Plus Architecture

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The latest stage of developer Sekisui House's sprawling West Village apartment precinct in inner Brisbane has entered planning.

Earlier this week, plans for dual Plus Architecture-designed apartment towers were lodged. They are the latest proposed additions to the staged development which is permitted to add in excess of 1,200 apartments to the mixed-use precinct, located a mere 1.5 kilometres from Brisbane's CBD.

Covering 111 Boundary Street, the latest application forms Stage 2A of West Village. Expected are 163 apartments across both 15 level towers.

Apartments aside, the renewal project will ultimately also include 18,500 square metres of commercial space, retail arcades and extensive community and public realm uses.

<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/image27_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level plan. Image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="262" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_17.jpg?itok=JlQVjksW" title="Ground level plan. Image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level response. Image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Sekisui House and Plus Architecture have elected to discern both towers heavily by way of the apartment mix.

53 apartments are within the North Tower and 110 dwellings within the South Tower. The discrepancy in numbers can be attributed to the North Tower being positioned at the premium apartment offering; it is slated to include 14 triple and 16 quadruple bedroom apartments.

Conversely the South Tower will be skewed to smaller living spaces, including 18 single and 84 double bedroom apartments. Amenities across both towers include a cinema, dining room, pool and wine cellar.

Four sub-ground levels accommodating 221 car parking spaces will support the towers.

<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/image25_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Model of the overall West Village precinct. Image: Hutchinson Builders"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_14.jpg?itok=4NK9JPi7" title="Model of the overall West Village precinct. Image: Hutchinson Builders" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Model of the overall West Village precinct. Image: Hutchinson Builders</figcaption></figure>The conversion of the former Peters Ice Cream complex is well under way with Hutchinson Builders approaching completion of the first of West Village's stages. 

In addition to 322 apartments, a varied ground plane programme is being created. Hayball, ACME &amp; Co and Netteltontribe banded together to create various aspects of the initial phase, which includes laneway-inspired retail tenancies and community spaces.

Earlier this year it was reported that <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/public-space-plans-for-west-village-lodged-20180110-p4yydv">green space within the planned precinct had expanded considerably</a>; the green spaces will be in addition to seven residential buildings of between 8 and 22 levels and a capped apartment number of 1250.

The 2.6-hectare site first reached Brisbane City Council's planning channels during April 2015.

<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/hb-r-westvillage-renders-4-lowres-jpg.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level render. Image: Hutchinson Builders"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hb-r-westvillage-renders-4-lowres-jpg.jpg?itok=-kpgwpMy" title="Ground level render. Image: Hutchinson Builders" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level render. Image: Hutchinson Builders</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Plus Architecture lands at Brisbane's West Village 

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Developer Aust Global Investment (AGI) is set to deliver a new hotel within Bennetts Lane, with the boutique project designed via a collaborative partnership between Breathe Architecture and Plus Architecture.

The 14-storey hotel will feature 44 compact but cleverly-designed rooms, inspired by the Art Deco glamour of the former Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, which closed this year to make way for an apartment development. 

Plus Architecture's design for the hotel's exterior will activate Bennetts Lane with a reception and café area on the ground floor spilling out onto the laneway.

Its brick façade will rise five levels with a nine-level glazed structure rising above. A break between the two blocks provides the design with a legible podium and tower identity in addition to areas of greenery.

Two larger penthouse suites on the upper levels which provide guests with long stay accommodation options, have been set back to minimise the hotel’s perceived height while providing additional outdoor spaces.

In line with Breathe’s philosophy to use locally-sourced furnishings, Bennetts Lane will prioritise the use of local fittings and finishes.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/bennetts_lane_hotel.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The design draws on the qualities of the former Jazz Club. Image: Aust Global Investments "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1160" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bennetts_lane_hotel.jpg?itok=ZlfzPqP_" title="The design draws on the qualities of the former Jazz Club. Image: Aust Global Investments " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The design draws on the qualities of the former Jazz Club. Image: Aust Global Investments</figcaption></figure>AGI is currently seeking a Melbourne hospitality guru to operate the Bennetts Lane hotel which will also feature a basement speakeasy via an expressions of interest campaign which closes in mid-September.

