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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

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

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Apartments

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The already healthy number of residential towers milling around South Melbourne's Domain Precinct can add another to their ranks.

9-11 Palmerston Crescent is the latest development looking for approval with City of Port Phillip, and represents a step up in scale for developer Frater Group. Accustomed to smaller projects to date such as <a href="/buildings/charlotte-241-dryburgh-street-north-melbourne">233-239 Dryburgh Street</a>, Frater Group's push to realise a high-rise tower comes in the form of a Rothelowman-designed 19-storey building.

Agent Allard Shelton offered the modest 476 square metre site for sale mid last year; for the time being, the land accommodates a modest 711 square metre dual level office building onsite.

<h2>9-11 Palmerston Crescent 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/image38_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective - site context. Image: "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_9.jpg?itok=A1v9CneQ" title="Aerial perspective - site context. Image: " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective - site context. Image: Allard Shelton</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 476 square metres with 11.58 metre frontage</li>
	<li>Proposed: 19 level tower at 64 metres in height</li>
	<li>54 apartments: 17 x 1BR, 32 x 2BR, 4 x 3BR, 1 x 4BR</li>
	<li>Each apartment to have a balcony</li>
	<li>2 stacker basement levels: 43 vehicles &amp; 19 bicycles</li>
	<li>52.8 square metre cafe space</li>
	<li>47.7 square metre office space on level 1</li>
	<li>2 roof level communal spaces: 238 square metres in total</li>
</ul>
<h2>Designing for space</h2>

RotheLowman's design for the dimensionally tight site was impacted by the human body in sculpture. Michelangelo's Slaves and Standing Female Nude by Pablo Picasso were referenced as informing the shape of the narrow tower component, resulting in a creased feature facade to Palmerston Crescent.

Practically though Rothelowman's task was to deliver a tower that has a clearance of 3 metres to the east in the form of a narrow laneway and approval in place for a similar sized tower on the adjoining site to the west. 

The result is a roughly 9 metre space between the tower forms of 9-11 Palmerston Crescent and the adjoining Elenberg Fraser-designed approved tower at 13-21 Palmerston Crescent. Opaque glazing will also assist in protecting privacy across 9-11 Palmerston Crescent where required.

<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/image37_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Intended development with approved adjacent building. Planning image:Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="757" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37_8.jpg?itok=O4LSrIH1" title="Intended development with approved adjacent building. Planning image:Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Intended development with approved adjacent building. Planning image:Rothelowman</figcaption></figure><h2>South Melbourne towers in waiting</h2>

With the addition of Frater Group's latest, we're tracking as many as 12 current residential projects beyond 15 levels in height in and around South Melbourne's Domain Precinct.

The majority of projects are approved, with projects such as 9-13 Park Street and <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">5-7 Park Street</a> noted as at appeal. One project recently progressed through the approvals process with VCAT recently ruling in favour of developer Holder East's <a href="/buildings/oasis-residences-1-13-cobden-street-south-melbourne">Cobden Street</a> proposal.

This now means the developer has the right to deliver as many as 231 apartments within the Hayball-designed project; an image of the tower when initially submitted is seen below. The 2,001 square metre island site is approved to include retail spaces and amenities such as a pool, gym, library and cinema.

<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/image118_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Holder East have the green light for Cobden Street. Image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="641" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image118_1.jpg?itok=FnrnMMvf" title="Holder East have the green light for Cobden Street. Image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Holder East have the green light for Cobden Street. Image: Hayball</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Frater Group enters the high-rise game in South Melbourne

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A new high-density precinct fronting Fitzroy North's Queens Parade is taking shape.

Developer Gurner is mid way through the planing process for a new mixed-use building at 81-89 Queens Parade. It along with Gurner's 26-56 Queens Parade and Development Victoria's pending renewal of the adjoining Gasworks site makes for three large-scale developments in close proximity to one another.

81-89 Queens Parade is the latest development to break cover, accounting for a 3,201 square metre triangular site that also fronts George Street.

