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 

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" dir="auto">
<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" dir="auto">
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

<html><body>
It's not every day an intended project can lay claim to being the largest mixed-use development outside of Melbourne's CBD.

Clayton will soon enough host <a href="/buildings/m-city-2107-dandenong-road-clayton">M-City</a>, a massive project on a 35,000sqm site located at 2107-2125 Dandenong Road. Controlled by local developer Nick Saraceno for the best part of 25 years, the long-dormant site's new launch as M-City comes after previously being referred to as the Nova Centre.

Having been in the works for a decade, the state planning minister of the day became the approving authority for the project during 2009, with the green light granted thereafter.

Schiavello have since been enlisted as joint developer alongside Saraceno Group for M-City, which at the time of approval carried a price tag of $600 million.

<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/image36mc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of M-City's first stage. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="193" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image36mc.jpg?itok=1VTiv6PW" title="Artist's impression of M-City's first stage. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of M-City's first stage. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>Stage One of M-City sees 170 one, two and three bedroom apartments on offer, with apartment internals ranging between 46sqm and 102sqm. CBRE have been installed as the master sales agent.

Beyond the initial apartment release, three additional residential buildings are in the works, as is a 225-suite international hotel, 189 serviced apartments and a commercial office building. During planning the commercial aspect consisted of a seven-level office building containing approximately 13,000sqm of leasable space, although the final figure under the M-City banner is unclear.

Kmart and Woolworths have been earmarked as anchors for the sizeable retail portion of the mixed-use project, with a cinema complex also in the works.

Long serving project architects Buchan Group continue to oversee the project, tweaking the approved plans to create M-City. Amenities include the ubiquitous pool and gym, a landscaped rooftop garden, tennis facilities, open air games area and  BBQ space. M-City will also host a child care centre.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image39_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of an M-City apartment interior. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="257" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_7.jpg?itok=-fVSMJTE" title="Artist's impression of an M-City apartment interior. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of an M-City apartment interior. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>Such a scale of M-City, it has been listed as a stand-alone future activity centre within the Monash National Employment and Innovation Cluster.

In the middle of the Victorian Planning Authority's freshly released <a href="https://vpa-web.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Monash-NEIC-framework-plan_March2017_WEB.pdf">Draft Framework Plan</a> for the Monash Cluster, M-City will be surrounded by the largest concentration of jobs outside of the Melbourne's CBD. An ongoing target for a number of large commercial and institutional developments, Monash Cluster includes Monash University's ongoing transformation and the Frasers-backed 60,000sqm commercial development at <a href="/news/a-commercial-mini-city-beckons-as-melbournes-southeast-flourishes">254-294 Wellington Road, Mulgrave</a>.

Construction on M-City's first phase is slated to begin later this year, with an approximate construction timeframe of 18 months expected.
</body></html>

silvermb

Melbourne's largest mixed-use development outside the CBD lands in Clayton

<html><body>
Perhaps in line with the current market sentiment, the release of apartment projects within Fishermans Bend for public purchase has been sluggish at best.

The recent green light for 134-142 Ferrars Street brings to 14 the number of residential projects within the Apartments.com.au Project Database which hold approval within the Urban Renewal Area, but have yet to go to sales. Put another way, these 14 projects equate to approximately 4,800 apartments that are being held back by developers.

Looking to buck the trend is the developer behind SOUTH, Fishermans Bend's latest release.

Australia Ruiyi has cemented its local intentions with SOUTH, a $48 million creation of Rothelowman. At 15 Thistlethwaite Street, SOUTH includes 69 apartments across an eight level building capped by a 'Rooftop Club'.

<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_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SOUTH includes a rooftop dining space. Image: Australia Ruiyi"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_7.jpg?itok=6KqT1CRS" title="SOUTH includes a rooftop dining space. Image: Australia Ruiyi" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SOUTH includes a rooftop dining space. Image: Australia Ruiyi</figcaption></figure>Backed by Chinese developer Ruiyi, SOUTH is Australia Ruiyi's vanguard project. It along with future developments in North Melbourne, Coburg and Diamond Creek sees the new developer's local portfolio valued at $400 million.

On SOUTH and Melbourne's underlying strength, General Manager of Australia Ruiyi Rachel Wang provided the following statement:

<blockquote>
SOUTH is located in one of Melbourne’s most affluent areas, with a high concentration of renters and a great local atmosphere. 

