Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

3D Model

<html><body>
As reported in <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/cbus-set-to-swoop-on-1b-development-site-20180227-p4z1zs">The Age late last month</a> speculation is growing that developer Cbus Property is leading the charge to acquire a combined development site at 140-150 Queen Street and 27 McKillop Street.

This would follow what would appear to be a pre-emptive purchase of a neighbouring site at 423 Bourke Street, which an 11-storey office block currently occupies.

Combined all three sites would result in a approx. 3,000 sqm development site capable of accommodating a base Gross Floor Area of 54,000 sqm under the 18:1 Floor Area Ratio currently permitted in the Central City Zone.

With all this in mind, we at Apartments.com.au have decided to revisit <a href="/news/development-scenario-140-150-queen-street">an earlier study</a> on the potential development opportunity of the sites sans 423 Bourke Street from late last year.

The piece also provides a brief history of the site and the protracted legal battle between adjoining owners CEL Australia (the now defunct Tower Melbourne) and Colonial Range (140 Queen Street + 27 McKillop 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/diagram_03-01_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Previous UM study from November 2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/diagram_03-01_0.png?itok=PRpCJD-E" title="Previous UM study from November 2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Previous UM study from November 2017</figcaption></figure>Revisiting the development potential of the site, I decided to change tact from the previous study and work on the premise of achieving a similar height development to Tower Melbourne's 226m of height.

The expanded site area allowed for a re-orientation of commercial floor plates and the ability to provide a north facing park along the Queen Street frontage which ties into the surrounding laneway network.

A mixed-use building of 226m and 62-storeys was achieved providing a statement building to the corner which extends beyond the heights of the under construction 405 Bourke (39-storeys / 161m), 385 Bourke Street (43-storeys / 169m) and ANZ Gothic (37-storeys / 162m).

<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/140-150_queen_proposal_driagram.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative Development Proposal for consolidated site."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="432" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/140-150_queen_proposal_driagram.png?itok=6j-XX9W0" title="Indicative Development Proposal for consolidated site." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative Development Proposal for consolidated site.</figcaption></figure>Programme breakdown:

<ul>
<li>1,000m2 park fronting Queen Street</li>
	<li>2,950m2 Sky Park at across levels 26 &amp; 27.</li>
	<li>Ground floor retail </li>
	<li>42-storeys of commercial office space (49,265 m2 GFA)  with floor plates varying from 1,475 - 1,575m2</li>
	<li>26-storeys of hotel (or residential)</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/140-150_queen_program_diagram.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Breakdown of building program"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="432" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/140-150_queen_program_diagram.png?itok=V4ptcaft" title="Breakdown of building program" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Breakdown of building program</figcaption></figure>A development of this scale would result in an overall Gross Floor Area of 78,760m2 and an FAR of 26.25:1. This would require a Floor Area Uplift (FAU) of 8:1 or 24,760m2 which represents an additional 44% of floor area.

This breakdown is reflected in the diagram below. To achieve this, a number of public benefits would be required. These are covered by the provision of commercial floor space, public open space, the Sky Park, and the hotel component.

<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/140-150_queen_far_fau_diagram.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Floor Area Ratio GFA and Floor Area Uplift GFA comparison"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="432" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/140-150_queen_far_fau_diagram.png?itok=wGe3qdzJ" title="Floor Area Ratio GFA and Floor Area Uplift GFA comparison" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Floor Area Ratio GFA and Floor Area Uplift GFA comparison</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Development Scenario: 140-150 Queen Street Redux

<html><body>
After a protracted legal battle with a Singaporean rival which ground demolition works on its Tower Melbourne project, developer CEL Australia has walked away from the project. Demolition of the existing building on the corner of Bourke and Queen Street ground to a halt in 2013 following a dispute about access to the property and damage to the adjoining buildings at140 Queen Street &amp; 27 McKillop Street.

Fellow developer Colonial Range, filed legal action in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal seeking to have the planning permit for the project revoked, which delayed the start of construction of the 226m Elenberg Fraser designed tower. With VCAT finding in its favour, CEL Australia was ready to recommence works onsite, however these plans were scuttled after Colonial Range decided to take the matter to the Supreme Court.

Colonial Range, then known as Ruby Group, originally owned both sites and had approval planning approval for a 27-storey serviced apartment tower designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects at 140 Queen Street which bridged across Penfold Place and featured a new laneway connecting Penfold Place and McKillop 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/queen_street_tower.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="140 Queen Street had approval for a 27-storey serviced apartment tower. Image: KTA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queen_street_tower.jpg?itok=YdzYVI-x" title="140 Queen Street had approval for a 27-storey serviced apartment tower. Image: KTA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>140 Queen Street had approval for a 27-storey serviced apartment tower. Image: KTA</figcaption></figure>It curiously sold off 150 Queen Street to Charter Hall who then onsold it to Chip Eng Seng under its Australian subsidiary CEL Australia. They promptly engaged Elenberg Fraser to design a  71-storey tower comprising 555 apartments, but it would appear Tower Melbourne is set to join the long list of Melbourne Never Builts after requests by purchasers to cancel their contracts, resulting in CEL rescinding on the remainder.

