Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

Apartments

<html><body>
A stretch of Little Lonsdale Street between Queen and Elizabeth is becoming a microcosm for various other pockets of the CBD and Southbank, in that is will be a showcase of previous planning attitudes. As a raft of new towers push through, the fundamental feel of this Little Lonsdale stretch is being altered to something very different.

The crux of the issue was best described by Laurence Dragomir at the turn of 2015:

<blockquote>
The proposed development continues the recent trend of large scale high-rises encroaching on the relatively low scale streetscapes which define Melbourne's 'Little' streets and laneways. I've always been a proponent for skyscrapers in the CBD, I won't shy away from that fact, however I don't consider developments of this scale to be appropriate responses to the character and grain of these areas.

The footprints of these sites is generally much smaller than the larger sites on the primary CBD streets. This results in narrow skyscrapers with two shared boundaries that if built to the extremity as usually tends to occur, creates a 'wall' effect that is amplified on much smaller streets from a pedestrian perspective.

I don't consider this to be a desirable outcome and would invite anyone to tell me otherwise or convince me that these are the type of streets we wish to create moving forward.
<cite>Laurence Dragomir, "<a href="/news/planning-application-278-little-lonsdale-street-melbourne">Planning Application: 278 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne</a>", February 19 2015</cite>
</blockquote>

Much has changed since early 2015, particularly the planning fundamentals that underpin what can and cannot be approved within Melbourne's CBD. The stretch of Little Lonsdale Street is heading into a phase of redefinition, owing to construction beginning on a number of towers that were approved prior to Minister Wynne's new planning decree.

Union Tower and 399 Little Lonsdale are both at early construction, with Brady Group also poised to launch sales for the <a href="/buildings/380-melbourne-380-lonsdale-street-melbourne">hulking 380 Melbourne</a>. With <a href="http://380melbourne.com.au/">380 Melbourne's website taking registrations</a>, Brady Group also have the approved 207 metre 272-282 Queens Street up their sleeve, as well as a failed development site opposite 380 Melbourne at 278 Little Lonsdale Street.

The above projects fall within a roughly 150 metre stretch of Little Lonsdale Street, turning it into a a monument to previous planning attitudes; highlighting all that is both good and bad about Melbourne's sustained development drive over recent years.

Good in that two multi-level car parks have or will be razed, with the expectation that what replaces them will be of an almost infinitely superior design outcome. Bad in that this emerging 'wall' effect will subsume another section of Melbourne's CBD, which incidentally acts as a gateway to the sensitive Guildford Lane 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/image102_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An engaging street level. Image: Brady Group "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="422" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image102_1.jpg?itok=M9TaC-OX" title="An engaging street level. Image: Brady Group " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An engaging street level. Image: Brady Group</figcaption></figure>380 Melbourne as the are's largest development also shapes as the most promising. A much improved public realm experience will see an aesthetically pleasing street level overhaul, including a new mid block pedestrian thoroughfare and heavily green aspects applied to its Little Lonsdale Street podium.

380 Melbourne has the luxury of maintaining quite a sizeable development plot, allowing for higher levels of design sophistication and increased setbacks. 399 Little Lonsdale and Union Tower with their smaller plots employ lesser setbacks, resulting in "a 'wall' effect that is amplified on much smaller streets from a pedestrian perspective" as Laurence so correctly spoke about.

Add these projects to the already completed Melbourne Star, Melbourne Sky and Elm Tower, and the result is less than ideal. In isolation each project has its own design merit, yet together they shift the physical form well beyond what should be considered acceptable for the area, while eroding the finer grain street level character of the area.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image106.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="399 Little Lonsdale and Union Tower. Images: K2LD &amp; RotheLowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image106.jpg?itok=0NT8HoGv" title="399 Little Lonsdale and Union Tower. Images: K2LD &amp; RotheLowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>399 Little Lonsdale and Union Tower. Images: K2LD &amp; RotheLowman</figcaption></figure>With Planning Minister Richard Wynne's reworked planning controls, the 'Little Lonsdale effect' could now not be repeated elsewhere within Melbourne's CBD.

What remains unclear is Brady Group's intentions for the Phillips Shirts site at 278 Little Lonsdale Street. Submitted prior to the change in planning controls and having failed to gain approval for a 180 metre residential tower, the historic building now sits forlorn as if almost caught between two differing planning eras.

It will be fascinating to see Little Lonsdale Street change over the next five years. For those who appreciate the current character of this stretch of Little Lonsdale Street, best take it in now while you still can.
</body></html>

silvermb

Little Lonsdale Street becomes a showcase of previous planning attitudes

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Early works have commenced on two suburban Melbourne projects that promise to reshape their respective surrounds.

A precursor to construction proper, early works for both 62 Wests Road Maribyrnong and 719 High Street Epping are underway, with both developments set to comfortably become the tallest towers in their respective suburbs.

These new suburban high points will also further expand the grip of apartment living into relatively untapped areas, although Maribyrnong does have a growing catalogue of apartment projects found primarily within Edgewater Estate. Nonetheless, piling has begun on the site of Maribyrnong's tallest tower with developer JMC Group also acting as builder, although it's unknown if these current works will flow into construction proper.

The final and tallest stage of Marque Maribyrnong fronts Raleigh Road and Wests Road, and is surrounded by strategic development sites. Directly north lies the former munitions factory site which is earmarked for residential conversion, while land to the east has been subject to rezoning discussions which could see the precinct host multiple high rise towers in the future.

