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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For differing reasons, City of Port Phillip's planning department is currently handling two highly interesting planning applications.

37-43 Park Street continues to gain height as it cycles through the planning process, with developer Milbex hoping an additional six floors can find favour with Council. 190-192 St Kilda Road on the other hand has stamped itself as one of 2016's more astute small-scale designs owing to its busy yet engaging design.

Both intended developments were lodged for assessment during the third quarter.

<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_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Prospective views from 37-43 Park Street. Image: Milbex"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image128_1.jpg?itok=-U32lTtk" title="Prospective views from 37-43 Park Street. Image: Milbex" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Prospective views from 37-43 Park Street. Image: Milbex</figcaption></figure>South Melbourne's 37-43 Park Street began its planning process during 2014, with a new design submitted during mid-2015. Elenberg Fraser have remained the project's lead throughout, with the latest design iteration lodged during September.

Relative to the previously approved scheme, the current taller submission seeks the approval of an 18 level tower yielding 201 apartments, or an increase of 49 over the previous design. Additionally the tower's car spaces would expand from 81 to 120, bicycles from 132 to 164 and the overall height from 35 metres to 60 metres.

Although a reduction in ground floor retail space from 453sqm to 410sqm is envisaged, the project's renders depict an activated frontage to Park Street; something which is currently sorely missed. Ground floor will also see the elimination of car parking, with resident's amenities such as a gym, lounge and dining space installed.

Milbex has dubbed the project 39W, and it shapes as their largest residential development to date, nominally superseding the nearby Essence South Melbourne which holds 182 apartments and was completed during 2013.

<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.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Park Street activation. Image: Milbex"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image129.jpg?itok=ZFdhf-7U" title="Park Street activation. Image: Milbex" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Park Street activation. Image: Milbex</figcaption></figure>190-192 St Kilda Road on the other hand is certainly one of the smaller planning applications to be covered by Apartments.com.au over the course of 2016.

A six storey mixed use development is called for, with three levels of office space amounting to 675sqm. Set above the commercial floors is a penthouse which carries 218sqm of internal space, including four bedrooms.

Designed by Peddle Thorp, 190-192 St Kilda Road also includes provisions for 22 vehicles across basement and ground 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/image132_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="190-192 St Kilda Road's design flair. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="406" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image132_1.jpg?itok=At9aRpQJ" title="190-192 St Kilda Road's design flair. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>190-192 St Kilda Road's design flair. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>It is the application's ground level and exterior skin which make it a tantalising design prospect.

The ground floor cafe is the design highlight, with Peddle Thorp extending the curving interior outward. According to submitted documents, the project's brief was to emulate the project's name through form, and the result is a highly impressive street level activation.

Directly above the arcing and transparent ground level, Peddle Thorp have employed an angular mesh veil across the main commercial levels, with an eye toward distinguishing the project from others in the immediate vicinity. A green wall element will also be introduced across the building's rear.

A curving floor plate rounds out the highly meritorious application. All in all an eye-catching design.

<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/image130.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Arc's distinctive street level interface. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image130.jpg?itok=ay5cM98j" title="The Arc's distinctive street level interface. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Arc's distinctive street level interface. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

City of Port Phillip deal with the tall and the short of it

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The recent approval of <a href="http://sterlingglobal.com.au/">Sterling Global</a>'s mixed-use tower at <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">383 La Trobe Street</a> adds to the influx of towers with international influence leaving their mark not only on Melbourne's skyline, but the city's streetscapes.

The $700 million mixed-use tower, a collaboration between French design architect Ateliers Jean Nouvel and local Australian executive architect <a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a>, has been designed with people at its core. One third of the site's footprint is earmarked for public space.

The colourful tower will feature an internal arcade wrapped in digital art installations, activated by galleries, a bar, restaurants, retail spaces and a public book exchange. Despite its 29:1 plot ratio exceeding the city’s planning controls, the building has been approved due to its public benefit and amenity.

