necessarily referring to headline firestorms such as The Palace on Bourke Street, but the smaller projects that only garner comment on websites and forums dedicated to such matters. 36-40 La Trobe Street and 137 Bourke Street have been demolished while <a href="/news/planning-application-488-494-la-trobe-street-west-melbourne">488-494 La Trobe Street</a> looks to be going the same way. Is facadism better than nothing? Have City of Melbourne and state authorities implemented adequate heritage controls?

No doubt buyers in <a href="/new-apartments/150-queen-street-melbourne">Tower Melbourne</a> would be ill at ease after the marquee project has been in hiatus for 2014, as two rival developers have been mired down in legal wrangling regarding adjoining developments. A bad outcome all round!

On a micro level, we've had more than enough individual correspondence this year involving the average domestic buyer (such as you or I) - in the position of finding the best apartments within a given project - have been snapped up either by channel investors or overseas buyers. As always opportunity will arise and the market will address this by innovative means, look no further than Apartment Register.

<h2>The ugly</h2>

The two-horse race will continue into 2015, but there's no doubt the two ugliest affairs of 2014 were The Palace saga and East West Link.

The Palace involved a fourth planning application for the site this year, belated height controls for the precinct, public discontent, the removal of what many consider to be treasured interiors of the venue; Benny Hill show, anyone? While so many planning applications delivered excellent outcomes over the course of the year, The Palace leaves a sour taste in the mouth in so much that it's the pin-up for what happens when developers with intent meet with lackluster planning controls. Everything has gone wrong!

The key to East West Link is also mass (and I emphasize mass) public discontent, for it doesn't occur all that often. From protests early in the year to the tearing up of contracts, it's never been far from the headlines.

The advancement of the city's infrastructure which will cater for our booming population is of paramount importance; no politics thanks although unfortunately one feels both are intrinsically entwined. How much of a financial and infrastructure blunder the East West Link will be seen as will only become apparent during 2015, when the build consortium is remunerated and more importantly how quickly and to which replacement infrastructure projects will funding flow to.

<h2>Thanks to those who matter</h2>

After a long year, we've forged ahead thanks to the hard work and dedication of a select group of people (you know who you are) and the ever present support from many, many industry participants as well.

With all said and done for 2014, we wish all our readers a relaxing and fulfilling festive period. Apartments.com.au will see you again - and be back to our normal publishing regime - on Monday January 12th 2015.
</body></html>

The year that was 2014

<html><body>
Melbourne-based developer <a href="/developers/golden-age-group">Golden Age Group</a> will this week begin handing over apartments within their latest residential project dubbed <a href="/buildings/emerald-35-albert-road-south-melbourne">The Emerald</a>. Only a select few of the 289 dwellings remain available within the tower located in a pocket of Melbourne becoming increasingly popular with apartment developers and owner-occupiers alike.

Head contractor <a href="/developers/equiset">Equiset</a> has joined Golden Age Group in the final stages of inspection and delivery of all apartments, slightly beyond two years since enabling works commenced for the project. Golden Age Group's Project Management and Sales Director Ronald Chan was at hand to explain to Apartments.com.au why The Emerald exceeded all expectations.

<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_3121.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The vertical aspect from Albert road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3121.jpg?itok=FXDz4oko" title="The vertical aspect from Albert road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The vertical aspect from Albert Road</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The tower features a striking organic rippling form and comprises a 5-storey podium containing car parking and services, surmounted by a further 15 levels of residential apartments. There are 289 apartments and 294 car spaces, as well as a shared roof-top garden with spa pools, amenities and BBQ area for both visitors and residents.

The building design achieves 5-star Green Star rating eco rating.
<cite>Buchan Group website</cite>
</blockquote>

Externally the tower's facade is infused with shades of green and silver, giving rise to The Emerald. As stated architecture firm <a href="/architects/the-buchan-group">Buchan Group's</a> irregular use of floor plates has come together to produce one of Melbourne's more recognisable buildings in line with Golden Age Group's ethos of creating quality buildings both internally and externally.