Breathe and Plus will work closely with the successful operator to ensure their collective vision for the hotel is realised. Early design work suggests a reimagined hotel experience, in contrast to the five-star chains popping up around the city.

According to AGI, its vision to bring a truly unique Melbourne experience to guests was the key driver behind the appointment of local design firms, as well as its pursuit of a local hotel operator.

Construction on the Bennetts Lane hotel is expected to commence in early 2019, and open in mid-2020.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Boutique hotel operation is the natural next step for a lot of hospitality providers wanting to take their service and ethos to the next level – and the Bennetts Lane property offers an exceptional opportunity for a local operator to create a true Melbourne experience. 
Its initial design draws references from the jazz era, using moody and hard-wearing materials designed to age gracefully and curved forms that reference instruments. A stay at the hotel will feel like going backstage to experience a hidden part of Melbourne. - Jeremy McLeod, Director Breathe Architecture 
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The Bennetts Lane hotel will give guests a feel for the real Melbourne, not a generic hotel stay between over-starched bedsheets.

Appointing local designers and finding a local operator who not only understands Melbourne’s laneway culture but can also help curate the hotel’s jazz-inspired theme, are critical elements in delivering the hotel vision.

- Lionel Shi, Founder Aust Global Investment
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We really wanted to maintain the integrity of Melbourne’s laneway culture, so have ensured the hotel has a boutique sense of scale while activating Bennetts Lane on the ground planethrough the architectural design.

Bennetts Lane Jazz Club was a key reference and its influence is expressed in the brass, hand-folded features on the ground level façade, which are later referenced within the hotel.

- Ian Briggs, Director Plus Architecture
</blockquote>
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Laurence Dragomir

Aust Global Investment seeks to breathe new life into Bennetts Lane

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Today I'm looking at a planning application within my former stomping ground of Oakleigh, which has seen a crop of apartment buildings begin to emerge in the suburb.

Developer Alpha Property 14 - which also has projects in the works in Hampton, Brunswick and Collingwood - has lodged an application to develop an eight storey residential building at 102-108 Drummond Street, Oakleigh.

The Plus Architecture-designed building is located on the corner of Dalgety and Drummond Streets, in close proximity to Dandenong Road and within walking distance of Chadstone Shopping Centre.

The area is undergoing gradual, yet significant transformation with multi-residential development adding to the mix of office and commercial buildings along Dandenong Road and federation style homes nestled within the tree-lined back streets.

102-108 Drummond Street notwithstanding, Apartments.com.au is currently tracking seven projects within Oakleigh, three of which are in close proximity of the site; Oros, 8 Degrees and 16-18 Dalgety Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/oakleigh_future_development.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Future Development in the area. Planning Image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="376" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/oakleigh_future_development.jpg?itok=zVpi85K8" title="Future Development in the area. Planning Image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Future Development in the area. Planning Image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>102 -108 Drummond Street will add a further 109 residential apartments, comprising 41 x 1 bedroom apartments and 68 x 2 bedroom apartments into the area, with the primary pedestrian entry located off Drummond Street.

Additionally, the application seeks to provide 114 basement car parking spaces, including 5 visitor car spaces accessed via Southern Laneway.

Plus Architecture's design response is based on five key elements;

<ul>
<li>
Mass Breakup which articulates form</li>
	<li>
Horizontal Breakup which articulates scale</li>
	<li>
Vertical Rhythm which generates systematic arrangement</li>
	<li>
Opening Density which plays on light and shadow</li>
	<li>
Lightness and Mass as a means of form stratification from the ground upward</li>
</ul>
The design seeks to reduce the mass via the introduction of vertical rebates across its street frontages, while a gradation between solid and light is employed across the facade, as the building rises from the ground upwards, shifting from a solid robust base opening up to a recessed glazed upper volume on top.