<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/a0434-pedestrian_view-j.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Digital Art Arcade. Image courtesy Stirling Global"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a0434-pedestrian_view-j.jpg?itok=rtYK0uMQ" title="Digital Art Arcade. Image courtesy Stirling Global" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Digital Art Arcade. Image courtesy Stirling Global</figcaption></figure>Designed to maximise connections to its neighbouring context, both visual and physical, via its internal public laneway and expressive facade, the 70-storey tower will also accommodate 488 one, two and three bedroom residences and a 196-room hotel. With planning approval in hand, Sterling Global will now engage with international hoteliers to operate the hotel component of the 242 metre tower.

The design team have conceived a tower which seeks to contribute to the city, its neighbours, residents and visitors, helping fill a lack of accommodation for tourists to the city, while providing new spaces to engage and socialise, including a rooftop bar. People are at the heart of the tower, and for its neighbours, the philosophy is to ensure every aspect will be beautiful, blanketed in landscaped vertical gardens and external finishes that complement the light as it shifts throughout the day.

<blockquote>
383 La Trobe Street offers one third of its land back to the public, creating a new laneway dotted with a gallery space, cafes, bars, art spaces and a huge digital art installation that covers the roof and walls of the arcade.

It’s a significant artistic contribution to Melbourne, and we’re thrilled to be working with Architectus and Ateliers Jean Nouvel on such an innovative project.
<cite>Brandon Yeoh, Development Director, Sterling Global</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/a0421-pedestrian_view-a_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The tower's distinct facades respond to its context and the environment. Image courtesy Stirling Global"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="733" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a0421-pedestrian_view-a_1.jpg?itok=Q37d_X8b" title="The tower's distinct facades respond to its context and the environment. Image courtesy Stirling Global" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The tower's distinct facades respond to its context and the environment. Image courtesy Stirling Global</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au recently met with Matthew Smith, Managing Principal for Architectus Melbourne, and Mark van Miltenburg, Head of Investment and Development at Sterling Global to discuss the finer details of the project.

Urban.com.au: Recent media reports suggest the project was approved under the Amendment C270 planning controls (Plot Ratio 18:1) and not the interim C262 controls (24:1). Can you clarify this?

Matthew Smith: We lodged under C262 and so it was approved on the basis of those planning controls because up until (last week) C270 was just a draft set of guidelines.

Mark van Miltenburg: It was unofficially assessed under C270 as well and we were asked to use the tool to measure the floor area uplift and then the value of the public benefit and that was done under the context for both plot ratios and we were in the green for both.

MS: I think it's an interesting discussion. If you look at a number that says 18:1 or 29:1 you might ask "well how could you possibly allow that?" and I'm hoping that the more that's written about this project and others in the media, that there's some clarity given because it's not just about a number. This project was never really considered as a number, it's a contextual response that formed a building.

Obviously there were some mandatory components of the guidelines and we certainly mapped those out early on so we knew we had to sit within those but beyond that it was a contextual response to the site.

I think within a city, as long as you can do that then planning controls are okay but it will mean that some sites unfortunately simply can't be developed, where even a contextual response may not even cut it.

UM: There should be flexibility in the controls to allow sites to be considered on their individual merits and circumstances on a site to site basis, whilst still adhering to a set of requirements and it appears that may be the case moving forward.

MS: You look back and obviously Republic Tower has featured quite prominently in and around this discussion and if memory serves me correctly, Republic Tower came to fruition at around the same time the previous set of plot ratio guidelines were being watered down. That process enabled Republic Tower to occur.

UM: There's also precedent for resident backlash occurring with the likes of Southbank Towers and Prima, Freshwater Place and 1 Queensbridge Street. No doubt at some stage in the future a tower of similar scale will be proposed in proximity to 383 La Trobe.

MS: It's an interesting block with a lot of development potential. I don't think there's many blocks in the city in their current state that have that embodied opportunity within them and that's something that we took quite seriously. The fact that the actions that are taken at 383 will have a significant impact on Victoria University, the Royal Mint and their relationship with the building, all of which are already established on that block.

MvM: And those that are coming too. That was one of the most exciting aspects about the opportunity of developing in the block is that in many respects it was a bit of a blank canvas, we could do what we wanted to do with our site and then try and integrate that with our neighbours.

UM: But to also provide opportunities for future development to then tie into your site?

