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

Apartments

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Taouk Architects continue to refine a working design for Blackburn's 'Lexus' site. Newly released imagery of the mixed-use development for the substantial land holding at 160 Whitehorse Road now includes a heightened degree of complexity and design detail, and is similar to earlier concepts in showing multiple buildings rising to 14 levels.

The project which includes near on 400 apartments has however stumbled at its initial planning run.

Lodged with City of Whitehorse during April, Council has acted swiftly in refusing the application that would have seen 14, 10, 10 and 8 storey buildings set above three levels of basement parking. Delegate refusal was issued in under two months from its submission date.

In the rendered form below 160 Whitehorse Road would simultaneously have become Blackburn's tallest development and (by some margin) its largest development to date.

<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_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="308" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_16.jpg?itok=sfqlWy3T" title="Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>Former owner Lexus Australia chose to offload the site at the peak of Melbourne's development site sales boom during 2015. 

Billed as a Blackburn's premier site during its 2015 sales campaign, the largely vacant 8,767sqm block is zoned Commercial 1 and allows for residential, commercial and retail uses. 160 Whitehorse Road also maintains approximately 295m of frontage to Whitehorse Road &amp; Railway Parade.

Having sold for $18 million to an Asian-backed developer two years ago, 160 Whitehorse Road's <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/realestate/vacant-lexus-site-on-whitehorse-rd-sells-for-18-million/news-story/353bccaec4759d8ea0b71394177c1614">price history</a> has seen steady growth. Previous campaigns saw the site sell for $11.36 million in 2010, $3.25 million in 1986 and $1.3 million in 1980.

The possibility of towers appearing across the site would be a departure from the norm for Blackburn. Over recent years residential builds of 4-6 levels adjacent to Blackburn Station have become common place, while Apollo Blackburn directly opposite the 'Lexus' site is currently at sales with five levels the approved outcome.

Planning overlays for Blackburn and the adjoining Mega Mile have indicated that 160 Whitehorse Road is the area's 'gateway' site and as such can exceed the recommended height limit of 21 metres, reflecting its "status as a visually prominent landmark."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image17_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Scale and stageabilty. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_11.jpg?itok=ju2vbooK" title="Scale and stageabilty. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Scale and stageabilty. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>For its part, Taouk Architects describe their working design as follows:

<blockquote>
Located within the major activity centre, Blackburn Place comprises of 4 towers connected via shared ground areas comprising of retail and office spaces designed to flow with landscaped communal areas. Combined Blackburn Place provides 394 apartments through the various tower heights of the complex.
Utilising massing form and façade articulation, the design applies various elements to soften its presentation to each adjoining streetscapes.
Layered, projecting and interlocking architectural elements combine with a neutral palette of colours and materials to help make Blackburn Place a benchmark for future developments in the area.
<cite>Taouk Architects</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/image16_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_9.jpg?itok=DKnUz1et" title="Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered concept for 160 Whitehorse Road. Image: Taouk Architects</figcaption></figure>The development team's next step in the approvals process has yet to play out at planning.
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silvermb

Blackburn's 'Lexus' site edges closer to major development, but...

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The arrival of Oros on <a href="/new-apartments">offtheplan.melbourne</a> heralds the launch of Oakleigh's largest mixed-use development to date.

Located at 807-811 Warrigal Road, Oros is also Nanjing-based Viapac Group's biggest Melbourne project; the Chinese-based developer has three additional developments on its books located in Newport, West Melbourne and South Yarra.

Oros' launch follows on from the application's stint at VCAT, as City of Monash failed to decide upon an application within the required 60 day timeframe. Viapac Group's visit to VCAT included amended plans which saw the Rothelowman-designed project cut from a high of 18 levels to a more modest outcome.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image91_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Oros exterior. Image: Viapac Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image91_3.jpg?itok=eAG0ZMHq" title="Oros exterior. Image: Viapac Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Oros exterior. Image: Viapac Group</figcaption></figure>Other project adjustments included the reduction in the total number of dwellings to 260, reduction in the total number of car spaces to 555, modifications to the internal layout of the development and adjustments to the project's facade finish. 

Regardless of the toned-down outcome, Oros is comfortably Oakleigh's largest high-density development to date. A sweep through the Apartments.com.au Project Database sees 7 separate apartment project in development. Oakleigh's most recent completion is Drummond Rise with 74 dwellings, whilst Alke on Atherton Road is the largest approved apartment development at 95 dwellings.