Located just 3km from the CBD with a Walkscore of 92, and a local population set to increase by 91.9% over the next 20 years, we see South Melbourne as a key strategic suburb to either live or invest in. It’s no secret that Melbourne has a strong property market; it is consistently ranked as the world’s most liveable city, has strong population growth, good schools and a thriving employment sector.
</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/image13_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="PM Port Melbourne and Vivid are also at sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_15.jpg?itok=FGfJbsCl" title="PM Port Melbourne and Vivid are also at sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>PM Port Melbourne and Vivid are also at sales</figcaption></figure>The developer's confidence in the project is high, with SOUTH currently at construction tender prior to the project officially being launched later this month.

SOUTH's pending launch means it along with <a href="/buildings/pm-port-melbourne-320-plummer-street-port-melbourne">PM Port Melbourne</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/171-183-ferrars-street-south-melbourne">Vivid</a> are the three major developments currently at sales within Fishermans Bend. Whilst pending sales speculation revolves around a handful of projects such as <a href="/new-apartments/15-85-gladstone-street-south-melbourne">15-87 Gladstone Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/lilix-51-59-thistlethwaite-street-south-melbourne">51-59 Thistlethwaite Street</a>, only two residential projects have to date advanced to construction within the massive Urban Renewal Area.

As the backlog of approved projects mounts, the next wave of planning applications within Fishermans Bend has come through during the initial months of 2017.

Applications have been lodged for 112 Salmon Street, 253-273 Normanby Road and 365-391 Plummer Street. In excess of 1,000 apartments are planned for the trio of sites which are controlled by Gunnersen, R Corporation and Third Street respectively.
</body></html>

SOUTH looks to buck a sluggish Fishermans Bend trend

<html><body>
The humble nursery continues to provide developers with sizeable redevelopment opportunities across Melbourne.

Latest to the public eye is the former Going, Going Green nursery within Hawthorn which has been christened Sierra. The apartment development on the corner at Burwood Road and Drill Street is the latest release by expanding Doncaster East-based developer JD Group.

Having secured the site reportedly for $30 million, JD Group have created a new purpose for the roughly 7,000sqm 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/image6_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of a Sierra Hawthorn interior. Image: JD Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_14.jpg?itok=qh9DujPm" title="Artist's impression of a Sierra Hawthorn interior. Image: JD Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of a Sierra Hawthorn interior. Image: JD Group</figcaption></figure>Architecturally the building has been described as a dynamic architectural statement which "ventures beyond pure aesthetics to create a tremendous sense of space via its unique ‘S’ shaped configuration. A staggered roof line and shimmering exterior finishes present a building that blends seamlessly with its surrounds."

"Nestled within the building’s elegant curves sit two, large landscaped courtyards that deliver intrigue and a broad outlook by departing from traditional urban clichés."

Internally, JD Group have elected to provide one, two and three-bedroom configurations, with four- bedroom terrace homes also on offer.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image4_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alexa Essendon is well into construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="280" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_14.jpg?itok=A2440Gqt" title="Alexa Essendon is well into construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Alexa Essendon is well into construction</figcaption></figure>As Sierra gears up for its sales launch, another example of a nursery transitioning into a major apartment development is nearing construction completion in Essendon.

The former Essendon Plant Farm/Direct Plants centre across 1048-1060 Mount Alexander Road was purchased by Accord Property Group, and now hosts Alexa. 95 apartments and a ground floor retail tenancy are set across the 2,003sqm land holding. 

Designed by ClarkeHopkinsClarke, the building spans seven storeys above a double level basement. Buildcorp Commercial are applying the finishing touches to the building, which also has frontage to Allison 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/image2rlc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amenities space within the Warrigal Road development. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2rlc.jpg?itok=x2o9cv-c" title="Amenities space within the Warrigal Road development. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amenities space within the Warrigal Road development. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>Also in the wings is 695 Warrigal Road, Chadstone which as of last month gained a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit. The proponents for the former Flower Power Garden Centre are all but assured in their push to realise a major residential redevelopment for the site.