MvM: Absolutely.

MS: That was given a lot of consideration in terms of how the public space was articulated. You're obviously aware that there's quite a generous public space offering here but there were a lot of discussions as to how that might manifest itself and part of that is the story about what comes after 383? We were in discussions with Victoria University throughout the process as well because some of the access, easements and other bits and pieces which will interact between the two sites needed to be sorted out.

<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/383l_ground_plane_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="383 La Trobe's network of public spaces sew the block together. Image courtesy: Sterling Global"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/383l_ground_plane_0.jpg?itok=aRVVF68I" title="383 La Trobe's network of public spaces sew the block together. Image courtesy: Sterling Global" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>383 La Trobe's network of public spaces sew the block together. Image courtesy: Sterling Global</figcaption></figure>MvM: And they've been terrific through this whole process and I think one of the nice things about engaging with them is that they absolutely bought into the aspirations of the project; their ideas are very complimentary to the ideas of our site and so they get more public space for the people using their building.

They get the through-site link which connects through to Flagstaff Gardens and the station and it helps us create that openness as well.

MS: And I think importantly, a formalisation of the link through to Queen Street because at the moment that's private land so it was the impetus for some sort of arrangement to be struck that enables an easement across it and while it doesn't physically link to Guildford Lane there's certainly a visual marker and reference. Obviously that Guildford Lane precinct is in a state of flux at the moment and there's a number of other initiatives that are going to occur in that area.

Urban.com.au's discussion with Matthew and Mark will continue in an upcoming article.
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Laurence Dragomir

Très Bien! Atelier Jean Nouvel/Architectus and Sterling Global on 383 La Trobe Street (part one)

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Apartment price falls are possible in Brisbane and Melbourne in 2017 due to oversupply, according to HSBC.
Paul Bloxham, HSBC senior economist said a national apartment building boom is likely to deliver the oversupply.
"This is is expected to see apartment price falls in these markets," he said.
"Detached dwelling markets across the country are set to see further price growth, albeit moderating.
<a href="/images/2016/11/25/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-25%20at%2012.49.06%20PM.png" target="_blank"> Click to enlarge</a>
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"Third, there is a substantial ramp-up in apartment supply, particularly in Melbourne and Brisbane, which is weighing on apartment price growth, while across most cities there has been only limited supply of detached dwellings. 
"This is also affecting timely indicators of conditions, such as auction clearance rates. 
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"Detached dwellings are more likely to be sold at auction, while many apartments are sold off plan. As a result of divergence across market segments, auction clearance rates have been high, but overall dwelling turnover has been low. "
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Apartment oversupply in Melbourne, Brisbane: HSBC's Paul Bloxham makes 2017 forecast

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The lure of capitalising upon Melbourne's super strong hotel sector has not gone unnoticed at Salta Properties, with the developer's approved plans for a prime Docklands corner reworked to include a hotel component.

A long time at planning, 695-699 La Trobe Street was resubmitted with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) earlier in the year, with the intention of providing 175 hotel suites in addition to 305 residential apartments. The emergence of 695-699 La Trobe Street in its current form adds weight to Docklands' hotel credentials, with a handful of projects planned or at construction.

Planning documents show that for their Docklands venture, Salta Properties were negotiating with InterContinental Hotels Group to bring aboard Hotel Indigo as the operator, although of course any tie-up is subject to confirmation from the respective parties.

Active across all development spheres, 695-699 La Trobe Street shapes as Salta Properties' second mixed-use project which would include a hotel component. As part of Abbotsford's Green Square development, Salta Properties snared serviced apartment provider Quest to manage 93 studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments.

From an exterior design perspective, 695-699 La Trobe Street's shape remains for the most unchanged, with a new facade and ground floor plane in tow.

The redesigned exterior features a facade application that has become somewhat of a Fender Katsalidis trademark in recent times. Vertical timber-finish fins now veil much of the podium aspect of the intended tower, and are similar in nature to other Fender Katsalidis projects such as Ivanhoe Apartments.