Oros is also set to feature a serviced apartment component which includes studio, single and dual bedroom options for a total of 106 suites. It's expected that Oros will provide the first injection of serviced apartments into Oakleigh since the Punt Hill Apartment Hotel Group took on 1384 Warrigal Road during 2009.

Viapac Group have also included a healthy townhouse aspect within Oros, in addition to one, two and three bedroom 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/image92_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Courtyard perspective. Image: Viapac Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image92_2.jpg?itok=zKv6xyLH" title="Courtyard perspective. Image: Viapac Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Courtyard perspective. Image: Viapac Group</figcaption></figure>Oros is set across a sprawling 9,605sqm site, allowing Rothelowman to create three separate buildings. The sheer size of the project and subsequent space available has allowed for amenities to take precedence; over 4,360sqm of communal amenity area is included.

<blockquote>
With a bent toward promoting health and wellbeing, onsite recreational facilities include a yoga studio, a bocce field, gym and indoor heated swimming pool, all of which have been shrewdly designed using state-of-art equipment.

The inclusion of an array of communal spaces, including a verdant rooftop garden, modern cinema space, onsite restaurant, cafe, supermarket and lobby, invite the opportunity for social connections.
<cite>Oros marketing brochure</cite>
</blockquote>

Oros will further add the the transformation of Oakleigh into an apartment hot spot. The aforementioned Drummond Rise and the under construction 8 Degrees join Oros on the same block, as does 16-18 Dalgety Street which recently gained approval.

This sees approximately 420 new apartments slated for the one Oakleigh block bound by Warrigal Road, Princes Highway, Dalgety and Drummond Streets.

<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/image89_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amenities perspective. Image: Viapac Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image89_1.jpg?itok=VvGNyhPF" title="Amenities perspective. Image: Viapac Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amenities perspective. Image: Viapac Group</figcaption></figure>
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Viapac Group launches Oakleigh's largest development

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Panorama Box Hill is shaping as the latest skyscraper project destined for the irrepressible eastern suburb.

Registrations of interest are now being taken for the predominantly residential development which looks set for a major Whitehorse Road land holding. No address for Panorama Box Hill has been given via the project website, perhaps because it's likely 826-828 Whitehorse Road which has yet to receive formal approval from City of Whitehorse.

Lodged during December 2016, 826-828 Whitehorse Road is still going through the planning rigmarole; it is the only Whitehorse Road site capable of accommodating such a large project at planning. Nonetheless the emergence of the Panorama Box Hill website is no doubt designed to test the waters prior to the project's eventual launch.

Peddle Thorp are the architects of choice, creating a "curvaceous design which transcends all design norms. Heralded as the future of modern living in Box Hill, a glass atria allow sunlight and air flow to all residences, for natural healthy living."

<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/image82_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Box Hill's latest living option. Image: panoramaboxhill.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="867" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image82_2.jpg?itok=x3jCrkea" title="Box Hill's latest living option. Image: panoramaboxhill.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Box Hill's latest living option. Image: panoramaboxhill.com.au</figcaption></figure>During July 2016 Savills agents Clinton Baxter and Nick Peden commented on 826-828 Whitehorse Road's sale.

<blockquote>
The sale is a tremendous endorsement of the Melbourne and Box Hill development market placing Box Hill property on a par with land rates being achieved close to Melbourne’s CBD, and demonstrating the development powerhouse that Box Hill has become in recent years.

The intense competition from prospective purchasers reflected an ongoing confidence in what has been a tremendous market in Melbourne generally, and in areas like Box Hill specifically, over the last few years.

The vendors were also fully cognisant of the tremendous strength of the Box Hill market, one of the strongest localised areas anywhere in Australia, and the opportunity to sell in the wake of Savills successful sale of the adjacent property at 820 Whitehorse Road for $18.18 million late last year at what was a record price.
<cite>Clinton Baxter and Nick Peden, Savills</cite>
</blockquote>

The wider media have reported that a Chinese developer had secured 826-828 Whitehorse Road for $30.8 million; a new Whitehorse record of $11,623 per sqm for the 2,650sqm 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/image84_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Panorama Box Hill. Image: panoramaboxhill.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_7.jpg?itok=TAPde1nc" title="Panorama Box Hill. Image: panoramaboxhill.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Panorama Box Hill. Image: panoramaboxhill.com.au</figcaption></figure>Conjecture regarding its location aside, Panorama Box Hill is pushing to become one of <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill's tallest developments</a>.

