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News has filtered through that <a href="http://www.unstudio.com/" target="_blank">UNStudio</a> have replaced Bjarke Ingles Group in partnering with Hassell to deliver a competitive scheme for the new 447 Collins Street, previously outlined in <a href="/news/cbus-brings-in-the-big-guns-for-447-collins-street">Laurence's article</a>.

So accomplished are UNStudio that we thought it appropriate to highlight five of their designs that would fit into a given Melbourne streetscape seamlessly - or at least we wish they would.

<h2>695 Collins Street</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image10_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ever so slightly better. Image © UNStudio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="262" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_11.jpg?itok=4uJXbJ6l" title="Ever so slightly better. Image © UNStudio" width="580"></a>

My favoured <a href="/expert-insights/buying/batmans-hill-leaves-much-to-be-desired" target="_blank">punching bag</a> this week, Lend Lease have chosen a 'minimalistic look' for their dual commercial buildings that will plug the last remaining gap on Collins Street. If nothing else the above designs in <a href="http://www.unstudio.com/projects/columbia-business-school" target="_blank">New York</a> and <a href="http://www.unstudio.com/projects/galleria-cheonan" target="_blank">Cheonan</a>, Korea demonstrate that a delicate facade can do wonders, even on a simple rectangular floorplate.

<h2>101 Waterfront Way</h2>

<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/2684618480.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Better than the Melbourne Star? Image © UNStudio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2684618480.jpg?itok=yfqnIMYn" title="Better than the Melbourne Star? Image © UNStudio" width="580"></a>

Roll Melbourne Star into the Bay? The maligned development even though rebuilt still screams of simple 'Meccano' design - not much more than an enlarged Ferris wheel. There are some incredibly well designed observations wheels out there, perhaps no better than UNStudio's Japanese example, <a href="http://www.unstudio.com/projects/gow-nippon-moon" target="_blank">Gow Nippon Moon</a>.

Hybrid tension design and incredible looks; Melbourne Star pales in comparison.

<h2>Fed Square East</h2>

<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/2703986929.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A ready-made Fed Square East. Image © UNStudio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="345" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2703986929.jpg?itok=hVw7aW4u" title="A ready-made Fed Square East. Image © UNStudio" width="580"></a>

A slice of Guangzhou in Melbourne? The <a href="http://www.unstudio.com/projects/three-museums-one-square" target="_blank">Three Museums One Square</a> competition entry could be adapted for Fed Square East easily enough.

An open deck adorned with cocoon-like structures would contrast markedly with the bustling, varied designs of Melbourne's CBD and Federation Square itself. Heading toward the Yarra the design transitions into a latticework of greenery and bridges, melding seamlessly into Birrarung Marr.

<h2>Camberwell Station</h2>

<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/Image12_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Camberwell station? Image © UNStudio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="240" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image12_11.jpg?itok=YQMTrqvb" title="Camberwell station? Image © UNStudio" width="580"></a>

An oldie but a goodie. Designed during 2007 as a competition entrant for <a href="http://www.unstudio.com/projects/masterplan-train-station" target="_blank">Bologna's Central Station</a> expansion, a scaled down version would generally comply with the the Camberwell Station development envelope. Originally destined to become <a href="http://www.arno.com.au/project_place_01" target="_blank">Place</a> by the Arno Group, the failed development still leaves a gaping hole in Burke Road's streetscape.

Could the likes of Geoffrey Rush and Barry Humpries be placated by a magnificent new Camberwell Station, offset by commercial or residential development above? Unfortunately, most likely not.

<h2>Anywhere you please</h2>

<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/2736898423.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-size: 12px;" title="DAM Workshop concept. Image © UNStudio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="392" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2736898423.jpg?itok=aUK-a0zt" title="DAM Workshop concept. Image © UNStudio" width="580"></a>

Whilst the CBD talls garner most attention, equally as important are Melbourne's suburban 5-8 level apartment blocks.

UNStudio have produced a concept of a redesigned existing Frankfurt multi-level car park into a "<a href="http://www.unstudio.com/research/iop/dam-workshop-reuse-reclaim-revitalize" target="_blank">series of modular plug in living units</a>." Adaptive re-use or new build, the design is intriguing, green, efficient, stylish, viable and any other descriptive word you care to think of. If designs such as the above became the norm around Melbourne, surely they would go some way to breaking down the 'NIMBY' negative connotations toward medium density suburban living.

