The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

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

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Abbotsford

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The long-running bid to redevelop Abbotsford's historic St Crispin House has found a resolution, with Pace Development Group granted the right to deliver 133 apartments over 12 levels.

In conjunction with SJB Architects, Pace Development Group have refined the design for the development to a point where it was considered an acceptable outcome. Well before Pace assumed control of the site during 2015, St Crispin House was subject to development overtones, with an earlier application seeking a 17 storey high-rise outcome.

The newly approved envelope will see a mid-rise apartment building rising from behind the Art Deco-styled facade which will be restored. The site's history dates back to the early 1920's when it was utilised as a boot making factory.

<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/image45_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pace of Abbotsford. Image: PACE Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="673" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_6.jpg?itok=dWf-cdSp" title="Pace of Abbotsford. Image: PACE Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace of Abbotsford. Image: Pace Development Group</figcaption></figure>Pace of Abbotsford, as it will be known, is expected to begin construction later this year; sales of the one, two and three bedroom apartments are expected to begin during October, with construction earmarked for November. Completion is expected during mid-2019.

Within the associated media release, Pace's Planning and Design Manager Michael Holah made note of Johnston's Street gradual transformation, as an increased number of higher density projects take their place within Abbotsford.

Apartments.com.au's Project Database shows Pace of Abbotsford is joined by five additional projects along the Abbotsford stretch of Johnston Street which have yet to become reality. Combined there is scope to add approximately 250 apartments and 40 serviced apartments to the area which has traditionally been low-rise.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_6973.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pace of Collingwood under construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="414" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6973.jpg?itok=8Gr5rcGk" title="Pace of Collingwood under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pace of Collingwood under construction</figcaption></figure>Pace of Abbotsford is also another notch in the developer's push into City of Yarra; three of Pace's seven current projects within the municipality.

Nearly, Pace of Collingwood has commenced construction proper, with Pace's in-house construction team set to oversee proceedings. 79 apartments are to be delivered within the predominantly brick snap finished building, which accounts for a 1139sqm corner site on Welington Street and Langridge Street.

Diagonally opposite, Pace is also pursuing a development albeit with a commercial outcome. Last week Apartments.com.au highlighted the <a href="/news/spowers-adds-to-the-collingwood-development-blitz">slim-form, Spowers-designed commercial building</a> which if approved will mark Pace Development Group's first foray into purely commercial development.
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silvermb

Pace of Abbotsford gains approval and eyes a 2017 construction start

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A daring design has emerged for one of Johnston Street's premier corners.

Developer Pirovich is proposing a unique 9 level building on Johnston and Nicholson Streets, complete with hanging greenery and a distinctive central staircase that may well define the design. Fieldwork have created 329 Johnston Street, which also holds secondary frontages to 236 Nicholson Street and 37 Hunter Street.

The cross laminated timer (CLT) proposal would follow in the steps of the pioneering 10-storey Forte residential building and Docklands Library, both of which utilised the CLT method and are located within Victoria Harbour.

<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/image10_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nicholson Street perspective. Image: Fieldwork Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="296" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_10.jpg?itok=NxrSos64" title="Nicholson Street perspective. Image: Fieldwork Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nicholson Street perspective. Image: Fieldwork Projects</figcaption></figure>Wall, floor and roof segments are fabricated offsite, with the building method's <a href="http://www.crosslamtimber.com.au/">official website</a> showing CLT can:

<ul>
<li>Provide a carbon-neutral construction method</li>
	<li>Allow for more economic foundations and shorter construction time frames</li>
	<li>Allow for immediate access and easy procedures for follow-on trades</li>
</ul>
For their part, Pirovich describes 329 Johnston Street in the following fashion:

<blockquote>
At 329 Johnston Street Abbotsford we are proposing a beautiful and sustainable new building - retail, offices, medical suites and a hotel. The building structure will be cross laminated timber, wrapped in a stunning expanded mesh.

The building fabric is seeking to achieve <a href="http://www.passivehouse.com.au/">Passive Haus</a>, giving future occupiers of the building a happier and healthier place to work, rest and play.

As part of the new development we are setting the building back at ground level and ceding over 200sqm of the site to the public realm.
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image12_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Project perspectives. Image: Fieldwork Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_6.jpg?itok=ooh5vn76" title="Project perspectives. Image: Fieldwork Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Project perspectives. Image: Fieldwork Projects</figcaption></figure>The particulars of the prospective development sees a retail mix including café's, a convenience store and shops across the ground floor, with medical suites and offices accounting for levels one and two.

