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Lost yesterday in the mainstream media's penchant for selecting controversial headlines was a document released by the Property Council of Australia (PCA). While radio and online outlets ran with the well worn 'Richmond station to become high-rise enclave' line, 19 other pivotal sites within the document failed to generate comment.
The preamble, and basis for the report reads as follows:
<blockquote>
	At a time when public finances are already under pressure, the best kinds of projects are those that come at little or no cost to government. What better option than to unlock underutilised publicly owned land that is ripe for private sector investment.
	This report lists Victoria's top 20 publicly-owned property assets that the government can immediately bring to market. By opening these prime sites to investment, the government can stimulate economic activity and enable the private sector to do what it does best: invest, employ and grow the economy.
</blockquote>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image13_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Project distribition through greater Melbourne. Image © PCA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="679" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image13_13.jpg?itok=CjuKOnYd" title="Project distribition through greater Melbourne. Image © PCA" width="580"></a>
On the basis of the above assertion PCA's Victorian division have selected 20 development sites with a nominal combined end value in the vicinity of $6.5 billion. While Richmond Station's expected development value is between $250-500 million, the remaining $6 billion worth of development usurps it comfortably.
The reports methodology was devised by <a href="http://www.macroplan.com.au/">MacroPlan Dimasi</a>, with four key criteria selected in order to best reach "A balanced outcome for both government and the private sector." Size, timing, partnership and use mix were the decisive criteria which ultimately allow the grading of projects via a matrix that favoured larger, mixed-use projects delivered within a swift time frame via the private sector.
Of particular interest are the six transport projects which essentially refer to intensive redevelopment of rail stations and/or adjacent land tracts. Known intended developments such as Richmond Station have been joined by newer inclusions such as Essendon and Tooronga Stations. The thrust to develop land around rail stations continues in earnest - just don't mention Camberwell Station.
<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/Image41_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The fast track to success. Image © PCA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="581" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image41_2.jpg?itok=k8HfU2JH" title="The fast track to success. Image © PCA" width="580"></a>
By and large the report covers many mooted public land developments that have been talked about in one form or another in recent years. Naturally there is a self-serving element within the report, although 20 Projects does manage to bundle these sites together serves to sharpen focus.
The worthwhile read can be viewed in full via the <a href="http://www.propertyoz.com.au/library/20%20Projects%20Victorias%20Best%20Investment%20Sites%20Report.pdf">Property Council of Australia's website</a>.
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silvermb

20 Projects - Victoria's best investment sites

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Like them? Loathe them? The taxi has been part of the Melbourne streetscape for over a century and have been subject to as many changes as Melbourne itself. Some readers would have only even known a local taxi to be a familiar shade of yellow thanks the 'war' waged by then Premier Jeff Kennett during the mid 1990's.
<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/374881-zisiss-kontsiostis.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Herald Sun"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/374881-zisiss-kontsiostis.jpg?itok=Eu0nFQJB" title="Image courtesy Herald Sun" width="580"></a>
It turns out the humble taxi has a varied and interesting history in Melbourne, well beyond the pale yellow form we now associate them with. With that in mind a new exhibition will commence this Wednesday at Melbourne Town hall visualising the highs and lows of this form of transport that began way back when in 1909.
<blockquote>
	A new exhibition at <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/citygallery">City Gallery</a> will transport audiences on a journey from 1909, when the first motorised taxi was introduced in Melbourne, to the present day.
	Curated by Christine Eid, Hello Yellow explores Melbourne’s taxi story and includes photographs, placards from taxi driver protests, a taximeter, a 3D installation and other artefacts from the City of Melbourne’s Art and Heritage collection.
	Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said taxis are an important part of Melbourne’s story. “Taxis are a vital component of Melbourne’s transport system and hold a special place in our history,” the Lord Mayor said. “The Hello Yellow exhibition chronicles this history and offers a unique insight into the stories behind the wheel.”
	Chair of Arts and Culture Councillor Rohan Leppert said City Gallery is a great space where people can find out the untold stories of Melbourne. “From the story of Melbourne taxis, to Melbourne’s gardens in 1940’s, the history of the city’s signs to the Royal visit – City Gallery gives a fantastic insight into the stories that make Melbourne such an interesting and culturally rich city. I encourage Melburnians and visitors to stop by and take a look,” Cr Leppert said.
	<cite>City of Melbourne media release: <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutCouncil/MediaReleases/Pages/TakearideintothestoryofMelbournestaxis.aspx">Take a ride into the story of Melbourne’s taxis</a></cite>
</blockquote>
<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/687736-unicab.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The taxi of tomorrow. Image courtesy The Advertiser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/687736-unicab.jpg?itok=DYJGMp4o" title="The taxi of tomorrow. Image courtesy The Advertiser" width="580"></a>
While the <a href="http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse/Our%20Organisation%2FDesign%20and%20Social%20Context%2FSchools%20and%20groups%2FArchitecture%20and%20Design%2FNews%2FNews%2F;ID=iwaxoglzel0b;STATUS=A" target="_blank">RMIT-led Taxi 2020</a> concept may remain just that for the foreseeable future, all things relating to Melbourne's taxi industry past and present are on display this week at Melbourne Town Hall.
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Melbourne's evolution via the humble taxi