<h2>The purpose of such an article</h2>

Multi-pronged of course! In highlighting some impressive UNStudio designs we also highlight some of Melbourne's shortcomings both in development (lack of in some cases) and design.

It is refreshing to see an international design competition held for one of Melbourne's premier development sites: 447 Colllins Street. They don't occur all that often for commercial developments, yet the calibre of UNStudio's architecture outlined above, coupled with the fellow local/international design competitors should ensure a landmark development for 447 Collins Street.
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silvermb

Five UNStudio designs worthy of a Melbourne address

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Lend Lease have circulated an April newsletter for their forthcoming <a href="http://www.batmanshillcollinsstreet.com.au/">Batman's Hill</a> development which outlines plans for the two commercial buildings that will front Melbourne's premier locale: Collins Street. Included within the newsletter are images of the dual commercial buildings that as of last week were submitted to State planning body DTPLI for assessment.

Upon first glance last week - and up to this point - little has changed in my opinion of these two proposed buildings.

<h2>Why 695 Collins Street disappoints</h2>

<ul>
<li>In isolation the design has little architectural flair, befitting of a suburban office park rather than a Collins Street address. The duplicated design offers a sheer wall effect with little visual permeability to what lies behind.</li>
	<li>700 Collins Street directly opposite and AXA at 750 Collins Street nearby are prime examples of simplistic, uninviting early Docklands designs which have been roundly criticised. A decade later and 695 Collins displays little design progression.</li>
	<li>Lend Lease trumpet Sydney's Barangaroo as a "Once in a 200 year opportunity to create a bold new place to live, work and visit." If 695 Collins Street is a precursor to a 'bold' Batman's Hill precinct, we have a problem.</li>
	<li>Street level finishes at this point are lacking style and substance. What seem to be odd-sized, composite panel-clad boxes lining Collins Street; they look cheap although in fairness are infinitely more active than the monstrosity that is <a href="http://www.750collinsstreet.com.au/sites/750collins/files/1332_35.jpg">750 Collins Street</a>.</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/llbh4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative Collins Street perspective. Image © Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="720" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/llbh4.jpg?itok=HuHyg4qa" title="Indicative Collins Street perspective. Image © Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative Collins Street perspective. Image © Lend Lease</figcaption></figure>With a half deck covering Wurundjeri Way as envisaged below, poor old Bunjil, the 25 metre eaglehawk and Docklands sentinel will be relocated. Relocated between Towers C3 and C4 and for the most, lost out of view. I can't help but think the abbreviated deck over Wurundjeri Way has compressed the layout of the commercial buildings leading to maximising the available development envelope - in other words boxy designs fronting Collins Street with little if any setbacks.

The other aspect to note is that the C4 office tower that was expected to reach as high as 160 metres and now looks to be no more than 12 levels in height according to the above image. This pocket of Docklands is littered with boxy 10-15 level commercial buildings - one more to join the party!

<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/llbh5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Batman's Hill site overview. Image © Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="693" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/llbh5.jpg?itok=7Rp6_CJ4" title="Batman's Hill site overview. Image © Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Batman's Hill site overview. Image © Lend Lease</figcaption></figure>Not impressed with my assertion that 695 Collins Street as seen above is a hapless, ill conceived design? Ponder the following two designs.

Below left sees the Grocon/Mirvac/Hassell Studio concept for Batman's Hill. Aside from a signature high-rise that would define the precinct within Melbourne's skyline, Hassell's scheme carries far more open space by way of a larger deck over Wurundjeri Way and built form which is articulate yet uncluttered.

The other image below highlights ARM's ostentatious Collins Street frontage as part of their precinct design; unique, eye-catching and worthy of the address!

<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/bhprop6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © Hassell Studio and ARM Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="271" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bhprop6.jpg?itok=UQb7zrHG" title="Images © Hassell Studio and ARM Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images © Hassell Studio and ARM Architecture</figcaption></figure>In other words, both examples and their Collins Street frontage are precisely what Docklands requires and a polar opposite to what has been proposed.