<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/plans-102-108-drummond-st-oakleigh_hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="102-108 Drummond Street hero shot. Planning Image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="303" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/plans-102-108-drummond-st-oakleigh_hero.jpg?itok=fFX6fW2T" title="102-108 Drummond Street hero shot. Planning Image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>102-108 Drummond Street hero shot. Planning Image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The building responds to the juxtaposition of its unique location in many ways. The form is first broken down into smaller versions of the larger mass, to remain sensitive to the nearby lower level houses, giving it a townhouse feel. It is then carefully articulated horizontaly and then vertically, curating a carefully planned rhythm through the facade.

The upper levels of the building are setback and recessed to remain sensitive to the local scale of buildings.

The landing of the building with the ground plane was extensively considered to ensure the interface with the street is engaging, broken up and sensitive in its relationship with the street. It offers a well designed intermittent space 
inspired by the movement between front yard and doorstep that is the common language of surrounding residential properties.

The green space that surrounds the site was an important consideration of the design process. It features native tree lined streets along Drummond and Dalgety, large front gardens to local houses, and a large parkland at the end of Drummond Street

- Plus Architecture Design Statement
</blockquote>

<h2>Project Team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer - Alpha 14 Property </li>
	<li>Architect - Plus Architecture </li>
	<li>Structural Engineer - Adams Engineering </li>
	<li>Services Engineer - JBA Consulting Engineering </li>
	<li>Town Planner - Tract Consultants</li>
	<li>Fire Engineer - John Patrick Landscape Architects</li>
	<li>ESD - Efficient Energy Choices</li>
</ul>
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Marching to the beat of a different Drummond in Oakleigh

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West Melbourne once more propels itself into the development limelight as two substantial apartment projects have in the last week reached critical junctures in their respective planning journeys.

Plus Architecture has announced that a major West Melbourne apartment complex designed at their hand has been given the green light. At planning since the turn of 2017, 512-544 Spencer Street is the latest project now capable of adding to West Melbourne's higher density transformation.

<blockquote>
We are thrilled to announce that approval has been granted, for an exciting redevelopment at the top end of Spencer Street.

Plus will work with our partners Lechte Corporation, Crema Group and Abacus Property Group, to produce this modern, village-like mix of homes, a courtyard and café and included retail spaces – making a lifestyle of convenience for residents. Very much in line with the State Government’s vision for the highest quality of building and living environments. West Melbourne is going from strength to strength.

Plus Architecture
</blockquote>

512-544 Spencer Street mirrors Carlton's <a href="/news/the-eminence-joins-the-queue-on-queensberry">The Eminence</a> in that it will be delivered by the same team. Lechte Corporation, Crema Group and Abacus Property Group are present once more, with Plus Architecture handling all matters design; Crema Group's involvement will likely see Crema Constructions saddle up for the eventual build. 

Approximately 200 apartments are in the mix across the 4,246 square metre corner site, alongside retail and communal spaces.

Plus Architecture's composition sees differing finishes across the facade which effectively breaks the form of the project, appearing as separate buildings.

<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/image14_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spencer Street's newest approval. Image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_18.jpg?itok=jWf5gcSN" title="Spencer Street's newest approval. Image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spencer Street's newest approval. Image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure><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/image16_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The proposed replacement for Festival Hall. Image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_13.jpg?itok=ojaQ7ZAF" title="The proposed replacement for Festival Hall. Image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The proposed replacement for Festival Hall. Image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Also on the radar is the proposed redevelopment of Festival Hall at 272-306 Dudley Street, West Melbourne.

News broke last week that the application's bid to replace the existing structure with dual apartment buildings may have become all the more difficult in light of a recommendation from Heritage Victoria that Festival Hall be included as a Registered Place in the Victorian Heritage Register.