<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/image90.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wests Road, Maribyrnong. Renders: Interlandi Mantesso Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image90.jpg?itok=UxeM0Gnu" title="Wests Road, Maribyrnong. Renders: Interlandi Mantesso Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wests Road, Maribyrnong. Renders: Interlandi Mantesso Architects</figcaption></figure>Early works for JMC Group's final phase of Marque Maribyrnong follow on from their second phase, which is dubbed Aspire. Nearing completion, Aspire and the already completed Calibre represent JMC Group's two shorter endeavours in the residential precinct, with the final phase set to span 18 levels or 56 metres.

Approval is held for 165 apartments within the final building.

While it will comfortably become Maribyrnong's tallest tower upon completion, the final phase of Marque Maribyrnong will likely be joined by a fellow high rise by way of Orion International Group's <a href="/buildings/summus-2-wests-road-maribyrnong">Summus</a> which is also on Wests Road and recently went to construction tender. When delivered Summus will span 15 levels or 48 metres.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image86_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="719 High Street. Image: Pelligra"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image86_1.jpg?itok=Et0vF04N" title="719 High Street. Image: Pelligra" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>719 High Street. Image: Pelligra</figcaption></figure>Meanwhile, heavy machinery is onsite at 719 High Street with the project looking likely to become Epping's first high density, high rise development.

Hand in hand with preliminary onsite works is the release of new imagery showing the mixed-use project which corners High Street and Wedge Street. According to construction and development company Pelligra, 719 High Street will include offices, apartments, a gym and shopping centre, medical facilities plus a multi-level car park within a building spanning 12 levels.

Initially approved during 2013, 719 High Street is poised to become City of Whittlesea's tallest building and the first manifestation of the <a href="https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/building-planning-and-transport/planningdev/planning-for-the-future/place-snapshots/epping-place-snapshot/epping-central-overview">Epping Central Structure Plan</a> which promotes growth across Epping's central spine.

719 High Street's fresh design comes as Pelligra prepares to push through a fellow Epping project at 790 High Street. The more modest Alto Epping features 29 apartments across 6 levels, with C&amp;K Architecture responsible for the 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/image87_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A first for Epping in more ways than one. Image: Pelligra"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image87_0.jpg?itok=7mLzsVod" title="A first for Epping in more ways than one. Image: Pelligra" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A first for Epping in more ways than one. Image: Pelligra</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Two significant suburban projects break ground

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One of the largest approvals during the Matthew Guy planning era is quietly going about facilitating changes to the permitted scheme that will significantly increase the project yield.

Dubbed Ultimus Tower, when under the guidance of selling agent CBRE City Sales 38 Freshwater Place changed hands at the turn of the year, with Sydney-based interests now driving the project. PCT Developments and Management is listed as the applicant for the revised scheme, with GL Investment Co Melbourne Pty Ltd installed as the newest site owner.

Post its initial submission during 2013, the Metier3-designed skyscraper was eventually granted approval by the current Planning Minister in March 2015. The permit at the time allowed for a 73 level mixed-use tower which forms part of the wider Freshwater Place precinct, but which also holds a Power Street frontage.

With a nominal development cost of $400 million, the most recent design iteration, set above a 3,096sqm site, will round out the Freshwater Place 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/image119_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Intended ground level pedestrian treatment. Planning image: Metier3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="379" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image119_0.jpg?itok=udyvNZ_O" title="Intended ground level pedestrian treatment. Planning image: Metier3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Intended ground level pedestrian treatment. Planning image: Metier3</figcaption></figure>Under a Section 72 amendment the tower in its external appearance will remain much the same at 272.25m tall at its roof level, although internally the configuration will be altered heavily.

With Metier3 still acting as project lead, the latest owners have sought to boost apartment numbers from 482 to 607. Premium apartments account for 14 of the 607, and are considerably more larger with internals of up to 195sqm. Overall, apartment sizes fall back into line with what could be considered the norm; single bed apartments of typically 50sqm, doubles with 70-80sqm and triples with 115-125sqm.

In line with the originally approved plan, a hotel component has been retained, although suite numbers have fallen from 390 to 299. The approved office space of some 1,288sqm has been eliminated as has the majority of retail space within the scheme; from 3,083sqm to a mere 538sqm.

Car parking provisions remain unchanged at 480, with both motorbike and bicycle allowances increasing.

With a new plot ratio of 36.8:1, setbacks to the north and west have been increased to 10m, with the eastern flank remaining unchanged at 5m. The podium height increases to 9 levels or 32.85m, with a new larger Gross Floor Area of 113,898sqm. This placed the tower among one of Melbourne's largest developments.

<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/image122_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Power street perspective. Planning image: Metier3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1248" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image122_0.jpg?itok=aKv3Hl4D" title="Power street perspective. Planning image: Metier3" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Power street perspective. Planning image: Metier3</figcaption></figure>As part of the revised application documents, a tentative timeline for construction has been included as part of the amended aviation application. The building itself and crane utilised in the construction process will be well under the PANS‐OPS barrier, but the building will penetrate the Essendon OLS barrier by 58.75m; the crane even moreso.

To this end the tower crane is expected to begin operation during August 2017 and continue through to September 2019.

These dates would suggest a best case scenario.
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38 Freshwater Place's proponents ramp up their intentions

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Population and employment growth is propelling Box Hill to become its own mini city. In addition to bustling retail, restaurants, health and education facilities, Box Hill also sports the <a href="http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Building-Box-Hill">busiest transport hub</a> in Melbourne’s east with more than 20,000 train commuters a day.