By some miracle should the Lend Lease scheme shown above not be the intended design for 695 Collins Street, I'll be the first one to say the joke's on me. Otherwise the joke's on anyone expecting a quality outcome for an area that truly needs it!
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Batman's Hill leaves much to be desired

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Seems quite the paradox! A lead image showing a shiny new mixed-use development cut with the title suggesting UNESCO World Heritage listing for the existing Queen Victoria Market. Change is inevitable it seems for the Vic as City of Melbourne yesterday went into overdrive, banging the drums and heralding a second phase of community consultation for the icon's redevelopment.

All the juicy questions and intended answers regarding City of Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market Phase 2 can be <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/queenvictoriamarket/faqs" target="_blank">found here</a>.

<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/Image2vmarket.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="695" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2vmarket.jpg?itok=vAeeH4AN" title="Image © City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>In brief, the development seeks the following:

<ul>
<li>Remove cars from public spaces to make room for more retail, hospitality and events. A new below ground area could accommodate the market’s customer car park, along with new storage and operational facilities, making it more convenient for shoppers and traders.</li>
	<li>Retain and enhance the authentic market character and experience and explore opportunities for new retail, hospitality, events and activities.</li>
	<li>Create a major new public open space for the market and the city’s north.</li>
	<li>Connect Franklin Street to Dudley Street to improve traffic connections around the market, reducing congestion and making it easier for people to move around. Connecting Franklin and Dudley streets will link the market with the central city and surrounding neighbourhood.</li>
	<li>Create land suitable for mixed-use development, with funds raised through the development of land to the market’s south directed to the market renewal project</li>
</ul>
Here's another question: will the below ground car park entry be within the vicinity of Victoria and Peel? Traffic backs up quite considerably during peak times around the market, surely the new car park facility won't transplant a bank of waiting cars from a barely manageable entry at Franklin Street further north to the intersection of Peel and Victoria. Then again maybe that's nothing new!

<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/VicMarket3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Street in peak hour. Image © Peter Maltezos"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="413" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/VicMarket3.jpg?itok=NB-ZRSpO" title="Victoria Street in peak hour. Image © Peter Maltezos" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria Street in peak hour. Image © Peter Maltezos</figcaption></figure>Once said and done, "The City of Melbourne will seek UNESCO World Heritage Listing for Queen Victoria Market at the conclusion of the renewal process, so any plans for this are at a very early stage," and would likely centre around a cultural listing.

As for the expected large-scale, mixed-use development fronting a remodelled Franklin Street and its unnamed counterpart, Peddle Thorp have devised a concept design for the island site and describe it as follows:

<blockquote>
Victoria Market is a commercial and 700+ apartment development spread over two towers, with an active street level of retail, cafe and amenities, complementing the Queen Victoria Market across the road. Ground level also houses art incubators which together with the retail opportunities presents residents with a vibrant place to live in.

The lower levels of each tower are designed to cater for boutique commercial opportunities whilst the floors above will house residential apartments with terrace spaces that allow for open visual connections with the tapestry of market life below.
</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/vicmart_render_01__thumb4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="708" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vicmart_render_01__thumb4.jpg?itok=d-l3TlAv" title="Image © Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>Art incubators, retail spaces to service the area's exploding population, a new public space/park and enhanced amenity - surely these are noble aspirations? Clearly not in everyone's eyes; for some light relief peruse the comments section of The Age's <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/vic-market-plan-has-large-plaza-and-land-sales-to-developers-20140421-370ht" target="_blank">related piece</a> yesterday... and no you can't UNESCO World Heritage list an open air car park.
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UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Vic?

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In recent days the Apartments.com.au Project Database has been subject to a number augmentations, with a healthy number of additions making their way into the database pages. Purely residential entries ticked over 400 during the weekend, with many more due to be entered.

Fresh entries and updated listings - here's a selection of what's new regarding the Apartments.com.au Project Database.

<h2>New apartment releases keep coming</h2>

<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/Image4mixa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-size: 12px;" title="Image © Preview Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image4mixa.jpg?itok=QPc0Ygml" title="Image © Preview Property" width="580"></a>

<a href="/buildings/the-corner-store-103-dundas-street-preston" target="_blank">The Corner Store</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/mayven-st-georges-56-st-georges-road-northcote">Mayven</a>, <a href="/buildings/1-shamrock-st-abbotsford">Playhouse</a> and <a href="/buildings/this-is-collingwood-60-66-islington-street-collingwood">60 Islington Street</a> together represent roughly 460 new dwellings in the pipeline. Having a working relationship of some description with MAP Architecture and Blue Earth Group, the trio are forging ahead with these developments.