Subsequent floors carry 41 serviced apartments, split between 8 x 1 bedroom, 26 x 2 bedroom and 7 x 3 bedroom options. At its tallest point 329 Johnston Street would be 30.1m above ground, which would see the project as one of Johnston Street's tallest, with the yellow open stairwell facing Johnston Street running the height of the building.

Three levels of basement parking include provisions for 157 car parking spaces, whilst 70 bicycle spaces are at ground level. With an estimated cost of development at $20 million, Pirovich's ground breaking Abbotsford project is currently at <a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/list-planning-applications/view-application/?ApplicationID=3715">advertising</a>.
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Pirovich's daring Abbotsford CLT/Passive House building unveiled

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Maritime engineering group OMC International has leased a 996sqm office in Melbourne's Abbotsford in a decade-long deal.
The building has had a full refurbishment and includes a large outdoor deck looking out to Dights Falls on the Yarra River and a solar farm with 320 solar panels.
The office was leased at $355 per square metre per annum net plus GST on behalf of the Australian Education Union (AEU) through Fitzroys agents Stephen Land, Peter Weatherby and Martin Huang.
Land said the AEU owner occupies the majority of the building and had identified the space as surplus to its accommodation needs.
“OMC have a long association with Abbotsford and wanted to remain in the immediate area," he said.
"They were drawn to the premises due to the high quality of the space and services the building offered, the ample on-site car parking."
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

OMC International docks at riverfront space

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A boutique site in Melbourne’s Abbotsford suburb with approval for 41 apartments is on sale.
The corner site  at 112-120 Vere Street spans nearly 1,187 sqm. It is zoned Neighbourhood Residential - Schedule 1.
The city fringe location offers CBD and park land views and is close to Collingwood train station.
The property is being sold through expressions of interest which closed last month.
The listing agents are Walter Occhiuto of Dawkins Occhiuto and and Luke Schickerling of Jellis Craig.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Corner Abbotsford site with apartment approval near Melbourne CBD up for sale

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 A Commercial 2 zoned property on the corner of Yarra Street, Abbotsford on the Melbourne fringes has sold for $1.3 million to a builder-developer.
The property, 178-180 Hoddle Street Abbotsford, has frontages of 10 metres to Hoddle Street and 26 metres on the side to Yarra Street to give a site area of 267 sqm.
Gray Johnson director and auctioneer Matt Hoath says that the property was put on the market at $850,000 which was in line with pre-auction expectations but the bidding escalated with a total of 90 bids recorded.
"178-180 Hoddle Street was offered for sale on behalf of a long term owner with vacant possession and presented a rare opportunity to acquire a City-fringe property that is ready for redevelopment," he said.
“I believe we witnessed Abbotsford site values catching up with those of adjoining suburbs like Richmond and Cremorne,"
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

City fringe auction result in Abbotsford for unloved property

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Freshly lodged with City of Yarra, Abbotsford's 247-249 Johnston Street is back in the spotlight with Pace Development Group endeavouring to gain approval for a 14 level residential building.

Although shorter than a failed proposal by the previous developer Abbotsford JV Pty Ltd to gain approval for a residential building onsite, the current 247-249 Johnston Street if approved would still stand as one of the suburbs tallest buildings. Pace Development Group secured the development site during early 2015 and had initially <a href="/news/a-test-of-wills-looms-over-a-prime-abbotsford-development-site">gone to Council requesting a 19 level residential tower</a>.

With the current application lodged four weeks ago, Yarra City Council will not decide upon the merits of the application until at least the end of March.

<h2>247-249 Johnston 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/image77_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the new streetscape. Image by SJB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image77_0.jpg?itok=Afcft6h9" title="Artist's impression of the new streetscape. Image by SJB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the new streetscape. Image by SJB Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application submitted February 2016</li>
	<li>Onsite commercial buildings include St Crispin House, over a site area of 2,300sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 14 level buildings @ 48.84 metres</li>
	<li>167 apartments: 68 x 1BR, 7 x 1BR+S, 85 x 2BR, 2 x 2BR+S, 5 x 3BR</li>
	<li>3 level basement incorporating 214 parking spaces, 205 bicycles and 193 storage spaces</li>
	<li>2 ground floor retails spaces of 153.7sqm and 450sqm</li>
	<li>Communal amenities include pool, BBQ area, deck, lounge/dining space and landscaped area</li>
	<li>Nominal project cost: $45 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Height and heritage</h2>

A previous proposal for 247-249 Johnston Street landed at VCAT during 2012, and although unsuccessful the current development team have taken queues from that case in order to aid their planning application.