Expected within the Cox Architecture designed scheme is a 1,732 square metre supermarket at ground level, 4,074 square metres of commercial office space and 110 serviced apartments. If Gurner chooses to operate the serviced apartment component directly, it would represent the developer's first foray into the field.

<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_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vivid interplay on Swanston &amp; Grattan. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_21.jpg?itok=8eNYxlEa" title="Queens Parade perspective. Planning image: Cox Architecture" width="580"></a></figure>Laden with greenery and featuring terrace-sized balconies, 81-89 Queens Parade would account for a single storey brick building onsite that is now used for warehouse and commercial purposes. The intended development effectively covers the entirety of the site and sits above two basement levels for 153 vehicles and 72 bicycles.

81-89 Queens Parade's cost of development is estimated to be just shy of $30 million.

Also the work of Cox Architecture, Gurner's 26-56 Queens Parade has maintained a high public profile since's its initial planning submission. Originally a Koichi Takada Architects design, the twin 16-storey buildings proposed were heavily altered after Planning Minister Richard Wynne imposed a 10 storey height limit across the site.

Still at planning, the redesigned project is aiming for 281 apartments and 14 townhouses, although this figure will be dwarfed by the numbers touted for Fitzroy North's Gasworks site at 111 Queens Parade.

<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_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vivid interplay on Swanston &amp; Grattan. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_17_0.jpg?itok=8eNYxlEa" title="Queens Parade perspective. Planning image: Cox Architecture" width="580"></a></figure>Located directly opposite 81-89 Queens Parade, the former Gasworks site which also fronts Smith Street is being positioned by Development Victoria as "a mixed-use village comprising a variety of housing types, community facilities and open space".

Indicative massing for the site suggests six separate buildings are in the offing, ranging up to 14 storeys, with one slated as a vertical sporting and education facility.

The former Gasworks is considered ideal for development as opposed to purely open space due to the significant cost of remediating the site. Currently planning necessities such as formal rezoning is taking place, with site remediation and a period of community engagement expected later this year.

Development Victoria's <a href="https://developmentvictoria.engagementhub.com.au/fitzroy-gasworks">timeline for the project</a> has construction commencing at the back end of 2020, raising the prospect that thousands of new dwellings may be at construction simultaneously across the three major sites that form Fitzroy North's newest development 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/image45_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vivid interplay on Swanston &amp; Grattan. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image31_7.jpg?itok=8eNYxlEa" title="Massing and use. Image: Development Victoria" width="580"></a></figure>
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Gurner adds weight to Fitzroy North's emerging high-density precinct

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The core of Sydney's Auburn is in for further urban consolidation with LFD Developments and KWC Capital Partners pushing to add 500 plus new apartments to the northern side of Auburn railway station.

Plans for the $123.3 million build were lodged with Cumberland City council during February, and are now on display.

LFD Developments is intending to raze the now redundant Auburn RSL club buildings and car parks on either side of Northumberland Road at the intersection of Hall Street, in order to facilitate the delivery of five apartments buildings. Sydney CBD-based Arc Architects are charged with the project's design.

<h2>26-36 Northumberland Road 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/image31_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Northumberland Street perspective. Planning image: Arc Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image31_6.jpg?itok=Gydu0FzQ" title="Northumberland Street perspective. Planning image: Arc Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Northumberland Street perspective. Planning image: Arc Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 11,848 square metres</li>
	<li>Proposed: 5 buildings up to 12 levels or 38 metres</li>
	<li>530 apartments: 165 x 1BR, 337 x 2BR, 28 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 42,782 square metres</li>
	<li>Allowable FSR: 3.6</li>
	<li>14 retail tenancies at ground level</li>
	<li>611 vehicle bays over 3 basement levels</li>
</ul>
Extensive landscaping surrounding the buildings and a refreshed Northumberland Road urban realm are pencilled in as part of the development.

<blockquote>
The proposed development reinforces the street alignment along Northumberland Road permitting the development of a landscaped boulevard, with planting on both sides of the street leading directly to the Auburn Train Station and the existing town centre.