A new ground floor layout would see dual lobbies and a combined bar/dining space provide continuous activation to both La Trobe Street and Harbour Esplanade. As part of the revised application, Urban Art Projects have included an urban art strategy with the option of including three major artworks across the tower's ground floor and car park podium section.

<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/image110_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new ground level interface. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image110_0.jpg?itok=rHAI1EAS" title="A new ground level interface. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new ground level interface. Planning image: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure>Docklands and the adjoining South Wharf continue to prove themselves as a magnet for hotel development.

Salta Properties' entry into Docklands is in addition to Four Points by Sheraton which is nearing its construction completion, while Quest can expect its second Docklands outlet to begin construction in the new year. Flagship Property Holdings have begun works on a new 331-room hotel at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, while Riverlee is eyeing a new hotel an North Wharf as part of its <a href="/news/a-reborn-north-wharf-adds-to-melbournes-swelling-hotel-numbers">pending redevelopment</a>.

The only project that has yet to materialise is Altus Tower; itself a stone's throw from 695-699 La Trobe. PARKROYAL has been signed to Altus Tower, but post its <a href="http://www.hotelmanagement.com.au/2014/10/08/construction-starts-parkroyal-docklands/">official breaking of ground</a> during October 2014, precious little has occurred onsite since.

<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/image112_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Altus as rendered, but not in reality. Image: thelatus.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="364" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image112_1.jpg?itok=2sL-199A" title="The Altus as rendered, but not in reality. Image: thelatus.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Altus as rendered, but not in reality. Image: thealtus.com.au</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne's hotel boom draws Salta Properties into the mix

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Brunswick East's latest apartment project to reach sales has hit the ground running, with strong sales notched for the project in a short period of time.

Seamstress at 11-13 Lygon Street is a reference to the site's previous life as a fabric mill. It is also K7 Developments' fourth Melbourne residential project, following on from successful projects in Brunswick West, Surrey Hills and Hawthorn East. With a Footscray development in the offing, K7 Developments has established itself as a locally-based developer capable of tapping into Melbourne's on-trend suburban apartment markets.

Seamstress' selling agent Est8 Agency has seen strong initial interest in Seamstress translated to half of the project's 32 apartments having already been accounted for.

<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/image97_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Seamstress' exterior is a standout relative to its surrounds. Image: Est8 Agency"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="239" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image97_1.jpg?itok=iorPha_1" title="Seamstress' exterior is a standout relative to its surrounds. Image: Est8 Agency" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Seamstress' exterior is a standout relative to its surrounds. Image: Est8 Agency</figcaption></figure>Est8 Agency Executive Director Nic Cuni explained to Apartments.com.au that Seamstress' strong design presence, both internally and externally, has seen the development favoured by owner occupiers in the always competitive Brunswick East apartment market.

Design conscious buyers have recognised that RotheLowman is the design practice behind Seamstress, with the building employing a woven facade of steel and glass as a nod to the site's past. Seamstress also represents the next step in the successful partnership between developer and architect, with <a href="/buildings/brasshouse-771-toorak-road-hawthorn-east">Brasshouse</a> the duo's most recent collaboration.

Internals too are a reflection of RotheLowman's strong, crafted design stance, with Nic Cuni describing the overall architecture and specifically the living spaces as a great blend of harmonious design.

<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/image99_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A Seamstress interior perspective. Image: Est8 Agency"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image99_1.jpg?itok=iE3ds2cH" title="A Seamstress interior perspective. Image: Est8 Agency" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A Seamstress interior perspective. Image: Est8 Agency</figcaption></figure>Seamstress is a mix of one, two and three bedroom residences, with Nic Cuni describing the one bedroom options as particularly good value for money, given their efficient floorplan and impressive views. On the corner of Lygon Street and Brunswick Road, Seamstress is still garnering strong online interest as the sales campaign progresses.

Apartments finishes hark upon Seamstress' industrial heritage and are defined by exposed concrete ceilings, natural timber floorboards and slider cabinetry. In this way, RotheLowman have introduced a subtle degree of rawness to each dwelling, while also maintaining a heightened level of quality throughout.

Sliding doors within select apartments are capable of creating an additional bedroom or office space on demand, and Seamstress' terraces are sized with room for outdoor dining and herb gardens.