Whitehorse Towers, Sky One Box Hill, East Central Tower and 845-851 Whitehorse Road all count themselves as having 30 levels or more, with Whitehorse Towers all but complete and Sky One Box Hill to emerge above ground in the coming months. Panorma Box Hill's floor count beyond 30 should see it join the suburb's club of talls.

Another prospective Box Hill tall is 837 Whitehorse Road. Lodged wit Council during May, the application seeks the right to construct a multi-level mixed use development comprising accommodation and a residential hotel. The 1,485sqm landholding is adjacent to 845-851 Whitehorse Road Box Hill which holds approval at 37 levels.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image85_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Whitehorse Towers and early works for Sky One"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image85_0.jpg?itok=0erbAMsJ" title="Whitehorse Towers and early works for Sky One" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Whitehorse Towers and early works for Sky One</figcaption></figure>
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Another Box Hill brute emerges from the pack

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Salta Properties' latest project is poised to clear a major planning hurdle at City of Melbourne's Future Planning Committee sitting this evening.

Council planners have recommended approval for Salta's mixed-use tower at 57-63 Exhibition Street. Replacing ASF House, the currently 203m tower with an expected development cost of $255 million may be required to ditch a number of floors in order to prevent overshadowing of Birrarung Marr.

City of Melbourne planners have requested it be reduced to 183 metres. A mix of hotel and residential, 57-63 Exhibition Street's fate is ultimately with the Planning Minister.

Should the final green light be given, Salta will be in a strong position to woo a hotel operator for the project's 185 suites which range between 34sqm and 82sqm. The immediate area surrounding the Exhibition Street proposal is already a magnet for premium hotel brands; Stamford Plaza, Sheraton Melbourne, Sofitel, Grand Hyatt and a pending NEXT outlet are present.

<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/image16ex.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exhibition Street perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="465" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16ex.jpg?itok=Xr7PMg0c" title="Exhibition Street perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exhibition Street perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>57-63 Exhibition Street's ground plane treatment has seen a laneway inserted, connecting Strachan Lane and Chester Lane. Incidentally Strachan Lane was subject to a <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/chequerboard-art-in-melbournes-strachan-lane-washed-away/news-story/8807c8fc73d039ab1ef4049b3ddc4013">creative urban art installation</a> earlier this year which riled Council.

Report documents talk of the the "considered placement of openings and fine detailing in the (proposal's) podium facade and the ramp’s internal elevations, this alluring detail and materiality becomes the focus of Chester Lane when experienced from Flinders Lane, enticing passers by to explore further." The design also allows for adjacent properties to be redeveloped in an equitable manner.

City of Melbourne planners have called for further design changes in addition to the slight height decrease. Fenestration to the southern boundary wall above a height of 80 metres has been sought, along with further detail regarding the proposal's ground floor plane.

<blockquote>
Broadly, the proposed development exhibits a high quality design, providing a podium that will successfully integrate with the height and detailing of adjacent graded historic buildings in addition to providing a high degree of activation and site permeability. The tower component achieves adequate separation and setbacks, and the design exhibits excellent internal amenity.

Subject to the recommended conditions, it is considered that the subject site can support a building of this scale, and the proposal will make a positive contribution to Exhibition Street and Melbourne’s City
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</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/image21_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Faceted to the floor. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="507" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_13.jpg?itok=UD8RcfTo" title="Faceted to the floor. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Faceted to the floor. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>For Salta, the nod from Council tonight is a major step toward securing approval for the site which was entered into a joint venture with Malaysia’s Asia One. Although Asia One held the site outright initially, scant little has been heard from the developer since the joint venture was announced; perhaps a coincidence but Salta Properties Pty Ltd is the sole entity listed within the report to Council.

Regardless, 57-63 Exhibition Street adds to Salta's pending apartment development pipeline.

Their Park House project at 627 Victoria Street, Abbotsford has seen Icon Co installed as preferred builder, with a start to the 500 plus apartment build imminent. Also on the radar is 695-699 La Trobe Street, a 28 level tower containing rental apartments and hotel suites.