<blockquote>
The protracted and complex nature of the legal proceedings have forced the cessation of any works on site since September 2013, and despite ongoing efforts to resolve these disputes, CEL Australia is still unable to proceed with any further demolition works on the existing building.

Consequently, the building of Tower Melbourne has been significantly delayed and the project is unable to be delivered within the Date of Registration stipulated in the contracts of sale.

CEL Australia’s first priority has always been to deliver Tower Melbourne in line with its vision for the project, and as such, has done everything within its legal power to try to reach a resolution. Regrettably, it has become increasingly apparent that there is still no resolution in sight, and with further proceedings still pending, Tower Melbourne in its current form is no longer viable for CEL Australia to develop.

Due to the delays, a number of purchasers have requested to cancel their contracts. In these instances, CEL Australia has granted their requests. Rather than waiting until the Registration Date has lapsed, CEL Australia will rescind the contracts of the remaining purchasers to release them from their contracts as soon as possible. CEL Australia is in the process of informing purchasers of this outcome.

CEL Australia has made this decision in order to ensure the best possible resolution for all stakeholders, and allow purchasers to move on.

- CEL Australia, November 2017
</blockquote>

Following from this decision it has since emerged that CEL and Colonial Range have agreed to collectively sell their respective sites. The landholdings are being marketed off market through Colliers International with both parties expecting $150 million for the combined blocks which now encompass 140-150 Queen Street and 27 McKillop Street, that combined form a 2,500 sqm development site.

Which brings us to the subject of today's article - what is the development potential of this development site in light of the current planning regime and with a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 18:1 limiting the height should the new purchaser not act on the Tower Melbourne permit?

Below I've undertaken a quick study to investigate the development potential of the combined sites, with the intent to try and achieve height on the site while being within an allowed planning envelope. For the purposes of the study, I have gone with a residential tower floor to floor height but with a floorplate that could accommodate office use.

<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/diagram_01-01.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Tower Melbourne and the site developed with full site coverage. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/diagram_01-01.png?itok=USBl5kOu" title="Tower Melbourne and the site developed with full site coverage. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tower Melbourne and the site developed with full site coverage.</figcaption></figure>Not surprisingly a FAR of 18:1 with full site coverage results in an 18 storey-building of 45,000 sqm GFA - a stark contrast to Tower Melbourne's 71-storeys.

<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/diagram_02-01.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Setbacks applied and Public Open Space introduced"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/diagram_02-01.png?itok=K1k6Thx5" title="Setbacks applied and Public Open Space introduced" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Setbacks applied and Public Open Space introduced</figcaption></figure>By applying setbacks above the 40m podium, the height of the tower can increase, resulting in a 28-storey building overall. The introduction of open space, decreases the site coverage allowing for a larger floorplate for the tower without an increase to the GFA. Commercial office space within the podium, combined with the open space as public benefits allow for additional floor area through a Floor Area Uplift (FAU). 

<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/diagram_03-01.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Final massing and comparison diagram."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/diagram_03-01.png?itok=PNSwa-44" title="Final massing and comparison diagram." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Final massing and comparison diagram.</figcaption></figure>The resulting building envelope allows that is achieved is based on the following:

<ul>
<li>27-storeys residential + 8-storey commercial podium</li>
	<li>Public Benefits: 1,000 sqm POS @ $15,000/sqm = $15m, 13,000 sqm of office space  </li>
	<li>Residential value of additional floor space within western core: $7,500/sqm</li>
	<li>FAU Value: 7,500 sqm x 10%</li>
	<li>Floor Area Uplift: 20,000 sqm / 17-storeys ($15m ÷ $750) + 1,300sqm office</li>
	<li>Total : 53-storeys / 180m</li>
</ul>
As you can see this is still almost 50m shorter than Tower Melbourne, so for whoever purchases the combined sites, the development potential of 140 Queen Street and 27 McKillop Street is limited if the new owners don't try to revive Tower Melbourne.

<div class="sketchfab-embed-wrapper">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" allowvr="" frameborder="0" height="480" mozallowfullscreen="true" onmousewheel="" src="https://sketchfab.com/models/7a26bd79c8a44c82bda5657b18815dd6/embed" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="640"></iframe>

 
</div>
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Development Scenario: 140 & 150 Queen Street 

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CBRE in recent weeks has begun marketing a development site at 118 City Road in Southbank which has been branded as 'Flagship'.