<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/image100.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Seamstress bedroom with a view to Melbourne's CBD. Image: Est8 Agency"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image100.jpg?itok=rFIZRLqJ" title="Seamstress bedroom with a view to Melbourne's CBD. Image: Est8 Agency" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Seamstress bedroom with a view to Melbourne's CBD. Image: Est8 Agency</figcaption></figure>To secure your new home in Seamstress, register your details using the form below.
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Secure your new home in Seamstress, Brunswick East

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City of Monash is welcoming feedback on what may become Oakleigh's new tallest building, with a development application spanning Warrigal and Dandenong Roads in the pipeline.

Entity Viapac Australia Pty Ltd which represents a number of land owners, is the driving force behind the project that would create the suburb's largest development to date. In addition to hundreds of apartments, a healthy serviced apartment segment is included within the application, presumably to service the ever-expanding Chadstone Shopping Centre which is a short distance away.

The 106 serviced apartments within the application could join existing operator Punthill Oakleigh and the new onsite Chadstone Hotel which is due to begin construction, in boosting the area's short stay capacity.

The project's end value would be well beyond the nominated $108 million cost of development.

<h2>807-811 Warrigal Road and 1513-1517 Dandenong 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/image84_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Planning image: RotheLowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_4.jpg?itok=Z_Kv2UM1" title="Planning image: RotheLowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Planning image: RotheLowman</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 9,605 square metres with Dalgety Street frontage of 133.88 metres</li>
	<li>Current use: large format warehouse and retail</li>
	<li>Proposed: 3 buildings between 4-18 levels with the tallest at 57 metres</li>
	<li>348 apartments: 100 x 1BR, 205 x 2BR, 20 x 3BR, 23 x Duplex</li>
	<li>106 serviced apartments: 27 x Studio, 74 x 1BR, 5 x 2BR</li>
	<li>Retail area: 2,259.9sqm including a supermarket</li>
	<li>Capacity for 582 car parks,195 bicycle spaces and 348 storage cages</li>
	<li>Construction cost: $108 million</li>
	<li>Application lodged: August 2016</li>
</ul>
<h2>Architectural concept</h2>

<blockquote>
The proposal aims to provide an improved public realm, that expresses the unique identity of this proposed development and encourages the serendipitous interaction of existing community with the new residents. The proposal creates a new landscape of roof top terraces and courtyards that will provide unprecedented levels of indoor and outdoor amenity for residents of the development.

The vast array of different spaces will allow for a variety of different uses and opportunities for the residents to interact, from small gatherings to larger functions.

The Sky Gardens, Roof Top Terraces and Courtyards will vary in size and scale as they cascade down the building in one fluid motion like a waterfall .These spaces will provide for a variety of amenities including veggie patches, BBQ’s, alfresco dining, pool, gym, function rooms, informal gathering, sun bathing, and outdoor cinema to name but a few.

The language and materiality of the building forms will respond to the different interface conditions in scale, texture, colour, transparency and permeability
<cite>Architectural planning sumbission, RotheLowman</cite>
</blockquote>

That materiality, for the most part, will be divided between rendered concrete finishes, a variety of glazing and clad/screening, with gold the predominant colour.

For their part, project Landscape Architect Rush Wright Associates have chosen to soften the Dalgety Street facade which fronts traditional low-rise detached housing. This is achieved by incorporating large green spaces into the terraced levels, while the ground level plane will include a mix of private and public green spaces.

The tower itself will include open, north-facing green terraces across a number of 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/image86_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Oakleigh's proposed tall, green tower. Planning image: RotheLowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image86_2.jpg?itok=PjYkPZ7k" title="Oakleigh's proposed tall, green tower. Planning image: RotheLowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Oakleigh's proposed tall, green tower. Planning image: RotheLowman</figcaption></figure>At the turn of 2016, Apartments.com.au foreshadowed Oakleigh as <a href="/news/pellicano-group-cements-oakleigh-as-an-upcoming-apartment-hotspot">a new apartment hot spot in the making</a>.