<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/Image6compa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © PDG, Ho Bee Land &amp; Goldfilelds"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image6compa.jpg?itok=vkiS-tKU" title="Images © PDG, Ho Bee Land &amp; Goldfilelds" width="580"></a>

Elsewhere PDG have launched <a href="/buildings/royal-elizabeth-151-berkeley-street-melbourne" target="_blank">Royal Elizabeth</a> at 151 Berkeley Street Carlton while a new Asian-based developer has entered the local market. Singaporean firm Ho Bee Land quietly purchased a controversial slice of land adjacent to Westfield Doncaster and under the name <a href="/buildings/pearl-1-grosvenor-street-doncaster" target="_blank">Pearl</a>, has launched 1 Grosvenor Street to market.

Finally Goldfields and Maple Living find their <a href="/buildings/the-village-cheltenham-1228-nepean-highway-cheltenham">Village Cheltenham</a> complex entered into the database with apartments due to be released for sale within weeks.

<h2>Freshly approved</h2>

<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/Image8compa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-size: 12px;" title="Images © Fraher Design 3D, Metaxas &amp; Interlandi Mantesso"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image8compa.jpg?itok=kcbyjST1" title="Images © Fraher Design 3D, Metaxas &amp; Interlandi Mantesso" width="580"></a>

Showing as approved within the database are three medium-sized apartment developments located in Thornbury, Carlton and Hawthorn East, together yielding 179 apartments in total. 688-690 High Street and 18-22 Lilydale Grove have the tick of approval whilst Platanus at 152 Queensberry Street in Carlton is the stand-out design of the three, highlighted by its folded green metal facade.

<h2>Under Assessment</h2>

<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/Image9compa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © Hayball, BG Architects &amp; CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="532" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9compa.jpg?itok=rB2Kq3q8" title="Images © Hayball, BG Architects &amp; CHT Architects" width="580"></a>

Whilst they may only be three, the above projects still under consideration would yield an accumulated 1008 apartments. Conceived by Hayball, above left sees the first public viewing of MAB's tri-tower proposal for 15-87 Gladstone Street, Fishermans Bend which will be subject to a more detailed article next week.

Elsewhere City of Stonnington are dealing with two separate proposals located within two established apartment zones. BG Architects have designed a dual building complex at 14-18 Porter Street Prahran while CHT Architects have conceived a 15 level apartment complex opposite the Jam Factory at 8-12 Garden Street, South Yarra.

More projects will be added soon.
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Urban.com.au's Project Database pushes past 400

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"Reimagine. To reimagine is to do something in a way that's never been done before." That's the crux of <a href="http://www.emporiummelbourne.com.au/" target="_blank">Emporium Melbourne</a>'s new marketing campaign that ushered in the opening of the new $1.16 billion retail project on Thursday.
It's been a while coming, in fact far longer than the parties behind Emporium Melbourne would have preferred. After succumbing to a number of delays which considerably pushed back opening, the masses finally had the chance to gaze upon the mega retail facility in recent days.
<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_5146art.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Emporium's buzz word - Reimagine."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5146art.jpg?itok=tjSIrHlI" title="Emporium's buzz word - Reimagine." width="580"></a>
With a ''jewellery box'' themed external facade dominated by a media screen utilising metal louvres and LED technology, the north-east corner was always slated to be the marquee focal point. Subject to considerable revisions through the design and build process, Emporium Melbourne is externally interesting without being extravagant.
Yet the the internals that house 46,175sqm or retail space that are designed to wow. With <a href="http://buchan.com.au/" target="_blank">Buchan Group</a> and <a href="http://wonder-wall.com/#project/en" target="_blank">Wonderwall</a> handling the design duties, the centre's main design drawcard is the central internal atrium that distributes natural light to all levels.
Now complete, Emporium Melbourne once more connects Bourke Street Mall and Melbourne Central via elevated, covered pedestrian walkways and also at ground level. The high level of permeability for Emporium and its retail neighbours should theoretically allow for a highly enjoyable retail experience.
<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_7343.JPG" rel="gallery-all" title="Atrium space. Image © Ryan Seychell"><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_7343.JPG?itok=od3DT5gD" title="Atrium space. Image © Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>
While the centre is open, it's worth noting that a considerable number of the 225 retail outlets have yet to receive fitouts, owing to the desire of centre owners to open prior to Easter trading. Whilst construction hoardings still greet customers along the southern street frontage, they're adorned with bubble-like promotional features.
For however long they are present, they're worth a visit along with the 1,100-seat 'cafe court.' The shopping may just be a side show!
<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_5148art.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A sign of things to come"><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_5148art.jpg?itok=6s6LEQCT" title="A sign of things to come" width="580"></a>
Whilst some spectacular portrait pictures of Emporium Melbourne are available within <a href="/news">this forum thread</a>, click the image below for expanded internal/external snaps taken post opening. Enjoy the pictures and kudos to Ryan Seychell for all internal images.
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The Emporium experience

