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A planning application of some difference finds itself in focus, as the typical glass and/or horizontal bands of many of the city's current crop of residential towers makes way for a design with unique external properties. Lodged mid-year and having been given brief credence in the mainstream media, Hayball's design for 334-344 City Road is distinguished by its teardrop form and angular, modular facade.

334 City Road may also act as a nexus between the established Southbank and the Montague Precinct within the forthcoming Fishermans Bend urban renewal; at 270 metres it sits on the border of the two slated high density zones.

<h2>Summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Currently site use: Urban Central hostel and Eve nightclub</li>
	<li>Application for development lodged July 2014</li>
	<li>82-storey building with residential apartments, hotel and cafe at 270.41 metres</li>
	<li>​578 apartments (156*1 / 407*2 / 15*3)</li>
	<li>198 hotel suites</li>
	<li>154 car parking spaces &amp; 315 bicycles</li>
	<li>GFA: 83,196sqm</li>
	<li>Retail space: Approximately 119 sqm</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/image25334.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's interpretation of 334 City Road. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="869" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25334.jpg?itok=pR-hHEQ3" title="Artist's interpretation of 334 City Road. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's interpretation of 334 City Road. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure><h2>Laid out</h2>

Interestingly enough the tower has been submitted with two separate residential layouts. The intended yield sees a total of 578 apartments and 198 hotel suites whilst the alternative layout provides for 482 apartments with the identical number of hotel suites. This discrepancy is explained by the difference in apartment types where the baseline layout carries 156 single and 15 three bedroom apartments whilst the alternative sees only 12 single bedroom dwellings countered by a whopping 159 three bedroom dwellings.

Hotel accommodation size varies between 27sqm and 50sqm over the allocated 11 floors. This is further broken down into 132 hotel rooms and 66 hotel suites which as seen below are more generous in size.

<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/image23334.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The expected hotel floorplan. Image courtesy Hayball planning report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23334.jpg?itok=4Xqs0B7w" title="The expected hotel floorplan. Image courtesy Hayball planning report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The expected hotel floorplan. Image courtesy Hayball planning report.</figcaption></figure><h2>Designed to be different</h2>

<blockquote>
The elliptical tower form has been developed through detailed analysis of the subject site’s urban morphology, and an intelligent response to the building setback objectives of the Planning Scheme. The orientation of the tower and its aerofoil profile delivers oblique views to and from surrounding developments that are predominately rectilinear and orientated to property boundaries.

The Environmental Wind Assessment prepared by Mel Consultants in conjunction with the proposal, also demonstrates that the building form is very effective in mitigating effects of the strong winds from the southwest impacting on the exposed site, and delivering a comfortable environment for pedestrians at ground level.

The façade comprises a system of highly repetitive L-shaped precast concrete panels which interact with metal clad infill panels, and expand and contract to express different building functions. The lapped panel set-out addresses the elliptical tower form and provides further depth and interest.

A spiral motif is overlaid providing a formal mechanism to transition between façade elements associated with different programmes:

<ul>
<li>Podium green wall to apartment balconies;</li>
	<li>Hotel windows to apartment balconies; and</li>
	<li>Apartment balconies to winter garden windows</li>
</ul>
<cite>Hayball - 334 City Road planning application</cite>
</blockquote>

334 City Road's facade is similar to Hayball's awarded <a href="http://www.archdaily.com/65105/the-canada-hotel-hayball/">Canada Hotel</a> development in Carlton where a series of facade panels essentially interlock to create a repetitive pattern. Add the subtle use of coloured metal spandrel panels and a diagonal visual rhythm becomes evident over the proposed tower.

<h2>Ground zero</h2>

The planning application addresses what is a problem the length of City Road: active street level frontages or lack thereof. Hayball and Tract Consultants have jointly provided for a softening of the existing harsh street level environment by way of an indented ground level with an overhung podium.

In this way increased area is given to the public realm at ground level with bluestone paving to all frontages, public bench seats, a green feature wall, planters and scope for public sculpture artwork all envisaged. In addition the adjoining dead space under the neighbouring West Gate Freeway is also earmarked for urban revitalisation. Seen below are precedents which could be applied to the undercroft, delivering some much needed useable public space to City Road in the 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/image28.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Existing undercroft and possible urban solutions. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="428" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28.jpg?itok=L8FKXPAZ" title="Existing undercroft and possible urban solutions. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Existing undercroft and possible urban solutions. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure><h2>A likely starter</h2>

It is worth noting that 334 City Road's urban context report does state that developer EAG Pty Ltd has had a presence on City Road for some years and has committed to delivering the project. According to a Fairfax Media <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/southbank-skyscraper-to-soar-over-city-20140715-zt8ix">report</a> site owner EAG Pty Ltd is tied to BRW rich lister Giuseppe “Joe” Catalfamo who owns the current Urban Central accommodation onsite.