Festival Hall was built during 1955, replacing the 1913 West Melbourne Stadium. Heritage Victoria contends the venue is of historical and social significance to the State of Victoria in that it was important to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history and that it maintains a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

Jargon aside, at stake is the right of 272-306 Dudley Street's development proponent to deliver 179 apartments above a sizeable slab of commercial space. Public submissions on the fate of Festival Hall are <a href="https://heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/registrations-reviews/executive-director-recommendations/">being accepted by Heritage Council of Victoria</a>.

If Festival Hall were to land on the Victorian Heritage Register, project architect Rothelowman would presumably need to take the design back to the drawing board.

<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/image17_22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Open space fronting Rosslyn Street. Image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_22.jpg?itok=iXyOGtW5" title="Open space fronting Rosslyn Street. Image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Open space fronting Rosslyn Street. Image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>
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Spencer Street approved, Festival Hall hits heritage hurdle in West Melboune

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VCAT has handed down decisions in recent weeks regarding two major developments in Melbourne's suburbs.

Last week the tribunal ruled on a proposal for Brunswick's 8 Ballarat Street. The Plus Architecture-designed apartment building included 147 apartments and 158 car parking spaces as originally submitted; apartments in the 8 level proposal are split between 50 single bedroom and 97 double bedroom options.

Developer 8 Ballarat Street Pty Ltd challenged Moreland City Council's conditions for the substantial development, one of which would have seen the top two floors sheared off the design.

In light of amended plans amended plans prepared by Plus Architecture, the full 8 level form was given the green light, albeit with reworked setbacks across upper levels. 

Now approved, 8 Ballarat Street joins the hundreds of additionally approved apartments across a gamut of residential projects that have yet to be delivered across Brunswick. VCAT's decision may also influence future intentions for the adjoining 10 Ballarat Street which was offered for sale during 2017.

Across a 4,247 square metre land plot, the site's sale was handled by Colliers and came with indicative design also spanning 8 levels.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image3ballarat.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="8 Ballarat Street alongside a conceptual 10 Ballarat Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="205" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3ballarat.jpg?itok=ilsbYmh-" title="8 Ballarat Street alongside a conceptual 10 Ballarat Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>8 Ballarat Street alongside a conceptual 10 Ballarat Street</figcaption></figure>Meanwhile, VCAT last month also ruled in favour of a major stand-alone Box Hill hotel development.

LongRiver Group can now make good on the prospect of delivering a DoubleTree by Hlton onsite. The Buchan Group's design sees a woven facade over the tower's 25 levels. Expected within the tower are 200 rooms according to Development and Project Manager APP.

VCAT for their part noted that Whitehorse City Council did not object to this proposal on the basis of the appropriateness of the land use, but on grounds relating to the appropriate level of car parking required to service the project.

With conditions ruled upon, the design at 874-878 Whitehorse Road can join LongRiver Group's other Box Hill tower, namely <a href="/buildings/east-central-tower-820-whitehorse-road-box-hill">East Central Tower</a> at 820 Whitehorse Road.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image4_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Buchan Group's woven facade across 874-878 Whitehorse Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_20.jpg?itok=VyzZ_wmV" title="Buchan Group's woven facade across 874-878 Whitehorse Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Buchan Group's woven facade across 874-878 Whitehorse Road</figcaption></figure>
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VCAT rules in favour of two major Melbourne developments

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ASX listed property player Stockland is intent on adding to its <a href="https://www.stockland.com.au/retirement-living">already extensive portfolio</a> of Melbourne retirement living villages by seeking to hive off a part of The Pines Shopping Centre in Doncaster East for hundreds of new retirement living apartments.

Although keen to diversify uses across the centre, Stockland may find it more difficult to realise the outer suburban project in its submitted form. Last week Manningham City Council released a planning report for the proposed 283 retirement living apartments, waving away any intentions of approval.

At 181 Reynolds Road the Doncaster East development sits on the perimeter of Stockland's The Pines Shopping Centre which accounts for a considerable 77,633 square metre footprint.