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Community turned advocacy group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FishermansBendUrbanRenewal" target="_blank">Fishermans Bend Network</a> recently released a detailed discussion piece on the progress of Fishermans Bend. Central to the report are four guiding principles devised by the network in order to facilitate a quality outcome for the urban renewal area:

<ol>
<li>Governance structures able to deliver the vision, the expertise and the processes needed to generate a real and robust city</li>
	<li>A funding model and funding mechanisms able to direct government and private funding to securing the early provision of the environmental, transport and community infrastructure needed to generate a well-planned city</li>
	<li>A commitment to recognise best-practise urban design principles for producing a genuinely liveable, sustainable, diverse and vibrant city</li>
	<li>A comprehensive implementation plan that closes the widening gap between the government’s stated visions and their likely delivery on the ground</li>
</ol>
What immediately jumped off the screen is this quote provided by Fishermans Bend Network:

<blockquote>
Reports are circulating that the Minister and /or the MPA is proposing to approve all of the applications on his desk - in total 34 towers, all within the Montague area, which has no infrastructure (currently or budgeted for future development) to support these developments.
<cite><a href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/fbn_email.png" target="_blank">Fishermans Bend Network e-mail, 2014-05-25</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Would this not be akin to the cat jumping out of the bag and opening Pandora's box in order to get to the can of worms? If the above proves to be true the public discussion following will be well worth following. Nonetheless issues have arisen with certain areas of Montague and the inability of developers to gain a return on investment due to prohibitive preliminary height limits, or so it has been reported widely.

A likely outcome would see Lorimer Precinct remain free of height limits, while Mongague Precinct and Sandridge Precinct (to Boundary Street) would have their preliminary structure plans augmented to allow far higher density outcomes. In this the majority of Fishermans Bend would remain low and medium-rise while at the same time appeasing the array of local developers who have to date submitted planning applications.

<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/Image2fbmap.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Fishermans Bend Network"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="307" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2fbmap.jpg?itok=Z4Xv8eUu" title="Image © Fishermans Bend Network" width="580"></a>

The map above (provided by Fishermans Bend Network) highlights approved small scale and high-rise developments principally within the Montague precinct.

In addition, ten residential towers had been submitted for approval within Lorimer Precinct, while an earlier proposal at <a href="/new-apartments/125-133-thistlethwaite-street-south-melbourne" target="_blank">125-133 Thistlethwaite Street</a> had been withdrawn, pending the final structure plan which will be delivered by Planning Minister Matthew Guy shortly.

Read more in Fishermans Bend Network's report: <a href="http://www.capp.org.au/library/FBN_0514_Report.pdf" target="_blank">'A cleverly densified inner city?'</a>. To provide context, the images below were created by Laurence Dragomir - featuring Montague precinct's envisaged skyline - created for Melbourne Knowledge Week 2013.
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All Fishermans Bend proposals headed for mass approval?