Prolific builder LU Simon is also listed as a project partner within the submitted documents, suggesting that should it gain approval 334 City Road looks to have both the financial basis and building expertise in place turn the paper project into reality.

<h2>Development Team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: EAG Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: Hayball</li>
	<li>Intended builder: LU Simon</li>
	<li>Planning Consultant: Urbis</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Rinovitch Consultants</li>
	<li>Services / ESD: ALA</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Gardner Group</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect: Tract</li>
	<li>Wind Engineer: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Fire Engineer: Thomas Nicolas</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: Traffix</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

Planning application > Hayball's 270 metre 334 City Road

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In recent weeks numerous vacant central Dandenong development lots have been placarded with 'Land for sale" signage, representing a sizeable chunk of real estate within the precinct controlled by Places Victoria. According to the Victorian Government’s property development agency who controls Dandenong's CBD under the Revitalising Central Dandenong initiative, "Further sites will be brought to the market in line with demand."

Four to five sites have been spotted with signage, predominantly on and around Walker Street which represents the epicentre of recent and current construction activity in the precinct.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1815.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Up for grabs - another Dandenong development site "><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_1815.jpg?itok=YGDtwrwY" title="Up for grabs - another Dandenong development site " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Up for grabs - another Dandenong development site</figcaption></figure>State held development sites aren't the only to be offered at the moment with two enduring privately held blocks also set for sale. Both <a href="/new-apartments/dandenong-vic-3175">285 Thomas Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/the-lonsdale-27-scott-street-dandenong-vic-3175">27 Scott Street</a> have been on the radar for some time with the latter maintaining a sales campaign for over two years, but to no avail.

Pointing to the difficulties in establishing a viable high-density residential market in Dandenong, 285 Thomas Street began as the design highlighted below only to morph into an office project once residential demand was deemed to be inadequate. 27 Scott Street was initially a taller building and had Platinum Construction appointed as builder, but now also finds itself for sale as a vacant 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/image4_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="285 Thomas Street &amp; 27 Scott Street, Dandenong"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="279" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_0.jpg?itok=T5-SnBb8" title="285 Thomas Street &amp; 27 Scott Street, Dandenong" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>285 Thomas Street &amp; 27 Scott Street, Dandenong</figcaption></figure>It's not all a state of flux in Dandenong with three projects maintaining a degree of forward momentum in the area. The Australian Taxation Office's new Dandenong outlet at 11-13 Robinson Street continues to make rapid progress with the 13,803 square metre facility expected to be tenant ready by September 2015.

In addition Burbank's <a href="/buildings/mosaic-living-80-cheltenham-rd-dandenong">Mosaic</a> apartment project is nearing completion while Pellicano have initiated construction works at Quest Dandenong, a 55 bed serviced apartment building situated on the corner of Mason and Walker.

<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.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The current state of play"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="560" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5.jpg?itok=UqBIEVBb" title="The current state of play" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The current state of play</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

Observing Revitalising Central Dandenong since inception, it's fair to say demand for the precinct has been moderate; sufficient, almost measured but by no means overwhelming. Project delivery has been patchy with a fair list of projects that have never seen the light of day, so it's somewhat baffling that Places Victoria has released multiple sites for development simultaneously.

While demand for inner-city sites is rampant, those same factors underpinning Melbourne do not apply to Dandenong. It's difficult to see the rationale behind offering these sites for sale concurrently when market demand doesn't look to match.

Whether it be an opportunistic and well timed move by Places Victoria or essentially a fire sale of underperforming assets, the results will make for interesting reading.
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Is Dandenong headed for a fire sale?

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During the week City of Melbourne was heralded as a world leader in community engagement by winning recognition for its feats. Scooping the Australasian and International Organisation of the Year at the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Core Values Awards, it is kudos for the steps taken by City of Melbourne to engage its constituents and the wider public.

Key platforms for City of Melbourne's success has seen the public involved in city-shaping projects such as the Swanston Street redevelopment, the Urban Forest Strategy, the Queen Victoria Market renewal and Future Melbourne, a ground-breaking project that canvassed the views of 15,000 individuals, businesses, organisations and community groups, according to City of Melbourne's press release.