Entity Chadstone Investments Pty Ltd are behind the development application. Initially seeking heights of up to 11 storeys, City of Monash have decreed that the development be allowed to proceed with two seven storey apartment buildings, 11 standalone townhouses within a three storey building, a child care centre, supermarket and additional retail tenancies.

Spanning 50,821sqm, part of the site is used as a homemaker centre, with the development to be located across the former plant nursery portion of the massive land holding.

<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/image3rlc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Townhouses fronting Collins Street form part of the development. Planning image: Rothelowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3rlc.jpg?itok=3nsury4W" title="Townhouses fronting Collins Street form part of the development. Planning image: Rothelowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Townhouses fronting Collins Street form part of the development. Planning image: Rothelowman</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

A green thumb's loss the developer's gain

<html><body>
May 2017 has thus far brought with it a string of cold mornings and a rash of news relating to various developments across Melbourne's CBD.

On the planning front, VCAT have delivered good news to interests seeking to turn the historic Phillips Shirts building at 274-278 Little Lonsdale Street into a substantial tower. Originally planned as a 59-storey residential tower, the design has been substantially clipped to approximately 100 metres in height or 30 levels.

278 Little Lonsdale Pty Ltd is the entity behind the tower which has now been approved for hotel use. Brady Group are the controlling force behind the project, perhaps suggesting that 274-278 Little Lonsdale Street may be developed under the Brady Hotels banner, in a similar move to what the developer has in store for 109-111 Little Lonsdale Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image135_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Exhibition Street perspective."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image135_3.jpg?itok=XkwCc9Op" title="A new Exhibition Street perspective." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Exhibition Street perspective.</figcaption></figure>Also widely reported last week is the news that Malaysia's SP Setia have crucially been given the green light from City of Melbourne to pursue redevelopment of 288-326 Exhibition Street. Under the plans dual towers approaching the height of Rialto will be constructed, with unconfirmed whispers that Shangri-La assume control over the development's 500 hotel suites.

Final approval rests with Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

Continuing the hotel theme is news of construction tenders being released for a new Vivo Hotel at 33-35 King Street. Originally approved for 120 apartments across 29 levels, developer BPM have reworked the scheme after purchasing the site, with Elenberg Fraser reportedly installed as the architect of choice.

In projects sales news, 555 Collins Street is due to launch shortly with the project's display suite freshly complete. Replacing a drab existing onsite office building, the Bates Smart-designed tower will stand 47 levels upon completion.

<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/image162.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="555 Collins Street's envisaged pool deck and Paragon Apartments "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="271" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image162.jpg?itok=hpI9chHK" title="555 Collins Street's envisaged pool deck and Paragon Apartments " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>555 Collins Street's envisaged pool deck and Paragon Apartments</figcaption></figure>555 Collins Street adds to Fragrance Group's other Melbourne pursuit, Premier Tower, which will over the coming months begin to rise above street level on its way to an eventual height of 249 metres above Spencer Street. 555 Collins Street's launch comes as the AFR reported last week on Paragon's early sales success within Malaysia. 

49 apartments within the tower located at 316-320 Queen Street have been sold to to Malaysian buyers; accumulated the sales have an end value of $70 million.

Finally the construction front also brings fresh news during May.

Probuild signage has appeared across 271 Spring Street, heralding construction commencement of Australian Unity's new headquarters. The $110 million office tower set over 16 levels includes 15,600 square metres of commercial office space and is due to be completed during 2019.

<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/image158.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Probuild's dual new commercial CBD projects. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image158.jpg?itok=pUqP26Vs" title="Probuild's dual new commercial CBD projects. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Probuild's dual new commercial CBD projects.</figcaption></figure>Probuild are also <a href="http://www.probuild.com.au/news/news/probuild-appointed-as-preferred-contractor-to-construct-new-victoria-police-centre-482">set to begin works</a> on Victoria Police's new building at 311 Spencer Street this month. Across 39 levels, 311 Spencer Street encompasses 65,000 square metres of commercial space.

Finally the remaining tower crane servicing Light House at 450 Elizabeth Street is making its way back town to terra firma, indicating that completion is nearing for Melbourne's latest tower to reach the 200 metre club. Hengyi Australia's latest includes over 600 apartments within the 218 metre tower. 