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What costs in excess of $20 million to construct and $14 million to maintain over its 15 year life design period? The humble little precast facility photographed below.
Within its walls lies Melbourne Airport's new tri-generation plant, capable of producing eight megawatts or enough power to cover nearly 70% of the airport's requirements. Under the guidance of <a href="http://www.gallagherjeffs.com.au/Projects/Details/PK/118/Project/Melbourne-Airport-Trigeneration-Plant">Gallagher Jeffs</a>, the new facility will run parallel to existing mains power while being able to power the entire Virgin terminal and half of the international terminal in its own right.
<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_5754.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Airport trigeneration plant under construction"><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_5754.jpg?itok=4BezGLya" title="Melbourne Airport trigeneration plant under construction" width="580"></a>
Clearly some genuine gains exist in order to expend a vast sum of money on a facility which has a relatively short life span. Aside from grid independence, the tri-generation plant will provide a green energy source which it is estimated will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 920 000 tonnes over its 15 year cycle.
The new plant will aid Australia Pacific Airports Ltd (Tullamarine's operator) aim of having <q cite="http://melbourneairport.com.au/about-melbourne-airport/environment/energy--climate-change.html">15% of operational energy consumption to be generated or purchased through on-site renewables or accredited green power schemes by 2018.</q>
<h2>
	What is tri-generation?</h2>
Electrical technologies firm <a href="http://www.haronrobson.com.au/">Haron Robson</a> provide an excellent description via their website, part of which states:
<blockquote>
	Tri-generation is the production of electricity, heat and cooling in the one process. Typically this means a gas fired generator producing electricity and heat with the exhaust heat going to an absorption chiller which produces chilled water and hot water for air conditioning or alternatively the heat is used to heat a swimming pool. The ratio of electricity produced and exhaust heat for the absorption chiller and then the ratio of cooling to heating can be varied to meet the specific site requirements.
	<cite><a href="http://www.haronrobson.com.au/product-and-technology-reviews/what-is-tri-generation">Haron Robson: What is Tri-generation?</a></cite>
</blockquote>
<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/whatstrigeneration.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Haron Robson"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="154" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/whatstrigeneration.jpg?itok=fme_R2xp" title="Image © Haron Robson" width="580"></a>
Principal benefits of the facility driven by four TCG 2020 natural gas-powered engines include savings on energy costs, lower greenhouse emissions and grid independence which is critical given the airport has been susceptible to power outages in the past.
<h2>
	15 years too far?</h2>
Designed to power (in part) T2 International, one wonders if the tri-generation plant will provide enough output to cater for demand over its lifecycle? Multiple whispers abound that T2 International is in store for wholesale changes - something far more substantial than a simple refurbishment and extension. Time will tell whether the rumours are proven to be true, but for the time being November will usher in a new model of energy production at Melbourne Airport.
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Talkin' bout my (tri)generation

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What better place to start than with a glimpse of Elenberg Fraser's most recent planning application at 248-280 Sturt Street, Southbank as seen above. Designed for property stalwart Hudson Conway, <q>The building form consists of two dominant floor plates that are connected by a transitional twist in the building.</q>
With its incredible form and monochromatic adaptive lighting, the 120 metre residential tower is more at home in a sci fi landscape rather than Southbank. Silver reflective glazing and polished stainless steel define its exterior - the tower smacks of cutting edge quality!
<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/Image2spy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Cottee Parker"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2spy.jpg?itok=svYPJyS_" title="Image © Cottee Parker" width="580"></a>
Above is the first public viewing of Cottee Parker's newest Melbourne tower, 605-613 Lonsdale Street. Adjacent to Upper West Side, this is Cottee Parker's fifth tower for the block with four more in planning directly opposite at 250 Spencer Street - all for Far East Consortium.
The 160 metre tower holds 399 apartments and carries some interesting design features such as exposed 'ribs' similar to those of Tower 5 in Docklands.
<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/Image3spy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © dKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3spy.jpg?itok=4Ky0CP_6" title="Image © dKO Architecture" width="580"></a>
dKO Architecture also feature with their redefined scheme at 6-22 Pearl River Road, Docklands. Under the auspices of Singaporean developer Hiap Hoe, dKO have produced <q>A well designed mixed use village that is lively and interesting, has a coherent urban character and provides a signature building for the NewQuay Central Precinct.</q>
Gone is the precast northern tower, in its place a sleek 56 metre hotel tower. Carrying shades of Crown Metropol through the design, the reincarnation is of a high quality and inline with the slightly altered adjoining residential tower.
<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/Image1spy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1spy.jpg?itok=fBp4efg9" title="Image © Hayball" width="580"></a>
Last but not least is Hayball's Fishermans Bend quad tower proposal on behalf of Goodman Group. 850 Lorimer Street will feature four residential towers containing 1354 apartments, with two towers expected to peak at 145 metres.
Wedged between Mirvac's Yarra's Edge and the proposed <a href="/new-apartments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">351 Ingles Street</a> development, the scheme represents a departure from the humble precast concrete panel which visually define so many Hayball projects.
Watch for detailed articles outlining each of the planning applications in the weeks to come.
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I Spy... new planning applications