Further City of Melbourne has convened a People’s Panel which during November will allow 46 everyday Melburnians the opportunity to provide advice/ideas to Council on spending and revenue priorities for its first 10-Year Financial Plan.

Held in Sydney, the award evening was recognition of City of Melbourne's prowess in creating opportunities for all members of public to access or become involved in key decisions and projects that interest and impact upon them. This has in part been achieved by pop-up public consultation meetings and an online engagement portal named <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/">Participate Melbourne</a>.

<blockquote>
From pop-up consultation meetings to our online engagement portal Participate Melbourne and convening a people’s panel to advise on the financial priorities for the next decade, we’re dedicated to offering the community opportunities to take part in meaningful engagement.

Our job as a capital city council is to bring the very best experts – engineers, urban designers, community planners – together with our community to create a vision for our future city and solve the problems we collectively face.

Community engagement allows for "Informed feedback from residents, ratepayers, businesses and residents about what matters to them, with outcomes from each engagement activity formally presented to Council to inform its decisions.
<cite>Chief Executive Officer Dr Kathy Alexander</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Comment</h2>

Is it time for City of Melbourne to initiate a sustained, open discussion on the future of the inner Melbourne relating to built form and design? Perhaps a new topic for Participate Melbourne could see a question posed along the lines of "What is more important to a developing Melbourne, negating building height or maximising ground level amenity?

Seems of late City of Melbourne have railed against a number of high-rise proposals for a variety of reasons, yet green lighted the CBUS Collins Street development at near on 300 metres that would overshadow Southbank. In line with the campaigns above that have just been awarded, it would be interesting to see what consensus those who live within the City of Melbourne come to if given the opportunity to voice their opinion on the matter.

A heightened discussion indeed!

Lead image courtesy Glynn Lavender.
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City of Melbourne's community engagement stance pays dividends

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Recently an enterprising young university student posed a direct question to Apartments.com.au:

<blockquote>
Your opinion on whether or not the Minister of Planning should have the power to approve projects over certain thresholds. For instance any building over 25,000sqm of gross floor area?

Should this legislation in the planning scheme be changed or reviewed considering the amount of development within this threshold is now more common than perhaps when the legislation was created? Also should local councils and other parties such as the Mayor of Melbourne or different lobbying groups from the public such as Save Our Suburbs be entitled to some input?
<cite>Adam Steel</cite>
</blockquote>

In light of the events of recent weeks this has become quite topical. I'm not going to talk on behalf of Apartments.com.au, but rather as an individual who's observed Melbourne's development scene for well over a decade and has gleaned more of an industry/developer perspective since Apartments.com.au's inception.

I'll also preface this piece by saying that once upon a time I masqueraded as an Economics student and certain habits die hard, hence my point of view on certain topics will no doubt be wildly different to other readers.

<h2>On the 25,000sqm threshold</h2>

There's always been a dichotomy between City of Melbourne (CoM) and the State Government on this issue - and there should be. CoM are naturally concerned about planning on a micro level as that is their charge but I've always perceived the State Government (irrespective of which party has been in power) to view development on a macro scale.

Whereas CoM focus far more on the intimacy of a project and what it means to City of Melbourne and its immediate residents/users, the State Planning Minister should factor in a variety of other concerns in addition to the worthiness of a given planning application. We live in a competitive world and yes domestic and foreign investment matters; if for instance CoM took a much sterner line with planning application approvals, would the construction and associated services employment sector be so buoyant?

External factors theoretically shouldn't apply to the merits of a planning application but in certain cases they are relevant, and that's the bigger picture that's swept away with talk of reverting control of planning applications back to CoM of other municipalities.

To scrap the 25,000sqm threshold and cede powers to City of Melbourne would be akin to stymieing the inner city's population growth and placing that burden elsewhere - an elsewhere which already excludes huge areas of inner Melbourne thanks to the new residential zones implemented during 2014. Consequently do we send residents to the urban fringes to exist without living or simply say we're full, go away. The latter on many levels is harmful to the economy.

It is to a degree a simple supply and demand equation in which Melbourne and surrounding areas such as Fishermans Bend, Docklands and Southbank must carry the burden of population growth - a point which I've heard countless times from planners and architects recently. To quote a hapless man we are beyond the rubicon - the new residential zones equates to inner Melbourne committing itself irrevocably to a higher density formula of living.

For City of Melbourne and the Lord Major to seek to repeal the 25,000sqm threshold is a self serving position, but highly likely to the Government of the day dismissing the notion out of hand.