Stockland and Plus Architecture have positioned the new development on the Reynolds Road and Blackburn Road intersection, replacing an open air car park south and west of the existing shopping centre.

<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/image91_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image91_4.jpg?itok=EH_ddIQO" title="Street level perspective. Planning image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Planning image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Four multi-storey buildings constitute the development and are supplemented by communal facilities and 835 car spaces (with a portion dedicated to shoppers). Owing to the gradient of the site the tallest building spans approximately 35 metres above the street level.

Manningham City Council's response has been less than ideal from Stockland's perspective.

Council has listed a raft of issues with the Doncaster East application, ranging from non compliance with aspects of The Pines Activity Centre Structure Plan, insufficient community benefit and architectural excellence relative to height and scale, inadequate protection of internal amenity and concerns relating to any future expansion of the shopping centre and bus interchange.

Consequently, Manningham City Council's internal planners have recommended that the proposal be rejected outright.

Accounting for 21,478 square metres of the existing site, the buildings would also include 7 retail spaces amounting to 1,003 square metres, and a medical centre for 10 practitioners over a 500 square metre foorrprint.

Of the 835 car spaces included in the project, 342 are dedicated to residents, 28 to visitors and a hefty 465 would add to the already 1,000 plus which are rolled into the centre.

Manningham City Council last week ruled against the proposal. Having been at planning since mid 2017 and based upon Council's decision, Stockland likely now faces a stint at VCAT or a substantial redesign in order to add the Doncaster East site to its retirement living portfolio.

<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/image147_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Render from inside the centre. Planning image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image147_0.jpg?itok=0Bga6sgv" title="Render from inside the centre. Planning image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render from inside the centre. Planning image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Aged care and retirement living in the area has been boosted of late by two other significant projects. Cockram during 2017 completed the first stage of a significant CHT Architects-designed independent living centre in Templestowe; it includes 150 bedrooms over four levels plus associated amenites and admin offices.

Urban.com.au during March highlighted <a href="/news/benetas-goes-bigger-on-doncaster-hill">Benetas' bid to upscale their Doncaster Road development</a> to include 74 independent living units and a 128 room residential aged care wing.
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Stockland pushes for The Pines to include retirement apartments

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A freshly advertised planning application with City of Yarra has shown K7 <a href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">Developments </a>to be the purchaser last year of an already approved development site at 288-296 Johnston Street.

Rather than proceed with the previous Cox Architecture-designed scheme, K7 Developments have reworked the project, effectively looking to double the apartment yield. Plus Architecture have been engaged to deliver the new design.

The project is diagonally opposite Pace of Abbotsford which may well act as a height precedent for 288-296 Johnston Street; both projects are at 12 levels.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plus Architecture's new take on Johnston Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="444" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/untitled.jpg?itok=161lTu25" title="Plus Architecture's new take on Johnston Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Plus Architecture's new take on Johnston Street</figcaption></figure>In getting to 12 levels from the previously approved 8, K7 Developments are hoping to bump apartment numbers from the approved 44 to 87. The prospective apartment mix is broken down as 23 single bedroom apartments, 62 dual bedroom and 2 triple bedroom apartments.

The dwellings would sit above a 214 square metre cafe and dual retail tenancies amounting to 374 square metres.

A triple level basement holds 87 car parking spaces and capacity for 101 bicycles. Vehicle access to the intended project is via Little Turner Street at the rear of the property.

<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/image63_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cox Architecture's initial Johnston Street design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_5.jpg?itok=Ph_JaoS5" title="Cox Architecture's initial Johnston Street design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cox Architecture's initial Johnston Street design</figcaption></figure>The Abbotsford property has been in a state of flux for many years from a development perspective, with a planning history spanning seven years. Last year the Cox Architecture approved scheme across the 1,182 square metre site wes offered for sale by CBRE.