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It's not a common occurrence; the restoration of one of Melbourne CBD's fleet of early, red brick warehouse and/or office buildings coupled with the addition of a handful of levels.
A number of classic red brick edifices in recent years have been lavished with a particularly golden touch. <a href="http://www.kubic.com.au/lonsdale" target="_blank">105 Lonsdale Street</a> was transformed at the hands of Kubic Construction and is now crowned with a golden mesh clad covering the additional floors which resemble old lanterns, a nod to the building's proximity to China Town.
Elsewhere VCAT have recently approved a golden kinetic facade extension to the 1902 <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.facebook.com/MelbourneHeritageAction/posts/682514651795099" target="_blank">Metcalfe and Barnard</a> warehouse fronting Russell Street (seen below right).
<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/Image3redbrick.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="105 Lonsdale &amp; 24 Russell. Images courtesy Kubic &amp; Melbourne Heritage Action"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="358" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3redbrick.jpg?itok=0a7w611D" title="105 Lonsdale &amp; 24 Russell. Images courtesy Kubic &amp; Melbourne Heritage Action" width="580"></a>
The focus of today's article however is 167 Flinders Lane which was redeveloped late last year. Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the existing structure received three additional levels consisting of commercial space and penthouse.
Head contractor Maben describes the project as follows:
<blockquote>
	A heritage listed building in the former ‘rag-trade’ district of Flinders Lane was gentrified and enlarged with a luxury penthouse and office addition on its roof.
	This very complex project required the erection of a tower crane for the removal of the roof, demolition of the upper floors and insertion of two concrete lift shafts. A new 3 level, clear span, steel and concrete structure was added, including a new luxury penthouse apartment, two level office fitout and extensive base building refurbishment. The works were completed in an operational environment whilst maintain public access to the existing retail and office tenants located on the lower floors.
	The site location, in the centre of the CBD, meant complex materials loading and traffic management techniques were adopted on this extremely tight site. Public protection was paramount and water proofing, dust protection and noise reduction was essential in maintaining the amenity of the retail and commercial offices on the lower floors.
	<cite><a href="http://maben.com.au/projects/167-flinders-lane-melbourne/">Maben: Flinders Lane</a></cite>
</blockquote>
Enjoy the images taken from the Maben website, depicting the high quality expansion of 167 Flinders Lane.
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Inside a red brick reinvention

Running parallel to Moonee Ponds&#39; primary hub Puckle Street, Hall Street is in the process of transforming from a secondary retail strip into an apartment stronghold. Most notable is Leighton Properties pending redevelopment of the long derelict Readings site, yet Moonee Ponds-based developer <a href="http://www.themoloneygroup.com/" target="_blank">The Moloney Group</a> is quietly going about realising a string of apartment towers on and abutting Hall Street.

Referred to as Central 35 within planning documents, an application for the second of four residential towers envisaged by The Moloney Group is currently with the City of Moonee Valley.