<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_3135.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Reflections upon reflection. The undulating exterior"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3135.jpg?itok=VqnN_atD" title="Reflections upon reflection. The undulating exterior" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Reflection upon reflection. The undulating exterior of 35 Albert Road</figcaption></figure>It is internally where The Emerald shows its true colours as a discerning development catering for owner-occupiers; Ronald Chan explains the foyer and internal areas are understated but comparatively spacious in relation to masses of other contemporary developments. Given the tower was pitched toward owner-occupiers emphasis was placed upon a spacious, functional development matched by an exceedingly high level of workmanship to all apartments.

Indeed in Apartments.com.au's visits to many a recently completed apartment project, we were impressed at the very few workmanship defects detected in the course of final inspections occurring throughout The Emerald. To that end buyer's faith in the project has been repaid with a mixture local and overseas purchasers able to take possession of their property on time. Ronald Chen believes limited apartment resales reflects upon the excellent location and positive stature in which the project is held.

Westerly apartments overlooking Albert Park and Port Phillip Bay were snapped up within a matter of days post release, although easterly aspects over the Shrine of Remembrance and Melbourne's CBD also command impressive views. Golden Age Group have acted to maintain the pedigree of their latest development by purchasing a strata office in the adjoining westerly office complex, effectively maintaining the right to veto any future development of that site. The adjoining easterly site is Government owned according to Ronald Chan and unlikely to see 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/img_3145.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Penthouse kitchen featuring marble finishes"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3145.jpg?itok=LhaY9zse" title="Penthouse kitchen featuring marble finishes" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Penthouse kitchen featuring marble finishes</figcaption></figure>Communal areas have intentionally been kept to a minimum given the wide choice of recreational areas within a short walk of The Emerald, although a rooftop communal area with barbecue and plunge pool takes full advantage of the panoramic views on offer.

The full gamut of living options are available within the project, with a 48sqm single bedroom apartment and 250sqm penthouse opened for viewing. All dwellings feature timber flooring and a light finish to apartments while the penthouse highlighted above and below has been slated for Golden Age Group principal Jeff Xu and features massively proportioned living areas, high-end finishes and appliances plus three different aspects.

Completion of The Emerald coincides with construction commencing on Golden Age Group's next project: <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a>. With completion of Victoria One expected late 2017, two new Melbourne projects will begin marketing during 2015 highlighting the rapid ascendancy of Golden Age Group as an industry leading development firm. The 55-level <a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House Melbourne at 466 Collins Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/opera-450-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Opera at 450 St Kilda Road</a> seek to carry forth the momentum generated to date by Golden Age Group.

An image set of The Emerald during Apartments.com.au's visit can be seen below.
</body></html>

In focus > The Emerald @ 35 Albert Road, Melbourne

<html><body>
One of 2014's largest planning applications has had its turn before the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee, with the associated report on the intended mixed-use tower raising a number of concerns.

Championed by Singaporean tycoon Koh Wee Meng via his property development arm <a href="/developers/fragrance-group">Fragrance Group</a>, the tower seeks to stand at 284 metres above Spencer Street on what was/is the Savoy Tavern. Having paid $44.5 million for the site during June, Fragrance Group submitted initial plans during August, with a refined amendment put forward during September 2014 in response to a request for further information sought by State body DPTLI.

<h2>134-160 Spencer Street, Melbourne 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/image21aa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impressions of the proposed tower. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="509" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21aa.jpg?itok=tA7QWzl8" title="Artist's impressions of the proposed tower. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impressions of the proposed tower. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>134-160 Spencer Street joins <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">555 Collins Street</a> as Fragrance Group's <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne projects</a>.</li>
	<li>Architect: <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a>.</li>
	<li>Current 1,833sqm site use: Savoy Tavern bar/kitchen/pub.</li>
	<li>Revised application submitted September 2014.</li>
	<li>Proposed: 89 level residential tower at 284 metres to roof.</li>
	<li>990 apartments and 280 hotel suites.</li>
	<li>Likely hotel operator: Parc Sovereign.</li>
	<li>10 retail spaces between 35sqm and 47sqm.</li>
	<li>​Basement catering for 164 car parking spaces and 229 bicycles.</li>
	<li>GFA: 90,739 sq.m.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Shake, rattle and roll</h2>

While the top and bottom form of <a href="/buildings/premier-tower-134-160-spencer-street-melbourne">134-160 Spencer Street's tower</a> component remains constant, the indicative floor plan below demonstrates the sizeable floor plate shift designed into the midriff. Beyond level 15 to 85 floor plates slink every second level, essentially producing 35 separate, undulating floor plates which from a distance creates a sensuous form.

