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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The Hawthorn/Hawthorn East duo continue to bubble along as apartment hotspots with a raft of fresh planning applications before City of Boroondara. Leading the next wave of apartment projects for the popular postcodes is a sleek application headed by Shanghai-based Dahua Group.

Under affiliate Dahua Australia, the leading Chinese developer is pursuing its second sizeable Melbourne apartment project in the form of a 356 dwellings spread over a 12,289sqm site in Hawthorn East.

Following on from Dahua Australia's Noir in South Yarra, 33-53 Camberwell Road would see the demolition of six lowrise commercial and retail buildings. With similar design traits to another of their upcoming projects nearby at 196-202 Burwood Road, RotheLowman have created a flowing lowrise complex with the standout feature a seemingly suspended swimming pool which spans two buildings.

Snapped up by Dahua Australia during mid 2015, the development of 33-53 Camberwell Road would add to the many apartment projects that continue to consume prime development sites along the Burwood Road/Camberwell Road corridor.

<h2>33-57 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East 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/image153_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level perspective. Image courtesy RotheLowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image153_0.jpg?itok=djeTrC55" title="Ground level perspective. Image courtesy RotheLowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level perspective. Image courtesy RotheLowman</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application submitted December 2015</li>
	<li>Site area: 12,289sqm</li>
	<li>356 dwellings spread over five buildings</li>
	<li>37 x 1BR, 50 x 1BR plus, 63 x 2BR, 169 x 2BR plus, 20 x 3BR, 1 x 4BR, 5 x duplex, 11 x townhouses</li>
	<li>Provision for 474 car parking spaces, 251 bicycle bays &amp; 375 stores</li>
	<li>2,025sqm of retail space split between two large tenancies</li>
	<li>Amenities include: rooftop area, lap pool, sundeck, internal courtyard and public plaza</li>
	<li>NSA residential: 24,659sqm</li>
	<li>GFA: 53,480sqm</li>
	<li>Estimated project cost: $80 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Designed up and down</h2>

The expansive site is partly zoned CZ1 and carries a 14.5 metre height limit. To counter the architects have chosen to sink the site below ground level, allowing for seven levels of residential living when only five are discernible from the street.

Combined with the intense site landscaping and public plaza combined into the design, the design firm is hopeful that the proposal will create a strong benchmark for future developments in the Hawthorn area.

<blockquote>
The primary design driver for the internal faces of the development was the creation of a crafted valley landscape, with a soft tiered edge and a sense of scale within the central zone. Imagery was inspired by the stepped landforms of rice paddy fields and the stone terraces of Machu Pichu.

This concept informed the notion of a central courtyard space, and the facade treatment created by tiered and contoured forms. Horizontal concrete bands with a textured finish are evocative of stone terraces, creating a series of strata like levels, while green glass and external walls in a colour pallete of soft natural tones are drawn from a natural pallette.
<cite>Urban context report, RotheLowman</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/image160.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The proposed feature stair leading to the lower courtyard. Image courtesy RotheLowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image160.jpg?itok=ODzpFfwR" title="The proposed feature stair leading to the lower courtyard. Image courtesy RotheLowman" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The proposed feature stair leading to the lower courtyard. Image courtesy RotheLowman</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Public piazzas at entry points to the site off Burwood Road and Camberwell Road create openings into the site. Feature stairs cut a pathway into the open contoured space. The sunken courtyard garden within creates a layered spatial experience and provides visual connection, interest and recreation.
<cite>Urban context report, RotheLowman</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Boroondara contends with a number of significant proposals</h2>

33-57 Camberwell Road is by some way the largest current planning application on Boroondara's agenda, but a number of other noteworthy applications are also filtering through.

17-23 Lynch Street is VicTrack's latest disposal of an unwanted land holding. The JAM Architects-designed building would see 107 dwellings created adjacent to the Belgrave/Lilydale Line on what is now a hardware outlet and vacant land. Sales for the project are poised to commence upon approval.