The 6,191sqm site is currently home to a BMW dealership and showroom, and has significant potential to add to what is set to become on of the densest city blocks in Melbourne, boasting towers of 200m through to over 300m.

The site is located close ro both the 297m Eureka Tower and the under construction 319m Australia 108, and is on the same block as One Queensbridge which holds approval at 323m .

<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/flagship_01_edit-01.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The Southbank and site in question at 118 City Road."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="514" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flagship_01_edit-01.png?itok=auonJ9Br" title="The Southbank and site in question at 118 City Road." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Southbank and site in question at 118 City Road.</figcaption></figure>For the purposes of marketing the site's potential, CBRE have engaged Fender Katsalidis to produce an indicative concept for dual towers of varied heights. The concept looks to be loosely based on Fender Katsalidis' other twin tower design for 308 Exhibition Street.

This is illustrated in the night montage below which shows the towers linked by a skybridge.

Applying the planning scheme's plot ratio of 18:1 yields a GFA of 111,438sqm, with the conceptual scheme seeking a GFA of 148,127 sqm or a plot ratio of 24:1.

<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_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One possible scenario as marketed by CBRE. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3_6.jpg?itok=0aq_OaDb" title="One possible scenario as marketed by CBRE. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One possible scenario as marketed by CBRE. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>Any prospective purchaser is not obligated to proceed with the scheme as indicated above. As such I've decided to produce a couple of quick test scenarios in 3D for your viewing pleasure beginning with the Fender Katsalidis option (or one that is very similar).

<div class="sketchfab-embed-wrapper"><iframe allowfullscreen="" allowvr="" frameborder="0" height="480" mozallowfullscreen="true" onmousewheel="" src="https://sketchfab.com/models/0325ca7c349a4506a06cb796da599e3d/embed" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="640"></iframe></div>

The alternate scenario shown below sees 118 City Road and 158 City Road consolidated into a mega site similar to what Crown and Schiavello achieved with One Queensbridge. This roughly 7,062sqm site would be able to accommodate a 127,116sqm GFA development at an 18:1 ratio. 

This scenario is a bit more complicated because it deals with Floor Area Uplift, but essentially uses the provision of public open space and commercial space both classified as public benefits under the planning scheme to achieve another 300m tower.

With the block being as dense as it is and projected to become even denser, I believe a better outcome for both 118 City Road and 158 City Road is to consolidate 3 towers into one larger tower, with a second mid-rise office building in tow. This layout addresses the issues of privacy and adjacency between existing and proposed towers, whilst also providing better access to natural light and ventilation simply by having a taller tower located more centrally on the site.

<div class="sketchfab-embed-wrapper">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" allowvr="" frameborder="0" height="480" mozallowfullscreen="true" onmousewheel="" src="https://sketchfab.com/models/22ca95ba02a5471d8fe9b2ca0d1be0f9/embed" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="640"></iframe>

All up the scheme would deliver 136,000 sqm GFA at a plot ratio of 19.25:1, plus a new pocket park which would connect to the City of Melbourne's Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street Renewal project. A new retail laneway bisecting the site with opportunity to eventually connect through to Freshwater Place would also be considered beneficial to Southbank.

Applying a plot ratio of 24:1 as per the Fender Katsalidis scheme would result in Melbourne's tallest building.

Interesting times ahead for the site that has been billed as 'Flagship'.
</div>
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Southbank's densest block to become even denser?

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Recently we've been exploring new ways to host our 3D model (or parts thereof) on the site. And today we're going live with a public beta that we'd love to hear your feedback on.

This is a significant step forward as we have previously had to rely on rendered stills to illustrate future development projections.

As an example, we have taken an in-progress portion of the Southbank model, which allows you to orbit around and freely control with clickable annotations which provide details about a few of the buildings and links back to their respective database listings. This can be seen below:

If viewing on a mobile device or tablet, use two fingers to pan around and zoom in, and one finger to orbit around the model.

Fair warning however: the models are large and if you are on a mobile device, we recommend only loading it on wifi or better yet use a laptop or desktop.

To navigate around the model:

<ul>
<li>Click and hold to orbit around the model.</li>
	<li>Hold <kbd>Shift</kbd> and click and hold to pan around the model (or hold down the mouse wheel).</li>
	<li>Hold <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> and click and hold to zoom into a particular part of the model.</li>
</ul>
<figure><div class="sketchfab-embed-wrapper"><iframe allowfullscreen="" allowvr="" frameborder="0" height="480" mozallowfullscreen="true" onmousewheel="" src="https://sketchfab.com/models/06f4dc8d9d874ef0bd560de95f7e7150/embed" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="640"></iframe></div>

<figcaption><a href="https://sketchfab.com/models/06f4dc8d9d874ef0bd560de95f7e7150?utm_medium=embed&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_campain=share-popup">STHBANK TEST</a> by <a href="https://sketchfab.com/urbmelb?utm_medium=embed&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_campain=share-popup">Urban.com.au</a> on <a href="https://sketchfab.com?utm_medium=embed&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_campain=share-popup">Sketchfab</a></figcaption></figure>It is worth noting that there are still a few issues to sort out, not least how to host the rest of the model (the CBD, Docklands etc), loading and viewing bigger models on mobile devices properly, colour coding and material testing.