General arrangements sees the hotel component located over floors 6 to 15 with 28 suites over each floor ranging between 20sqm and 39sqm. Perhaps the limited size of the hotel suites points toward affordable hotel chain Parc Sovereign expanding into Melbourne; a brand also <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesasia/2014/07/23/property-developer-koh-wee-meng-seek-terrain-in-australia/">controlled by Koh Wee Meng</a>.

Level 5 will host indoor/outdoor communal facilities with strata offices, a restaurant, conference centre and function room plus fitness centre and gymnasium located through the podium. Level 87 will also carry residential recreation facilities. The balance of the tower is dedicated to the 990 apartments of one, two and three bedrooms. For the lucky few, the top floor of residential living at level 86 will carry a majority of one bedroom apartments, allowing for impeccable views without the penthouse price.

<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/image23aa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected level 86 floor plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="373" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23aa.jpg?itok=TJ01loSr" title="Expected level 86 floor plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Expected level 86 floor plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>A question of height</h2>

As mentioned a handful of concerns were raised, generally regarding matters surrounding access and vehicle parking. While the report to Future Melbourne considered these issues rectifiable, a more pressing concern regarding height has been raised:

<blockquote>
The shadow diagrams submitted with the application indicate that the proposed building will overshadow Batman Park and the north bank of the Yarra. Buildings to the north of this park are generally modelled to ensure that shadows cast do not extend within 15 m of the north bank of the river between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm on 22 June. This being the case, the height of the building is considered excessive and will detract from or diminish the leisure and recreational purpose of Batman Park and Northbank promenade.

A condition is therefore recommended requiring the height of the building to be reduced so that there is no additional overshadowing of the Northbank Promenade by the proposed building. This might equate to a reduction of approximately 11 levels.
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</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/image22aa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The expected shadow as seen within the Future Melbourne report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="636" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22aa.jpg?itok=Vljt9eJ7" title="The expected shadow as seen within the Future Melbourne report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The expected shadow as seen within the Future Melbourne report</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

134-160 Spencer Street along with a handful of other key large-scale projects within inner Melbourne will act as a litmus test of sorts for the new State Government with Richard Wynne (assuming full health) set to define his tenure with a number of key planning decisions early in the new year. Will 134-160 Spencer Street remain unchanged or will the the recommendations to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee be adopted at a state level which would see the tower essentially lopped to approximately 250 metres in height?

Much can be drawn from the eventual decision laid down by the State Government.

Machinations aside 134-160 Spencer Street is a true statement delivered by Elenberg Fraser worthy of such a prominent position with Melbourne's skyline. I'd be delighted if the design were to remain as is although I suspect the State Government will take a stance in line with that of City of Melbourne's recommendations for height reduction.
</body></html>

Future Melbourne and 134-160 Spencer Street

<html><body>
A Fishermans Bend planning application of heightened interest has passed through the planning process in recent months, with the pending decision eagerly anticipated by City of Port Phillip in particular. Voicing concerns that the project if approved as is would establish a precedent for other buildings to exceed the preferred yet non binding height limit for the land parcel, City of Port Phillip have requested that the Metropolitan Planning Authority impose a number of conditions upon the development.

<h2>171-183 Ferrars 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/image68_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="171-183 Ferrars Street hero perspective. Image courtesy DCM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="917" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image68_0.jpg?itok=MLX0-oAL" title="171-183 Ferrars Street hero perspective. Image courtesy DCM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>171-183 Ferrars Street hero perspective. Image courtesy DCM</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current site use: dual level office complex.</li>
 <li>Developer: Portal.</li>
 <li>Architect: Denton Corker Marshall.</li>
 <li>24 levels at 82.5 metres in height.</li>
 <li>122 apartments.</li>
 <li>42 car spaces, one motorcycle space and 39 bicycle spaces.</li>
 <li>Pedestrian link, restaurant and bar over ground level layout.</li>
 <li>Through link bridge to light rail platform.</li>
</ul>
<h2>City of Port Phillip says</h2>

City of Port Phillip released a media statement late November regarding the proposal, excerpts of which are seen below.