<h2>A case in point</h2>

In response to the City of Melbourne 2014 State Election Questionnaire, Leader of the Victorian Greens Greg Barber responded with the following

<blockquote>
Question 1: Will you remove the 25,000 sqm threshold where the Minister for Planning becomes the Responsible Authority for planning applications, returning Responsible Authority status to the City of Melbourne?

YES. Under the old parties, planning ministers have been given successively greater powers to ride roughshod over local governments and community groups. These fast and loose laws have let Matthew Guy approve poorly planned developments with no consultation. The role of assessing planning applications should sit with Council as it does in other municipalities.
</blockquote>

Did I miss something here? No consultation? That is a flawed comment on a number levels and is typical of the politicisation of the planning process. I get the distinct impression if the Greens had their way every person and their dog would be sought for comment on any given planning application - economic realities dictate this is bad for generating and/or maintaining investment.

Assume for one moment it came to be that CoM regained power for approval over all planning applications. Almost instantly investment and growth would be hamstrung as fewer developments would be approved. An assumption yes but even the perception of a less that workable planning system means certain developers will neglect the market in favour of other cities etc. - that is fact.

<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/image4_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Depending upon what you read, this could be the impression you get"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="420" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_1.jpg?itok=WW5lYezZ" title="Depending upon what you read, this could be the impression you get" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Depending upon what you read, this could be the impression you get</figcaption></figure><h2>A change in legislation?</h2>

Quite simply, no! I find the criticism of Matthew Guy in recent times excessively hard to swallow, particularly with The Age and their incessant use of Michael Buxton as a means of attacking the incumbent Planning Minister. Quite simply Matthew Guy has presided over an unparalleled period of inner-city growth in Melbourne's history.

To suggest it is his fault for approving more towers as if he were solely responsible for initiating the increased number of planning applications beyond 25,000sqm is farcical. Those increased applications are a function of the free market in which local or overseas developers make their own assessments and proceed with projects as they see fit.

Stripping away any political overtones the ultimate question is this: would this even be an issue if Melbourne maintained its previous level of planning applications rather than the heightened current number? Most people would answer no so therefore if it was in fact an issue previously why wasn't it brought up in preceding years?

<h2>Giving the little person their say</h2>

Well the heading is an oversimplification somewhat. Local councils (where applicable) and the Lord Major (regarding CoM) do have the means to address a planning application if it's the responsibility of the State. In the case of the latter this is done more so by City of Melbourne's planning officers which provide reports to State planning body DTPLI/Planning Minister via CoM's Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee.

As for lobby groups such as Save Our Suburbs or Fishermans Bend Network having a say on specific planning applications; more times than not that is an exercise in futility! These groups are far better served being given an official voice in shaping the development parameters for an urban renewal area or suburban activity centre prior to its commencement.

In this way they can shape an area from its outset with requests for certain infrastructure or community space or education requirements. Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area would have benefited greatly from its inception by having community groups lay out their vision early days rather than question every planning application thereafter as being too tall or some such.

<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/710c_05_edit.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Upsizing doesn't necessarily mean approval. Image courtesy Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/710c_05_edit.png?itok=iPywBe0K" title="Upsizing doesn't necessarily mean approval. Image courtesy Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Upsizing beyond 25,000sqm doesn't necessarily mean approval. Image courtesy Laurence Dragomir</figcaption></figure><h2>The system works</h2>

To put the topic in the most basic of terms, the current system is not perfect but it does work exceedingly well. Recent big ticket planning application refusals such as <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">710 Collins Street</a> (rendered above) and <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">54-64 A'Beckett Street</a> demonstrates we are not in a state of planning carte blanche. The key to this argument is to have as much relevant information on hand as possible in order to make a considered opinion.

To that end my opinion is simply that, I'd like to hear yours...

You can read co-editor Alastair Taylor's <a href="/expert-insights/buying/25-000sqm-threshold-yes-it-is-time-to-review-it">view on the same topic</a>.
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State Ministers and the 25,000sqm threshold: is it time for a review?

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In excess of 100 guests gathered earlier this week at the Fulton Lane construction site to witness the project's topping out ceremony. In a sign of Malaysian-based developer SP Setia's propensity to be seen to be proactive, the sizeable crowd amassed for what is generally only a builders tradition which sees a juvenile tree placed atop of the newly completed concrete structure.

But on this occasion in a very public ceremony three separate trees of Australian, Malaysian and Greek origins were hoisted by tower crane to meet waiting key members of the developer/build team while guests were treated to a hawker-style market arrangement at ground level. The Australian eucalypt reflects Fulton Lane's location, while Malaysian and Greek trees provided a nod to the heritage of both developer and head contractor, Hickory Group.