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Touched upon briefly in an earlier article highlighting the roughly <a href="/news/5000-new-hotel-rooms-for-melbourne" target="_blank">5000 new hotel rooms slated for Melbourne</a>, it seems the lid is about to be lifted on QT Hotel and Residences Melbourne. The residential component of the development has an active website which like all other project websites, extols the virtues of the 24 luxury apartments to be included within the project.

Located at 131-141 Russell Street, the former Greater Union cinema complex is expected to be demolished soon enough with construction of a 12 level hotel and apartment building due to start this later this year. In addition to the 24 apartments, 182 hotel suites over lower levels are included according to City of Melbourne building activity monitor.

<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/Image21_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Greater Union no more. Image © Trash World on Flickr"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="434" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image21_1.jpg?itok=XyPUjKc6" title="Greater Union no more. Image © Trash World on Flickr" width="580"></a>

The project will be topped with a bar and dining venue with capacity for 300 patrons. Open daily from 11am to 2am, the venue which was subject to a separate planning application gained a final permit from City of Melbourne during February this year.

Site owner <a href="http://www.ahl.com.au/" target="_blank">Amalgamated Holdings Limited</a> currently operate five QT Hotels through Australia after birthing the brand during 2011. Following in the footsteps of existing QT locations, the new Melbourne buildings is expected to carry a typical QT Hotels interior which has roundly been described as quirky, eclectic, 'on trend' and bold.

If the article lead image and website grab below are guides, the Melbourne arm will be a unique and possibly bizarre experience.

<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/Image20_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="QT's webpage says it all. Image © QT Hotels"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="468" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image20_1.jpg?itok=cIThw1K6" title="QT's webpage says it all. Image © QT Hotels" width="580"></a>

Further details for the residential component can be found at http://qtresidencesmelbourne.com/
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QT Hotel and Residences hit Melbourne