Large scale planting is also proposed along the 9m wide setbacks to the eastern and western boundaries, providing both deep soil planting and a landscaped buffer to the adjoining sites. Provision is made for substantial landscaping in the carpark entry area to soften the hard-edged built forms and to provide a visual focus for residents.
<cite>Arc Architects: Design Quality Principles Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image32_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="14 retail tenancies dot the ground level. Planning image: Arc Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_13.jpg?itok=G9I7X9E5" title="14 retail tenancies dot the ground level. Planning image: Arc Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>14 retail tenancies dot the ground level. Planning image: Arc Architects</figcaption></figure>We're keeping tabs on 17 separate apartment projects around Auburn town centre, with 26-36 Northumberland Road comfortably the largest development in Auburn's pipeline.

Its 530 apartments are more than double that of <a href="/new-apartments/41-auburn-road-auburn">41 Auburn Road</a> which is the intended redevelopment of Auburn Shopping Village to include 245 apartments. Thereafter <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/cumberland/13-19-mary-street-auburn">13-19 Mary Street</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/auburn-nsw-2144">18-22 Mary Street</a> shape as the next largest apartment developments in waiting.

For LFD Developments, the Northumberland Road project is a step up in terms of scale relative to its other current project. Cascade Gardens in Pymble is a SHED and DKO Architecture-designed collection of three low-rise apartment buildings.

Cascade Gardens includes near on 100 apartments.

<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/image35_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cascade Gardens. Image: LFD Developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_11.jpg?itok=i6dFYxBo" title="Cascade Gardens. Image: LFD Developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cascade Gardens. Image: LFD Developments</figcaption></figure>
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LFD Developments plans an Auburn apartment enclave

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A public thoroughfare is the stand out feature of a newly advertised planning application for 200-216 Sydney Road, Coburg.

Hayball-designed plans for the site are intended to supersede an already approved scheme which along with the land holding were offered for sale by Colliers during 2016. Colliers pitched the site as a versatile project capable of creating a new urban precinct on one of Melbourne’s major shopping strips.

Reportedly sold for in excess of $13 million, developer Ruiyi Australia took on the site and is backing the new planning set which seeks a greater apartment yield across the 7,500 square metre site.

<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_24.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial and revised design for 200-216 Sydney Road. Images: Colliers &amp; Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="575" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_24.jpg?itok=iGiKvYCV" title="Initial and revised design for 200-216 Sydney Road. Images: Colliers &amp; Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Initial and revised design for 200-216 Sydney Road. Images: Colliers &amp; Hayball</figcaption></figure>Ruiyi Australia's sole Melbourne project of note to date is South by Rothe Lowman, which is currently one of the few apartment projects at sales within Fishermans Bend. Whilst it contains 49 apartments, 200-216 Sydney Road is slated to include 170 dwellings.

This is a marked increase of 41 over the approved site plans which saw 124 apartments in place, plus 5 townhouses, a ground floor supermarket, 3 retail shops and office space across the first floor.

The Hayball revision which is currently before Moreland City Council carries a $46 million delivery cost is similar in certain aspects to the endorsed design, albeit larger in scale.

Hayball's new plans call for 158 apartments, 12 townhouses, a business incubator and commercial tenancies across 8 levels; three more levels than the approved scheme. The major building to Sydney Road includes 8 townhouses, 11 terrace dwellings and 139 apartments consisting of 21 single, 110 double and 8 triple bedroom options.

The balance of dwellings are townhouses which front Cash Street on the site's eastern boundary.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image9_21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level treatment. Planning image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_21.jpg?itok=HO6izxf-" title="Ground level treatment. Planning image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level treatment. Planning image: Hayball</figcaption></figure>To compensate for the increased number of dwellings, a host of new amenities have been included.

A landscaped public laneway spans the distance between Sydney Road and Cash Street, and would be lined by a business incubator, commercial tenancies and retail spaces. A private residents garden runs off the pedestrian link, accounting for just under 800 square metres of the site's footprint.

Another resident communal space at ground floor and rooftop facilities rounds out Hayball's H-shaped building, which sits above 268 car parking spaces across two basement levels.