Rejected for differing reasons at 17 levels, the current proposal calls for 14 levels where council have nominated 8-10 levels as their preferred outcome under the <a href="http://file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/JOHNSTON_STREET_LAP_ADOPTED_2015.pdf">Johnston Street Local Area Plan</a> which was adopted during December 2015. Urbis have noted within the current town planning report that "these are heights and street setbacks as guidelines only, with the primary goal being to achieve the design objectives."

In addition VCAT at the time found that “there would be no unreasonable amenity impacts resulting from a tall building (whether it be 11, 14-16 or 17 storeys)” at 247-249 Johnston Street, perhaps indicating that a building of 14 levels for height purposes alone would be acceptable.

<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/image79_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected Stafford Street interface. Image by SJB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="305" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image79_1.jpg?itok=aZG3uaIG" title="Expected Stafford Street interface. Image by SJB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Expected Stafford Street interface. Image by SJB Architects</figcaption></figure>The existing St. Crispin House facade and other heritage elements within the 1923-built building are to be partly retained and incorporated under the new design with between 2.5 to 5.5 metres setbacks in place behind the retained facade.

Designated as having local historical and aesthetic/architectural significance, St. Crispin House falls under Heritage Overlay (HO410) and as such requires that prior to any demolition being green lighted the proposal needs to “demonstrated that the removal of part of the building or works does not negatively affect the significance of the place.”

To the rear of the site and Stafford Street will host a stand-alone five level residential building on what is now a warehouse in a separate structure to the mid-rise building.

<h2>Northern exposure</h2>

247-249 Johnston Street represents a strengthening of Pace Development Group's activities north of the Yarra after reeling off a string of residential projects in bayside Melbourne. Mentone, Windsor and St Kilda have accounted for nine individual projects in recent years with Evo at 107-115 Manningham Street, Parkville their sole project north of Melbourne's CBD.

The Abbotsford proposal joins existing Collingwood and Brunswick projects with the three producing roughly 360 dwellings for the developer.

<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/image80_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fieldwork Projects have created 808 Sydney Road. Image by 4D Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image80_0.jpg?itok=xCHB0eL7" title="Fieldwork Projects have created 808 Sydney Road. Image by 4D Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>808 Sydney Road. Image by 4D Studio</figcaption></figure>With Pace Development Group's website suggesting 247-249 Johnston Street is expected to launch in the second half of 2016, it joins 808 Sydney Road with that project accounting for 1/3 of available apartments since its launch during February. This follows a successful campaign by CBRE City Sales which saw the 2,023sqm development site sold during 2015.

Pace Development Group have slated demolition for June with excavation/construction to commence on 808 Sydney Road directly thereafter.
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Pace Development Group ups the ante on Johnston Street

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Singer songwriter Melissa Higgins has listed her warehouse conversion in Melbourne's Abbotsford.
The red-brick residence has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a study and an outdoor entertaining terrace.
Architecturally designed, the converted warehouse has maintained original features such as high herringbone ceilings and exposed Oregon pillars.
Higgins bought the property for $1.825 million in 2012. More than $2.1 million is expected.
<a href="https://kayburton.com.au/properties/view/353449-21a-mollison-street-abbotsford-3067-sale" target="_blank">Expressions of interest</a> close through Kay &amp; Burton listing agent Sarah Case on February 29.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Melissa 'Missy' Higgins has listed her warehouse conversion

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Historic St Crispin House is back before City of Yarra planners with a development of 19 levels in the offing. A contentious planning application for the site at 247-259 Johnston Street Abbotsford was rejected by VCAT during 2012, much to the delight of Council at the time.

Initially submitted during January 2011 on behalf of Abbotsford JV Pty Ltd, the 17 level ROTHELOWMAN-designed scheme came in for heavy criticism for being out of scale with the surrounding neighbourhood. At 2,171sqm, the site was sold during early 2015 with the current larger application lodged mid year.

With a nominal project value of $45 million, the application calls for a 19 storey residential tower above three basement levels. City of Yarra have sought further information on the application prior to plans being made public.