Within the article was mention of Viapac Australia's purchase of 807-811 Warrigal Road, with the then 3,686sqm site sold by CBRE City Sales. Included was an indicative development scheme for 190 apartments. 807-811 Warrigal Road along with the Dandenong Road land parcel have been consolidated into the current planning application.

Prior to 807-811 Warrigal Road's lodgement with City of Monash, Oakleigh's largest development yet to be realised is Pellicano's <a href="/buildings/alke-89-atherton-road-oakleigh">89-93 Atherton Road</a>. After having its initial plans trimmed while at planning, Pellicano are now free to pursue the project which was approved with 95 dwellings included.

<h2>807-811 Warrigal Road and 1513-1517 Dandenong Road development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Viapac Australia Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: RotheLowman</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Hollerich Town Planning</li>
	<li>Project Manager: Pomeroy Pacific</li>
	<li>Landscape Architects: Rush Wright Associates</li>
	<li>Traffic: Cardno</li>
	<li>Services, fire and ESD: WSP | PARSONS-BRINCKERHOFF</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Approval Systems</li>
</ul>
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The Oakleigh goliath: 807-811 Warrigal Road

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New residential building is predicted to slow for the next two years to bottom at a 'historically healthy level of activity' according to the Housing Industry Association's latest HIA National Outlook report.
Warwick Temby, HIA acting chief economist said HIA is forecasting a measured return to more normal levels of home building activity over the next couple of years.
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'Notwithstanding the current uncertainties around the broader economic outlook, especially with the future US policy settings up in the air,' he said.
“The recent peak in new home building was unprecedented: an all-time record 229,823 new residential dwellings started building in 2015/16. This record level of building has made a major contribution to Australia’s economic growth over the last few years and eased the under-supply of housing for both owner occupiers and renters that had built up over the previous ten years. 
“Multi-unit building, especially apartments in the Eastern States, has driven much of the growth in this cycle and is also forecast to lead the slowdown in new activity over the next couple of years. From their peak of 117,000 in this calendar year multi-unit commencements are expected to fall by over 40 per cent by 2018/19.
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“A softer landing is forecast for detached homes with 103,000 starts predicted for 2018/19, down 9 per cent on the peak this year. 
“The forecast falls in new activity will not be uniform across the country; Western Australia and South Australia started their down-cycle well in advance of other states. 
“Total new commencements are forecast to decline 3.1 percent, 18.5 per cent and 5.1 percent over the period 2016/17 – 2018/19, which would take commencements to a trough of 172,242, which is the average for the last ten years. 
“Actual building activity on the ground will not decline in the same way as new starts due to the substantial volume of work under construction that will not be completed until 2018 and into 2019. 
“Dwelling renovations are forecast to grow over the forecast period counteracting some of the decline in the new home building activity. By 2018/19 renovations are forecasts to have grown by 6.5 per cent to be worth $32.96 billion in that year."
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New residential building to slow: HIA

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The deeper pockets of Southbank continue to tick over as developers line up the next wave of apartment projects in the area.

Most recent to planning is 83-89 Coventry Street, with the large corner site of 976sqm landing with City of Melbourne in recent days. Proposed is a 20 storey reisdential tower with ground level retail and basement carparking.

At the time of sale near on two years ago, the site was offered by Colliers with a "World class scheme for a new iconic tower prepared by one of Melbourne’s best architects." With the passage of time, it likely that a new scheme has been created for the site which abutts the area's tallest building under construction, <a href="/buildings/kings-domain-southbank-68-dorcas-street-southbank">Kings Domain</a> the 24 storeys.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image67_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Colliers successfully sold 83-89 Coventry Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="369" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image67_3.jpg?itok=1UEEDGDA" title="Colliers successfully sold 83-89 Coventry Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Colliers successfully sold 83-89 Coventry Street</figcaption></figure>83-89 Coventry Street joins 175-187 Sturt Street, which is the precint's other major apartment development at planning.

Lodged during July, the development application calls for a mixed use building which would replace a low-rise commercial complex. Although the scheme has yet to be advertised, likely images of the development have appeared on the website of <a href="http://g3projects.com.au/projects/southbank">G3 Projects</a> in recent times.