Eventually we hope to make the full model readily available to everyone, but are still working through the finer details.

While it is still very much early days, there is a lot of potential. We will continue testing 3D content with a view towards including embedded 3D models as part of our planning articles, providing readers with the ability to view and control a new development within its immediate context right here on Apartments.com.au.

So for now, have fun panning around the Southbank model and keep an eye out for more 3D content in future. Please leave any feedback in the comments.
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Urban.com.au's 3D model is evolving

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With a sizeable amount of development activity expected to occur in the immediate area over the next few years, it's an appropriate time to have a look at one of Melbourne's eyesores. Collins Square, Melbourne Quarter, North Wharf (not shown in model) and the former Convention Centre site are at varying stages of development, Crowne Plaza to my thinking should be next in line.

Keep in mind these concepts are very high level and have been developed in a matter of a few hours; unfortunately I'm a bit too time poor at the moment to dedicate more time and brain cells.

In addition to the Crowne Plaza building I've also looked at the parking structure along Flinders Street within the former WTC complex. With the news that Victoria Police will likely vacate the complex in favour of new digs on Spencer Street, this would provide a perfect opportunity to reassess the complex of buildings completely. I'll leave the concept for a complete overhaul for another time.

<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/wtc_crowne_plaza.png" rel="gallery-all" title="WTC Northbank and Cronwe Plaza."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="227" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wtc_crowne_plaza.png?itok=LRzQMJ0c" title="WTC Northbank and Cronwe Plaza." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>WTC Northbank and Crowne Plaza.</figcaption></figure>These two sites were considered for the various opportunities they present. The car park's footprint could be maximised further with the addition of additional office space above, while also allowing for stronger links to the Mission to Seafarers building via the introduction of open space.

Similarly one of the great criticisms of the Crowne Plaza building is it's relationship (or lack thereof) to the Yarra River and how it forms a visual and physical barrier between the city and the river. To address this I looked at separating the existing structure into what would effectively be two 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/image13_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ideas diagram for Crowne Plaza's rebirth"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_10.jpg?itok=QfI_fYy2" title="Ideas diagram for Crowne Plaza's rebirth" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ideas diagram for Crowne Plaza's rebirth</figcaption></figure>Separating the building would allow sunlight through to the promenade and reduce the visual bulk when viewed from Southbank, while opening up new views to the developments beyond. Further to this the provision of a north facing park is suggested, with retail interfaces and access to sunlight during midday.

This would most likely have to be raised public space which would terrace down to the Northbank promenade to allow for vehicular circulation and entry, and to accommodate a porte cochere and parking below.

The 'new' towers would be reskinned with a modular facade system which creates serrated edges to the tower forms maximising views to the bay and city. Tower 1 would accommodate hotel rooms and facilities with a consistent vertically static expression across up the facade, an extrusion of the floor plate the full height of the tower.

This would be capped with a green roof and rooftop hotel facilities and amenities such as infinity pool, bar, function space, etc.

<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/diagrams_wtc_page_3.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Crowne Plaza diagrams"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/diagrams_wtc_page_3.png?itok=r0MdU19K" title="Crowne Plaza diagrams" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Crowne Plaza diagrams</figcaption></figure>Tower 2 is more mixed use with a combination of residential apartments and hotel which employs a similar facade strategy, but with a sense of movement applied to it drawing on the movement and currents of the Yarra River. Hotel rooms would be located in the lower levels with apartments above. New circulation and services and VT cores would be built to the north.

For the expansive WTC car park, the addition of 10 new office floors would result in a structure with an overall height of 98 metres which would not provide any additional overshadowing to the Northbank promenade. Locating the core to the west where the existing car park core also resides deals with the intense western sun particularly in summer.

A greenwall treatment, envisaged as a vertical extension of the new neighbouring park between the car park and the Mission to Seafarers, would give the elevation depth and soften an otherwise sheer concrete wall.

<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/diagrams_wtc_page_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Office tower diagrams"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/diagrams_wtc_page_2.png?itok=wzQ0BcQy" title="Office tower diagrams" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Office tower diagrams</figcaption></figure>A "shadow gap" between the car park and new office levels helps reinforce the idea of a podium or base with tower on top. Providing a wrap of office and ground floor retail to Siddeley Street would go some way to helping activate the street beyond being just a thoroughfare for vehicular traffic passing through the WTC Complex.