<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_6328.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The intended 35 Hall Street. Image © John Davey Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="856" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_6328.jpg?itok=zcCF1lrV" title="The intended 35 Hall Street. Image © John Davey Architects" width="580" /></a>

<h2>Central 35 Apartments @ 33-35 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Developer: <a href="http://www.themoloneygroup.com/" target="_blank">The Moloney Group</a></li>
	<li>14 levels, 45.55 metres, 423 sq.m site</li>
	<li>69 apartments, 55 car spaces (stacker), 26 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Cafe and two retail spaces totalling 305 sq.m</li>
	<li>Architect and analysis: <a href="http://www.johndaveyarchitects.com.au/" target="_blank">John Davey Architects</a></li>
	<li>Sustainability: <a href="http://www.ark-resources.com.au/" target="_blank">ARK Resources</a></li>
	<li>Waste Management: Naimad Consulting</li>
	<li>Traffic &amp; car parking: <a href="http://www.ttmgroup.com.au/" target="_blank">TTM Consulting</a></li>
</ul>

Following in the footsteps of The Moloney Group&#39;s recently completed <a href="/news/one9-hall-street-moonee-ponds-34-apartments-5-days" target="_blank">One9 Hall Street</a>, reference has been made in this planning submission toward the intended use of modular construction methodology. Unitised Building has been referenced, inferring that Hickory Group&#39;s <a href="http://www.hickory.com.au/prefab/" target="_blank">UB System</a> is once more favoured to deliver a modulated building rather than a traditional reinforced concrete structure.

The UB System is evident below in the westerly elevation, which sees stacked modules to the right of an exposed lift well. Also visible is the intended artwall addressing the lift well.

Central 35 intended external finishes include white aluminium cladding, copper and charcoal metal cladding, glass balustrades and bluestone finishes to the podium. While John Davey Architects have designed a highly articulated and interesting exterior facade, it would seem for the time being that the UB System is hamstrung in that metal/composite cladding to its modules is necessary, with minimal glass employed.

<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/Image1_54.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Western aspect. Image © John Davey Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="518" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_54.jpg?itok=mWN_T8W1" title="Western aspect. Image © John Davey Architects" width="580" /></a>

Internally the project sees a mix of 33 one bedroom apartments, 25 two bedroom and 11 three bedroom options with smallest apartments beginning at 50 sq.m. The two uppermost levels are shrouded in a green growing frame and hold four split-level penthouses of either two bedrooms or two bedrooms plus study.

Shadowing One9 once more, &quot;price sensitive&quot; housing stock is included by way of intended participation within the National Rental Affordability Scheme. If following the lead of One9, Central 35 could expect roughly 25% of apartments to be made available to low income wage earners and a proportion of apartments to be rented at 20% below market rental price. Investors aren&#39;t left behind as they would receive a $5000 &#39;donation&#39; for purchasing NRAS stock as outlined within the planning report.

Apartments aside, level six sees a dedicated communal space with gym, outdoor terrace and barbecue holding views over Hall Street. Ground floor sees three mezzanine retail spaces, one of which is expected to hold a cafe with alfresco dining linking Central 35 to the public realm.

<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/246_22-11-2013_1457.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Image © Hickory Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/246_22-11-2013_1457.jpg?itok=BSHKHaYw" title=" Image © Hickory Group" width="580" /></a>

One9 under construction in November 2013.

City of Moonee Valley have raised concerns with the planning application, centred around car parking dispensation, vehicle access and general traffic flow around the proposed development. No issues were raised regarding height or density, given the project falls within the parameters of the Moonee Ponds Activity Centre.

With that in mind and assuming vehicle and traffic queries are addressed, it is expected that 33-35 Hall Street will be approved in due course.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=107733]

Running parallel to Moonee Ponds' primary hub Puckle Street, Hall Street is in the process of transforming from a secondary retail strip into an apartment stronghold. Most notable is Leighton Properties pending redevelopment of the long derelict Readings site, yet Moonee Ponds-based developer The Moloney Group is quietly going about realising a string of apartment towers on and abutting Hall Street.