Add the <a href="http://www.economicprofile.com.au/whitehorse/economy/employment#geography">13,000 jobs</a> on the go and a population set to increase by <a href="http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Building-Box-Hill">26 percent in the next 5 years</a>, and Box Hill is being eyed off by developers and home buyers alike.

With the 117m <a href="/buildings/whitehorse-trio-845-851-whitehorse-road-box-hill">845-851 Whitehorse Road</a> receiving a Notice of Decision and Golden Age's purchase of a 7344sqm site at 517-521 Station Street, planning confidence within Box Hill is also on a high. Box Hill's massive growth is also underpinned by the fact that <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/news/box-hill-booms-upwards-with-apartments-as-suburban-grows-up-20160630-gptv7k/">1,200 units</a> were approved in the suburb during 2015.

Hayball shapes as the dominant architecture practice in the municipality, with 18 projects completed or underway in the City of Whitehorse. Box Hill alone holds 11 for Hayball, including <a href="http://www.chloeboxhill.com.au/">Chloe</a>'s 96 apartments and <a href="http://taohome.com.au/">Tao Home</a> with 82 units and a focus on Chinese senior living. These projects continue the firm's approximately 6 year involvement in the area, beginning with the award winning Jade Apartments student accommodation project for Jeff Xu's Golden Age.

<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/john_street_rhiannon_slatter_screen-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jade Apartments, Box Hill. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/john_street_rhiannon_slatter_screen-2.jpg?itok=GdIrm_hZ" title="Jade Apartments, Box Hill. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jade Apartments, Box Hill. Image by Rhiannon Slatter</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au met with Hayball director Eugene Chieng at the firm's Sturt Street offices to discuss their involvement in Box Hill, having completed over a dozen projects and with another half a dozen on the books in the 80-100 dwelling range. Chieng identifies a number of factors which have contributed to the growth in Box Hill, breaking down the components that make Box Hill such an emphatic apartment stroghold.

According to Chieng it's a combination of the suburb's culture, and the desire of government at local and state level to turn Box Hill into a thriving activity centre. This is seen in the number of mixed-use developments which are predominantly residential in nature, but with extensive retail at ground level.

However there has also been an increase in the number of developments which have a component of hotel and/or serviced apartments. 

Box Hill has also undoubtedly a hub for Australians of Chinese descent, with the area a magnet for Chinese-backed investment and development.

With so many apartment developments at sales and marketing and with more in the pipeline, Chieng says developments need to offer a point of difference to distinguish themselves in a competitive market. To this end Hayball have designed 82 apartments within 19-21 Poplar Street in Box Hill for developer Sunbright Investment Australia. 

Known as TaoHome, Chieng believes the project has been envisaged as a new way of living; an apartment community that’s designed especially for seniors, with shared facilities like a rooftop walking track, traditional Chinese Wellbeing Centre and Mahjong area also included. The tailoring of TaoHome for a specific demographic also sees Chinese satellite TV, universal power plugs for Chinese appliances and Fotile kitchen rangehoods to accommodate Chinese stir-frying. 

<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/tao_home_communal_lounge_low_res.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tao Home communal lounge. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tao_home_communal_lounge_low_res.jpg?itok=TJ2rvV0y" title="Tao Home communal lounge. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tao Home communal lounge. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Culturally it is widely common practice for the Chinese to look after their parents but the younger generation here in Australia generally don't want to live with their parents, so Tao Home has been designed in response to this. TaoHome offers the opportunity for multi-generational living.

The apartments have been designed so that they can be combined or left separated for privacy. The idea is not too dissimilar to  a granny flat. - Eugene Chieng, Director, Hayball
</blockquote>

Chieng describes the project as a "very collaborative process" with a client that was very open minded, which was required for a project that was very lateral in its way of thinking. The project still contains traditional apartments but also dual key apartments which include a number of features for elderly care.

The project is 80% sold with completion on the 8-storey building expected in early 2018.

Another Hayball project, Chloe Apartments at 15-17 Irving Street features 96 high end 1 and 2 bedroom apartments over 9 levels for Cubick Property. Chieng says the project has been well received with apartments almost sold out. The project offers views to the adjacent Box Hill Gardens across the road as well as towards the city, and features a 'Rooftop Club' offering residents indoor and outdoor dining, lounges and a fireplace.

Chloe is more 'western' in its approach particularly in light of TaoHome, says Chieng and more investor and owner-occupier driven. Chloe has been tendered and construction is commencing soon.

<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/chloe-1-847x1024.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Chloe, Box Hill. Image courtesy Cubick"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="701" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/chloe-1-847x1024.jpg?itok=vZtp3I5E" title="Chloe, Box Hill. Image courtesy Cubick" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Chloe, Box Hill. Image courtesy Cubick</figcaption></figure>Hayball's experience and body of work in Box Hill has seen the firm field several enquiries and approaches by new and return clients for developments in Ringwood. Its appeal lies in the new train station and bus interchange, in addition to Eastland's expansion which includes associated community facilities.

Ringwood much like Box Hill has also been identified as an activity centre where density is appropraite. Hayball are particularly interested in working on multi-generational and highly mixed-use projects in the area says Cheing, building on the office's work on TaoHome - creating more meaningful retirement developments with less high care and greater shared facilities, either via a vertical village model or townhouse typology. 