Moreland City Council received the new planning application during December 2017.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image8_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Townhouse component of the intended development. Planning image: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_16.jpg?itok=fiPQF1K8" title="Townhouse component of the intended development. Planning image: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Townhouse component of the intended development. Planning image: Hayball</figcaption></figure>
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Hayball rework plans for a major Sydney Road apartment development

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Urban Taskforce Australia has reacted swiftly to the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute's (AHURI) latest report on increasing affordable housing supply.

AHURI's report examines how planning mechanisms support affordable housing supply in both Australia and overseas locations. Headline points covered in the report which was released yesterday include:

<ul>
<li>'Inclusionary planning' tools leverage significant quantities of affordable housing supply in many parts of the UK and US.</li>
	<li>12,866 affordable housing units (43% of total affordable housing output) were delivered through inclusionary planning requirements in England between 2015–16. About 12 per cent of annual housing completions in San Francisco are affordable dwellings produced through inclusionary zoning or impact fee requirements. Similar schemes apply to more than 500 cities across the United States.</li>
	<li>In comparison to this international practice, inclusionary planning for affordable housing is not as widespread in Australia. However, South Australia delivered 5,485 affordable homes between 2005–15 through an inclusionary planning target applying to new residential areas. This amounts to around 17 per cent of total housing supply in that state.</li>
	<li>In NSW, a planning incentive scheme introduced in 2009 has yielded around 2,000 affordable rental dwellings in Sydney, equivalent to about 1 per cent of the city’s total supply.</li>
	<li>Across all jurisdictions examined, planning system tools can support affordable housing supply, but additional funding or subsidy is usually required to produce homes affordable to those on low and very low-incomes.</li>
	<li>Planning system tools for affordable housing supply work best when part of a wider whole-of-government strategy to address the continuum of housing needs.</li>
</ul>
As a result, AHURI has leaned toward the expansion of inclusionary planning approaches across Australia where "affordable housing inclusion can be mandated when land is rezoned for residential development, when planning rules are varied for particular projects, or following significant infrastructure investment."

AHURI's suggested measure is intended to make affordable housing (especially apartments) more attainable for buyers across Australia, and particularly so in Sydney which is home to the nation's most expensive real estate.

For its part, Urban Taskforce Australia fired back promptly yesterday arguing that any move to advance inclusionary zoning measures would in fact drive prices up. Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson released in-depth commentary on AHURI's paper.

With a particular focus on Sydney, excerpts from Chris Johnson's statement read as follows:

<blockquote>
The AHURI report by a number of Australian academics is a useful exploration of trends and policies across the world but the Sydney market is different. 

Houses and apartments in Sydney are amongst the most expensive in the world when related to household income. Much of this high price is driven by restrictions on zoning new land for residential homes according to the Reserve Bank report on ‘the Effect of Zoning on Housing Prices’.

The zoning effect increased Sydney per house price by a whopping $489,000 and in Melbourne by $324,000. On top of all this there is a range of levies and taxes added to the cost of a dwelling by the NSW Government and the local council.

To add even more cost to new dwellings as proposed by AHURI will only drive overall housing costs upwards.

The AHURI preferred approach is to have inclusionary zoning only applied to apartments yet apartments have already become the affordable way to live for many Sydney households. The average apartment in Sydney is around 40% cheaper than the average house so this dwelling type has become the affordable way to live for many households.

AHURI however proposes an inclusionary zoning system that can only lead to forcing apartment costs up. We should be getting other building types like detached houses, commercial and retail developments to contribute to affordable housing rather than add an extra cost to the most affordable dwellings in the city.

The Urban Taskforce has developed an approach to providing up to 40,000 affordable homes across Sydney over a ten year period. We propose using the Affordable Rental Housing SEPP that gives an uplift in floor space if 20% of the apartments are affordable rentals for 10 years.  
 
</blockquote>

Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute's r<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/297">eport on supporting affordable housing supply</a> can be seen in full here.

Lead image: City West Housing
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Affordable housing to come at the cost of ... affordable housing?

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Penrith continues to garner its fair share of development as developers Toga Group and St Hilliers prepare to add major apartment developments to the suburb's ranks.