Its sweeping form and unique exterior finishes make the tower an aesthetically pleasing sight, while its height is lower to that of the diagonally opposite <a href="/new-apartments/248-250-sturt-street-southbank">250 Sturt Street</a>, which won approval at 16 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/image68_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="G3 Projects are involved with 175-187 Sturt Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image68_6.jpg?itok=z5O4mZ1T" title="G3 Projects are involved with 175-187 Sturt Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>G3 Projects are involved with 175-187 Sturt Street</figcaption></figure>In terms of projects nearing public launch, a selling agent has been appointed to The Evermore.

Across a large Dorcas Street land holding, Xu Hui International Group operating as Landence Group in Melbourne, is expected to launch full retail sales of for the twin towered project in the new year. Designed by Hayball, the project initially gained approval for 492 apartments although it has since been refined by the development team, with 400 plus apartment still expected.

The balance of active apartment projects in this pocket of Southbank is split between Evolve Development's <a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Botanic</a> which is at tender, and the under construction <a href="/new-apartments/coventry-haus-33-coventry-street-southbank">Coventry Haus</a> and <a href="/buildings/kings-domain-southbank-68-dorcas-street-southbank">Kings Domain</a>.

The combination of the above projects would add approximately 1,000 apartments to the areas already healthy population.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image69_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hayball's final design for The Evermore"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="655" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image69_5.jpg?itok=dt4g-TRj" title="Hayball's final design for The Evermore" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hayball's final design for The Evermore</figcaption></figure>
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Southbank continues to attract development attention

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A flourish of construction tender activity toward the year's end is seeing Melbourne's commercial builders lining up to grab some of the city's prime construction contracts.

With a host of tenders emerging in the last two weeks, 2017 is shaping as a year that will continue Melbourne's heightened levels of construction output. While the mega tower builds that have defined recent years may be on the wane, there's no shortage of other projects across a variety of uses that will step into the breach over the course of 2017.

Two serviced apartments projects are lining up for a 2017 commencement. Southbank's 64 Clarendon Street is already subject to early works, with the successful builder tasked with delivering roughly 160 apartments within the Bruce Henderson Architects-designed tower. The 27 level structure gained approval earlier this year.

A long expected addition to Epping Plaza is also close to fruition. Quest has naming rights for a predominantly serviced apartment building at 125 Cooper Street, which also includes 58 car parking spaces and commercial space. Quest will also see its brand in NewQuay, with MAB's Elm &amp; Stone project also at tender.

<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/image49_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Serviced apartments and hotel suites keep on keeping on"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="357" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image49_5.jpg?itok=c-61psQv" title="Serviced apartments and hotel suites keep on keeping on" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Serviced apartments and hotel suites keep on keeping on</figcaption></figure>Residential apartment projects of course account for the majority of current tenders, with the number of projects heading toward construction too numerous to mention.

Among the smaller to medium sized projects on the tender radar are 1-3 Otter Street, Merri Green, the aforementioned Elm &amp; Stone, MontVue, 100 Bouverie Street, 122 Roseneath Street and Holme Apartments.

Within the CBD, two major apartment projects are in the offing. The long-at-sales Wills Tower is at tender, with the successful builder to take on the task of constructing the 35 level building which will include roughly 200 dwellings, on behalf of Shangyi Property.

What shapes as Melbourne's biggest build next year is also at tender. The first phase of West Side Place will see 222,000sqm of Gross Floor Area constructed; 1369 residential apartments, a 263 room 6-star Ritz-Carlton hotel, 12 retail tenancies and four basement levels of car parking will make the build one of the largest ever undertaken in Melbourne.

<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/image51_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="West Side Place with an assortment of residential projects due for 2017"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="260" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image51_5.jpg?itok=4OTK7aqz" title="West Side Place with an assortment of residential projects due for 2017" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>West Side Place with an assortment of smaller residential projects due for 2017</figcaption></figure>Aged care is also set to receive its share of construction attention during 2017. In addition to sizeable developments across Heidelberg, Preston, Greensborough and Hawthorn, a construction tender is also open for Australian Unity's repurposing of their current headquarters at 114-130 Albert Road, South Melbourne.