<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_0059.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light House stands centre of shot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="423" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0059.jpg?itok=X6FTQwpW" title="Light House stands centre of shot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light House stands centre of shot</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

The May CBD development wrap

<html><body>
Augmented planning rules introduced over recent years has made it impossible for the 'skinny skyscraper' to grace the vast majority of inner Melbourne's skyline. That is, after a number of eyebrow-raising developments were approved under now defunct planning regulations.

Whilst the <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">CBD</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a> may be off limits, a proposal has landed upon Elizabeth Street that looks to keep the typology viable in Melbourne. Kerstin Thompson Architects are the driving force behind <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">656-658 Elizabeth Street</a>, with the hope of realising a 15-storey tower on a 169sqm site.

Carrying a 7.9m frontage to Elizabeth Street, the site also fills in another relatively minuscule plot along the thoroughfare that has been subject to intense development over the past decade.

<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/image129_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A street level perspective. Planning image: Kerstin Thompson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="452" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image129_0.jpg?itok=irF_1OXN" title="A street level perspective. Planning image: Kerstin Thompson Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A street level perspective. Planning image: Kerstin Thompson Architects</figcaption></figure>Whilst not a skyscraper in the strictest interpretation, 656-658 Elizabeth Street does fall into the 'skinny' category, with the project's particulars reflecting this.

Ground floor will host a 21.6sqm retail tenancy with the immediate two floor above hosting offices; both of which carry 123sqm floor plates. Apartments planned within the tower are varied in size, ranging up to four bedroom dwellings set over split levels. 10 dwellings will be included within the tower which will be serviced by 3 basement levels.

In order to facilitate the development, an 1870's era building onsite will be demolished.

A former foundry, the single-storey structure falls within the Elizabeth Street North (Boulevard) Precinct is a graded heritage building. The development's proponents argue that its loss and the subsequent tower "will not have an unacceptable impact on the character, appearance or identified significance of the heritage place that is...Elizabeth Street North (Boulevard) 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/image128_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Phoenix Flinders Street &amp; Collins House. Images: Bosco Johnson &amp; Golden Age"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="423" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image128_2.jpg?itok=yhsVaNnw" title="Phoenix Flinders Street &amp; Collins House. Images: Bosco Johnson &amp; Golden Age" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Phoenix Flinders Street &amp; Collins House. Images: Bosco Johnson &amp; Golden Age</figcaption></figure>Although not of their scale, 656-658 Elizabeth Street is reminiscent of Phoenix Apartments and <a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House</a>; both super skinny residential towers.

Prior to Planning Minster Richard Wynne's regulatory intervention, towers such as Phoenix Apartments were touted as becoming more prevalent across Melbourne's CBD owing to the decreasing number of viable large sites available for development. Rising 28 storeys, the site which Phoenix Apartments sits upon spans a mere 6.7m.

Perhaps better described as a skinny tower, 656-658 Elizabeth Street's fate is with City of Melbourne. Lodged during January, the Elizabeth Street project is currently at advertising prior to City of Melbourne deciding whether there is still a place for the skinny tower in Melbourne.
</body></html>

Is there still a place for the 'skinny skyscraper' in Melbourne?

<html><body>
A beachside location in the Gold Coast with development approval for 38 apartments has been listed for sale by Savills.
The site at 3550 Main Beach Pde &amp; 33 Pacific Street, Main Beach, has views over the ocean, the Broadwater and south to Surfers Paradise and beyond.
The site area is 1,510 sqm and the zoning is multi-unit.
The DA approval provides for 38 end-user apartments and 22 levels.
The site is close to Tedder Avenue Restaurants, Marina Mirage and Versace International Hotel and shopping.
Apartments designed for end users are in very short supply in Main Beach, according to listing agent Kevin Carmody
He said this was the “last development opportunity on Main Beach Parade”.
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Beachside site with approval for apartments in the Gold Coast listed through Savills

<html><body>
PACE Development Group have pushed further into the suburban apartment market. Adding to their already impressive list of residential apartment projects is news that the firm will be involved in two new developments.

Whilst the wraps are due to come off a significant project in Melbourne's South East in which PACE will be a development partner, there's no mistaking their newest development at 554-558 High Street Road, Mount Waverley.

PACE as developer is seeking approval for 90 dwellings across the Mount Waverley site, replacing two low-rise brick commercial buildings which themselves form part of the Syndal Activity Centre along Blackburn Road. Staggered to a height of 8 levels, 554-558 High Street Road has been designed by Cera Stribley Architects.