Central 35, 33-35 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds

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Intrepid architect and Apartments.com.au peer Michael Smith (The Red and Black Architect) has in recent days posted rolling reports from the 2014 National Architecture Conference in Perth.
Held in the West Australian capital for the first time in over a decade, <q cite="http://wp.architecture.com.au/news-media/2014-national-architecture-conference-in-the-making-creative-team-selected/">The act of making; the dirtiness, directness and honesty of architecture is the inspiration behind the theme for the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2014 National Architecture Conference.</q>
<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_2656.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2656.jpg?itok=u2Lw9cc9" width="580"></a>
<blockquote>
	High rise, not shiny-smooth, but furry-fuzzy
	<cite>Richard Hassell</cite>
</blockquote>
Keynote speakers such as Richard Hassell, co-founding director of WOHA Singapore plied their trade while industry misconceptions were discussed at length. Issues of meritocracy, women in architecture and the adoption of an equity policy by the Australian Institute of Architects were also covered. Of course, some of Perth's finest new architecture was discussed and subsequently Michael has blogged about it.
Visit <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/category/2014-architecture-conference/" target="_blank">The Red and Black Architect's blog</a> for a comprehensive summary of the 2014 National Architecture Conference.
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The 2014 National Architecture Conference

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News is filtering through that CEL Australia's troubled <a href="/new-apartments/150-queen-street-melbourne">Tower Melbourne</a> project at 150 Queen Street may have moved closer to recommencing demolition and eventual construction following a recent Supreme Court sitting.

Displeased with perceived planning process improprieties involving 150 Queen Street (which holds Ministerial approval), owners of the adjoining 140 Queen Street had sought to challenge the Victorian Building Authority and independent statutory body the Building Appeals Board. For a detailed version of the fracas, The Age published <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/melbourne-skyscraper-wrangle-heads-for-the-courts-20140318-35075" target="_blank">this piece</a> recently.

Colonial Range Pty Ltd v Victorian Building Authority &amp; Colonial Range Pty Ltd v Building Appeals Board was slated for judgment on April 4th 2014 at the Supreme Court. It's understood Colonial Range was unsuccessful in its case, therefore removing a major obstacle in Tower Melbourne progressing. Whether this eliminates all legal impositions is unclear.

<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/2qta6au.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tower Melbourne. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2qta6au.jpg?itok=JpiLY4Gx" title="Tower Melbourne. Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

With increased hopes that Tower Melbourne's state of flux will be broken, it may gain two neighbours within close proximity down the track. Colonial Range's 140 Queen Street development has been dormant for some time although a 27 level mixed-use proposal exists, which project architect <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/" target="_blank">Kerstin Thompson</a> described as follows:

<blockquote>
This development occupies two sites in Melbourne’s CBD – one on Queen Street and the other on McKillop Street. Using air rights it bridges over Penfold Lane to link and consolidate them as a single development up to twenty seven floors. The proposed ambience of the design will build on the urban quality of Melbourne’s renown laneway precincts.

The tower and the podiums accommodate serviced apartments and office suites. The ground floors and level 1 of both podiums accommodate retail. The hotel lobby will occupy the western end of the McKillop Street podium and will open out to the newly created pedestrian lane at the corner of Penfold Lane. In support of the residential and hotel use the development also allows for meeting rooms and a gymnasium. It includes private and common landscape areas such as balconies and generous roof gardens.

The layout and detail of the building envelope provides many opportunities for passive environmental design including a good quality of natural light and ventilation to the residential/office suites. The design assumes operable windows which in combination with the balconies and breezeways will facilitate cross flow ventilation. The various facade treatments include shading, thermal and tinted glazing for improved thermal performance.
<cite>Kerstin Thompson, project architect</cite>
</blockquote>

<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/Image2queen.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="140 Queen Street and 405 Bourke. Images © Kerstin Thompson &amp; Brookfield"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="499" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2queen.jpg?itok=-dk4DuN1" title="140 Queen Street and 405 Bourke. Images © Kerstin Thompson &amp; Brookfield" width="580"></a>

Abutting Tower Melbourne to the east is <a href="http://www.405bourkestreet.com.au/" target="_blank">405 Bourke Street</a> which stands at the ready to attract a large commercial tenant. The 160 metre tower has the capacity to supply Melbourne with over 61,000 sq.m of additional premium office space and near 4000 sq.m of additional retail space, adding to the existing Foundry retail centre onsite. Designed by Woods Bagot and developed/built by Brookfield Australia/Brookfield Multiplex, the development would also feature an all new Gills Alley.