Upon approval, 57-63 Exhibition Street would join 249-261 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill and additional apartment projects within the Salta's Victoria Gardens precinct as future projects.
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CoM moves to provide clearance for 63 Exhibition's lofty ambitions

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A litmus test beckons for <a href="/new-apartments/reservoir-vic-3073">Reservoir</a> as the suburb's largest apartment release becomes reality.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-plenty-residences-830-plenty-road-reservoir">The Plenty Residences at 830 Plenty Road</a> has progressed to marketing, with the release of the first stage of the project's 347 dwellings across the site which sits atop the Summerhill Village Precinct.

Reservoir's largest apartment development, The Plenty Residences represents what developer <a href="/developers/jlf-property-group">JLF Property Group</a> hopes is the end game for the site which has changed hands and seen various proposals over the best part of a decade.

Apartments, townhouses and commercial suites constitute the project, with multiple buildings set around a central green space.

<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/image6_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green space is key to the project. Image: Architeria Architcts"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="553" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_16.jpg?itok=bIBF1Q9t" title="Green space is key to the project. Image: Architeria Architcts" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green space is key to the project. Architeria Architects/JLF Property Group/FKD</figcaption></figure><a href="/architects/architeria-architects">Architeria Architects</a> have conceived The Plenty Residences, having previously worked with JLF Property Group at the documentation stage of Central Avenue Apartments in Box Hill.

On tailoring The Plenty Residences to meet current market demands in a suburb not given to such large apartment projects, Architeria Architects Managing Director Mel Gawi provided the following:

<blockquote>
The partnership in this project was based on open and flowing communication, hours of lengthy discussions, often after hours; all  to achieve the best outcome for the project.

The Plenty Residences has gone through intensive  design development where buildability was significantly improved. This was achieved by Architeria Architects  in collaboration with mechanical and services engineers, as well as the Client Group.

The apartments have been designed to cater for both investors and owner occupiers, and there is a vast diversity of apartment types. The Plenty residences offer a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments plus 17 townhouses along with 11 commercial suites.

The apartments enjoy 360 degree views – city and mountain views, and the apartments have been designed to best capture them.
</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/v09_penthouseliving.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Uninterrupted views will be a key selling point. Image: Architeria Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v09_penthouseliving.jpg?itok=ZXxFs35i" title="Uninterrupted views will be a key selling point. Image: Architeria Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Uninterrupted views will be a key selling point. Image: Architeria Architects/JLF Property Group/FKD</figcaption></figure>With no comparative apartment development in Reservoir, The Plenty Residences is expected to become a recongisable landmark upon completion.

<blockquote>
Dynamic forms and shapes creating a strong sense of address; twisted cubes representing falling dices.

A rhapsody of architectural elements; purple reflection, bold curves and  crisp white cubes harmoniously braking up the façade together with earthy concrete and elegant touches of metal cladding. All elements are in a perfect balance that allows each part of the building to  become a hero in its own right.
</blockquote>

In adjoining suburbs <a href="/new-apartments/bundoora-vic-3083">Bundoora</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/preston-vic-3072">Preston</a>, various apartment developments have taken root. Reservoir's comparatively late arrival on the apartment scene can in part be attributed to alack of sizeable developable sites.

According to Forecast ID, the 2017 population forecast for Reservoir is 52,215. The Plenty Residences will considerably bolster the suburb's population upon its completion.
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Reservoir enters the fray with The Plenty Residences

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Renting in Inner Melbourne has a greater risk of increased premium, according to Secret Agent’s latest bulletin.
“An investor should be looking to try and maximise yield when finding a rental property.
“However, they also need to be mindful of the relationship between yield and risk.
“Often a higher yield can mean more risk, such as oversupply," the report noted.
“The higher yield of inner Melbourne (5.3 percent) reflects the greater risk premium.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-23%20at%2010.29.42%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-23%20at%2010.29.42%20am.jpg" alt="">
“East Melbourne which offers a tight yield of 3.47 percent is the ultimate blue chip location, however the yield isn’t too attractive.
“Be careful of looking solely at yield to making investment decisions.
“It’s possible to obtain yields above 10 percent in remote regional locations, but once a tenant has vacated, it may be a long time before another tenant is discovered,” the bulletin stated.
For more information from Secret Agent, <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/">click here</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The higher the rental yield, the higher the risk: Secret Agent

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<a href="/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra’s</a> latest development is about to strike a blow for excellent and inclusive urban realm design...and not before time.