<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/image165_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="17-23 Lynch Street, 2 Queens Avenue and 29-31 Queens Avenue"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="606" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image165_0.jpg?itok=y2uzNVuR" title="17-23 Lynch Street, 2 Queens Avenue and 29-31 Queens Avenue" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>17-23 Lynch Street, 2 Queens Avenue and 29-31 Queens Avenue</figcaption></figure>Nearby Queens Avenue in Hawthorn also continues to garner the attention of developers with two projects under consideration. 29-31 Queens Avenue is awaiting a planning permit after receiving a notice of decision for its 72 apartments while Ascui and Co. have lodged plans for 563-565 Burwood Road which also maintains a Queens Avenue frontage.

Combined the four major developments outlined above could add as many as 550 apartments to Hawthornn and Hawthorn East, without factoring in the many smaller active apartments projects in the area.

<h2>33-57 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Dahua Australia Hawthorn Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: RotheLowman</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Contour Consultants</li>
	<li>Project Manager: PDS Group</li>
	<li>Development Manager: United Property Corporation</li>
	<li>Landscape Architects: Jack Merlo Design</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Services and ESD: ADP Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Bosco Jonson</li>
	<li>Acoustic Consultant: Acoustic Logic</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Grimbos Building Surveyors</li>
	<li>Accessibility: Morris Access Consulting</li>
	<li>Engineering Consultant: Mordue Engineering</li>
	<li>Fire Consultant: Omnii</li>
	<li>Arborist report: John Patrick Pty Ltd</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

silvermb

Dahua Group and RotheLowman look to impress as Hawthorn marches on

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Located less than six kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, Flemington Racecourse occupies a 125ha site in an area undergoing significant transformation and growth. Managed by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), a long-term master plan was developed for the facility during 2009, with the aim of maximising revenue opportunities for the ongoing investment in facilities for the racecourse and significant capital expenditure undertakings such as replacement of the Member's Old Grandstand.

Part of this master plan involved the sale of non-core land to generate the funds for investment in new facilities.

Enter Greenland Group, China's largest real estate developer which acquired two sites covering a combined 40,000sqm. Known as Flemington Green and Epsom Road, these land holdings were surplus to the needs of the VRC and were offloaded to Greenland Group with the expectation of large-scale development.

The revenue from their sale would then be invested towards the development of the new Club Stand seen below.

<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/829.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Club Stand. Image courtesy of Bates Smart."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="287" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/829.jpg?itok=kjfb93Bn" title="The Club Stand. Image courtesy of Bates Smart." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Club Stand is expected to be built shortly. Image courtesy of Bates Smart.</figcaption></figure>Flemington Green occupies 30,000sqm of land, situated between Fisher Parade and Leonard Crescent. The site is located at the high point of the promontory above the Racecourse and the Maribyrnong River. The site's existing uses consist primarily of open lot car parks and three dwellings along Fisher Parade.

Epsom Road on the other hand occupies approximately 10,000sqm of land and is adjacent to the intersection of Epsom, Racecourse and Ascot Vale Roads, at the end of the Racecourse Road Activity Centre. The site is currently undeveloped with the exception of a single level building: the heritage listed Former Jockeys’ Convalescent Lodge which will be retained as part of any future development onsite.

Greenland's plans for the sites were revealed late last year when - together with the VRC - it submitted a Planning Scheme Amendment Request with the Minister for Planning, which sought to change the planning controls for both sites. This would allow for the developer to move forward with plans for its 'Flemington Life' development, consisting of four towers ranging in height from 14-storeys (AHD 73.7m) to 31-storeys (AHD 123.9m), supported by medium-density dwellings across a further six buildings.

<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/flemington_life_dwelling_types.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Flemington Green height and dwelling types. Image courtesy Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemington_life_dwelling_types.jpg?itok=xdP57VOE" title="Flemington Green height and dwelling types. Image courtesy Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Flemington Green height and dwelling types. Image courtesy Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>An Indicative Development Concept (IDC) has been prepared for both sites which provides extensive details on the type of development that could be accommodated across the two sites. These do not represent the final form of any development on the site, but rather reflect the type, scale and siting of built form that maybe be permitted within the parameters proposed under the new planning controls.

The building envelopes shown in the proposed Comprehensive Development Zone for the low-rise component only allow for variations in height and setbacks.