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A long and winding road persists regarding <a href="http://www.mcbridecharlesryan.com.au/" target="_blank">McBride Charles Ryan</a>'s intriguing design for Monash University's new state-of-the-art teaching and learning centre located within the Caulfield campus' Western Precinct. Although The Law Business and Economics Complex (LBEC Building) is still on track, construction remains at least one year away.
Post the 2012 announcement of McBride Charles Ryan successfully snaring the commission, the intended project program has progressed to the point where approved design development is due this month. With the development's progression tied to a major fundraising campaign, construction tenders are tentatively due early next year with early works potentially beginning April 2015 according to project consultant <a href="http://www.citylab.com.au/" target="_blank">Citylab</a>.
<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/MCR-A-Views-Hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective from Dandenong Road.. Image © MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="724" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/MCR-A-Views-Hero.jpg?itok=voJPqyG2" title="Hero perspective from Dandenong Road.. Image © MCR" width="580"></a>
<h2>Project Summary</h2>
<ul>
<li>
		Monash University Law Business and Economics Complex (including MBA)</li>
	<li>
		10 levels, 28,000 sqm space</li>
	<li>
		Target = 6-star Greenstar As-Built rating</li>
	<li>
		Western Plaza including 3000 sqm of retail outlets</li>
	<li>
		Total project cost approximately $150 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>External Excess</h2>
The design was submitted to the 2013 World Architecture Festival under the Future Project Category. The <a href="http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/" target="_blank">World Buildings Directory</a> carries the following excerpt describing the exteriors:
<blockquote>
	Monash LBEC complements this assemblage with an entire building as a beautiful wall. The complex mediates the interface with Dandenong Road with a highly formed and articulated concrete panel cladding, protecting the northern aspect from acoustic and thermal considerations in a play of lightness and solidity. Facing the pedestrianised public realm of the Western Plaza, the wall exhibits a 3-dimensional complexity: it is permeable and fragmentary.
	At the western interface, the meshing of these two conditions integrates the heritage facades along Derby Road, providing Monash Caulfield with a street front address, as well as signifying a memorable ‘gateway’ to the precinct – a sentinel in the suburbs – acknowledging passing traffic and facing the Melbourne CBD.
</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/mumcrImage30.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="External renders. Image © MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="480" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mumcrImage30.jpg?itok=01CpBJFJ" title="External renders. Image © MCR" width="580"></a>
<h2>Warning: Contains Architecture Lingo</h2>
Of the internal layout, one can only assume the architect provided this description:
<blockquote>
	Activities within the complex are distributed according to their preferred aspect and temporal considerations. The planning is distributed around four atria aiding passive ventilation of the internal environment. Two of these are located at the periphery of the complex and act as an environmental buffer to the adjacent office environments.
	Facing and north and west (respectively), these atria incorporate shading and glazing strategies to harness the heat generated immediately within the building fabric to induce air movement drawn from passively preconditioned sources, assisting greatly with the thermal comfort of users.
	The shared learning and teaching spaces are stacked vertically between the faculties, combining formal and informal learning environments and establishing a direct interface with the Western Plaza.
</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/mumcrImage33.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Internal renders. Image © MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mumcrImage33.jpg?itok=7Gm-N1Z2" title="Internal renders. Image © MCR" width="580"></a>
McBride Charles Ryan have the Midas touch permeate all their designs and the LBEC Building is no exception. I'm sure I speak for all when I say just build it already!
Further reading &gt; <a href="http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/project.cfm?id=5115" target="_blank">World Building Directory project page</a>
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An architectural gem on the horizon

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Last week project partners celebrated the official start to works for Dandenong's new ATO complex, which spearheads an increased level of development in Melbourne's 'second city'. At the on-site ceremony EPC Pacific Chief Executive Patrick Smith stated “This development is achieving the vision of the Revitalising Central Dandenong project by bringing people back to Dandenong’s heart in new offices that will provide a brilliant work environment with a great atmosphere.”

With the <a href="http://www.revitalisingcentraldandenong.com/cs/Satellite?pagename=RCD" target="_blank">Revitalising Central Dandenong</a> initiative conceived in 2005, Dandenong's urban renewal to date has been a stop start affair with government's (federal, state and local) providing the initial investment and tenant impetus. Coupled with increased and more efficient transport links, only now is central Dandenong beginning to bare sustained results by way of private investment.

<h2>The Current Crop</h2>

Joining the ATO and newly finished City of Greater Dandenong offices which between them deliver over 25,000sqm of office space are two residential projects that have taken some time in gaining necessary pre-sales. Quest have also weighed in with an $18 million serviced apartment complex on Walker Street due to commence construction within months.

<a href="http://www.burbank.com.au/victoria/promo/Mosaic/" target="_blank">Mosaic Apartments</a> are well well and truly under construction with a majority of the 285 apartments and townhouses sold within the project which is valued at $85 million. Nearing the starters gate is 27 Scott Street which after a year of pre-sales has landed Platinum Construction as its build contractor.

<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/Image20dan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Relevant images © Crone &amp; Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="458" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image20dan.jpg?itok=-2M0SeMa" title="Relevant images © Crone &amp; Doig Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Relevant images © Crone &amp; Doig Architecture</figcaption></figure><h2>Pending Developments</h2>

Baracon have released images of a revised Spectra Apartments which is open to <a href="http://baracon.com.au/spectra-dandenong/" target="_blank">registrations of interest</a>. At 18 levels and near 60 metres, Spectra at 219 Thomas Street is poised to become Dandenong's tallest building when realised whilst also representing one of the largest private investments within Dandenong's CBD.

Further along at 285 Thomas Street, Alfasi Property Developments have a 10 level commercial complex ready to commence, subject to a tenant signing on. In addition Moull Murray Architects have received approval for an apartment-hotel development at <a href="http://www.moullmurray.com/#!dandenong/c2uz" target="_blank">124-128 Foster Street</a>. Places Victoria are also in continued talks to deliver a private health care facility servicing the greater Dandenong, Gippsland and Peninsula area within the precinct.