<blockquote>
Port Phillip Council will ask the Metropolitan Planning Authority to reduce the height of a planned tower near the proposed Ferrars Street primary school in South Melbourne to avoid setting a concerning precedent. Councillors decided at a Statutory Planning Committee Meeting last night to advise the MPA that the 24 storey building proposed by the developer was inconsistent with the 18-storey limit recommended in the State Government’s Strategic Framework Plan.

“This height is more than 30 per cent higher than the preferred building scale for this area and would set a precedent for other buildings to exceed 18-storeys,” Mayor Amanda Stevens said. “While the SFP provides discretion to exceed the maximum preferred height, Council believes new planning approvals should reflect the area and not detract from the liveability of this growing community.”

“Council is also concerned about the cumulative impact of this sort of density on the general character and congestion of the Fishermans Bend community.”

<cite>City of Port Phillip media release</cite>
</blockquote>

According to planning documents 171-183 Ferrars Street abuts a four storey (15m) preferred height precinct to the south, and is also opposite to an eight storey (27m) preferred height precinct. With non binding Framework Plan Design Guidelines recommending a tower of 18 levels or 60 metres and a school earmarked nearby on Ferrars Street, City of Port Phillip believe the current design would be out of context.

<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/image69_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Railway Place through link.Image courtesy DCM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="699" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image69_0.jpg?itok=ODxWyt7k" title="Railway Place through link.Image courtesy DCM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Railway Place through link. Image courtesy DCM</figcaption></figure><h2>Victorian Design Review Panel response</h2>

Denton Corker Marshall presented their scheme to the Victorian Design Review Panel during 2014 with the following text providing contrast to City of Port Phillip's stance.

<blockquote>
This proposal is for a rationally resolved building offering an elegant and appropriate design for the site. It establishes a benchmark for Fishermans Bend, given the clear commercial objectives of use, apartment amenity and approach to car parking are all carefully considered and offer enhancement of the standard podium/tower model.

We support the logic informing the resultant design quality of this proposal and anticipate it could be a building that contributes positively to the South Melbourne streetscape.

The proposed height of 23 storeys is above the 18 storey discretionary limit identified in the Framework Plan. Without clear direction on the nature and extent of discretionary height decisions, the additional 5 storeys was supported on the basis that it created a more slender and elegant building.

The idea of a link from Ferrars Street through the northern side of the ground floor is supported as an innovative proposal. The creation of a new street link through the continuation of Thistlethwaite Street to Railway Place is a positive contribution to the precinct.
<cite>Geoffrey London, Victorian Government Architect</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>As it stands</h2>

City of Port Phillip have indicated in principle support for the project to deciding body the Metropolitan Planning Authority, although it will be subject to a number of stipulations should they get their way. Chief among these will be the reduction of height to 18 levels or 60 metres and that the first floor through link be deleted from the design.

As with many other proposals for Fishermans Bend awaiting an outcome, the Metropolitan Planning Authority is expected to deliver its verdict on 171-183 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne in the first quarter of 2015.
</body></html>

We say, they say > 171-183 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne

<html><body>
A joint venture between Alamar AV Communications Pty Ltd, publisher of Apartments.com.au and My Real Estate Mate takes effect today with the latter's <a href="https://urbanmelbourne.info/apartment-register?utm_source=um_editorial&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=AR_UM">Apartment Register</a> platform now a permanent feature on Apartments.com.au. The joint venture will operate for the express purpose of allowing those who register to hold first priority pick of new apartment developments, gain and attend exclusive previews for apartment projects prior to public launch and tailor their choice of apartments to personal parameters such as location, price and floor plan layout.

Formerly Executive Director of Apartments for a large Melbourne-based real estate firm, My Real Estate Mate and Apartment Register principal Cameron Clarke spearheads the team which holds all the necessary accreditation to help any prospective buyer make an informed choice according to their personal criteria. With the backing of many of Melbourne's most prominent developers, Apartment Register is now an easy and highly efficient first choice option for apartment buyers to utilise.