Meanwhile, another commercial project has been earmarked for Collingwood.

Plans are on display for a new part four, part seven storey building at 61-75 Langridge Street. Designed by Preston Lane for Domain Hill Property Group, the Langridge Street proposal includes 4,900 plus square metres of office floor space above retail and commercial tenancies.

<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/doma9764_langridge-st-planning.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Langridge Street. Image: Preston Lane"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/doma9764_langridge-st-planning.jpg?itok=w9Tu_OJu" title="Langridge Street. Image: Preston Lane" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Langridge Street. Image: Preston Lane</figcaption></figure>Preston Lane imagery shows an open floor format and industrial finishes within the building.

The proposed Langridge street complex backs on to 2-16 Northumberland Street which has begun construction. Grocon have the job of delivering the 15,000 square metre build for tenants The Commons and Aesop.

The Langridge and Northumberland projects are joined by three additional current Collingwood office projects which between them are seeking to add approximately 40,000 square metres of new office space to the suburb.
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K7 Developments moves on Abbotsford; Collingwood eyes another commercial development

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It's a very definitive time in the apartment cycle across Melbourne where major planning applications and completions are diametrically opposed.

Major planning applications over the course of 2017 have been rare as hen's teeth, but the number of apartment project reaching completion is spiking as the stock sold over recent years becomes reality. Three such major projects have moved past practical completion and are now accepting residents.

Beyond their intended purpose, these three have also taken their place in Melbourne's design landscape; each has a distinct design identity and are positioned to make the most of imposing views across Melbourne.

<h2>Gravity Tower</h2>

Fishermans Bend's first high-rise project, and any project of note within the urban renewal area for that matter, is now complete. Gravity Tower consists of 144 apartments for prolific developer Blue Earth. 

Urban.com.au covered the <a href="/news/planning-application-91-montague-street-south-melbourne">initial planning application</a> during August 2013, and the tower's <a href="/news/fishermans-bends-first-project-breaks-ground">move to construction</a> during late 2015, anointing it as the urban renewal area's first project to reach construction.

Gravity Tower's strong vertical there is clear for all to see, given the project has no high-rise competitors in sight. Its northern facade is dominated by offset fins alternating between one and three floors in height, which band together to create a chevron pattern.

Critical to the Plus Architecture-designed tower's expressive facade, the fins also serve a more practical purpose in that they're angled in such a fashion to allow for maximum shading. Little more that finishing touches to Gravity Tower's ground floor will see it fully complete.

<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/gravity1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gravity's facade and ground level"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gravity1.jpg?itok=RySHMRTv" title="Gravity's facade and ground level" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gravity's facade and ground level</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Location: 89 Gladstone St, South Melbourne</li>
	<li>Developer: Blue Earth</li>
	<li>Architect: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Builder: Hamilton Marino</li>
	<li>Construction value: $35-40 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Lakeside Apartments</h2>

Designed by Fender Katsalidis, the 12 level Lakeside Apartments is defined by a very angular architecture expression. 

Situated opposite Albert Park Lake, the building's design is such that it maximises views of the picturesque vista to its west whilst also providing adequate privacy relative to neighbouring developments. Lakeside Apartments includes 159 dwellings above a three level basement, plus communal facilities such as a library, gymnasium, landscaped areas, pool and lounge.

Pre-fabricated precast sections that double as both horizontal and vertical facade components provide Lakeside Apartments with its raw, angular look. Exposed concrete finishes joined by dark spandrels, clear balustrades and light blue glazing could also see the tower draw parallels to fellow residential tower <a href="http://www.buchan.com.au/projects/83-queens-road">83 Queens Road</a> nearby.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image2_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queens Road has a new addition"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_15.jpg?itok=2HuyJPJD" title="Queens Road has a new addition" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queens Road has a new addition</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Location: 77 Queens Road, Melbourne</li>
	<li>Developer: Southlink Developments</li>
	<li>Design: Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Builder: Hickory</li>
	<li>Construction timeframe: 21 months</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Arthur</h2>

Another Queens Road addition is slightly unusual in that it has been converted from a former commercial block into a mixed-use tower.