<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_1573.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The obligatory cutting of the ribbon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="437" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1573.jpg?itok=-p0t1iCn" title="The obligatory cutting of the ribbon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The obligatory cutting of the ribbon</figcaption></figure>On show during the event was the rudimentary ground floor layout; while many finishes have yet to be applied the basic premise of the space was evident. Sitting at the base of the dual towers containing 816 residential apartments, retail will take centre stage once complete, encouraging activity to Franklin Street in particular which is best described as ancillary to Melbourne's streetscape at best.

Currently the largest residential project under construction in Melbourne and with a construction value of $221 million, the design is the work of architecture firm Fender Katsalidis. Perhaps Fulton Lane's highlight is the rapidly emerging exterior façade which is a contrast of black glazing accentuated by angular aluminium composite panel clad that changes colour from green to yellow to silver depending upon the viewer's angle.

Closer to street level podium to both residential towers are heavy with timber and a green arbor façades, providing a more engaging interface with the streetscape.

According to Hickory Group highlights of the Fulton Lane build include:

<ul>
<li>Extensive value management including reworking B3 basement size to reduce piling and excavation, two stage construction programme starting with public areas in Stage 1</li>
	<li>Environmental efficiencies to achieve a 4 star rating including energy efficient lighting, use of recycled materials, recycling rainwater for common toilets and irrigation</li>
	<li>At Level 41, one third of the floor plate is a ‘skydeck’ which will be exclusively available to residents as an interactive community area.</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/img_1536.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fulton Lane as seen from QVM"><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_1536.jpg?itok=1lKm_V3r" title="Fulton Lane as seen from QVM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fulton Lane as seen from QVM</figcaption></figure>While Apartments.com.au hopes to tour Fulton Lane when complete - which is expected during June 2015 - SP Setia have just signed off on a construction contract for their latest Melbourne development titled Parque Melbourne at 555 St Kilda Road. Hickory Group have snared the build once more for the curvaceous tower which is also designed by Fender Katsalidis.

In complete contrast to Fulton Lane's angular design, the flowing lines of Parque signifies a step-up in presence for SP Setia in Melbourne, with the St. Kilda Road development billed as one of Melbourne most prestigious.

But as for SP Setia's entry project into Australia, no doubt the 1500 future residents of Fulton Lane will like what they see.

<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/image15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ceremonial trees are hoisted and the exterior facade at its best angle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="434" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15.jpg?itok=fDJ6tXtE" title="Ceremonial trees are hoisted and the exterior facade at its best angle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ceremonial trees are hoisted and the exterior facade at its best angle</figcaption></figure>
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Fulton Lane on show during its topping out ceremony

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Apartments.com.au relishes the prospect of highlighting projects which depart form the sometimes monotonous nature of contemporary apartment design. 2 Girls Buildings in Abbotsford is such a building.

Located at 11-19 Lithgow Street, Abbotsford opposite Abbotsford Primary School, <a href="http://www.2girlsbuilding.com.au/">2 Girls Building</a> represents the joint efforts of developer Domain Hill Property Group, architects Kavellaris Urban Design and local artist Samantha Everton.

The end result is a dynamic apartment building that melds external and internal spaces to create a sizeable piece of art.

<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_1687.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yet to be completed"><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_1687.jpg?itok=0Ge_kHgL" title="Yet to be completed" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Works still continue on the intricate facade</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
A fusion of high-art photography and architecture, the impressive project sets to redefine and innovate inner city contemporary living. The majority of the Masquerade image will be transparently infused within the glass, a highly reflective medium that fluidly converses with and reflects its surroundings. The rest will sinuously merge into the building being embossed within the concrete.

There is something otherworldly about this project, as the image seamlessly embeds within the façade of the building and then transcends itself, extending out into three-dimension to light up its surroundings.
<cite>artistprofile.com.au</cite>
</blockquote>

Clearly the building's main feature is the DigiGlass facade which depicts Melbourne-based photographer Samantha Everton's Masquerade artwork. Coupled with patterned precast panels and a protruding lamp which doubles as a street light upon completion, 2 Girls Buildings distinguishes itself in terms of design.

According to the project website the artwork continues internally with the entry foyer and corridors lined with numerous artworks, acting as a gallery space of sorts. The project is limited to 15 apartments, each of which has also been adorned with artwork and unique fittings.