<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/main_1_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lemon Baxter and CBRE successfully sold the development site "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/main_1_1.jpg?itok=vUsJL1MW" title="Lemon Baxter and CBRE successfully sold the development site " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lemon Baxter and CBRE successfully sold the development site</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The VCAT decision is a major win for Council and the community against overdevelopment. Council put forward a strong case at VCAT, employing a barrister to argue its position that the development’s scale, height and density was inappropriate. Council had received 87 objections, and a petition with 19 signatures, opposing the development.
<cite><a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Planning--Building/Major-developments/247-259-Johnston-Street-Abbotsford-17-storey-redevelopment/">Yarra Council: 247-259 Johnston Street, Abbotsford</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Yarra Mayor Cr Geoff Barbour said VCAT’s decision was a great relief, given the proposal was out of kilter with the existing neighbourhood and would have set a precedent for very intensive development.

“This development would have changed the character of this neighbourhood, and there would have been no going back.”

He said Council would assess any new application for the site on its merits, but the developer should heed the verdict that an intense development would not be supported.
<cite><a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/News/media-releases-2012/community-victory-against-17-storey-development-in-abbotsford/">Yarra Council media release: “Community victory against 17-storey development in Abbotsford” (2012)</a></cite>
</blockquote>

The above was taken from a City of Yarra 2012 media release upon VCAT ruling against the initial 17 storey tower which was to have held 204 apartments and 118 car parking spaces. The new application looks set to once again test the resolve of both Council and developer, although this time around 247-259 Johnston Street is not the only apartment development of note in the immediate area.

<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/image102_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The rejected scheme for 247-259 Johnston Street Abbotsford. Image courtesy 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/image102_0.jpg?itok=lNo4E5oM" title="The rejected scheme for 247-259 Johnston Street Abbotsford. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The rejected scheme for 247-259 Johnston Street Abbotsford. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Lodged during the same week, H Development Pty Ltd is also seeking approval for a 10 level apartment building nearby at <a href="/buildings/the-argyle-on-johnston-316-322-johnston-street-abbotsford">316-322 Johnston Street</a> which would see 52 apartments realised. <a href="/new-apartments/288-298-johnston-street-abbotsford">288-298 Johnston Street</a> which is diagonally opposite 247-259 Johnston Street also holds approval for 44 apartments over an eight level building which was conceived by Cox Architecture.

Lead image courtesy Victorian Heritage Database
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A test of wills looms over a prime Abbotsford development site

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Art meets architecture: it's a well worn line but also highly appropriate for one of Melbourne's most recent additions. The 2 Girls Building in Lithgow Street, Abbotsford is more a case of art becoming architecture with its distinctive facade merely the start of the building's story.

Billy Kavellaris of architecture firm Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD) was on hand to show Apartments.com.au through the newly completed apartment complex, which may just be headed for iconic status among Melbourne's other renowned built form.

The advent of the building's exterior is a story in itself, with developer Domain Hill approaching KUD to incorporate a small element of artist Samantha Everton's “Masquerade” photograph <a href="/news/2-girls-abbotsford-gains-its-facade">within the design of the building</a>. The two young girls featured in the artist's work happen to be the children of the developer. Little did the team at Domain Hill realise Billy Kavellaris had grander intentions, essentially morphing the image onto the buildings facade via the liberal use of DigiGlass and concrete panels set in purpose-build rubber mouldings.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1793.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2 Girls' entry passage adorned with art"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1793.jpg?itok=e0lrOMZl" title="2 Girls' entry passage adorned with art" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2 Girls' entry passage adorned with art</figcaption></figure>As explained by Billy Kavellaris, architecture becomes photography, photography becomes architecture and the building becomes a hybrid urban built form completely unique to its surrounds. The theme continues internally with every common area featuring artwork of some description.

KUD and Samantha Everton worked closely to ensure a collaborative approach in the placement of varied art forms throughout the project's four levels, with photography the dominant medium. Corridors are exceptionally wide with minimalist white finishes; coupled with track lighting the spaces are full of purpose rather than simply being a transit space from A to B.

While the artworks were mounted upon the building's completion, they now fall under the control of the body corporate.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1815_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artwork adorns all walls within the buildings common passages."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1815_0.jpg?itok=Qp5exKBQ" title="Artwork adorns all walls within the buildings common passages." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artwork to the fore.</figcaption></figure>As touched upon, there's a certain rawness to the finishes within the 2 Girls Building's circulation areas. The pared back palette generally consists of recycled timber, polished concrete, simple white finishes, glass and steel.