Urban.com.au will continue to follow the progress of Box Hill and Ringwood with a keen interest.
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Laurence Dragomir

Hayball's Eugene Chieng discusses the rise of Box Hill 

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Sales and marketing agents Marshall White have shifted their focus to virtual reality as a selling tool due to shifting preferences and expectations from prospective buyers.

Based upon recent project marketing experiences, younger generations heavy reliance upon the digital sphere has allowed Marshall White to sell out projects without a physical display suite.

As sales agent for <a href="/buildings/no-308-308-carlisle-street-balaclava">308 Carlisle Street</a>, Marshall White managed to sell all apartments within the project without a display suite or budget toward traditional print advertising. All 45 apartments were sold in under six weeks with the majority of purchasers aged between 25 and 30.

Marshall White believe buyers were drawn to location, enticed by what they term "a refined sales campaign" that simply put forth the advantages of a well-connected lifestyle coupled with an apartment of quality.

<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/00117814_img_02_1600x.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="308 Carlisle Street exterior. Image courtesy Marshall White"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/00117814_img_02_1600x.jpg?itok=X5DzXEgI" title="308 Carlisle Street exterior. Image courtesy Marshall White" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>308 Carlisle Street exterior. Image: Marshall White</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au spoke to Leonard Teplin, Projects Director at Marshall White, who sees this as an opportunity to better invest the hundreds of thousands of dollars developers would spend on lavish display suites into innovative alternatives that are not only cost and time effective, but more authentic and impactful.

<blockquote>
This generation has changed the game; they are heavily reliant on the digital sphere and entrust it with major life decisions. People plan dates, book accommodation and apply for jobs with people they’ve never met and in places they’ve never been, online every day – so why would we expect any less of them when it comes to purchasing property?

Buyers are overloaded with choice and bombarded with advertisements, which has made them less perceptible to traditional marketing tactics. In order to be effective you must know your audience, what they value, who they trust, where they source their information – these things often hold more significance than their gender or profession and allow us to develop tailored marketing strategies that resonate with our buyers on a deeper level.

An integrated approach simplifies the sales process and leverages technology, videography, photography, renders, brand partnerships, and direct marketing to achieve a far more cost effect result within the shortest possible time frame.
<cite>Leonard Teplin, Projects Director, Marshall White</cite>
</blockquote>

While digital marketing has hit the mark with younger buyers, Leonard Teplin acknowledges print media as still maintaining an integral role to play in the sales process with older purchasers.

In order to access the virtual reality display without a physical display suite, prospective buyers would visit the Marshall White offices where all the necessary technology is in-house. A interactive display of approximately 72 inches occupies a space within Marshall White's offices and the general consensus has been positive, particularly for buyers who would otherwise struggle to visualise themselves in a prospective apartment space.

<blockquote>
What we've tried to do is create a 3D experience where the buyer puts on the headset which allows them to stand in the kitchen or bathroom and get a real sense and feel for the space. Virtual reality is the perfect solution for taking your product interstate or internationally, without having to build display suites or rely on printed or digital advertising material.

You're providing buyers with a fully immersive experience of the apartment and we expect more and more developers to embrace the concept.

<cite>Leonard Teplin, Projects Director, Marshall White</cite>
</blockquote>

Earlier this year the agency in tandem with <a href="/developers/moda-corp">Moda Corp</a> sold all 27 luxury apartments at High &amp; Spring in the same time frame as 308 Carlisle without any traditional or digital advertising, achieving a sales average of approximately $1,050,000 per apartment. This was done via Marshall White's database of existing clientele and interested parties.

Teplin believes that if a client is prepared to work with them in delivering a product to the market, then in those circumstances traditional advertising becomes obsolete as there's already a ready made audience for that particular type of property.

<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/arch2a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="High &amp; Spring has proven successful without traditional advertising. Image courtesy Marshall White"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="279" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/arch2a.jpg?itok=hzPtPpRR" title="High &amp; Spring has proven successful without traditional advertising. Image courtesy Marshall White" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>High &amp; Spring has proven successful without traditional advertising. Image: Marshall White</figcaption></figure>Looking further ahead at the potential implications of the Victorian Government's soon to be introduced apartment standards and their impact on the market, Leonard Teplin expects an increased number of sites would be considered 'undevelopable' due to excessive setback requirements.

Teplin argues that minimum ceiling heights of 2.7 metres are "fine but we need to make sure the planning scheme gets adjusted accordingly so that mandatory height limits in certain zones (such as Residential 1: 9 metres) can cater for three levels at 2.7 metres."

Most sites will reduce in value, says Teplin, and the government may not care about this but if implemented in its current form, there will be a long period of no development (like <a href="/new-apartments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a>) whilst the price of housing goes through the roof.