<h2>What it means for the apartment buyer</h2>

Feedback over Apartments.com.au's social media platforms and messages by website members point toward local buyers often missing out on their apartment of choice due to the intense competition from international and channel sales. The joint venture between Apartments.com.au and Apartment Register seeks to empower the prospective apartment buyer at the most earliest stage possible.

Quite simply the joint venture will bring together both members respective strengths. Apartments.com.au's greatest asset, its comprehensive project database listing near on 650 apartment developments from planning to construction will now have a qualified, accredited means by which readers will be able to register their interest and the Apartment Register team will then take over the apartment sourcing and sales process.

In this way Apartment Register via Apartments.com.au will introduce a new method by which the buyer will on many occasions not need to wait until a select project reaches retail or public sales, but rather take the initiative and seek an apartment and/or project(s) out prior to their reaching public sales, with the intent of securing their desired property according to their criteria.

On top of the generic sign up form, Apartment Register will also have exclusive access to pre-sale campaigns, with a number of initial projects in which Apartment Register has secured pre-sales rights due to appear on Apartments.com.au in the coming weeks and months.

<h2>How to register</h2>

Simply click on any of the prominent Apartment Register ads on Apartments.com.au or head directly to the <a href="https://urbanmelbourne.info/apartment-register?utm_source=um_editorial&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=AR_UM">Urban.com.au's Apartment Register page</a> and complete the required fields.

In addition to the suburb of interest, those wishing to register are urged to utilise the Question &amp; Further Information field. According to My Real Estate Mate, preliminary enquiries have noted preferences such as budget range, suburb, apartment orientation and preferred level of occupation, apartment layout/square metreage and preferred year of completion.

The more information and/or preferences listed, the greater the chance the team at My Real Estate Mate will find the apartment you desire. Upon submitting the form on Apartments.com.au, the data is transmitted securely to the My Real Estate Mate platform and the Apartment Register team then takes over the personalised research and sales process.

<h2>The Developer's Advantage</h2>

Apartment Register also opens up a myriad of possibilities for developers. For instance should a developer be looking to purchase a site or be poised to take a project to market, they can draw upon the knowledge accumulated via Apartment Register to tailor their site/project format to what the individual or aggregated market currently desires, i.e. gaining product opinion prior to design.

This credible knowledge base accumulated by Apartment Register is matched by Apartments.com.au's industry leading <a href="/developments">project database</a> which allows the public and prospective apartment purchasers to track new projects from the planning assessment stage.

<h2>An industry perspective</h2>

The Apartment Register network is supported by over 300 Australian and International City websites funneling prospective buyers researching Melbourne property to the platform. In this regard Apartments.com.au today joins the Apartment Register network.

Apartments.com.au's project database attracts a diverse audience and thanks to 12 months of user surveys conducted by Effective Measure, we know that 25% of all unique visits are buyers conducting research to buy apartments. We have always been about continuous improvement and Alamar AV Communications Pty Ltd is delighted to have entered into a joint venture with My Real Estate Mate which we believe will suit this sizable audience segment well over the long-term.

It must be noted that the service offering from an Apartments.com.au perspective will cover the lead generation from the main<a href="https://urbanmelbourne.info/apartment-register?utm_source=um_editorial&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=AR_UM"> Apartment Register</a> page and may include individual project registration forms where My Real Estate Mate has exclusive pre-sale rights.

Our Project Launch and Database Upgrade packages remain outside the joint venture we are announcing today and the product suite has been tweaked to include the removal of Apartment Register ads when a developer or sales agent independently upgrades a listing on Apartments.com.au.

Developers or sales agents looking to include a new channel partner are encouraged to contact Cameron Clarke at <a href="http://myrealestatemate.com.au/?utm_source=Urban_Melbourne&amp;utm_medium=editorial_link&amp;utm_campaign=UM_AR">My Real Estate Mate</a> directly.

<h2>A broader context</h2>

Apartment Register as well as being a mainstay on Apartments.com.au will also be applied the forthcoming Urban Sydney website. Due for launch early 2015, the Urban Sydney platform has been built and is currently having its initial run of content added to it with the extensive task of entering the many hundreds of apartment projects underway.