This theme continues within the living spaces with apartments spread over level 1 while levels 2 and 3 are dedicated toward loft style dwellings. A stair within each loft leads to individual expansive rooftop living spaces. Larger on average than most apartments in the market, their size and composition is a reflection upon the niche sought for the project; owner-occupiers with a keen sense of place and quality.

Billy Kavellaris explains that given every effort was exerted to bring as much character and livability to the building, there was an associated premium placed on apartment pricing. Any apprehensions were dispelled with the uptake of apartments rapid and a reflection of the unique product the development team had brought to market.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1810_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Inside a split level dwelling"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1810_0.jpg?itok=OP-j9Snd" title="Inside a split level dwelling" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Inside a split level loft</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

I recall building a case for why Brunswick's <a href="http://www.smallgiants.com.au/a-new-eco-village-is-born-the-commons-is-complete/">The Commons</a> was the most impressive apartment project completed in recent times. 2 Girls Building sits comfortably alongside The Commons, both stellar examples of how to create impressive low-rise apartment developments that interact with their surrounds.

While The Commons arguable has more tricks internally, 2 Girls Building's exterior is sheer magnificence, a real stand out from the pack. I can only hope that at some point it's added to the <a href="/tag/open-house-melbourne">Open House Melbourne</a> roster.

Quizzing Billy Kavellaris as to what's next on KUD's radar, the former Kinnears factory in Footscray is set to host multiple residential towers in a large-scale project for the practice, while another project of State significance is also due to be revealed later in the year. Watch this space!

For further images of 2 Girls Building, see <a href="http://kud.com.au/2-girls-building/">KUD's website</a> featuring photography taken by Peter Clarke, to which the lead image of this article is attributed to.
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In focus: 2 Girls building, Abbotsford

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Apartments.com.au relishes the prospect of highlighting projects which depart form the sometimes monotonous nature of contemporary apartment design. 2 Girls Buildings in Abbotsford is such a building.

Located at 11-19 Lithgow Street, Abbotsford opposite Abbotsford Primary School, <a href="http://www.2girlsbuilding.com.au/">2 Girls Building</a> represents the joint efforts of developer Domain Hill Property Group, architects Kavellaris Urban Design and local artist Samantha Everton.

The end result is a dynamic apartment building that melds external and internal spaces to create a sizeable piece of art.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1687.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yet to be completed"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1687.jpg?itok=0Ge_kHgL" title="Yet to be completed" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Works still continue on the intricate facade</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
A fusion of high-art photography and architecture, the impressive project sets to redefine and innovate inner city contemporary living. The majority of the Masquerade image will be transparently infused within the glass, a highly reflective medium that fluidly converses with and reflects its surroundings. The rest will sinuously merge into the building being embossed within the concrete.

There is something otherworldly about this project, as the image seamlessly embeds within the façade of the building and then transcends itself, extending out into three-dimension to light up its surroundings.
<cite>artistprofile.com.au</cite>
</blockquote>

Clearly the building's main feature is the DigiGlass facade which depicts Melbourne-based photographer Samantha Everton's Masquerade artwork. Coupled with patterned precast panels and a protruding lamp which doubles as a street light upon completion, 2 Girls Buildings distinguishes itself in terms of design.

According to the project website the artwork continues internally with the entry foyer and corridors lined with numerous artworks, acting as a gallery space of sorts. The project is limited to 15 apartments, each of which has also been adorned with artwork and unique fittings.

But until completion, the external facade fronting Lithgow Street is the champion element of the project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1688.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No ordinary apartment facade"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1688.jpg?itok=EAn9Vf5H" title="No ordinary apartment facade" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No ordinary apartment facade</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

Last year Apartments.com.au nominated The Commons in Brunswick as the best all-round apartment development of 2013, which went on to recently scoop the Premiers Design Award for <a href="http://www.premiersdesignawards.org.au/2014/10/02/2014-premiers-design-award-winner-goes-to-innovative-and-sustainable-apartment-block-the-commons/">Innovative and Sustainable Apartment Design</a>. It won't be too far a stretch to suggest that 2 Girls Buildings will be front and center in the next round of Premiers Design Awards, and any other award for that matter.

Very few buildings have the ability to intrigue and stop pedestrians in their tracks; based on observations 2 Girls Building is certainly capable of doing so. Kudos to the development team headed by Domain Hill Property Group which chose an outcome less common (and more expensive to deliver).

I already consider 2 Girls Building to be in the top bracket of what Melbourne has to offer architecturally. More please!
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