One could surmise this to be a new hospital, bringing further diversity to Dandenong's heart, whilst Burbank will continue to deliver high density apartment projects within its Metro 3175 enclave according to the area's master plan.

<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/Image18dan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spectra and 285 Thomas Street. Images courtesy Baracon and Alfasi"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="514" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image18dan.jpg?itok=s3j0XzI4" title="Spectra and 285 Thomas Street. Images courtesy Baracon and Alfasi" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spectra and 285 Thomas Street. Images courtesy Baracon and Alfasi</figcaption></figure><h2>Dandenong's Experience Applied Elsewhere</h2>

It hasn't been smooth sailing for Dandenong post the 2007 implementation of Revitalising Central Dandenong, with a rash of both medium and large apartment projects failing to materialise (seen below). The case could be made that without the initial investment, time and planning devoted to the project via Places Victoria and the State Government, Dandenong may still well find it highly difficult to attract masses of private investment for large-scale projects.

Apply this notion to another urban renewal node such as the Joseph Street Precinct and it may well be plausible. Wedged between Footscray proper and the Maribyrnong River and only 4km's from the CBD, one would think that the prime location would be a hub of construction activity? Not at all.

With many towers of up to 30 levels approved, the area has remained untouched for years. Is it worth the State Government or Maribyrnong Council stimulating sales/construction in the Joseph Road Precinct via commencing early works (access and landscaping) similar to that of Dandenong's? Quite possibly as evidently no developer wants to be first down the rabbit hole so to speak.

<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/compdan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="What may have been. Image sources Pinterest, Alfasi and Ray White"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/compdan.jpg?itok=Wg9zv6jA" title="What may have been. Image sources Pinterest, Alfasi and Ray White" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>What may have been. Image sources Pinterest, Alfasi and Ray White</figcaption></figure>Dandenong is a work in progress but also a testament to the 'build it and they will come' principle. Using Darwin or Parramatta as a benchmark for what Dandenong may resemble in the future, there's plenty of upswing yet to come.
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Revitalising Central Dandenong - nothing ventured, nothing gained

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When it rains, it pours! No not a reference to the dismal weather at the moment, but the continuing surge in new apartment project releases Melbourne is experiencing.

Sure to be one of 2014's marquee releases, Light House Melbourne is the assigned moniker to one of this city's more unique apartment projects. 450 Elizabeth Street first gained approval during 2012 on behalf of site owner Sixth Grange Pty Ltd for a 62 level, 197 metre tower carrying 541 apartments.

Subsequently project partner Hengyi Australia was added and during February 2014 consent was received to extend the tower beyond the approved scheme seen below. Melbourne City Council now lists the project at 67 levels and 218 metres, although Colliers via their statement below have the tower at 69 levels of undulating edifice.

<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/11038_450_ElizabethStreet_Apartments_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="511" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/11038_450_ElizabethStreet_Apartments_01.jpg?itok=DJxOGzH1" title="Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Apartment living redefined by a kaleidoscope of possibility, with its shimmering, striking exterior Light House is certain to become a hero of the Melbourne skyline. This unique building has a sculptural presence, rising an impressive sixty-nine stories. Within each of these exterior facets is an exceptional bay window, increasing the light and space in every residential apartment to witness the lively streetscapes below and enjoy the sense of community in this bustling part of the city.
<cite>Colliers International (Selling Agent)</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Appearing to turn on its trajectory, the building has no corners. How do you dissolve the corners of a skyscraper when that is where all sheer forces are normally resolved? Well, we discovered the answer lies in traditional masonry techniques for turning corners using bricks.