There it is, three towers within a stones throw of one another. All or none may be built; that's the nature of the development game.
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Tower Melbourne moves ahead?

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The forthcoming 14th International Architecture Exhibition at Venice Biennale will feature 11 unrealised Australian architecture projects under the banner 'Augmented Australia 1914-2014'. Initiated during 2013, the event will see a host of <q cite="http://greenmagazine.com.au/2014-venice-architecture-biennale/">unbuilt contemporary Australian buildings to accompany ten historical unrealised designs, which will be revealed at the exhibition opening during the Vernissage and the new Australian Pavilion by <a href="/architects/denton-corker-marshall">Denton Corker Marshall</a></q>.

<a href="http://greenmagazine.com.au/2014-venice-architecture-biennale/">Green Magazine</a> also states, <q cite="http://greenmagazine.com.au/2014-venice-architecture-biennale/">Australia’s creative team for the Biennale, felix._Giles_Anderson+Goad, will bring these projects to life through three-dimensional augmented models, images, voiceovers and animations.</q>

While the RMIT's University Sports Centre (Lyons) and the Carlton United Brewery Site (<a href="/architects/arm-architecture">ARM Architecture</a>) also make the final list of unrealised contemporary Melbourne-based projects, possibly the most intriguing is Melbourne architecture firm <a href="http://tessellate.com.au/" target="_blank">Tessellate a+d</a>'s design for a Docklands Hybrid Cathedral.

<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/Hybrid%20Cathedral%20%40%20Docklands.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Insire the Docklands Hybrid Cathedral. Image © Tessellate a+d"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Hybrid%20Cathedral%20%40%20Docklands.jpg?itok=60ZS-wkA" title="Insire the Docklands Hybrid Cathedral. Image © Tessellate a+d" width="580"></a>

The architect on Hybrid Cathedral:

<blockquote>
The Cathedral is a study into how the economics of housing, aged care and a business hotel can fund the creation of a new cathedral for the recently established Melbourne Docklands, while also funding the church’s ongoing social work.

Sited upon a man-made rise re-establishing Batman’s Hill, which was demolished in the 1860s, the cathedral reveals itself externally through the spiritually significant east and west façades while the north and south façades reference the detailing of apartment buildings in the local context.

The design is derived from a set of mathematical equations which within their parameters have the ability to mediate between the sacred geometry of past cathedrals and the diverse and disparate functions that inhabit this new one’s skin.

The cathedral’s structure and geometry can be distilled and communicated by a few lines within an equation. By being of the world of numbers, it can be internationally communicated without prejudice. It can then be easily recreated, altered, added to, subtracted from and influenced by whoever comes in contact with it, therefore breaking down or adding to the ownership and authorship of the design.
<cite><a href="http://tessellate.com.au/2014-venice-architecture-biennale/">Tessellate a+d: 2014 Venice Biennale </a></cite>
</blockquote>

<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/Image4hc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hybrid Cathedral. Image © Tessellate a+d"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="254" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image4hc.jpg?itok=Y4Q3wRtP" title="Hybrid Cathedral. Image © Tessellate a+d" width="580"></a>

Going by the lead image where 750 Collins Street was at construction, it seems the concept was devised early on in <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a> existence. What makes the Hybrid Cathedral intriguing is that it represented at the time (and still does) a theme completely foreign to the suburb on the CBD's doorstep. Apartments, parks and offices dominate the Docklands vista, with little by way of a mould-breaking structures that offer a completely different experience.

Drawing a parallel, the Sydney Opera House surely would have been considered quirky, unique and even uncomfortable within its surrounds when completed. I'm not comparing Hybrid Cathedral to the Opera House by way of looks, fame and recognition but by way of providing a unique and recognisable drawcard. Many readers would say the much vaunted yet never delivered landmark structure at Central Pier nearby was the opportunity that slipped by and fair enough.

Ultimately I see Hybrid Cathedral as a design like no other, and therein lies the appeal and want for Docklands to sport a design of its pedigree.
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A cathedral for all time

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Mark Baljak

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