Two basement levels and three ground floor tenancies form the balance of the development, with one space earmarked as a medical centre. Above, a mixture of one, two and three bedroom apartments are expected, ranging between 50sqm and 129sqm respectively.

<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/image116_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="High Street Road perspective. Planning mage: Cera Stribley"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image116_1.jpg?itok=U5GeEyUk" title="High Street Road perspective. Planning mage: Cera Stribley" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>High Street Road perspective. Planning mage: Cera Stribley</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The proposal is broken up into three distinct blocks - The Podium that addresses High Street Road and the rear carpark and recreational reserve, The Sandwich, which creates an immediate layer and The Crown, that floats above.

The primary design element is the grid. A simple yet powerful architectural expression that provides a balanced and subtle design response. This well refined expression ensures the building co-exists within its surroundings without trying to be overly striking, attention seeking or iconic.
<cite>Design Statement: Cera Stribley Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

The site in question covers 2,619sqm and has a 61.5 metre frontage to High Street Road. According to plans advertised with City of Monash, the project's complexion will be a mixture of glazing and metal cladding. Bronze, pale grey charcoal and white elements will define the building's look.

Cera Stribley Architects are also the design force behind another PACE development under construction, namely Pace of Northcote.

<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_9054.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Making way for Pace of Doncaster East"><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_9054.jpg?itok=aHyVHrx1" title="Making way for Pace of Doncaster East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Making way for Pace of Doncaster East</figcaption></figure>PACE Development Group's stable of current projects has expanded into virgin suburbs in recent times.

Mount Waverley joins Collingwood, Abbotsford, Doncaster East, Brunswick and Northcote as suburbs in which PACE has a current development interest. All six current projects also represent PACE's first foray into the respective suburbs, and a marked departure from the inner South East where PACE effectively served its development and construction apprenticeship.

With the recent commencement of works at Pace of Doncaster East, this brings to four the number of PACE projects under construction. The remaining projects at construction include Pace of Collingwood, Pace of Northcote and 808 Sydney Road.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_9847.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Looming large over Sydney Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9847.jpg?itok=Y3lIQ-kw" title="Looming large over Sydney Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Looming large over Sydney Road</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

PACE push further into Melbourne's suburban apartment belt

<html><body>
Mirvac has ushered in the completion of another tower within its long-running Yarra's Edge enclave. 

Forge Tower is the latest building to welcome residents to Docklands; it along with a series of low-rise townhouses represent Mirvac's first gesture within the final Wharf’s Entrance sub-precinct. The continued push by Mirvac westward within Yarra's Edge and into the final Wharf’s Entrance stage comes 17 years after the developer began formulating the precinct that holds well over one kilometre of Yarra River frontage.

Valued at $200 million, Forge includes 228 apartments within the 30 storey, 100 metre tower and was built over a two year period.

<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_9684.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The bulk of Forge's apartment maintain a CBD aspect"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9684.jpg?itok=htQ6lzwD" title="The bulk of Forge's apartment maintain a CBD aspect" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The bulk of Forge's apartment maintain a CBD aspect</figcaption></figure>Aiding Forge's apartments are 302 parking spaces, 84 bicycle spaces and 229sqm of retail space at ground level, which interfaces with the new Wharf's Landing park.

Mirvac's in-house design team were responsible for the tower's overall design, and have included a broad selection of apartments within. The spread of apartment options includes five one and two-bedroom artist studios, 10 one-bedroom lofts, 56 one-bedroom apartments, two two-bedroom maisonettes, 111 two-bedroom apartments, five three-bedroom terraces and 39 three-bedroom apartments ranging up to 151sqm in size.

Artist and sculptor Ned Kahn had a hand in the design process, contributing ’Fluid Lines’ to the tower's podium. The kinetic urban art installation to the corner of Lorimer Street and Regatta Way relies upon the wind to drive ripple-like movements across the podium facade.

<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_9687.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Forge's kinetic facade element"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9687.jpg?itok=hvBPyMUl" title="Forge's kinetic facade element" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Forge's kinetic facade element</figcaption></figure>In a media release marking Forge's completion, Mirvac’s General Manager of Residential Victoria, Elysa Anderson provided the following:

<blockquote>
Wharf’s Entrance transforms what was once an old wharf, and follows the success of Yarra’s Edge to date in creating one of Melbourne’s most culturally vibrant and liveable communities with unparalleled waterfront access, a realisation of Mirvac’s purpose to reimagine urban life.