A 2017 start date is unlikely for the existing tower over part of the site, given Australian Unity will vacate their current head office for a new Spring Street build due for completion in 2018. The balance of the amalgamated site holds a single storey commercial tenancy which could in theory begin next year subject to planning approval.

Regardless the construction tender is open for the project which at this stage includes a new 19 level tower adjoining Australian Unity's current office. Included are retirement apartments, an aged-care facility, medical centre, retail space and restaurant above basement parking.

<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/image46_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Australian Unity's envisaged redevelopment"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="429" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_7.jpg?itok=JuuW85hH" title="Australian Unity's envisaged redevelopment" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Australian Unity's envisaged redevelopment</figcaption></figure>Rounding out the list of noteworthy projects at tender is Bunnings's intended Doncaster store. While not normally a project worthy of coverage by Apartments.com.au, the initial works are likely to include provisions for the delivery of apartments set above the new outlet. Approval was granted for hundreds of new dwellings above the store, which are likely to be delivered over stages.
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Love me tender: projects currently at tender that will begin in 2017

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The period between local Council elections and year's end looks likely to throw up further key planning approvals, in light of four significant towers that are all but approved.

A Notice of Decision (NOD) has been issued for each of the projects during November, all but assuring they will gain final approval within weeks. Each planning application has been covered by Apartments.com.au over the course of the last year, with the quartet split between traditional residential apartment towers and student accommodation digs.

All in all, roughly 320 apartments and 1,000 student beds can be expected across the four projects.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image35_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Box Hill can expect two new entrants. Images: Savills and Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="283" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_7.jpg?itok=D3A9CLQt" title="Box Hill can expect two new entrants. Images: Savills and Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Box Hill can expect two new entrants. Images: Savills and Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Box Hill's apartment market will benefit from dual residential towers that have received a Notice of Decision.

9-11 Prospect Street is the tallest of the quartet, with Artisan Architects designing the 26 level apartment tower that will hold just shy of 200 apartments. Owner Box Hill Investments (Vic) Pty Ltd has recently listed the 1,475sqm development site with Savills, with the expectation that the plot, which is surrounded by some of the suburb's largest towers, will be snapped up quickly by an established developer.

Over Whitehorse Road, and Melstone Wellington Pty Ltd is also in luck with the entity's 16-22 Wellington Road site also receiving the tick from City of Whitehorse.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, 16-22 Wellington Road entered planning as a 14 level apartment tower containing 133 dwellings.

Covering a 1,700sqm site, 16-22 Wellington Road continues to add to the area's appeal with developers. Wedged between Whitehorse Road and Box Hill Hospital, Wellington Road has been subject to increased construction activity of late, and will in time see the arrival of taller residential towers, including 16-22 Wellington Road, <a href="/new-apartments/5-9-wellington-road-box-hill">5-9 Wellington Road</a> and <a href="/buildings/whitehorse-trio-845-851-whitehorse-road-box-hill">845-851 Whitehorse Road</a> which shares a Wellington Road frontage.

<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_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The inner city student accommodation additions. Images: Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_6.jpg?itok=hjn-Ci3L" title="The inner city student accommodation additions. Images: Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The inner city student accommodation additions. Images: Hayball</figcaption></figure>Carlton and North Melbourne will also receive a boost, with separate Hayball-designed student accommodation projects receiving a Notice of Decision in recent days.

Haymarket roundabout is the setting for 1 Flemington Road which at planning weighed in at 22 levels. The tower's distinctive wave facade will mask near on 400 student beds for Brisbane-based outfit Blue Sky Funds.

It along with <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">42-50 La Trobe Street</a> represents Blue Sky Funds' dual-pronged push into the Melbourne student accommodation sector. Incidentally 42-50 La Trobe Street bares a striking resemblance to the other student accommodation tower to has been given the nod, namely 599-605 Swanston Street, Carlton.

It at planning included 628 beds over 20 levels, for provider Urbanest. 599-605 Swanston Street joins a fellow Carlton and CBD outlet in representing Urbanest's Melbourne locations.

Both student accommodation applications were subject to changes post their initial submission, with final design renders yet to be made public.
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