But until completion, the external facade fronting Lithgow Street is the champion element of 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/img_1688.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No ordinary apartment facade"><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_1688.jpg?itok=EAn9Vf5H" title="No ordinary apartment facade" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No ordinary apartment facade</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

Last year Apartments.com.au nominated The Commons in Brunswick as the best all-round apartment development of 2013, which went on to recently scoop the Premiers Design Award for <a href="http://www.premiersdesignawards.org.au/2014/10/02/2014-premiers-design-award-winner-goes-to-innovative-and-sustainable-apartment-block-the-commons/">Innovative and Sustainable Apartment Design</a>. It won't be too far a stretch to suggest that 2 Girls Buildings will be front and center in the next round of Premiers Design Awards, and any other award for that matter.

Very few buildings have the ability to intrigue and stop pedestrians in their tracks; based on observations 2 Girls Building is certainly capable of doing so. Kudos to the development team headed by Domain Hill Property Group which chose an outcome less common (and more expensive to deliver).

I already consider 2 Girls Building to be in the top bracket of what Melbourne has to offer architecturally. More please!
</body></html>

2 Girls Abbotsford gains its facade

Long before the shadow cast by Asian-backed property developers over the Melbourne apartment market, local developers were delivering projects in a altogether typical fashion. For a variety of limiting factors it&#39;s near on impossible for the vast majority of local property developers to bust into the apartment market with grandiose projects in the vicinity of 1000 dwellings, as has been the case recently.

Rather the slow and steady increase of developments in terms of scale and complexity was the norm. In talking to Little Projects&#39; Managing Director Michael Fox recently, the discussion veered into how the now considerably sized property player began in the Melbourne market.

&quot;Why, we started with townhouses like everyone else&quot; was the reply from the head of a firm that has a rash of apartments currently in planning. This in turn prompted Apartments.com.au to sift through the considerable list of Melbourne-based property players via our Project Database in an attempt to identify the next small to medium sized apartment developer ready to step up to the next level.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image9ef.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Essence at 52 Park Street, South Melbourne. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9ef.jpg?itok=NIHJ5l2z" title="Essence at 52 Park Street, South Melbourne. Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Essence at 52 Park Street, South Melbourne. Image &copy; Elenberg Fraser</figcaption>
</figure>

We suspect that next firm is Milbex. From conception in 2004 with a dual townhouse project in <a href="/developments/elwood-vic-3184">Elwood</a>, a handful of lower density projects were undertaken until their breakout project titled Essence was completed during late 2013. Now a year later the developer has taken the leap to the next level with three apartment projects of note.

<h2>The current stable</h2>

Moorabbin&#39;s Bayside Tower has commenced construction; after a brisk sales campaign, builder Hamilton &amp; Marino has advanced the build to the lower basement level. Located in Richmond, <a href="/new-apartments/richmond-vic-3121">Estelle</a> is still before City of Yarra although a decision is expected shortly given the length of time it has been at planning.

With an active website seeking registrations of interest, <a href="http://estelleapartments.com.au/">Estelle&#39;s</a> 91 apartments look set to join Bayside&#39;s 128 dwellings in due course.

<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/image10milbex.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Clockwise sees Bayside, 39W &amp; Estelle. Images courtesy Milbex"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="619" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10milbex.jpg?itok=_sMHkJ9c" title="Clockwise sees Bayside, 39W &amp; Estelle. Images courtesy Milbex" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Clockwise sees Bayside, 39W &amp; Estelle. Images courtesy Milbex</figcaption>
</figure>

Next in line is a project dubbed 39W. Currently under assessment with City of Port Phillip, 37-43 Park Street South Melbourne spans 12 levels and seeks to hold 120 apartments, ground level retail space and office space through the podium.

The existing 39 Park Street low-rise commercial complex is available for short term lease indicating demolition may not be all that far away.

<h2>When it works... it works!</h2>

Milbex look to have settled upon a successful formula as their developments increase in frequency. Elenberg Fraser&#39;s experience with the developer at Essence has led to the prolific architecture firm designing Bayside, Estelle and 39W.

Add Hamilton &amp; Marino builders into the mix for both Essence and Bayside and the trend of familiarity emerges. Not specific to Milbex, this practice is prevalent with other developers who maintain multiple projects on the go at any given time, thus streamlining the development process via a ongoing working relationship.

From the casual observers perspective Milbex is on an upward trajectory, and may well soon enough sit in the same bracket as Caydon or Pace Development Group within the Melbourne development scene. As for who will be the next small-scale developer to make the jump to the next level, there&#39;s no shortage of local developers vying for the distinction!