Documents were lodged last month on behalf of Toga Group, with SJB undertaking the design of two residential towers that may yield as many as 187 new apartments. The development has been billed by the developer as "a new benchmark in urban regeneration and placemaking."

Accounting for a disused car sales lot and vacant land, the development has a primary address of 634-638 High Street, but also maintains a secondary frontage to Union Road. Toga Group expects that the development which has an estimated delivery value of $63.5 million will further expand Penrith's urban renewal push to the western flank of its CBD.

<h2>634-638 High 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/untitled_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new groundscape. Image: Toga Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/untitled_1.jpg?itok=m7x7y_zj" title="A new groundscape. Image: Toga Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new groundscape. Image: Toga Group</figcaption></figure>634-638 High Street sees 63 x 1BR, 103 x 2BR, 21 x 3BR apartments, with retail tenancies amounting to 1,540 square metres at ground level. A dual level basement includes 285 vehicles and 45 bicycle bays whilst amenities include podium top green space.

Owing to its size and significance, 634-638 High Street will go before the Sydney West Planning Panel. Toga Group are carrying imagery of the intended development via their website, which adds to the nine additional apartment projects the developer notes as active.

St Hilliers meanwhile has enlisted DKO Architecture to continue its transformation of a tract of land abutting Engineers Place.

With completion now due on St Hilliers' Quest Penrith development which sits alongside, 15 Engineers Place has gone to planning seeking a nine storey building containing 48 apartments. A mix of one and two bedroom dwellings, the apartments sit above two sizeable commercial tenancies and a veiled above ground car park.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="St Hilliers and DKO Architecture have teamed for the engineers Place project"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/untitled_3.jpg?itok=wb7IP2fk" title="St Hilliers and DKO Architecture have teamed for the engineers Place project" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Engineers Place. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>Whilst not excessively large projects in their own right, the two fresh planning applications reinforce Penrith's push to higher density living.

A host of other developments are either at construction or intended, particularly along Lord Sheffield Circuit or Barber Avenue. These are in addition to developer Cabe's teaming with the Penrith Rugby League Club to create a $500 million residential development that can create as many as 850 apartments.

Although not at planning, property firm Trifalga has flagged a major development at 39-49 Henry Street within Penrith's CBD. 

According to Trifalga, "An application has been prepared for the 6,300sqm gateway site at 39-49 Henry Street, Penrith for a major mixed-use development within the CBD. As part of Trifalga’s mission to develop vibrant mixed-use communities in high-growth CBDs, this redevelopment aims to revitalise a major site within Penrith CBD by bringing new commercial, residential and retail spaces, a new hotel, and embellishment of public open space."

The prospective Henry Street development would rank among Penrith's largest.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Trifalga's vision for Penrith"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/untitled_2.jpg?itok=f1ww8Thq" title="Trifalga's vision for Penrith" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Trifalga's vision for Penrith</figcaption></figure>
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Toga Group and St Hilliers add to Penrith's skyward push

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<a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill residents</a> and visitors alike may soon have the chance to access a publicly accessible space atop a new mixed-use tower on Station Street.

No stranger to residential development with a string of recent residential builds completed, Station Street may soon sport a new design highlight with the prospective public space rolled into the development championed by Austone International Pty Ltd and Australia Dingjiu Group Pty Ltd.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the proposal accounts for a trio of low-rise buildings across 702-706 Station Street. As part of the intended development, a dedicated and separate public elevator will shuttle visitors from the landscaped ground level foyer to the dual level rooftop 'lookout park'.

The incorporation of the communal sky garden is one of a number of design changes and enhancements since the application for development first landed with Whitehorse City Council during 2016. Initially seeking a higher outcome, the tower has been scaled back to 15 levels, which is itself taller than surrounding buildings.

702-706 Station Street was sold during mid-2015 for $5.7 million, and now forms part of the wider development footprint. The amalgamated site spans 1,350 square metres and has a frontage of 29 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/image157_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Part of the amalgamated development site. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image157_1.jpg?itok=HvP61IQg" title="Part of the amalgamated development site. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Part of the amalgamated development site. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>A cafe, sky deck, dining area, green space, ampitheatre and playground feature at the tower's peak. All told the stepped terrace design spans 586 square metres and will be accessed via a dedicated lift fronting Paynes Lane, which itself will be overhauled as part of the development.