The IDC for the Flemington Green site, as prepared by <a href="http://www.woodsbagot.com/">Woods Bagot</a>, seeks the development of 736 dwellings, based on a built form that comprises three residential towers, two street level podia and a lower density precinct containing townhouse and apartment buildings up to 4-storeys. The proposal also includes scope for a small amount of ancillary retail, commercial space and community facilities that will provide local services for residents.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image45_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Flemington Green as rendered from Fischer Parade. Image courtesy Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="370" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_1.jpg?itok=WVtqZp8H" title="Flemington Green as rendered from Fischer Parade. Image courtesy Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Flemington Green as rendered from Fischer Parade. Image courtesy Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The architectural design response adopts a rectilinear architectural language at the perimeter of the master plan and transforms this language to a curved formal language in the centre. This curved formal language continues into the tower geometry, referencing Flemington Racecourse’s distinctive curvilinear shape.
<cite>Woods Bagot</cite>
</blockquote>

The three towers which are expected to form Flemington Green are all distinguished by individual responses to articulation of facades, which draw on the characteristics of the racecourse. These are summarised below:

<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/flemington_green_facades.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Facade reference images. Image courtesy Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="228" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemington_green_facades.jpg?itok=49qo4s3A" title="Facade reference images. Image courtesy Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Facade reference images. Image courtesy Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>
Tower 1, 25-storeys - The Veil: The design concept for the new facade expresses the Flemington’s fascination with fashion.The entire building is enclosed by a skeletal metal frame, which like a veil conveys a mysterious and ambiguous definition by discreetly revealing what is behind. The veil creates a dynamic gesture and form.</li>
	<li>
Tower 2, 20-storeys - The Farrier: The facade design concept is derived from the materiality and tectonic nature of the farriers tools. This is represented by the curvaceous external balconies forms which are asymmetrically offset to create a sculptural form.</li>
	<li>
Tower 3, 14-storeys - Silks: The facade design concept references the silky shiny colours of the jockeys outfit. The smooth curved form of the floor plan is emphasised by glassy exterior treatment, this is contrasted by the striking colours which highlight the recessed balconies.</li>
</ul>
The IDC for the Epsom Road seeks to deliver a high quality, high-density residential development at the apex of the Racecourse Road Activity Centre and Flemington Racecourse, providing a gateway to the precinct. The IDC allows for a 31-storey proposal with a total of 398 dwellings, based on a built form that comprises of a typical tower and podium format.

<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/flemington_life_epsom_rd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Epsom Road Indicative Development Concept. Image courtesy Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemington_life_epsom_rd.jpg?itok=zpBcHn5c" title="Epsom Road Indicative Development Concept. Image courtesy Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Epsom Road Indicative Development Concept. Image courtesy Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>While heavy with detail, it is worth noting that the above designs and images still designated as development concepts created to provide an indication of the planning controls that Greenland Group and Woods Bagot are seeking push through. Whether the development team largely retain the above designs once each land parcel is subject to individual planning submissions remains to be seen.
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Laurence Dragomir

Horses for courses: Greenland Group's Flemington Life in detail

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Developers continue to see the appeal of landing their projects directly north of Melbourne's CBD. Following the 2012 <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/city-north-structure-plan-2012.pdf">City North Structure Plan</a> which paved the way for intense redevelopment surrounding the Elizabeth Street/Flemington Road spine bounded by Carlton and North Melbourne, there's been a steady flow of projects with more set to follow.

Put quite simply, "City North displays strong characteristics of a Central City environment, with a diverse mix of uses, including well-established industrial, commercial, retail and residential uses dispersed throughout the area, alongside major health, education and research institutions."

Considered underutilised land and in close proximity to the CBD, the clarity provided by the City North Structure Plan has for increased development in the area over recent years. The Apartments.com.au Project Database is currently keeping tabs on 15 active projects within the immediate vicinity of Elizabeth Street and Flemington Road.