These ideas for redevelopment are merely that, but my hope is they provoke some thought. With surrounding areas undergoing a development renaissance, Crowne Plaza will soon enough become an even worse blight on Northbank's evolving landscape. It a prospect worth avoiding.

To finish off I shall leave you with an aerial render of the two sites in context.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/wtc_cp_finish.png" rel="gallery-all" title="In-situ with Melbourne Quarter, 7-23 Spencer St and Collins Square"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wtc_cp_finish.png?itok=q51jGzCw" title="In-situ with Melbourne Quarter, 7-23 Spencer St and Collins Square" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>In-situ with Melbourne Quarter, 7-23 Spencer Street and Collins Square</figcaption></figure>
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A new Jewel in the Crowne along Northbank?

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One of the first things I was keen to do upon returning from my European holiday was provide the Apartments.com.au 3D model with some much needed attention, particularly in light of a number of recent significant approvals.

As such the following 11 projects have been added to the model or updated in the previous two weeks:

<ul>
<li>The Conservatory, 9 Mackenzie Street</li>
	<li>295-309 King Street</li>
	<li>Ritz Carlton at West Side Place &amp; Tower 2 updated</li>
	<li>The Jean Nouvel designed 383 LaTrobe Street in association with Architectus</li>
	<li>303 LaTrobe Street</li>
	<li>The late Zaha Hadid's 582-606 Collins Street with Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Melbourne Quarter updated</li>
	<li>Tower 5 at Collins Square</li>
	<li>9-27 Downie Street</li>
	<li>7-23 Spencer Street</li>
	<li>35 Spring Street</li>
</ul>
Key - Red: proposed.  Blue: approved.  Green: Under Construction.

<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/mm_west.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Soon enough you'll be able to pan around the Urban.com.au 3D model, much like Google Earth"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="268" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mm_west.png?itok=E8KnMmX4" title="Soon enough you'll be able to pan around the Urban.com.au 3D model, much like Google Earth" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Soon enough you'll be able to pan around the Apartments.com.au 3D model, much like Google Earth</figcaption></figure>Despite the additions, there still remains a significant number of projects yet to be added across the CBD, Southbank and Docklands, meaning a relatively complete model is still some time away. Ideally early 2017 would see a complete Melbourne model.

Ultimately as we continue to improve Apartments.com.au, there are a number of features we will be looking to implement, one of which would be providing an interactive model of the city (with various layers) that visitors to the site could orbit around and switch on and off proposed, approved and under construction buildings etc.

But for now you'll all have to rely on my renders and screen grabs, which I think are good for a bit of fun visual analysis of the state of play in the central city.

<h2>CBD North continues to perform as the west end slowly gathers pace</h2>

The CBD North area is currently the busiest in terms of construction and this is likely to continue with projects such as Queens Place, the Munro Site at QVM, and Swanston Central kicking off over the next 12 months or so. Meanwhile the west end of the CBD is gearing up for a host of major developments commencing with Collins Arch, Olderfleet Place, Collins House, West Side Place Towers 1 &amp; 2, and Melbourne Quarter adding a mix of apartments, hotel suites and office space; and let's not forget much needed public open space.

These projects also go some way to better connecting Docklands with the CBD both visually and physically; Spencer Street which once had a number of major bombsites will be unrecognisable in five years time.

<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/melbourne_model_02_18082016.png" rel="gallery-all" title="CBD North is experiencing the greatest change"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="270" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_model_02_18082016.png?itok=iEur3yb4" title="CBD North is experiencing the greatest change" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CBD North is experiencing the greatest change</figcaption></figure><h2>Melbourne's future buildings would make for an impressive skyline</h2>

As the elevations below illustrate the Melbourne skyline is in for significant change (in case you weren't aware). The height and density far exceeds anything that has been developed in the last 20 years, where a whole other city is essentially being built within the current CBD.

Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area also shapes as another CBD-sized development in itself.

<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/mm_existing_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Existing, future and combined."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="320" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mm_existing_elevation.png?itok=WSfEqtba" title="Existing, future and combined." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Existing, future and combined.</figcaption></figure>The diagram also illustrates that there is a strong pipeline of development approved (blue) and ready to commence in the next few years once the current and sizeable construction cycle (green) draws to a close.

Lastly, I thought I would end with a render that shows how this current development boom is unique and unlike any other in Melbourne's history.