As far back as <a href="/news/prime-time-in-forrest-hill">2014</a> and <a href="/news/add-another-to-south-yarras-emerging-forrest">2015</a>, Apartments.com.au has highlighted the runaway success of South Yarra's Forrest Hill urban renewal precinct. Unfortunately though as skyscrapers sprouted throughout the precinct, the ground plane and its importance to the success of the overall development was in essence lost.

Scant few recent apartment projects have provided a meaningful expression at street level, and the precinct is the poorer for it.

South Yarra's latest apartment release, <a href="/buildings/yarra-one-16-22-claremont-street-south-yarra">Yarra One</a>, will well and truly buck the trend though by way of a new open-air atrium fronting Claremont Street. Apartments will be set above the grand atrium within the <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis Architects-designed</a> project, which is on behalf of developer <a href="/developers/ecoworld-international">Eco World</a>-Salcon Y1 Pty Ltd.

An extension of the narrow and poorly lit Yarra Lane directly opposite, Yarra One's atrium will continue the mid-block pedestrian thoroughfare to Daly Street. Long term it is possible then a new entrance to South Yarra Station would see pedestrians disembarking and transiting Yarra One's atrium through to Chapel Street and by default Forrest Hill.

<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/v05_interior_precinct_lookup_copy_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v05_interior_precinct_lookup_copy_0.jpg?itok=pAlUS6-H" title="Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Interior atrium perspective. Image: Salcon</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
There has been a true commitment to making a positive contribution to South Yarra’s growing community with the creation of this atrium.

The atrium is an example of placemaking at its best and will transform the Forrest Hill precinct with its diverse range of amenity for both residents and the wider community.
<cite>Andrew Leoncelli, managing director for residential projects at CBRE</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Positioned in the centre of the area’s pedestrian traffic between the train station and Chapel Street, the atrium has been designed to be used and embraced by the community.
<cite>Karl Fender, founding director of Fender Katsalidis Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

Cafés, restaurants, and retail spaces are set to act as the atrium's drawcards, with the expectation that Yarra One will become a meeting place. The structure itself also continues Fender Katsalidis Architects' penchant for incorporating trellis-like structures into their high-rise designs; other notable examples include <a href="/news">Republic Tower</a> and <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108</a>.

The timber trellis structure includes draped greenery whilst also allowing ample natural light penetration. Tiered seating is also incorporated as is a stage, allowing for small performances.

The pending excellence of Yarra One's public atrium brings into focus the shortcomings of many surrounding developments in creating a pleasant, interactive and genuinely usable street level interface. It can be argued that planning provisions should have been implemented across the Forrest Hill prior to the precinct's renewal in order to facilitate similarly impressive urban realm outcomes.

Although no one is ever wrong in hindsight, it is nonetheless highly encouraging to see both architect and developer deliver a project that includes much foresight.
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Yarra One finally strikes a blow for Forrest Hill's urban realm

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It didn't happen overnight, but it is happening.

The spread of higher density living into Melbourne's virgin northern suburbs is beginning to unfold at a quickening pace, as various projects begin to take their place across certain fringe suburbs.

At the epicentre of the development action is Epping, with three major projects in motion. Largest of all is Empire Epping which has begun its sales campaign prior to deliver the 12 level mixed-use building.

Apartments will sit above 7 lower levels with the commercial space within expected to service the high growth corridor. Cafes, retail tenancies, a restaurant, day spa, gym and childcare facility will also be delivered, adding to the diversity City of Whittlesea is pushing for via the Epping Central masterplan.

<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/image33_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Empire Epping along with the Mantra and Quest developments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_10.jpg?itok=SEF1X_cV" title="Empire Epping along with the Mantra and Quest developments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Empire Epping along with the Mantra and Quest developments</figcaption></figure>Also under development are two separate short stay projects; Maben will oversee the delivery of Pacific Quest Epping whilst earlier this month Mantra Group signed on to operate Mantra Epping Hotel at 250 Cooper Street. Spurned on by the delivery of the new wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market and the expanded Northern Hospital, the projects will create 96 and 214 rooms respectively.