The two most recent projects to reach planning and in turn the Apartments.com.au Project Database are:

<h2>684-688 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne</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/image116_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design generators and result. Image courtesy SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="308" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image116_0.jpg?itok=9qphImrq" title="Design generators and result. Image courtesy SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Design generators and result. Image courtesy SJB</figcaption></figure>Developer LBP Group Holdings is looking to continue the Elizabeth Street drift toward redevelopment with a $30 million apartment proposal spanning 19 levels. Designed by SJB Architects, 684-688 Elizabeth Street would contain 120 one, tow and three apartments above four basement levels and a ground floor retail tenancy.

Abutting PDG Corporation's under construction Royal Elizabeth, the SJB Architects design will incorporate a high degree of timber over the exterior, in addition to retractable screens.

The existing buildings onsite were afforded a C grade ranking according to a 2013 heritage review, although are not listed as graded heritage buildings. Existing street level facades would be retained and restored with the remainder of the existing buildings to be demolished for the development.

<h2>15-17 Felmington Road, North Melbourne</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/image113_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Haymarket Roundabout perspective. Image courtesy Jomo + designhaus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="404" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image113_0.jpg?itok=YWm4Dffx" title="Haymarket Roundabout perspective. Image courtesy Jomo + designhaus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Haymarket Roundabout perspective. Image courtesy Jomo + designhaus</figcaption></figure>The long expected redevelopment of RMIT Village has landed with Centurion Pty Ltd seeking an expansion for part of the sprawling complex. Hobart duo Jones Moore Architecture and Architects Designhaus have conceived the design which would add to the already strong level of <a href="/news/an-overview-of-melbournes-student-accommodation-projects">student accommodation beds in the Melbourne development pipeline</a>.

<blockquote>
Given the current site circumstance, and statutory development overlay, there is an opportunity to to intensify the corner of Flemington Road and Blackwood Street by replacing an existing low-quality, underutilised 2 storey building with a mid-rise twelve storey building.
<cite>Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

Approximately one third of RMIT Village is subject to this planning application with an additional 147 student beds across two buildings in mind, allowing for an overall total of 603 student beds. The existing Building A fronting Flemington Road will receive an additional two levels while Building B as a completely new build will accommodate the majority of new dwellings.

A blue, white and grey hexagonal pattern will be the main design feature to Flemington Road.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image112_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Blackwood Street perspective. Image courtesy Jomo + designhaus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image112_0.jpg?itok=5a2d2SVF" title="Blackwood Street perspective. Image courtesy Jomo + designhaus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Blackwood Street perspective. Image courtesy Jomo + designhaus</figcaption></figure><h2>City North under construction</h2>

The two intended projects above would only serve to bolster the already healthy amount of construction underway within the City North Precinct. Valued in the billions, the level of construction activity is underpinned by the near complete Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre in addition to five substantial apartment projects.

Brookfield Multiplex have just commenced construction on ANMF's new 16,820sqm mixed use facility at 529 Elizabeth Street while The Principal at 69 Flemington Road has sold strongly, in turn positioning itself as the next residential project to head toward construction.

Perhaps the most awaited project is Metier 3's pending project adjacent to the Haymarket Roundabout. In unison with Fortius, the design practice is expected to create a landmark project at 1 Flemington Road and 245 Peel Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image114_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Projects fronting Flemington and Elizabeth Streets"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image114_1.jpg?itok=kZydnj8O" title="Projects fronting Flemington and Elizabeth Streets" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Projects fronting Flemington and Elizabeth Streets</figcaption></figure>
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Redevelopment continues at pace within City North

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Jockeying they may for approval be but if City of Port Phillip were to have its way these five projects which fall within the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area would be heavily modified in order to gain approval. While the final call lies with the State Government, City of Port Phillip have provided extensive feedback on each of the proposals via recent Council meetings.

The five highlighted South Melbourne projects below also provide a snapshot of the uncertain state of planning within Fishermans Bend due to the uncertain nature of policy implementation in recent years. Two projects have been redesigned to be considerably shorter post the announcement of interim height controls for the area, while another has also been redesigned upwards to meet the maximum height achievable.