Sites will only start to stack up financially once the rate per square metre gets to "ridiculous levels like Sydney… these proposed amendments will kill what little affordability there is left in the market."
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Discussing the future of the apartment market with Leonard Teplin

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<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">
Despite the massive surge in property prices in Sydney’s West, the region is still home to the city’s most affordable rental apartments.
</div>
Government statistics reveal median entry level one-bedroom weekly rents are as low as $280 a week.
That secures a one-bedder, mostly unrenovated, around Blacktown and Fairfield.
Carramar offers the cheapest two-bedroom median rentals at $300 a week, $20 less than Cabramatta at $320.
<table style="height: 440px; width: 549px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td colspan="4">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td colspan="2">
 
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
 Postcode
</td>
<td colspan="4">
Median
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
 
</td>
<td colspan="2">
$
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
                                                              Lowest 1 bedroom
</td>
<td colspan="2"> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="140">
2148 (Blacktown)
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="66">
280
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="140">
2165 (Fairfield)
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="66">
280
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="140">
2195 (Lakemba)
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="66">
315
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="140">
2145 (Greystanes)
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="66">
320
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="140">
2144 (Auburn)
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="66">
335
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="140"> </td>
<td colspan="2" width="66"> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
                                                              Lowest 2 bedroom
</td>
<td colspan="2"> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2163 (Carramar)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
300
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2166 (Cabramatta)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
320
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2165 (Fairfield)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
350
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2195 (Lakemba)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
360
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2192 (Belmore)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
370
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td colspan="2"> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
                                                             Highest 1 bedroom
</td>
<td colspan="2"> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2000 (Sydney)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
630
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2009 (Pyrmont)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
600
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2039 (Rozelle)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
600
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2022 (Bondi Junction)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
595
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2050 (Camperdown)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
590
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td colspan="2"> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
                                                             Highest 2 bedroom
</td>
<td colspan="2"> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2000 (Sydney)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
895
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2027 (Darling Point)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
798
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2061 (Milsons Point)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
798
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2011 (Woolloomooloo)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
795
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2010 (Surry Hills)
</td>
<td colspan="2">
780
</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="140"> </td>
<td width="38"> </td>
<td width="38"> </td>
<td width="20"> </td>
<td width="20"> </td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Anglicare Sydney’s recent rental affordability snapshot reviewed some 15,000 properties available on the first weekend of April and found only 76 were affordable and appropriate for households on income support payments without placing them in “rental stress”.
The NSW Fair Trading rental bond data shows the dearest one- and two-bedroom units for lease are all within proximity of the CBD.
The most expensive units have a median rent of $630 for a one-bedder and $895 for two bedrooms.
Two-bedroom tenants pay around $100 a week less in Darling Point and Milsons Point, where the median rent is $798.
Milsons Point leasing agent Andre Pang says new developments have meant rental prices have been steady.
The Rental Bond Board data will be released regularly on the Fair Trading website from later this year.
Victor Dominello, the Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, says the open data initiative will allow renters and landlords to compare median rents across NSW.
“We are living in the digital age and open data can be utilised to empower communities and policymaking,” he said.
Lakemba is the third cheapest rental suburb according to the state government figures. The median rental for a one-bedroom Lakemba unit is $315 a week.
An as-new studio apartment near Lakemba train station is available at $290 per week, complete with kitchenette, ensuite and balcony.
Greystanes has median rental price for one-bedroom units at $320 a week.
Auburn is over $50 a week more expensive than Blacktown. Its one-bedroom median unit price is $335 a week.
There are only two two-bedroom properties up for rent on realestate.com.au in Carramar, and they’re both available at $300 a week.
The Rental Bond Board had 537,000 bonds held for the Greater Sydney area, where median rents rose 4.3 percent over the March quarter.
NSW Fair Trading the top 5 postcodes with the highest and lowest median rents (per week) in Sydney for apartments.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Blacktown and Fairfield offer Sydney's cheapest rentals

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St Kilda Road will be the setting for the debut of another international developer, with Singaporean outfit Lian Beng Group's intended residential tower now with City of Port Phillip.

Having secured <a href="/new-apartments/596-st-kilda-road-melbourne">596 St Kilda Road</a> during 2015 for $25 million, first-time market entrant Lian Beng Group have submitted for approval a residential scheme that further morphs the boulevard into a sought after residential strip. Stepping away somewhat from the premium apartment buyer which has defined St Kilda Road in recent times, the proposal consists predominantly of oversized single bedroom dwellings.

Noted within the <a href="https://eservices.portphillip.vic.gov.au/webdocs/909902/ADV%20Architect%20Report%20-%20Incl.%203D%20images.PDF">town planing submission</a>, project architect <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> references the eclectic nature of Windsor and the youthful aspects of the development, perhaps a reference to the target buyer.

Externally 596 St Kilda Road's 19 levels are defined by 1,150sqm of vertical garden space arranged seemingly draped over the design's exterior; a far cry from the 1940's apartment complex onsite which is set to make way for the tower.

<h2>596 St Kilda 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/image26_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial render of the tower's green exterior. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="650" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_3.jpg?itok=NeE-_Bkq" title="Aerial render of the tower's green exterior. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial render of the tower's green exterior. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site offered for sale by CBRE City Sales during 2015</li>
	<li>Purchased by Lian Beng Group for $25 million</li>
	<li>Site area: 1,800sqm with two street frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed 19 level tower at 60 metres</li>
	<li>170 dwellings: 95 x 1BR and 75 x 2BR with study options for either</li>
	<li>4 level basement containing 162 vehicles and 57 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>Ground level amenities including 20 metre pool, sauna and gymnasium</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 21,847sqm</li>
	<li>Single cafe tenancy at ground level</li>
	<li>Commissioned public artwork to be determined after discussions with Council</li>
</ul>
Supplementing the vertical gardens is 892sqm of ground floor green area, with Bates Smart describing the building as living design.

With the tower's projecting planters intended to mirror the gardens of St Kilda Road in a vertical fashion, they are also designed to become an external extension of internal spaces. Bates Smart heavily reference the pavilion throughout their urban context report, essentially created a tower where external spaces are designed to be used as often as possible.