The completion of Forge is a momentous event for Yarra’s Edge, which is now home to a lively community of more than 3,000 people.

We are proud to be one step closer to realising our vision for the precinct – which has been more than 17 years in the making - of a well-connected neighbourhood of diverse residents who enjoy an enviable waterfront lifestyle, while being just a stone’s throw away from the best of what Melbourne’s CBD has to offer.
</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/img_9680_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium apartments within Forge's podium"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="399" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9680_1.jpg?itok=8ysPFU45" title="Podium apartments within Forge's podium" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podium apartments on show</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

As recently as last week, negative media reports continue to dog Docklands.

And the negative commentary in some regards is justified - Docklands for the most is by no means the design and urban Shangri-La that many had hoped for.

Yet it is highly successful in certain regards. The flood of residents and white-collar workers to the 'new' suburb that effectively doubled Melbourne's CBD is an undisputed success and is evidenced by the 3,000 odd residents that choose to call Yarra's Edge home.

As precinct's such as Yarra's Edge continue to add new residents, its will be intriguing to see if this 'critical mass' of people goes some way to creating more of a '24 hour' feel within Docklands, rather than the '9 to 5' moniker it has attracted.

<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_9683.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The oversized podium design gesture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_9683.jpg?itok=stV-b2Mm" title="The oversized podium design gesture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The oversized podium design gesture</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Mirvac forges a new chapter within Yarra's Edge

<html><body>
LongRiver Group have ramped up their Box Hill development intentions. The privately owned property player is poised to launch a major apartment tower fronting Whitehorse Road whilst simultaneously working to secure the right to build Melbourne's latest DoubleTree by Hilton outlet.

820 Whitehorse Road's redevelopment came to light early last year, with Whitehorse Council ultimately granting LongRiver Group the right to proceed with the 30 storey building just prior to the turn of 2017. Valued at around the $200 mark, <a href="/buildings/east-central-tower-820-whitehorse-road-box-hill">East Central Tower</a> as it will be known is now accepting registrations of interest.

Included within the tower designed by Fender Katsalidis are approximately 280 apartments, 1,500sqm of residential facilities plus 3,000sqm of combined office and retail 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/image111_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="East Central Tower is nearing its sales launch. Image: Longriver Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="832" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image111_3.jpg?itok=b-m7nOYO" title="East Central Tower is nearing its sales launch. Image: Longriver Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>East Central Tower is nearing its sales launch. Image: Longriver Group</figcaption></figure>East Central Tower's pending launch comes as LongRiver Group work on bringing DoubleTree by Hilton to Box Hill.

Integrated property and infrastructure consultancy APP have released details of the intended DoubleTree by Hilton tower at 874-878 Whitehorse Road. Whitehorse Council are still assessing the project which landed at planning late last year.

<blockquote>
The new hotel, to be developed in the <a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">suburb of Box Hill</a>, will be the second DoubleTree by Hilton in Melbourne. Box Hill is a major commercial hub in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs and is an area of strategic significance with planned growth in employment, housing, business, services and public investment.

Currently in the design phase, the hotel will include 200 stylish and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, bar and gym coupled with an array of contemporary amenities consistent with the DoubleTree by Hilton brand. 

DoubleTree Hilton is renowned for delivering upscale, full-service hotels and identifying key markets around the world, and the new development is no exception. Expected to open in 2020, the hotel is in a prime position surrounded by education, government and healthcare facilities and is anticipated to inject a fresh, energetic presence to the Box Hill area.
<cite>APP </cite>
</blockquote>

874-878 Whitehorse Road has an expected project value of $90 million.

<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/image114_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="DoubleTree by Hilton is headed for Box Hill. Image: APP"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image114_3.jpg?itok=ealmaEpR" title="DoubleTree by Hilton is headed for Box Hill. Image: APP" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>DoubleTree by Hilton is headed for Box Hill. Image: APP</figcaption></figure>Whilst Box Hill has over recent years transformed into a favoured apartment market, it's only now that the suburb has gained traction in terms of attracting hotel operators.