Milbex follows a tried and true path

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Project manager <a href="http://www.pdsgroup.com.au/">PDS Group</a> yesterday announced that one of Melbourne's largest residential buildings has been given the green light to proceed. 224-252 La Trobe Street Melbourne will now head to sales under the moniker Aurora Melbourne Central.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the scheme was initially referred to as "<a href="/news/the-answer-224-252-la-trobe-street-melbourne">The Answer</a>" within early planning documents, relating to the all-encompassing nature of the design. Changes ensued in line with planning authority recommendations which resulted in a leaner tower with increased setbacks and an altogether more curvaceous form.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image55.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora Melbourne Central"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="860" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55.jpg?itok=XiKp9Qt_" title="Aurora Melbourne Central" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora Melbourne Central</figcaption></figure>The latest figures as released by PDS Group see 941 residential apartments and 208 serviced apartments within the 92 level structure which differs to the 88 levels initially called for. Podium levels will house a minimum of 300 car parking spaces and 781 bike spaces, in addition to commercial office space.

Aurora Melbourne Central will also connect to the north exit of Melbourne Central Train Station, a scenario which <a href="/news/changes-afoot-for-224-252-la-trobe-street">was explored in detail</a> previously.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
PDS Group is exceptionally proud of the team who have worked meticulously over the past 11 months to ensure the project was brought to market in accordance with world class design and our client’s expectations
<cite>Andrew Fortey, PDS Group Director</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The tower's elegant tapering curves revolve seamlessly around its axial symmetry. Its complexity and beauty are created through rigorous geometric exploration of repetition and transition.
<cite>Callum Fraser, Architect</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/image57.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="What's in a logo - Aurora Melbourne Central"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="275" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image57.jpg?itok=7UHGKlTu" title="What's in a logo - Aurora Melbourne Central" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>What's in a logo - Aurora Melbourne Central</figcaption></figure>Aurora Melbourne Central's developer UEM Sunrise also has planning consent for another nearby project, <a href="/buildings/conservatory-9-23-mackenzie-street-melbourne">Conservatory</a>. Together these two projects spearhead the push into the Australian market by the leading Malaysian property developer.

Marketing for Aurora Melbourne Central will begin in Melbourne shortly.
</body></html>

The answer becomes Aurora Melbourne Central upon approval

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With a total site area of 13,390sqm in their keeping, Leighton Properties have chosen to divide the prized Readings Moonee Ponds site into separate development parcels, the first of which has recently been lodged with City of Moonee Valley. Highlighted by Apartments.com.au during May 2013, the then sales campaign included an <a href="/news/finally-readings-moonee-ponds-for-sale">indicative development scheme of 30 levels</a>.

Subsequently parent company Leighton Holdings was revealed as the buyer and approximately a year later have presented in conjunction with project partner Qualitas a planning submission with the intent of delivering a substantial apartment project.

<h2>Application summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Stage 1 development: 40 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds</li>
	<li>Current site use: at grade car park (formerly Moonee Ponds Market)</li>
	<li>Application for development lodged September 2014</li>
	<li>15 levels @ 49.2 metres</li>
	<li>Site area: 2,388sqm</li>
	<li>162 apartments (1/2 bedroom) &amp; 2 retail tenancies over 437sqm</li>
	<li>137 car spaces &amp; 70 bicycle spaces</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/image3hall.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 40 Hall Street . Image © Plus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3hall.jpg?itok=1hqoX-oL" title="Artist's impression of 40 Hall Street. Image © Plus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 40 Hall Street . Image © Plus</figcaption></figure><h2>Design impetus</h2>

Plus Architecture have employed a gentle undulating facade over the tower with a variety of materials on display. Differing glaze colours are joined by metal cladding, masonry and applied finishes (assumed precast) to create the external look.

<blockquote>
The articulation of the building envelope is both unifying and highly adaptive. The design presents a singular bold expression to Hall Street, providing the relatively short building the required gravitas to anchor the future precinct in a clear and calm manner .

The design considerations have resulted in a unique and contemporary design response that will contribute significantly to this streetscape and the overall centre. The development displays a high amount of glazing, including a mixture of tinted glazing and glass balustrades. The proposal will incorporate quality materials and finishes, including a mix of applied light and dark colours to respond to the highly innovative architectural design of the overall building.
<cite>Plus Architecture: planning application design statement</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Communal focus</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected ground level layout. Image © Oculus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="481" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8.jpg?itok=eECzrxOl" title="Expected ground level layout. Image © Oculus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Expected ground level thoroughfare. Image © Oculus</figcaption></figure>Consisting of recycled brick and concrete pavers, 40 Hall Street seeks a new north-south pedestrian link with a likely future extension through to Homer Street. Beyond ground, a 482sqm resident's communal garden is included over the mezzanine level whilst level 5 also carries a communal terrace complete with mature trees.