Paynes Lane's transformation is expected to include new paving, art installations, a green wall, planters and additional bicycle parking.

Elevated public park aside, a handful of additional design features have been rolled into the development. Future residents can expect to see a gym, karaoke lounge and massage parlour across level 2, with dual retail spaces accounting for the Station Street ground level frontage.

1,746 square metres of leasable office space is also included within the tower that reaches 56 metres, and which sits above a 5 level basement accommodating 98 vehicle bays and 74 bicycle racks.

In terms of apartments 702-706 Station Street looks to add another 99 dwellings to Box Hill's already hefty apartment pipeline. These 99 dwellings are split between 53 single bedroom and 46 dual bedroom apartments.

The application is currently at advertising, with a planning result likely in the second half of this year.

<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/image159_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Blue area denotes the public rooftop space. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image159_2.jpg?itok=EWItrWxU" title="Blue area denotes the public rooftop space. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Blue area denotes the public rooftop space. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>
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Box Hill's latest tower proposal incorporates a public rooftop park

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UEM Sunrise along with head contractor Hickory Group recently celebrated the ‘topping out’ of Conservatory at a ceremony marking the event.

The $330 million residential building designed by COX Architecture is located on MacKenzie Street and upon practical completion will become UEM Sunrise’s first completed project in Australia since its entry into the Melbourne market during 2013.

Conservatory will also include a display comprising 477 pieces of significant artefacts discovered during the archaeological excavation stage early in the project's life, which will be available for public viewing from late September 2018.

<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/conservatory_redden.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="UEM Sunrise's Conservatory recently topped out. Image: redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/conservatory_redden.jpg?itok=aHcrXXGG" title="UEM Sunrise's Conservatory recently topped out. Image: redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>UEM Sunrise's Conservatory recently topped out. Image: Forum member redden</figcaption></figure>The artefacts will be located in glass cases in the foyer of the building, which can be visible from Bell Place. UEM Sunrise has worked closely with Heritage Victoria and the appointed archaeological consultant to identify these artefacts, which include:

<ul>
<li>
Hidden Loot – a small revolver and bullets, together with a small leather wallet and beaded necklace, were found hidden in the Mistletoe Hotel cellar, signifying the colourful lifestyle of the hotel occupants.</li>
	<li>
Necessities – everyday items that were used by patrons at the Mistletoe Hotel to service the population boom, such as a clay pipe, ceramic egg cups, silverware, a clay pipe, fob watch, inkwells, bone handle carving knives and perfume bottles.</li>
	<li>
Gold – items from the Early Gold Rush era owned by wealthy patrons, such as a gold nugget pin.</li>
	<li>
Glasswares – a number of cognac and champagne bottles used at the hotel signify a time of extravagance.</li>
</ul>
The first stage of Conservatory apartments will be handed over to purchasers from late September 2018.

UEM Sunrise's other significant Melbourne project, Aurora Melbourne Central is racing along to its eventual height of 267m with Probuild at the helm. The core of the Elenberg Fraser designed goliath is currently sitting at level 68, just below the 200 metre mark with the first stage of apartments set to be handed over to their respective purchasers later this year.

Upon completion, Aurora will become the tallest tower within the bounds of the Hoddle Grid, eclipsed only by Southbank's Eureka Tower (297m), Australia 108 (317m) and Crown's One Queensbridge Street (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/aurora_mc_adrian.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora Melbourne Central is approaching 200m. Image: Forum member Adrian"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="785" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aurora_mc_adrian.png?itok=F2jfVY0x" title="Aurora Melbourne Central is approaching 200m. Image: Forum member Adrian" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora Melbourne Central is approaching 200 metres. Image: forum member Adrian</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Hickory is very proud to be delivering a high quality, landmark project in Melbourne such as Conservatory. It will no doubt be an amazing place to live and for the owners of these luxury apartments, Hickory will help maintain the quality for years to come, not unlike the servicing of a new luxury car.