This three-dimensional kaleidoscope not only twists and undulates on its axis but its façade is a moving object. The effect of constant motion is amplified by the multi-chromic directional paint system applied to the surface, which reflects and draws the building up into the sky. You may have seen this paint effect on cars before, but never on a building!
<cite>Elenberg 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/ef450eliz.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A distinctive facade. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="374" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ef450eliz.jpg?itok=eceF2KK9" title="A distinctive facade. Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A distinctive facade. Image © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
This supermodel of a building also needed to battle the slenderness ratio – the rule that governs how tall and thin buildings can go. It overcomes this constraint by virtually becoming a vertical cantilever with a series of outrigger beams to prevent it from overturning, and to stop it rotating along with the façade system. The series of rotational units are a series of bay windows for the apartments, which pick out different vistas of city as the façade crinkles.
<cite>Elenberg Fraser (Architect)</cite>
</blockquote>

Joining Light House Melbourne in the immediate vicinity are the soon to be released <a href="http://empiremelbourne.com.au/" target="_blank">Empire Melbourne</a>, <a href="http://www.victoriaoneapartments.com.au/" target="_blank">Victoria One</a> and the at sales <a href="http://www.eqtower.com/#" target="_blank">Eq. Tower</a>.

Registration of interest for Light House Melbourne are open via the project website http://www.lighthousemelbourne.com.au/
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Light my way - 450 Elizabeth Street

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The cynic in me would suggest that drafting a draft in order to produce a final draft is tantamount to council box ticking, appeasing and arse-covering. Then again public involvement throughout the Stokehouse design and rebuild process can only be a positive!
Seemingly with the St Kilda Triangle saga still fresh in mind, City of Port Phillip are undertaking an exhaustive public consultation process regarding the rebuild of the Stokehouse restaurant. Phase two of 'community engagement' is currently open and involves the release of four draft ideas, to which the public feedback on each design will be considered in developing the final draft design.
Site owner the Van Haandel Group have commissioned four leading Melbourne architects to produce separate preliminary concept sketches. Those involved are:
<h2>
	Sean Godsell of Sean Godsell Architects</h2>
​<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_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-size: 12px;" title="Image © Sean Godsell Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="379" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image15_5.jpg?itok=QU_G0i-U" title="Image © Sean Godsell Architects" width="580"></a>
"A giant timber pergola that incorporates as separate entities the new Stokehouse restaurant, the new surf life saving club and a new public space dedicated to 'pop ups' - markets, stalls, exhibitions, performances as an extension of the existing culture of St Kilda. A people's pergola."
<a href="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-australia/0178cd08f5ae5406f5f596f4fff2e683cacb30b4/documents/attachments/000/010/135/original/Sketch_design_4_-_Sean_Godsell_Architects.pdf?1396854957">Further Information</a>
<h2>
	John Denton of Denton Corker Marshall</h2>
<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/Image14_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-size: 12px;" title="Image © DCM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image14_5.jpg?itok=nqqzxECr" title="Image © DCM" width="580"></a>
Major feature fronting Jacks Boulevard involves a timber plank volume with image behind.
<a href="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-australia/a672e0c88513f8a56588fca4e32882f2e4185d2b/documents/attachments/000/010/139/original/Sketch_design_1_-_Denton_Corker_Marshall.pdf?1396855630" target="_blank">Further Information</a>
<h2>
	Robert Simeoni of Robert Simeoni Architects</h2>
​​<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/Image16_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-size: 12px;" title="Image © Robert Simeoni Pty Ltd Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="276" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image16_3.jpg?itok=L9nS5MPt" title="Image © Robert Simeoni Pty Ltd Architects" width="580"></a>
Large cantilevered structure which includes porte cochere, entry foyer, bar and dining space, terrace and offices.
<a href="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-australia/d512c71914d02efc39a813dee4c738f54eed9174/documents/attachments/000/010/137/original/Sketch_design_3_-_Robert_Simeoni.pdf?1396855576" target="_blank">Further Information</a>
<h2>
	Graham Burrows of Jackson Clements Burrows Architects</h2>
<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/Image17_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-size: 12px;" title="Image © JCB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="233" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image17_5.jpg?itok=PuMOweKl" title="Image © JCB Architects" width="580"></a>
"The primary facade material for the new building is naturally weathered recycled timber battens, a sustainable and robust material that is completely at ease in this location protecting the building like the outer husk of a seed."
<a href="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-australia/6767aca88c6bf71509eabaf73fe5ee1da4bf0f84/documents/attachments/000/010/138/original/Sketch_design_2_-_JacksonsClementsBurrows.pdf?1396855600" target="_blank">Further Information</a>
Final draft designs will be available Wednesday 30th April. In the meantime a <a href="http://haveyoursayatportphillip.net.au/stokehouse">torrent of information</a> regarding the project is available.
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Stokehouse feels the draft

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

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