<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/starchitects.png" rel="gallery-all" title="A who's who on the Melbourne skyline."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="227" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/starchitects.png?itok=0-TpOVRi" title="A who's who on the Melbourne skyline." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A who's who on the Melbourne skyline.</figcaption></figure>The above image features: a Beyonce-inspired curvaceous tower, Melbourne's first Ritz Carlton hotel and the tallest hotel in Australia (until One Queensbridge Street takes the crown), a Zaha Hadid designed tower, a Jean Nouvel-designed tower, a Grimshaw designed tower, a SHoP-designed tower and two mainstays of Melbourne architecture in DCM and FKA teaming up to deliver the final piece of Batmans Hill.

The view of the city from the Yarra River and Southbank will be very different in the not-too-distant future, and tinged with the designs of some of the most recognisable architects of our time.
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Melbourne CBD Model update: August 2016

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Another week and another <a href="/news/urbancomaus-3d-model-is-evolving">CBD model</a> update for those of you interested in its progress. The model is at a point now where most of the buildings within the Hoddle Grid, Southbank and Docklands have been modeled.

Attention will now turn to modeling any outstanding existing buildings and proposals in addition to updating other developments such as Melbourne Quarter now that further concrete details are emerging. Recent additions to the model include <a href="/new-apartments/63-exhibition-street-melbourne">63 Exhibition Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/premier-tower-134-160-spencer-street-melbourne">Premier Tower</a>, and <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">447 Collins Street</a>.

Buildings still to be added include the three tower development at <a href="/buildings/flinders-bank-7-23-spencer-street-melbourne">7-23 Spencer Street</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> (pending approval of OLS scheme), Tower 5 at Collins Square, <a href="/new-apartments/32-44-flinders-street-melbourne">32-44 Flinders Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/582-606-collins-street-melbourne">582-606 Collins Street</a>, to name a few.

For those unfamiliar with the colour coding:

<ul>
<li>Red: Proposed / at Planning</li>
	<li>Blue: Approved</li>
	<li>Green: Under Construction</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/melbourne_model.png" rel="gallery-all" title="CBD and Southbank with Docklands beyond."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="276" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_model.png?itok=l4pOrkLo" title="CBD and Southbank with Docklands beyond." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CBD and Southbank with Docklands beyond.</figcaption></figure>Beyond simply the built form, the next stage will focus on the topography and road network, some of which already exists. Eventually the model will naturally have to expand to incorporate the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal area, the Arden precinct and beyond to other activity centres such as South Yarra and Footscray.

At present to limit the size of the file, the model is divided into Hoddle Grid/Central City, Southbank and Docklands. I am often asked the question of why do I do this and what purpose does the model serve?

More than anything I'm interested to see what proposals look like, in context and adjacent to one another and I believe there's value in making this information available to the general public for people to form their own opinions on where Melbourne is going and how it develops into the future to cater for the projected surge in population.

<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/melbourne_model_05.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial view of Melbourne."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_model_05.png?itok=Ni7mYZ7w" title="Aerial view of Melbourne." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial view of Melbourne.</figcaption></figure>Additionally, the model provides the opportunity for testing ideas and concepts which then become the subjects of articles on Apartments.com.au. As it continues to develop the overall vision that I have for the model is to have it as an integral component of the Apartments.com.au experience.

Being able to log onto Apartments.com.au and orbit or pan around the model. Turn on layers for buildings at varying stages of their cycles or provide the ability to jump five years ahead for example.

A further possibility which Apartments.com.au is keen to investigate in future is then 3D printing the whole city and putting it on display somewhere, or allowing users to download areas and print them off for themselves.

<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/melbourne_model_04.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Still some way to go yet."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_model_04.png?itok=Rq-liIbb" title="Still some way to go yet." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Still some way to go yet.</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne CBD Model update: March 2016

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Following on from my visual essay on progress throughout Docklands I've again revisited Docklands part of the <a href="/news/urbancomaus-3d-model-is-evolving">Urban.com.au 3D model</a>, in light of all the activity and new proposals which have come through. One or two projects may require updating or are adsent, otherwise the model remains up to date across each precinct.

The model also now features the major proposals along Spencer Street such as Premier Tower and the West Side Place development on the former Age site at 250 Spencer Street, which together with the development at Docklands provide a new face to Melbourne's western CBD.

As touched on in the previous Docklands article, the majority of construction currently occurring within the precinct is concentrated at NewQuay, Victoria Habour and Batman's Hill. Yarra's Edge is also experiencing limited construction activity with the Wharf's Entrance development, consisting of Forge apartments and a series of low-rise townhouses.

<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/docklands_model_nq_wfc.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Over NewQuay and Harbour Town. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="227" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/docklands_model_nq_wfc.png?itok=rJ9OfmlX" title="Over NewQuay and Harbour Town. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Over NewQuay and Harbour Town.</figcaption></figure>In terms of progress westward toward Bolte Bridge, Yarra's Edge is the most advanced with Voyager, Mirvac's latest and tallest currently at planning, with seemingly only one more tower thereafter which will complete the precinct. NewQuay and Victoria Harbour on the other hand are both approximately halfway through their respective precincts.