A 147sqm roof garden is proposed to supplement the indoor/outdoor rooftop communal terrace area. Included is a kitchen, dining area and lounge space whilst the external area holds a BBQ and dining/entertaining space. It's envisaged an easily reconfigured terrace could also hold an outdoor cinema with the CBD as a backdrop.

<h2>One of many</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/image2_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Readings overview with 40 Hall Street in red. Image courtesy Urbis planning report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_0.jpg?itok=wM5hu9tv" title="Readings overview with 40 Hall Street in red. Image courtesy Urbis planning report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Readings overview with 40 Hall Street in red. Image © Urbis</figcaption></figure>Prior to 40 Hall Street's submission, City of Moonee Valley had indicated that 17 levels was an appropriate outcome of the Readings site. With scope for an additional four or five apartment towers onsite and the nearby Moonee Valley Racecourse seeking 25 level towers as part of its redevelopment, it remains to be seen whether Leighton will push for future towers in the 25-30 level vicinity.

In the wider context Urbis' 40 Hall Street planning report states "Moonee Ponds is expected to undergo a shift in character to a taller, higher density precinct. There are also a number of new developments under construction or approved in the wider area." Indeed Moonee Ponds continues on an upward trajectory in terms of apartment development.

Currently three separate apartment buildings fronting Moore Street are under construction whilst The Montgomery and MOPO are both at sales, yielding a combined 178 apartments. Other projects currently of note within the Moonee Ponds Activity Centre include the 10 level 6-14 Young Street and Moloney Group's 33 Hall Street at 14 levels.

<h2>40 Hall Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Leighton Properties / Qualitas</li>
	<li>Architect: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Transport: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape: Oculus</li>
	<li>Sustainability: Lucid Consulting Australia</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Leighton initiate the Readings Moonee Ponds transformation

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Assorted media were on hand yesterday to witness Melbourne Lord Major Robert Doyle preside over the official topping out 567 Collins Street, located in the CBD's west end. In reaching its high point during the construction process, 567 Collins Street has achieved the feat near on two years after initial construction had begun.

Also on hand were developer Leighton Properties’ National Head of Commercial Andrew Borger, Michael Loterzo Building Division Manager Leighton Contractors and Peter Menegazzo Fund Manager Investa Commercial Property, who spoke on varying aspects of what is Melbourne's newest Premium Grade office accommodation 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/img_1072.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dignitaries pose for a photo moment"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1072.jpg?itok=YDjGZ9OT" title="Dignitaries pose for a photo moment" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Dignitaries during a photo moment</figcaption></figure>At 26 levels, 567 Collins Street will add an additional 50,000 sqm of commercial floor space to the Melbourne market, with 75% of space now leased. Utilities provider Jemena has joined key anchor tenants Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Leighton Contractors, with Melbourne’s second Virgin Active Health Club spread over levels 1 and 2.

<blockquote>
The building’s end-of-trip facilities encourage a balanced, healthy lifestyle. It’s a design philosophy that provides tenants with a unique workplace culture, offering openness, transparency and a communal approach to business.
<cite><a href="http://567collins.com.au/lifestyle/">567 Collins Street website</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Known as ‘the GRID,’ lower level facilities will pay homage to Melbourne's laneway culture, housing a mixture of cafes, restaurants and convenience retail spread over the 3,942 sqm site footprint. A split 2-3 level high foyer will welcome pedestrians in a grand entrance fronting Collins Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1291.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The current state of play"><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_1291.jpg?itok=Gd02seSf" title="The current state of play" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The current state of works</figcaption></figure>With the site remaining vacant for many years a handful of development proposals had come and gone over time, ranging from a Bruce Henderson-designed office tower to a stand-alone Spowers design for a substantial office complex. Ultimately Spowers and Cox teamed to produce the striking, currently under construction, design.

Defined by its royal blue facade and 'fractured' design feature splitting the height of the northern facade, 567 Collins Street is also pursuing an environmentally friendly standard that has seen the development registered to target a 5 Star Green Star – Office Design v3 rating with the Green Building Council of Australia. Employed are the latest technology surrounding minimal water usage, improved indoor air quality and efficiency and the promotion of sustainable transport initiatives.

In reaching its peak 567 Collins Street still has quite a distance to the construction finish line with the 567 Collin street website nominating August 2015 as the point where the tower will be completed and tenant ready.

See below a brief chronology of 567 Collins Street, from early uses to construction to the latest project renders.
</body></html>

567 Collins Street marks its place in the skyline

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

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

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