This is achieved by floor to ceiling glazing, extended slabs and operable screens.

Conceived as a series of stacked pavilions, 596 St Kilda Road does carry similar external traits to existing Bates Smart residential projects such as <a href="http://www.pelotongroup.com.au/property/queens_road.htm">Proximity on Queens</a> and Canberra's <a href="https://www.batessmart.com/bates-smart/projects/sectors/residential/atelier/">Atelier</a>, albeit with the addition of green vertical highlights.

596 St Kilda Road's apartment mix sees 95 single bedroom apartments range in size between 50-62sqm while dual bedrooms range between 77-82sqm.

<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/image43_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A garden living exemplar, similar to what can be expected within the project. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="333" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_4.jpg?itok=5y5uzN2E" title="A garden living exemplar, similar to what can be expected within the project. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A garden living exemplar as identified by the architect. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>St Kilda Road has proven to be fertile grounds for both local and international developers in recent years, as its transformation from commercial enclave to residential boulevard continues.

Asian developers are well represented in the area, with Lian Beng Group merely the latest to cash in upon Melbourne's high density living surge. <a href="/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> will have <a href="/buildings/parque-melbourne-555-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Parque St Kilda Road</a> complete soon enough with settlement due by the end of next month, while a handful of other projects are in the pipeline.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-mayfair-412-st-kilda-road-melbourne">412 St Kilda Road</a> is at planning on behalf of Malaysian-based <a href="/developers/uem-sunrise">UEM Sunrise</a> while the likes of Wuzhong and Chinese-affiliated <a href="/developers/golden-age-group">Golden Age Group</a> are also active on the strip.

<h2>596 St Kilda Road development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Lian Beng (St Kilda) Pte. Ltd.</li>
	<li>Architecture and Urban Context Report: Bates Smart</li>
	<li>Planning: <a href="/developers/urbis">Urbis</a>
</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering Assessment: GTA</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: Norman Disney &amp; Young</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Landscape Plan: Tract</li>
</ul>
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Lian Beng Group enter Melbourne with 596 St Kilda Road

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It looks to be one of those instances where a single image says it all.

In this case the lead image above illustrates the rapid change engulfing the northern stretch of <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's CBD</a>. During a recent visit to Hickory Group's topping out ceremony for <a href="/buildings/la-trobe-tower-323-la-trobe-street-melbourne">La Trobe Tower</a>, the scale of this change became patently evident.

Given abundant coverage to date on Apartments.com.au, towering individual planning applications and rendered city models fail to adequately convey the emergence of a new crop of tall Melbourne towers. The above image for instance would be greatly augmented should the 210 metre <a href="/buildings/uno-melbourne-117-abeckett-street-melbourne">111 A'Beckett Street</a> rise in the foreground; essentially block out three of the new crop of towers which all weigh in above the 200 metre mark: Vision, <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a> and <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Light House</a>.

Assuming that we're currently at a nominal half-way point in the construction of this rash of new residential towers across the north of Melbourne's CBD, what observations can be made at this time?

<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_8244_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Welcome to the new Melbourne"><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_8244_0.jpg?itok=2sMDbtcB" title="Welcome to the new Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Welcome to the new Melbourne</figcaption></figure>On a more intimate level, the street character of Elizabeth Street in particular has been drastically altered.

Minimal setbacks have given the eastern site of Elizabeth an imposing presence from street level; some will argue it as a welcomed change representing Melbourne's progression, while others will note that Elizabeth Street is becoming a cold and uninviting public place. Much will depend upon how readily these new towers interact with the streetscape upon their respective completions.

A previously rundown streetscape or an uninviting wall of towers, for those who value urban design it could be argued neither is a particularly palatable outcome.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_8245.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lighthouse on show"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8245.jpg?itok=neLmdL4H" title="Lighthouse on show" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lighthouse on show</figcaption></figure>On a larger scale though, these new towers have definitely brought a fresh design dynamic to Melbourne's skyline, with <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a> the primary firm responsible.

The architecture practice can lay claim to seven current towers in the northern stretch of Melbourne's CBD; five are at construction with the shortest being the 172 metre <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">Avant</a>. Colour and form are coming to the fore, with Light House above a prime example of Elenberg Fraser's progressive design dynamic.

Perhaps though the most stylish tower on the rise anywhere in Melbourne is <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">EQ Tower</a>. It's pinkish-purple facade and inverse flowing lines are particularly attractive and it has rapidly emerged as a beacon of design prowess, owing to its many unique characteristics.

<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_8229.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="EQ Tower"><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_8229.jpg?itok=My0-ANw-" title="EQ Tower" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>EQ Tower</figcaption></figure>With many towers under construction now taking on their own unique characteristics, here is an overview of the current status of all major towers within Melbourne's northern CBD zone:

<h2>Planning and approved</h2>

<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">386 William</a>, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">183 A'Beckett</a>, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Scape La Trobe</a>, <a href="/buildings/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/441-451-elizabeth-street-melbourne">441 Elizabeth</a>, <a href="/developments/greater-dandenong-vic">102 Franklin</a>, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">478 Elizabeth</a>, <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">111 A'Beckett</a>