According to City of Port Phillip, the two most recent proposals, 91-95 Montague Street and 240-246 Normanby Road, adhere to height limits yet have major flaws regarding setbacks. It is worth noting the State Government's <a href="/news/interim-central-melbourne-planning-controls-the-detail">planning controls implemented during 2015</a> that regulate matters such as tower separation and setbacks does not apply to Fishermans Bend.

Here are the five proposals which City of Port Phillip have passed judgement on:

<h2>15-87 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne</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/image11_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Glanstone Street's new look. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="598" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_6.jpg?itok=GNSe3wZX" title="Glanstone Street's new look. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Glanstone Street's new look. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>One of Fishermans Bend's earliest approvals, the former MAB Corporation-controlled 5,985sqm site at 15-87 Gladstone Street changed hands during 2015 with Elenberg Fraser now entrusted with the redesign of the expansive project.

Gone is the original Hayball scheme and in its place is a proposal for three 30 level residential towers; each of approximately 100 metres in height. 746 apartments are included, involving 254 x 1BR, 432 x 2BR &amp; 60 x 3BR. 457sqm of retail space, 596 car parking spaces and 235 (155 resident, 80 visitor) bicycle parking spaces round out the amended proposal.

City of Port Phillip do support the amended plans for the most, with one of their requests seeking that not all three towers be of equal height, citing skyline views and streetscape appearance as being factors.

<h2>240-246 Normanby Road, South Melbourne</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image12_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hayball's envisaged Normanby Road Precinct"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="372" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_4.jpg?itok=qQZV8N1x" title="Hayball's envisaged Normanby Road Precinct" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hayball's envisaged Normanby Road Precinct</figcaption></figure>Planning information is now available on the Hayball-designed six tower proposal <a href="/news/1500-new-apartments-slated-for-fishermans-bend">unveiled for Normanby Road during mid 2015</a>. Headed by Planning &amp; Property Partners, the scheme represents the cooperation of various separate property owners.

Sheblon Pty Ltd is behind 240-246 Normanby Road which is known as site 4 within the sub-precinct and would accommodate 12 commercial tenancies, 3 retail spaces, 77 car parking spaces, 250 bicycle spaces and 204 dwellings above.

City of Port Phillip in their lack of support for the project state:

<blockquote>
It is considered that the proposal shows little imagination on a prominent corner of the Montague Precinct, the reduced setbacks proposed would result in adverse streetscape and amenity impacts on abutting land and roads. The development as proposed would not meet the tower separation provisions of the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan.

The substantial reductions or full waivers of the setback and/or tower separation provisions of the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan are clear manifestations of the overdevelopment.
</blockquote>

<h2>91-95 Montague Street, South Melbourne</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/image13_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rothelowman's Montague Street tower"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="311" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_6.jpg?itok=lSe_YeXO" title="Rothelowman's Montague Street tower" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rothelowman's Montague Street tower</figcaption></figure>New to the Apartments.com.au Project Database is 91-95 Montague Street which is championed by Thousand Degree Pty Ltd. Rothelowman have designed a 30 storey building comprising a six storey podium with 24 storeys above, chiefly for the purpose of accommodating 126 apartments split between 51 x 1BR and 75 x 2BR spaces.

Lower levels would feature a community space with associated open space.

City of Port Phillip have raised concerns regarding the design and size of the proposed community spaces which they deem not fit for purpose. Issues regarding setbacks and the applicant not owning or controlling the subject site in its entirety, resulting in the need to purchase an abutting lane from Council have been at the core of Council's discontent. To this end Council do not support the proposal.

<h2>51-59 Thistlethwaite Street, South Melbourne</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/image14_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Laneway from Thistlethwaite Street. Image courtesy Inhabit Design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="646" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_3.jpg?itok=ZHZE6xrq" title="Laneway from Thistlethwaite Street. Image courtesy Inhabit Design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Laneway from Thistlethwaite Street. Image courtesy Inhabit Design</figcaption></figure>Spec Property's ongoing battle to have their South Melbourne proposal find favour continues with VCAT involved in the process. A third set of plans for the project have been produced resulting in a vastly smaller scheme ranging between 4 and 8 levels, a far cry from Inhabit Design's initial 16 level proposal.