It's also evident that Yarra's Edge boasts the tallest crop of apartment buildings due to its position south of the Yarra, however they are still a fraction of the height of Southbank's tallest towers. Victoria Harbour, it could be argued, has the greatest variety in building typology and height, ranging from low-rise campus to high-rise residential towers, in addition to multiple community facilities.

All sub-precincts either are in the process of building or proposing the tallest building within their scope of development, which are also a step up in height for the wider precinct.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/docklands_model_ye_vh.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Above Yarra's Edge and Victoria Harbour "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="270" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/docklands_model_ye_vh.png?itok=_VeJxSiN" title="Above Yarra's Edge and Victoria Harbour " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Above Yarra's Edge and Victoria Harbour</figcaption></figure>Of the buildings under construction, ten are purely residential, one a hotel, and three office buildings which are all located within Collins Square. With the exception of the three commercial buildings found within Melbourne Quarter, it is expected that most upcoming development within Docklands will be predominantly residential in nature.

This is largely in keeping with the Melbourne-wide trend, although Digital Harbour for example had never envisaged residential uses until recent years.

<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/cbd_docklands.png" rel="gallery-all" title="CBD and Docklands "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="242" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbd_docklands.png?itok=t2UGMOQd" title="CBD and Docklands " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CBD and Docklands</figcaption></figure>Another observation to be made is the gradual knitting of Docklands to the existing built form of the Hoddle Grid; a slow process being helped along with projects such as 664 Collins Street and Melbourne Quarter set to occupy airspace above road and rail environments, essentially bridging the divide between the two.

Lastly I leave you with a render from the Bolte Bridge, which I'll be revisiting as I transfer more of the existing CBD geometry over to the new model.

<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/bolte_bridge_shot.png" rel="gallery-all" title="View from Bolte Bridge."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="277" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bolte_bridge_shot.png?itok=uEdcQw_W" title="View from Bolte Bridge." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>View from Bolte Bridge.</figcaption></figure>
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CBD Model update: Docklands to the fore

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With 2016 now well underway and several projects gearing up for construction or gathering pace, it's an opportune time for another update on the progress of Apartments.com.au's CBD model. Previously the focus has been on the CBD North area, however with big projects such as Australia 108 in full swing and the approval of Kavanagh Park, it seemed like the next area worth looking at was Southbank.

As this is an ongoing process there are still buildings still to be added, both existing and future, but it's interesting to see what's in store for Southbank over the course of the next five or so years.

<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/southbank_aerial.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank aerial of the central cluster."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_aerial.png?itok=9dTLUtgo" title="Southbank aerial of the central cluster." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank aerial of the central cluster.</figcaption></figure>The elevation below shows (some are not visible) the projects currently under construction on Southbank.

<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/southbank_uc_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank under construction."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_uc_elevation.png?itok=m8Au0yyd" title="Southbank under construction." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank under construction.</figcaption></figure>Major towers currently under construction include:

<ul>
<li>Australia 108</li>
	<li>1-11 Balston Street</li>
	<li>Opus Tower (nearing completion)</li>
	<li>2 Riverside Quay</li>
	<li>Shadow Play</li>
	<li>Marco Apartments</li>
	<li>Platinum Tower</li>
</ul>
When the approved projects (blue) are added into the mix the change in Southbank's skyline and density is significant with Kavanagh Park alone set to add six towers and 2,610 dwellings to the area.

Other sizeable developments include 38 Freshwater Place at 274 metres, 158 City Road, Elysium (240 metres) and Central Equity's tallest approved project to date: Southbank Place at 165 metres.

<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/southbank_proposals_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green)."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_proposals_elevation.png?itok=ONcUZOXG" title="Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green)." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green).</figcaption></figure>And lastly proposed developments are included, adding further variety to the skyline silhouette; a far cry from the City of Melbourne's desire for a blanket height in Southbank of 100 metres.

<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/southbank_all_in_elevation_.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank all in."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_all_in_elevation_.png?itok=lR3i9DO_" title="Southbank all in." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank all in.</figcaption></figure>Still missing from the above images are <a href="http://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/">Wilkinson Eyre</a>'s 317 metre Crown Plaza at 1 Queensbridge Street, which will slot straight in taking centre stage in the Southbank model. This will occur once Apartments.com.au has the full details on the development.