<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/97_franklin_talls.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="97 Franklin Street as rendered into the new Melbourne skyline."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="428" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/97_franklin_talls.jpg?itok=Mr2k9-IG" title="97 Franklin Street as rendered into the new Melbourne skyline." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>97 Franklin Street as rendered into the new Melbourne skyline.</figcaption></figure><h2>Sales</h2>

<a href="/buildings/wills-place-17-wills-street-melbourne">Wills Place</a>, <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">Queens Place</a>, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">303 La Trobe</a>

<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_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="303 La Trobe has joined Queens Place at project sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image69_4.jpg?itok=tge5ePVc" title="303 La Trobe has joined Queens Place at project sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>303 La Trobe has joined Queens Place at project sales</figcaption></figure><h2>Early phase construction</h2>

<a href="/new-apartments/iglu-229-franklin-street-melbourne">229 Franklin</a>, <a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a>, <a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">Scape Swanston</a>, <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">Avant</a>

<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/image66_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora Melbourne Central on the rise. Image: Adrian"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="391" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image66_3.jpg?itok=_fhDPQ01" title="Aurora Melbourne Central on the rise. Image: Adrian" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora Melbourne Central on the rise. Image: Adrian</figcaption></figure><h2>Mid construction</h2>

<a href="/buildings/empire-melbourne-398-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Empire</a>, <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Light House</a>, <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a>, <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">EQ Tower</a>

<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/image65_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Empire and Light House have progressed rapidly"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image65_0.jpg?itok=bK2WonaE" title="Empire and Light House have progressed rapidly" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Empire and Light House have progressed rapidly</figcaption></figure><h2>Topped out</h2>

<a href="/buildings/la-trobe-tower-323-la-trobe-street-melbourne">La Trobe Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/eporo-tower-279-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Eporo Tower</a>

<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_8228.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A recent shot of La Trobe Tower"><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_8228.jpg?itok=8ck0dVB4" title="A recent shot of La Trobe Tower" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A recent shot of La Trobe Tower</figcaption></figure>
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The changing face of Melbourne's northern CBD

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Integrated residential property funds management and real estate services organisation Oliver Hume is seeking to develop another slice of industrial West Melbourne, becoming the group's third Melbourne apartment project behind <a href="/new-apartments/cheltenham-vic-3192">Ilixir</a> in Cheltenham and The Principal which fronts Flemington Road.

Jackson Clements Burrows are behind the design for 164-184 Roden Street which if approved, will retain the exterior of the substantial heritage building onsite, along with a portion of the interior floor plate set back to the inner columns. This is done so in order to provide legitimacy to a healthy number of warehouse shells intended within the development.

Works for the existing onsite building began during 1889, with subsequent additions through to 1937 for then expanding hardware merchants Briscoe &amp; Co. According to heritage consultants Bryce Raworth,164-184 Roden Street and the associated street addresses the existing building holds fall under a D grade heritage listing.

City of Melbourne have received 12 objections to the development.

A <a href="http://www.cbremelbourne.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/164-172_Roden_bro_v9_redslash-IN-dd.pdf">sales campaign</a> for the site was conducted by CBRE during late 2014, with Oliver Hume's plans for the project lodged with City of Melbourne during June of this year.

<h2>164-172 Roden Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image19_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The project's interior courtyard. Planning image: JCB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_11.jpg?itok=XC4M9DRz" title="The project's interior courtyard. Planning image: JCB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The project's interior courtyard. Planning image: JCB</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site offered for sale during late 2014</li>
	<li>3,637sqm site containing dual industrial warehouse buildings and three street frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed partial demolition and construction of an 8 level, 28.8m buildings</li>
	<li>206 dwellings: 21 x warehouse shells, 2 x duplex, 30 x loft, 101 x 1BR, 52 x 2BR</li>
	<li>Provision for 120 vehicle and 150 bicycle bays over two basement levels</li>
	<li>Jack Merlo designed landscaped internal courtyard</li>
</ul>
206 dwellings are included within the project's eight levels, despite a planning overlay expecting a preferred building height of four storeys. From a prospective apartment buyer's point of view, 164-184 Roden Street may be an attractive prospect as the development team has gone to lengths to create diversity of living options within the development.

Dual level warehouse shells, duplexes and loft options add to the ubiquitous one and two bedroom apartments within the development. Single bedroom apartments span the 48sqm-62sqm range, with living options expanding in size thereafter.

The warehouse and loft formats presumably seek to set the project apart from its West Melbourne contemporaries, with advertised plans indicating that both loft and warehouse options are proportionately large. Two storey, two bedroom lofts sit between 97-98sqm with ample exterior areas in tow.

<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_8350.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="420 Spencer Street is moving on up"><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_8350.jpg?itok=ZdwYblCJ" title="420 Spencer Street is moving on up" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>420 Spencer Street is moving on up</figcaption></figure>News of Oliver Hume's Roden Street endeavour comes as another prominent site in West Melbourne went to planning last week. 405-417 Spencer Street is now subject to a 22 level application which seeks retail and commercial uses in addition to 181 apartments.

405-417 Spencer Street aside, the entry of 164-184 Roden Street to the Apartments.com.au Project Database sees 25 separate residential projects listed within West Melbourne, with total apartment numbers for these projects in excess of 3,300.

Largest of all these projects is 355-371 Spencer Street which carries approval for 700 plus apartments, while West Melbourne's tallest building is currently heading skyward. Set to reach 131 metres, The Spencer as seen above has picked up its construction pace considerably now that the build is beyond the podium levels.