As a first in the industry, we will be on hand to ensure that owners protect their most valuable asset and keep their apartments operating efficiently into the future.

- Michael Argyrou, Managing Director of Hickory
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Conservatory marks an important piece of history for UEM Sunrise – it’s the next step for us in fulfilling our promise of delivering quality, luxury projects in Australia, with Aurora Melbourne Central set to be handed over to purchasers from Q3 2018 onwards and site works of <a href="/new-apartments/the-mayfair-412-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Mayfair</a> commencing this year.

Conservatory is an integral part of Melbourne’s history, too. Before construction began, we engaged an archaeological consultant for an archaeological excavation of the site. They uncovered over 250,000 artefacts, dating back to the early gold rush in the 1800s when the site was the Mistletoe Hotel.

Fittingly, these items reflect an opulent time when Melbourne’s population was bourgeoning, and settlement started to take shape.

Conservatory similarly represents a new era of population growth and will service Melbournians with luxury accommodation options, boasting views over the Carlton Gardens and lavish amenities such as a rooftop jacuzzi, private cinema and golf simulator

-  Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib, UEM Sunrise Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer
</blockquote>
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Laurence Dragomir

UEM Sunrise's Conservatory tops out; Aurora approaches the 200 metre mark

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Telopea's tilt at urban renewal received a boost late last week as the New South Wales Minister for Social Housing initiated an Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign that will ultimately lead to a mass-scale redevelopment within the suburb.

The EOI process will target the private development sector and/or not-for-profit organisations in the expectation of leading a development team that will remodel the 64-hectare Government-owned land parcel. Telopea's master plan is likely to deliver an estimated $2.5 billion of new social, private and affordable housing, along with associated infrastructure over a 10-15 year timeframe.

The land in line for renewal includes 600 existing social housing dwellings and falls under the New South Wales Government's Future Directions in NSW Social Housing blueprint that aims to introduce 30 per cent / 70 per cent split between social and private housing on redeveloped Government land.

<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/image119_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Telopea and surrounds. Image: TfNSW"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="646" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image119_1.jpg?itok=Imc_RExY" title="Telopea and surrounds. Image: TfNSW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Telopea is in close proximity to Parramatta. Image: TfNSW</figcaption></figure>PBD Architects conceived Telopea's concept master plan, and have outlined the area's importance within the wider Sydney context:

<blockquote>
This area is currently, and will continue to, undergo significant change and renewal as industries move out of this area of Sydney providing the opportunity for new homes, jobs and community facilities between Sydney and Parramatta CBDs.

The Telopea master plan area is based on an 800m radius east of the existing heavy rail station. With a total of 1400 existing dwellings that are a mix of medium rise apartments, dwellings houses, high rise apartments and townhouses, it is estimated that Telopea could deliver between 3500-4500 new dwellings by 2036.

With a focus on improving permeability, new connections across the rail corridor has been introduced. The tallest building will be focused opposite the light rail stop and transitioned appropriately within the core to facilitate the renewal of the denser and aged social housing stock.

The transitioning of building heights, together with the topography, will provide a clear urban structure focused on the station and core, and facilitate good solar access and views.
</blockquote>

It's envisaged that existing housing stock will be replaced with multiple towers reaching 70 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/image118_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light rail is optioned as part of the Telopea renewal. Image: PBD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image118_0.jpg?itok=7Lp5IT15" title="Light rail is optioned as part of the Telopea renewal. Image: PBD Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light rail is optioned as part of the Telopea renewal. Image: PBD Architects</figcaption></figure>Progression to the EOI stage has prompted Urban Taskforce Australia to call for further urban renewal and cooperation between the New South Wales Government and the private development sector.

<blockquote>
The Telopea project follows on from the successful outcome for the Ivanhoe precinct where social and affordable dwellings are provided to Government by allowing significant numbers of market apartments to be built. The outstanding design of a mixed use precinct at Ivanhoe can now occur at the Telopea site.

Telopea has a light rail station and the potential to develop a new town centre with a public plaza. The private sector development industry will be very interested in the Telopea revitalisation project.