Additionally a dual tower scheme for 87-105 City Road, designed by Fender Katasalidis Architects is also anticipated to be included soon as will the the revamped 334-344 City 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/southbank_from_fss.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank from Flinders Street Station."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_from_fss.png?itok=bak2-zBS" title="Southbank from Flinders Street Station." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank from Flinders Street Station.</figcaption></figure>
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Southbank's surge continues: another CBD model update

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It has been some time since the last update of the northern quadrant of our CBD model, better known as CBD North. With a host of new proposals and approvals adding to the precinct, it seems an opportune time to revisit the area as it stands prior to the effects of <a href="/tag/planning-scheme-amendment-c262">amendment C262</a> becoming clear.

Select each image for a larger view.

<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/cbd_north_looking_south-01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elevation of northern CBD towers looking south."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="271" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbd_north_looking_south-01.jpg?itok=NoJ_ox7m" title="Elevation of northern CBD towers looking south." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elevation of northern CBD towers looking south.</figcaption></figure>At time of writing, the highlighted area as modeled carries 18 towers ranging in height from 57 to 267 metres at various lifecycle stages. The area has been limited to an island bound by La Trobe Street, Swanston Street, Victoria Street and William Street.

Significant towers outside of this include <a href="/buildings/eporo-tower-279-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Eporo</a>, <a href="/buildings/la-trobe-tower-323-la-trobe-street-melbourne">La Trobe Tower</a> and <a href="/buildings/swanston-central-168-victoria-street-carlton">Swanston Central</a>, while the fate of 293-303 La Trobe Street remains unclear.

Some noteworthy facts and figures around the development happening within CBD North:

<ul>
<li>Currently there are six towers under construction with Empire at 398 Elizabeth Street the 'smallest' of these at 62-storeys and 198 metres.</li>
	<li>The tallest is Aurora Melbourne Central at 88-storeys and 267 metres with the current car park on site being demolished.</li>
	<li>Vision at 500 Elizabeth Street is currently the most advanced in terms of its construction, with the tower likely to top out before Christmas. It will be the first 200 metre tower completed in the north of the CBD since the 211 metre Melbourne Central Tower in 1991.</li>
	<li>Eq Tower has recently cleared its podium with work beginning on the tower proper and its bottle-like form.</li>
	<li>Seven towers are approved with either sales and registration or construction phases imminent.</li>
	<li>212-222 La Trobe Street has approval in place, but has a planning amendment under consideration with a change of use to student accommodation and facade articulation.</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/cbd_north_axo_1-01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Axonometric of CBD North's skyscraper developments."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbd_north_axo_1-01.jpg?itok=NUL-MvG7" title="Axonometric of CBD North's skyscraper developments." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Axonometric of CBD North's skyscraper developments.</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Five towers are currently at planning with the dual tower Queens Place development already being marketed overseas, after <a href="/news/the-future-melbourne-planning-committee-makes-some-decisive-calls">gaining support from the City of Melbourne</a>.</li>
	<li>111-125 A'Beckett Street is the most recent of these applications to appear on Apartments.com.au, and stands at 210 metres.</li>
	<li>Two yet to be covered (but due to appear on Apartments.com.au in coming weeks) are 478-488 Elizabeth Street and 189 A'Beckett Street at 210 and 203 metres respectively. Both projects were lodged in June before planning scheme <a href="/tag/planning-scheme-amendment-c262">amendment C262</a> was implemented.</li>
	<li>Of the 18 towers, ten are over 200 metres in height with all bar over 100 metres.</li>
	<li>There are three developments of dual towers: 212-222 La Trobe Street for Scape, Queens Place and 386-412 William Street.</li>
	<li>Remarkably, nine of the towers were designed by Elenberg Fraser and includes Lighthouse, Victoria One and 478 Elizabeth Street.</li>
	<li>Of the remainder, two were designed by Cox / Fender Katsalidis, one by Hayball, three by DCM for Scape, one by McGauran Giannini Soon, one by Buchan and one by Peddle Thorp.</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/cbd_north_axo_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Axonometric of CBD North's skyscraper developments."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbd_north_axo_4.jpg?itok=wzLqzqfX" title="Axonometric of CBD North's skyscraper developments." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Axonometric of CBD North's skyscraper developments.</figcaption></figure><a href="https://urban.melbourne/design/2015/10/23/development-scenarios-munro-site-and-queen-victoria-market">An article next week</a> will look at high-rise development scenarios for the Munro site and the future development site at the Queen Victoria Market, essentially completing the work in progress below. Media reports suggest the building opposite Queen Victoria Market will accommodate a residential tower of approximately 200 metres in height.

<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/cbd_north_perspective.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective from the Queen Victoria Market."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="303" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cbd_north_perspective.jpg?itok=IpzvU-wd" title="Aerial perspective from the Queen Victoria Market." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective from the Queen Victoria Market.</figcaption></figure>
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