<h2>164-184 Roden Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Oliver Hume</li>
	<li>Architect and Urban Context Report: Jackson Clements Burrows</li>
	<li>Planning: Contour Consultants Australia</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultants: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Traffic: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect: Jack Merlo Design</li>
	<li>ESD: ECM Group</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
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Oliver Hume and JCB add to the West Melbourne dynamic

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One of 2016's largest projects is set to continue the high density infill between Yarra's Edge and the emerging Fishermans Bend Precinct.

Created by MGS Architects, the dual residential tower scheme's most striking feature is its multi-colured facade which is designed as a contemporary interpretation of the nearby shipping yards. Located at 13-33 Hartley Street on the perimeter of Docklands, the site is hard up against the West Gate Freeway and adjacent to the recently sold development site at <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">85-93 Lorimer Street</a>.

13-33 Hartley Street will also enjoy frontage to the park which forms part of the permit approved 85-93 Lorimer Street, which was designed by Elenberg Fraser.

Kew-based entity Claric Ninety Nine Pty Ltd is the proponent behind the Hartley Street development.

<h2>13-33 Hartley Street Docklands 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/image21_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As rendered from Yarra's Edge. Image: MGS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_8.jpg?itok=bLZCMO4G" title="As rendered from Yarra's Edge. Image: MGS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>As rendered from Yarra's Edge. Image: MGS Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 6,713sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 37 and 40 level residential towers with the taller at 131.3 metres</li>
	<li>612 apartments: 202 x 1BR, 370 x 2BR, 26 x 3BR, 14 x 4BR</li>
	<li>3 retail tenancies totaling 255sqm and 700sqm of 'community' space</li>
	<li>Provision for 424 vehicles, 370 resident bicycles, 71 visitor bicycle spaces and 58 motorcycle spaces</li>
	<li>1,507sqm of communal facilities, including a lap pool, gym, yoga/kids play area, meeting room, cinema room, lounge areas and library</li>
	<li>Plot ratio: 12.29:1</li>
	<li>Gross Floor Area: 82,568sqm</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $200 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Acknowledging one's surrounds</h2>

<blockquote>
The Port of Melbourne is Australia’s largest container terminal and has a very significant impact on the local landscape. Viewed from above neatly arranged rows of colourful containers from all parts of the world animate an otherwise dull industrial port.

It is this colour and texture that the building design references in the balcony balustrade treatment of the apartments at the upper and lower floors. Larger apartments are located at these floors where balconies are cantilevered in patterns and varied in colour to evoke the Port’s container landscape

The great Australian painter Jeffrey Smart was known for his stylised depictions of urban landscapes. He had a particular fascination with roads and road signs which he rendered with a stark reality and precision.

We have treated the car parking podium of the building as a canvas for an over scaled road sign. In this case the sign however is not read as a flat painted surface but as a series of projecting screens that morph into view on approach. The signage is directional and changes in accordance with the location of the observer.
<cite>Urban context report, MGS Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image47_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A nod to Jeffrey Smart. Planning image: MGS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_3.jpg?itok=qs0DcvXo" title="A nod to Jeffrey Smart. Planning image: MGS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A nod to Jeffrey Smart. Planning image: MGS Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Ins and Outs</h2>

Single bedroom dwellings range in size between 48-59sqm, with dual bedroom apartments spread over 67-125sqm. While three bedrooms range between 120-167sqm, MGS Architects have included 14 four bedroom apartments; somewhat of an oddity when considering the wider Melbourne apartment landscape.

These four bedroom apartments have an area of some 200sqm.

Every apartment is provided with a balcony that is located directly off the living area, with south facing dwellings afforded winter gardens that span the full width of the dwelling. It is worth noting that according to the submitted documents, 'Saddle Back’ bedrooms occurs in 2 of 12 apartments per typical floor on the west tower and in 2 of 9 apartments per typical floor on the east tower.

'Saddle Back’ apartments are a point of contention in the current Melbourne planning climate owing to the lack of direct access to natural light.

As part of the intended development, 912sqm of the site area will be seeded to infrastructure needs, with open space accounting for another 1,826sqm.

<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/image48_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Setbacks and ground level interface. Planning image: MGS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="209" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_5.jpg?itok=mf8QXFgm" title="Setbacks and ground level interface. Planning image: MGS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Setbacks and ground level interface. Planning image: MGS Architects</figcaption></figure>When combining 13-33 Hartley Street's 612 apartments with those of 85-93 Lorimer Street and Mirvac's upcoming <a href="/buildings/voyager-docklands-103-south-wharf-drive-docklands-vic-3008">Voyager Tower</a>, there exists the potential for a further 1,868 apartments to be pumped into the sliver of Docklands land south of the Yarra River.

Potential future development sites that fall within this section of Docklands will be largely confined to a tract of land west of Hartley Street; beyond that adjoining areas fall under Fishermans Bend and its differing planning controls.

<h2>13-33 Hartley Street Docklands development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Claric Ninety-Nine Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect and Urban Context Analysis: MGA Architects</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Roberts Day</li>
	<li>Buffer Constraint Assessment: GHD</li>
	<li>Traffic and Transport Assessment: Cardno</li>
	<li>Acoustic Report,: Renzo Tonin &amp; Associates</li>
	<li>Wind Report: Cermak, Peterka, Petersen</li>
	<li>Social and Community Infrastructure Assessment: ASR Research</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Environmentally Sustainable Design: IrwinConsult.</li>
</ul>
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Apartments

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Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

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