Developer Hallmarc has overseen the creation of 86 apartments and 85 serviced apartments which will be operated under the developer's Tyrian brand. Named after Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathern, the development is of course adjacent to Arthur Street.

Builder Icon Co. was tasked with the transformation of 14 Queens Road which has also seen conference areas, a retail space, open rooftop, gym and various other amenities added.

Stripped back to its concrete shell, The Arthur's exterior now includes precast panels, black glazing and a considerable amount of metallic bronze detailing over its facade. These bronze Alucobond PLUS panels are a stand out across the building.

<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/image3_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="14 Queens Road's conversion is complete"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="275" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3_7.jpg?itok=PiEZeBlF" title="14 Queens Road's conversion is complete" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>14 Queens Road's conversion is complete</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Location: 14 Queens Road, Melbourne</li>
	<li>Developer: Hallmarc</li>
	<li>Builder: Icon Co</li>
	<li>Construction timeframe: 16 months</li>
	<li>Construction value: $50 million</li>
</ul>
Expand the images below to see all three projects in further detail.
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Three apartment project completions make their mark

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A final planning decision looms next week for Doncaster Hill's latest apartment development.

Already holding the consent of Council planners, a positive result at next week's Council Meeting will see 666 Doncaster Road add to the measured flow of high-density residential projects atop the hill. In their report, Council planners have recommended that the Plus Architecture-designed scheme be approved, subject to conditions.

Now home to a low-rise commercial complex, the 3,257sqm site would be razed to accommodate the project which is backed by Brabian Investments Pty Ltd, with consultancy proUrban also involved in realising the project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image9_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="666 Doncaster Road in context. Image: Google "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="320" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_16.jpg?itok=3yCjMBQo" title="666 Doncaster Road in context. Image: Google " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>666 Doncaster Road in context. Image: Google</figcaption></figure>666 Doncaster Road is designed as a 13-storey, mixed-use building accommodating 161 dwellings. The called for dwelling yield and respective internal size is as follows:

<ul>
<li>4 townhouses at 140sqm</li>
	<li>43 x 1BR at 50sqm</li>
	<li>31 x 2BR at 65sqm</li>
	<li>43 x 2BR + 2 bath at 75sqm</li>
	<li>25 x 2BR + 2 bath + study at 80sqm</li>
	<li>12 x 3BR at 110sqm</li>
	<li>3 penthouses at 270sqm</li>
</ul>
The project also includes 227 car parking spaces over four basement levels, 68 bicycle spaces, 3 retail tenancies amounting to 350sqm and a 224sqm restaurant. Plus Architecture's design covers 58% of the site and reaches 45.38 metres in height, with the building capped by a GBLA Landscape Architects-designed rooftop terrace.

Manningham City Council note that 28 objections were received for the application, covering a range of issues.

For its part, Council planners have via their report stated "that the proposal complies with the relevant planning policy in the Scheme and should be supported, subject to conditions requiring design changes to the building and the submission of management plans for Council approval."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image8_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="40m height limit envelope. Planning image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_12.jpg?itok=--EnBhE6" title="40m height limit envelope. Planning image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>666 Doncaster Road's 40m height limit envelope. Planning image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Doncaster Hill has for the best part of a decade seen medium to large apartment projects filter through on a regular basis, without necessarily experiencing an oversupply. This in turn has made it a steady contributor to Melbourne's growing acceptance of higher density living, without generating a boomtown, high-rise reputation that neighbouring Box Hill now has.

Doncaster Hill's only major current build is that of <a href="/buildings/nest-at-the-hill-642-doncaster-road-doncaster">Nest at the Hill</a>, which is under the guidance of Crema Constructions. Adjoining Doncaster Hill, Mirvac's <a href="/developments/doncaster-vic-3108">Apartments of Tullamore</a> project is due for a construction start whilst <a href="/buildings/the-point-doncaster-hill-600-doncaster-road-doncaster">The Point Doncaster Hill</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/686-doncaster-doncaster">686 Doncaster Road</a> are at registrations and/or sales.