The scale of the Telopea project where 600 old social housing dwellings will be replaced by 1,000 social and affordable dwellings as well as 2,500 market apartments demonstrates the value of developing a more urban character with greater densities than Sydney’s typical suburban form of housing.

By generating greater density and height around metro rail and light rail stations the Government is reinforcing the shift to public transport while housing Sydney’s growing population.
</blockquote>

The EOI campaign will close in May, with the process of relocating residents in motion. Current residents will be provided the opportunity to return to Telopea as future stages of the project are completed.
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Telopea's transformation moves to the EOI stage

A year has passed since JW Land went on a media blitz promoting their intended development of 699-701 Park Street in Brunswick at the top of Princes Park.

Plans for what is currently the Best Western Princes Park Motor Inn were lodged with Council during 2016, although Architectus has veered away from the previous design path with&nbsp;a revised development application which was submitted late last year. Gone is the undulating and bulky glass-clad tower of the initial proposal, with Architectus instead favouring a more subdued approach to the prospective development.

The revised application would result in lowered development expectations for JW Land; an initially sought&nbsp;333 apartments within the project has been cut to 255 apartments and&nbsp;12 townhouses, as per the application which is fresh to advertising.

For locals concerned with the height of the development, there will be little relief as the revised application has increased in height from 13 to 14 levels, effectively compensating for lower built form height to the street and greater setbacks.

<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_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A comparative view of old and new. Images: JW Land and Architectus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="300" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image102_3.jpg?itok=Us83SZRC" title="A comparative view of old and new. Images: JW Land and Architectus" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>A comparative view of old and new. Images: JW Land and Architectus</figcaption>
</figure>

Development plans for the 6,463 square metre site sparked the&nbsp;creation of an action group dubbed&nbsp;Protect Park St Precinct, which was set up specifically to tackle JW Land's development.

Among the action group's concerns was the&nbsp;proposed scale and impact of the&nbsp;13-storey development, lessening the&nbsp;qualities of our neighbourhood, the inclusion of borrowed light apartments and the lack of any additional open recreational space for the new residents. Based upon feedback from Council and the development team's need to&nbsp;the comply with the Better Apartment Design Standards&nbsp;requirements, the Park Street application was completely overhauled.

Expected now is an eight-level mixed use building fronting Brunswick Road, a 14 level main tower set well back from the respective street frontages and a seven level building on the corner of Park Street and Sydney Road/Royal Parade corner.

The large land area allows for a single level basement of 401 parking spaces to service the development; it along with the built form above ground equates to a development Plot Ratio of 6.43. A roof terrace, retail tenancy, 1,300 square metre childcare centre and community hub which is expected to be leased to Moreland City Council round out the development.

126 single&nbsp;bedroom apartments are included, as are 88 two bedroom apartments, 29 three bedroom apartments and 12 townhouses account for the development's living options.

<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/image103_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Royal Parade perspective. Planning image: Architectus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="404" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image103_1.jpg?itok=997ajUjN" title="Royal Parade perspective. Planning image: Architectus" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Royal Parade perspective. Planning image: Architectus</figcaption>
</figure>

The site has&nbsp;three separate preferred height controls from 10.5 metres through to 25 metres, or 8 levels. At 14 levels&nbsp;699-701 Park Street would reach&nbsp;a maximum height of 45.25 metres.

According to planning report author Urbis, the additional height is considered appropriate due to the majority of the site being well below the preferred height control, improved setbacks and the introduction of high-quality external finishes as part of the redesign introducing&nbsp;the notion that "the building seeks to blend in with its surrounds and be a discrete element within the skyline of Brunswick."

Whether Moreland City Council perceives the project in the same fashion remains to be seen.

<h2>699-701 Park Street development team</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Developer: JW Land</li>
	<li>Architect &amp; Urban Context Report: Architectus</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Heritage Report: Bryce Raworth Heritage Conservation</li>
	<li>Traffic Report: Traffix</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Landscape: MALA</li>
	<li>Sustainable Management Plan, Acoustic &amp; Stormwater: Wood and Grieve Engineers</li>
</ul>

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