Alamar AV Communications Pty Ltd, publisher of Apartments.com.au and the upcoming Urban Sydney site, is also in discussion with Brisbane interests with the prospect of Urban Brisbane firmly on the radar. Should all go to plan the intent remains to create a strong presence in Australia's three largest apartment markets, in line with industry requests and the expansion plans of our joint venture partner, My Real Estate Mate.

The joint venture with Apartments.com.au is the first of a number of structural and commercial changes that will be applied to the website over the coming new year holiday period. In addition to revamping Apartments.com.au's Off The Plan section highlighting the best of Melbourne's current apartment projects, changes to Apartments.com.au's front page appearance will allow for easier navigation about the website.

Through extensive demographic data research, the changes are designed to cater for the increasing number of apartment buyers who view Apartments.com.au in order to research their pending property acquisition.

These changes will also serve to enshrine and enhance the principles that Apartments.com.au was created upon; the free and extensive aggregation of planning application data relating to Melbourne's booming apartment sector, fostering discussion in both public and industry circles relating to Melbourne's insatiable appetite for higher-density living and shining a spotlight upon the policies, infrastructure and trends that will shape the city's future.

Vires Acquirit Eundo.
</body></html>

Apartment Register and Urban.com.au - it's just the beginning

<html><body>
West Melbourne continues its impressive run toward the latter part of 2014 with yet another large-scale planning application currently before authorities. Located on the northern side of La Trobe Street between Spencer and King, City of Melbourne is currently assessing the merits of the residential tower which may accommodate 247 apartments if approved.

Sold by agent Savills during August 2014, new owner Spacious Property Development Group is behind the current 488-494 La Trobe Street proposal which is adjacent to a large vacant block, itself expected to become a prime residential development in due course.

<h2>488-494 La Trobe Street West Melbourne 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/image73.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Immediate built form. Image courtesy Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image73.jpg?itok=DACJ-zG6" title="Immediate built form. Image courtesy Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Immediate built form. Image courtesy Rothelowman</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current 1,011sqm site use: dual level office building with 1,312sqm of leasable space.</li>
	<li>Planning application submitted November 2014.</li>
	<li>Proposed: 32 level residential tower at 102.35 metres.</li>
	<li>​Total GFA: 32,910sqm.</li>
	<li>​247 apartments: 113*1BR / 134*2BR</li>
	<li>​Basement catering for 38 car parking spaces and 77 bicycles.</li>
	<li>Rooftop garden at 135sqm, residential amenity and cinema at 148.5sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design concept</h2>

<blockquote>
The concept for the exterior design has evolved from a carefully considered desire to create a timeless design solution. One which contributes a strong, elegant and pure form to the city's skyline. Notions of balance and symmetry lead to the pure vertical expression of tower, and created a 'Ying and Yang' dynamic between the key components.

This dynamic also allowed for a refined palette of materials. With the central component representing the solidity and strength of stone, while the northern and southern components mirror each other, and represent the graceful shimmer of water. The podium levels also take these concepts further at a scale designed to relate to the public realm.
<cite>Rothelowman, planning documents</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>From the ground up</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/image15488.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="513" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15488.jpg?itok=aGHE98u2" title="Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Atop three basement levels sits a ground floor heavy with building services. With three apartments located to the northern edge of the ground floor, the La Trobe Street frontage is dominated by the building substation, car park entry and hydrant booster resulting in little activation to the main pedestrian thoroughfare.

Subsequent podium levels are almost exclusively devoted to two bedroom dwellings with a smattering of single bedroom apartments included. Designed to the eastern boundary, the tower element will maintain a setback to the western boundary of 5.5 metres with an almost generic floor plan incorporated over levels 6-30. Eight apartments per level is the norm where two bedroom apartments are to floor plate corners while single bedroom apartments are clustered around the lift well to the centre of the proposed tower.

Crowning the development would be an external CBD-facing terrace of 135sqm supplemented by in excess of 140sqm internal residential amenity, consisting of dining, lounge and cinema areas.

<h2>Comment</h2>

<iframe frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m0!3m2!1sen!2sau!4v1417910929727!6m8!1m7!1sE0ccIS3j9iGTfFsXab8SKw!2m2!1d-37.81277595239187!2d144.9526244996608!3f322.965594420637!4f4.526909773882068!5f0.7820865974627469" style="border:0" width="600"></iframe>

A number of salient points have been made in forum discussion regarding the recent planning application for 488-494 La Trobe Street. While the existing building onsite has not been included in the City Heritage Review, its loss would represent a further erosion of the historic fabric of inner Melbourne.