Upon approval, 666 Doncaster Road would join three additional project on Doncaster Hill in holding approval for a minimum of 100 apartments. They are 9-11 Wiliamsons Road with 151 dwellings, <a href="/buildings/north-eastern-tower-659-669-doncaster-road-doncaster">659-669 Doncaster Road</a> with 385 dwellings and <a href="/new-apartments/602-630-doncaster-road-doncaster">602-630 Doncaster Road</a> which includes 267 dwellings.
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Doncaster Hill's next major apartment project verges on approval

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West Melbourne's increasing rate of densification will in time subsume another substantial site, with the expansive Rose Furniture building spanning 512-544 Spencer Street earmarked for redevelopment. Latest to capitalise on the area's march toward high density living are project partners Abacus Property Group, Lechte Corporation and Crema Constructions.

512-544 Spencer Street is the third current Melbourne apartment development for the team. The Eminence at 139 Queensberry Street, Carlton includes 193 residential apartments over 15 levels whilst Luminary in Hawthorn is a more modest development of 22 luxury dwellings.

DELWP are handling the application which would deliver two separate buildings, although three distinct architectural styles have been conceived to break up the development's multiple and substantial street frontages.

<h2>512-544 Spencer Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image2_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Stanley Street perspective. Planning image"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="398" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_11.jpg?itok=R1QuJWw4" title="Stanley Street perspective. Planning image" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Stanley Street perspective. Planning image​​​​​​</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 4,246sqm with 3 street frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed 8 level apartment buildings</li>
	<li>207 apartments: 72 x 1BR, 135 x 2BR</li>
	<li>1,026sqm ALDI at ground level</li>
	<li>3 additional retail tenancies across 518sqm</li>
	<li>272 vehicle spaces across 3 basement levels</li>
	<li>171 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Terraced courtyard and library/lounge </li>
	<li>Project GFA: 31,175sqm</li>
</ul>
As was the case with The Eminence and Luminary, Plus architecture act as project architect for 512-544 Spencer Street.

<blockquote>
An architectural language was developed to respond to both the locality’s large scale industrial past, and the fine grain of the emerging residential developments.

The form was broken up into three separate blocks, each with their own take on an expression of vertical blades to describe the residential scale of the buildings. The three separate building languages have been designed to face the three separate street frontages of the site.
<cite>Design Statement: Plus Architecture</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>West Melbourne in full boom</h2>

As the torrent of large developments in West Melbourne continues, many more people will invariably call the suburb home over the coming years.

512-544 Spencer Street is the 25th entry for West Melbourne within the Apartments.com.au Project Database, with near on 3,300 apartments in play within postcode 3003. Of these, 781 - or just under one quarter - are at construction, pointing toward the future growth spurt that awaits within the suburb.

With Holder East yet to move on its large King Street holding and Perri Projects bidding to <a href="/news/industrial-west-melbourne-the-latest-urban-renewal-contender">rezone a vast section of industrial West Melbourne</a> to facilitate commercial and residential growth, West Melbourne's transformation may well accelerate over current high levels of development.

Whilst apartments will rule the West Melbourne roost, 469 hotel suites and/or serviced apartments are also primed for the suburb with the most recent addition that of Adina Grand signing on as operator of the hotel component within the West End development.

<h2>512-544 Spencer Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Lechte Corporation &amp; Abacus Property Group</li>
	<li>Builder: Crema Constructions</li>
	<li>Architect: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Planning: Planning &amp; Property Partners</li>
	<li>Traffic: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Sustainable Management Plan: Lucid Consulting Australia</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design </li>
	<li>Landscape Plan: John Patrick </li>
</ul>
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