DoubleTree by Hilton's 200 suites will follow The Chen, an Art Series Hotel containing 100 suites which is nearing completion as part of the larger Whitehorse Towers development. Also in play atop the hill are 150 approved hotel suites within Spotlight Property Group's 845-851 Whitehorse Road project and 77 serviced apartments as part of Golden Age Group's proposed 517-521 Station Street development.
</body></html>

Doubletree by Hilton and East Central Tower define LongRiver's Box Hill aspirations

<html><body>
There's movement regarding a number of imposing skyscrapers planned for Southbank.

The Planing Minister has granted approval for 51-65 Clarke Street during April, allowing developer Newcity Development (One) Pty Ltd to proceed with the hulking 70 storey tower. The twisting multi-coloured design by Elenberg Fraser which tops out at 233m would rank the tower among Southbank's tallest, although still well short of the suburb's tallest approved tower - 1 Queensbridge Street at 323m.

Spanning a GFA of 52,313sqm, 51-65 Clarke Street consists predominantly of 512 apartments, supported in turn by 327 bicycle bays and 120 car parking spaces.

<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/image72_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="51-65 Clarke Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="417" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image72_2.jpg?itok=nka0KwWu" title="51-65 Clarke Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>51-65 Clarke Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Although well in excess of the desired Southbank/CBD plot ratio, both Melbourne City Council and the Planing Minister saw fit to support the project.

<blockquote>
With a proposed height of 233m and setbacks that comply with the requirements of DDO10, the development will not overwhelm or dominate the public realm or adjoining buildings

As the development exceeds the maximum plot ratio of 24:1, the applicant is required to demonstrate a public benefit contribution. With the provision of a new through block link between Catherine Street and Hancock Street and contributions to nearby streetscape upgrades and projections actions with the City Road Masterplan and Southbank Structure Plan, it is considered that the plot ratio of 30.8:1 can be supported.
<cite>Report to Future Melbourne Planning Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

Also offered in principle support last month by Melbourne City Council was 87-105 Queensbridge Street. With Melbourne City Council's support or otherwise a prudent indicator as to whether a project will receive support from the Minister's office, 87-105 Queensbridge Street is now seemingly in the box seat to receive the green light.

If approved, the 170m tower would prove to be a boon for developer Aohua Sheng Le Property Pty Ltd.

Whether they choose to develop or move the site on, a permit for 852 apartments on Southbank is a substantial outcome. The planning application is also seeking the right to add 312 bicycle bays and 453 parking spaces within the Fender Katsalidis-designed project. 

87-105 Queensbridge Street's apartment split sees 354 single bedroom, 471 dual bedroom and 27 triple bedroom dwellings within the edifice which holds a massive GFA of 113,401sqm.

<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/image73_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="87-105 Queensbridge Street. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="443" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image73_4.jpg?itok=06TQZqvO" title="87-105 Queensbridge Street. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>87-105 Queensbridge Street. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>As the above duo navigate the planning process, a further two projects are looking for new owners as their current vendors choose to offload their respective assets.

38 Freshwater Place is the higher profile project of the duo up for sale. Knight Frank and CBRE have jointly listed the project, with its EOI campaign closing mid May. Up for grabs is the right to deliver a 273m mixed used tower featuring apartments, a hotel component and retail. After picking up the site at the turn of 2016, PCT Development &amp; Management have chosen to move on the trophy property.

Rounding out the Southbank do-si-do is 127-129 Kavanagh Street, which - save for a couple of months of piling activity at the turn of 2017 - has been dormant for some years. Designed by Squillace, 127-129 Kavanagh Street's approved permit allows for 780 apartments and multiple retails space across two towers, with the taller at 48 storeys. 

The above two projects are particularly valuable given the planning changes implemented over recent times, restricting height and density, and therefore apartment yield within the suburb. 

<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/image76_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="38 Freshwater Place &amp; 127-129 Kavanagh Street. Images: Knight Frank &amp; Squillace"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="287" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image76_2.jpg?itok=EosnoaVC" title="38 Freshwater Place &amp; 127-129 Kavanagh Street. Images: Knight Frank &amp; Squillace" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>38 Freshwater Place &amp; 127-129 Kavanagh Street. Images: Knight Frank &amp; Squillace</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Apartments

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Apartments

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News