It's most definitely a shame the existing frontage has not been incorporated into the proposed tower, but we're not privy to development team discussions and must assume there remains an overpowering reason for the deletion of the existing structure.

Overall the curtain facade offset by a strong vertical element provides a sharp contrast to the many existing and proposed apartment towers, while also providing a practical common wall to the east and west boundaries. While these flanks represent "The solidity and strength of stone," they in actuality would consist of precast panels in varied colours and finishes according to the materials schedule; not quite the refined finish of polished concrete or stone.

<h2>488-494 La Trobe Street West Melbourne development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Architecture: Rothelowman</li>
	<li>​Urban Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Wind mitigation: Mel Consultants</li>
	<li>Traffic engineering: Cardno</li>
	<li>Environmental Sustainable Design: ADP Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Tree Protection: Galbraith &amp; Associates</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Planning Application > 488-494 La Trobe Street, West Melbourne

<html><body>
Peruse the <a href="http://www.majorprojects.vic.gov.au/project/federation-square-east/">Federation Square East</a> website and the shutters have been put up in accordance with the caretaker conventions of the forthcoming State election. Expressions of interest for the 3.3 hectare site have been open for slightly over two months, and as is the case with such pursuits, public information is scant although the parameters for the EOI campaign are anything but.

We have covered a number of <a href="/news/federation-square-east-an-urban-ecologies-perspective">conceptual designs for the site</a> which acts more as a nexus between water and skyline, and another has been presented by Georgina Tiernan. Currently with New York-based SHoP Architects and formerly with Fender Katsalidis architects, Georgina has presented Apartments.com.au with her interpretation of Federation Square East with a heavy bias toward urban ecology.

<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/accamera_17aaa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An atypical proposal. Image courtesy Georgian Tiernan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/accamera_17aaa.jpg?itok=Yozet-CI" title="An atypical proposal. Image courtesy Georgian Tiernan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An atypical proposal. Image courtesy Georgia Tiernan</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
This thesis project explores the increasing disconnection between urbanism and agriculture. The project aims to connect everyday urban life with agricultural food production and culture.

Bridging the Jolimont Railyards in Melbourne the project reconnects the city to the landscape by dissolving the hard urban edge of the city grid into the landscaped banks of the Yarra River and Birrarung Marr Park through new hybrids of agricultural/architectural form.

By morphing varying agricultural and urban program with architecture, the project explores a new productive architecture in which habitable space is placed in and amongst agricultural systems of food production to create environments that reveal the entire farm-to-table process to the city.
<cite><a href="http://georgina-tiernan.squarespace.com">georgina-tiernan.squarespace.com</a></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/tower-view-1a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tower view. Image courtesy Georgian Tiernan"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="452" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tower-view-1a.jpg?itok=1CI7VJlK" title="Tower view. Image courtesy Georgian Tiernan" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tower view. Image courtesy Georgian Tiernan</figcaption></figure>To see an extensive image set and further information on the Federation Square East proposal by Georgina Tiernan, visit her site at <a href="https://georgina-tiernan.squarespace.com/#/urban-ecologies-2/">georgina-tiernan.squarespace.com</a>.

<h2>Comment</h2>

Apartments.com.au produces our fair share of concept designs, with towers featuring predominantly. Federation Square East on the other hand had the team leaning toward a different outcome; an outcome that is not necessarily tall but distinctive in its cutting edge, sustainable design; a showcase precinct if you will.

Does Melbourne really want or need another podium-tower typology to define this precinct? Let's hope those charged with selecting the successful consortium for Federation Square East do so in the knowledge that this site is like no other; it demands a unique statement that will further define Melbourne and provide a focal point much like the original Federation square did and continues to do. A concept such as Georgina Tiernan's fits the bill perfectly to our way of thinking!

Thinking outside the square. It's easier said than done!
</body></html>

Federation Square East: an Urban Ecologies perspective

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

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

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

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

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

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

Mark Baljak

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News