Valued at $70 million, Hacer will build Mantra Epping Hotel which has a nominated completion date of mid-2019. Across 6 floors, Mantra Epping Hotel will include both hotel rooms and apartments, plus a café/restaurant and brewhouse.

Epping also has various other projects in the wings; the largest of which is 67 Rufus Street which sees approval in place for 92 apartments across 8 levels.

A short distance away Mill Park and South Morang are also garnering their fair share of apartment living.

Gibson Propery Group and Roche Holding's Mason Point mixed-use development continues to roll apartment projects out at a regular interval; Figurehead is well into building 74 dwellings as Alba Apartments with additional releases also planned. Diagonally opposite, Morang Views is beginning to make an impact upon the landscape.

Backed by Universal Corporation, Morang Views will eventually see in excess of 300 dwellings built, with stage one delivering 39 apartments. Not accustomed to tower cranes on the landscape, passers-by will likely see them across future apartments projects slated for the sprawling 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/image27_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Morang Views takes shape. Render: Hachem"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_8.jpg?itok=wRlh5hgO" title="Morang Views takes shape. Render: Hachem" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Morang Views takes shape. Render: Hachem</figcaption></figure>As development of higher density projects across the city's northern fringe lifts, so to does the prospect of further such developments. The abundance of land is beyond doubt, as is the role that Mernda Rail will play in bringing Mernda to the high density party.

The suburb currently has a tower crane erected for a commercial and retail development, with a new town centre planned for land opposite the new station.

As the edge of Melbourne moves beyond the current fringe to new 'city's' such as Merrifield, the inclusion of higher density projects has been considered since their conception. Merrifields central heart dubbed Waterfront City will service the 770 hectare project.

Included across all renders to date are low and mid-rise buildings for Waterfront City, suggesting that the push of higher density development into Melbourne's northern reaches will continue.

<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/image28_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="What higher density outcomes can Merrifield muster? Image: GPC"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="392" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_8.jpg?itok=KRw0P601" title="What higher density outcomes can Merrifield muster? Image: GPC" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>What higher density outcomes can Merrifield muster? Image: GPC</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne's northern fringe joins the high density movement

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John Demos Architects have conceived a new apartment building with the expectation that the project be an appropriate design gesture for a key Ivanhoe infill site.

Vacant for many years, 40 Upper Heidelberg Road was in the past subject to a smaller apartment development that failed to materialise. The current project team led by developer SB&amp;G Group have sought a reinvigorated and much larger apartment project for the triangular gateway site which leads into Ivanhoe's premier retail strip.

Under new plans, the majority of the project's ground level will become a publicly accessible piazza activated by a cafe and commercial space, with the latter holding a health, wellbeing and arts focus.

Ostensibly an undercroft, the design feature is unusual in its sizeable generosity toward the public realm. 40 Upper Heidelberg Road's ground plane intends to provide the Ivanhoe retail strip with a design showpiece, while also injecting green space into the area.

<h2>40 Upper Heidelberg 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/image12_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Upper Heidelberg Road perspective. Planning image: John Demos Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_8.jpg?itok=ZSn743vx" title="Upper Heidelberg Road perspective. Planning image: John Demos Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Upper Heidelberg Road perspective. Planning image: John Demos Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Vacant triangular site: 2,443.7sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 8-10 level building</li>
	<li>111 apartments: 5 x 1BR, 96 x 2BR, 10 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Average 3BR internal size above 130sqm</li>
	<li>270sqm cafe and 450sqm commercial space</li>
	<li>Ground floor public domain of 1,180sqm</li>
	<li>Five level basement: 232 vehicles and 150 bicycles</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $42 million</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
The landscape Concept Design for 40 Upper Heidelberg Road is considered the key to unlocking the potential of this significant gateway site, allowing it to make a significant contribution to the vibrancy, functioning and success of Ivanhoe.

The Landscape Concept Design envisages outdoor seating/dining opportunities along the edges of the public spaces with the main event/gathering/communal seating spaces located towards the centre of the site. This creates an opportunity for a weekend market concept, ‘pop-up’ and cultural events, using the plaza space, the catenary ‘ceiling’ and building program to facilitate programmed events and community engagement.

Circulation has been carefully considered through the selection of paving materials and positioning of physical elements. The design creates permeability from the street and other major spaces within the site, but ensures spaces are defined and have a distinct character to allow wayfinding and pedestrian comfort.

Capturing the life and vibrancy of a new urban village and plaza in an intimate human scale, the landscape is bound by retail and building entries. Creating a network of fine grain that establishes the base for a contemporary urban development through planting, urban elements, paving and furniture.
<cite>Landscape concept design, Oculus</cite>
</blockquote>

While Oculus is responsible for the design of the landscaped piazza, the building also distinguishes itself through the use of irregular materials.

The design's Upper Heidelberg Road frontage is split into two distinct 'modules'. The northern facade is finished with an angular brass mesh veil which allows for both daylight access and privacy. The southern aspect is wrapped by a glass laminated brass mesh facade, articulated with white banding.

<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/image26_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level aspect. Planning image: John Demos Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_6.jpg?itok=oe8C3wBv" title="Street level aspect. Planning image: John Demos Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level aspect. Planning image: John Demos Architects</figcaption></figure>Accustomed to hotel ownership and funds management, 40 Upper Heidelberg Road represents SB&amp;G Group's first listing within the Apartments.com.au Project Database. Conversely, John Demos Architects continues to grow its presence within the database, reeling off a number of interesting and highly articulate residential designs of late.

Essendon's heavily faceted 193 Buckley Street is a design recently realised, while two further John Demos Architects projects of high design merit are unfolding in Footscray.

Side by side, the golden-clad Hugo has just commenced construction while the adjoining 209 Ballarat Road also brings with it a heightened degree of design credibility.

<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/image28_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Recent John Demos Architects projects. Image: Edge Architectural"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="507" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_7.jpg?itok=hH8wkcOX" title="Recent John Demos Architects projects. Image: Edge Architectural" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Recent John Demos Architects projects. Image: Edge Architectural</figcaption></figure>
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Ivanhoe's latest apartment proposal provides a grand public gesture

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Glen Eira's apartment construction scene is particularly healthy at present.

Failing any construction works on marquee projects such as Caulfield Village or Monash University, a 'mosquito fleet' of low-rise apartment projects are ably taking up the slack and keeping the crane count within Glen Eira at a heightened level. Across the Apartments.com.au Project Database, 27 separate projects are listed as at construction, whilst additional smaller builds within the municipality further boost that number.

Of the projects tracked by Apartments.com.au, the sum of apartments under construction currently stands at just beyond 900.

<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_1816.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Arrow Construct at M Carnegie"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1816.jpg?itok=KUNEIuFD" title="Arrow Construct at M Carnegie" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Arrow Construct at M Carnegie</figcaption></figure>The typical apartment project consists of 3-4 levels, with the current crop at construction averaging out to approximately 40 apartments per development.

Bentleigh is currently a stronghold of construction works; 6 projects are under construction and all are a short distance from the freshly completed Bentleigh Station. Carnegie also punches hard with 8 projects heading skyward, although they spread across the suburb.

In light of the swing away from investment grade inner city apartments to the owner occupier middle ring suburban market, municipalities such as Glen Eira, Stonnington and Whitehorse have seen a boost in demand for apartment living. This is borne out by the healthy number of projects at construction; these projects are smaller, require less capital and in general create less risk for their respective developers.

Usually a heavy hitter in Melbourne's inner city market, SP Setia is very much representative of larger developers delving into middle suburbs. Their Carnegie project dubbed Maison sees 48 apartments at construction at the hand of builder Ironstone.

Not to be overlooked is Steller; the prolific developer of smaller projects consisting predominantly of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments always maintains a healthy presence within Glen Eira. Currently, Steller has 13 projects within Glen Eira on the Apartments.com.au Project Database, with only a handful at construction.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1793_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Steller are developing Vickery Apartments"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1793_0.jpg?itok=356tzksN" title="Steller are developing Vickery Apartments" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Steller are developing Vickery Apartments</figcaption></figure>And Steller's mass of projects within the municipality yet to reach construction is symptomatic of the strong pipeline within Glen Eira.

Apartments.com.au is tracking a further 27 projects within Glen Eira that are at registrations and sales. Carnegie and Murrumbeena look to be the suburbs to watch in terms of construction activity over the next period.

Larger projects too are set to join the fray, as evidenced by 1060 Carnegie and Woorayl Street which involves Pace Development Group as builder. Both projects at between 10-12 levels represent a step up in projects size within Carnegie.
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