Overall dwellings have fallen from an original 258 to 161, with the new scheme containing 90 x 1BR, 66 x 2BR and 7 x 3BR. Inhabit Design have made substantial changes from the first submission which weighed in at 16 levels

City of Port Phillip maintain that the built height to City Road would be too excessive and that question marks remain over dwelling amenity.

<h2>134-142 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne</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/image16_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rothelowman's old and new creations side by side"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_4.jpg?itok=vd8VcVb9" title="Rothelowman's old and new creations side by side" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rothelowman's old and new creations side by side</figcaption></figure>Another of Fishermans Bend's early applications is back in the spotlight, although gone is Rothelowman's expansive tower for the Ferrars Street site. It is instead replaced by another equally impressive design by the Southbank-based design firm.

Sunguard Availability Services Vic DC1 Pty Ltd as the developer has gone with a substantially shorter scheme which has subsequently seen apartments numbers trimmed and fall from 381 to 261. The revised scheme which is still taller than the preferred height limit would consist of a glazed tower form covered by a honeycombed metal finish, providing the area with a highly distinctive building.

Council once more does not support the application.
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Five South Melbourne projects jockey for approval

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Malaysian firm UEM Sunrise has teamed with ARM Architecture for the developer's third Melbourne project. Lodged with Council during late 2015, City of Port Phillip have already indicated that they will support the extravagant conversion of the now commercial complex at 412 St Kilda Road into 182 high-end apartments.

The emergence of an amended planning application comes as Victoria Police are preparing to vacate the building following the sale of the asset during 2015 for $58 million.

In typical ARM Architecture style, the rebirthed 412 St Kilda Road is a statement in colour and flair, with the existing structure set to be gutted and a new facade applied which will in certain ways meld design features from recent ARM Architecture projects The Face and <a href="/news/orbis-south-melbourne-shows-its-wares">Orbis</a> in nearby South 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/screen-shot.png" rel="gallery-all" title="CBRE City Sales' pitch for the asset which was offered for sale during 2015"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen-shot.png?itok=wFUMjIwj" title="CBRE City Sales' pitch for the asset which was offered for sale during 2015" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CBRE City Sales' pitch for the asset which was offered for sale during 2015</figcaption></figure>At the time of 412 St Kilda Road's sale, UEM Sunrise MD and CEO Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajid offered the following <a href="http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/business/article/uem-sunrise-buys-rm161-million-office-tower-in-melbourne">quote</a>:

<blockquote>
The intention of this acquisition is to develop an unprecedented ultra-luxurious residential development, potentially with a mix of ground floor retail and serviced apartment components. The Company will continue to evaluate the market condition in order for the development to meet future market demands.

The decision to acquire the 412 St Kilda Road site is part of our strategy to ensure steady flow of overseas projects. The property is in a different location from the two core CBD sites we currently own. Being in the city fringe, it promises a different lifestyle and thus, will appeal to a different market segment.
<cite>Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajid, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, UEM Sunrise</cite>
</blockquote>

With a new facade consisting of pipework over bronze aluminium panels, copper louvres and frit patterned glass, 412 St Kilda Road is set to become a standout building in an already prominent location.

<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/image79_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Level 18 amenities within the proposal"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image79_0.jpg?itok=pKIvewKm" title="Level 18 amenities within the proposal" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Level 18 amenities within the proposal</figcaption></figure>The reconfigured building will see 13 apartments per floor ranging between 53sqm to in excess of 100sqm, with the majority falling between 70sqm and 85sqm. The development's 182 apartments are split between 42 single bed and 140 dual bedroom options.

In line with the existing building's layout, car parking arrangements will absorb basement level 2 through to level 3 above ground, with a reconfiguration allowing for 155 vehicles. Ground level will be activated by way of a 285sqm cafe while the top two levels will be dedicated to residential amenity.

412 St Kilda Road's design flair is in contrast to UEM Sunrise's initial two Melbourne apartment projects which carry more subdued exteriors. With Aurora Melbourne Central under construction and the nearby Conservatory well into its sales campaign, UEM Sunrise look likely to launch 412 St Kilda Road during 2016 should they seek to keep their Melbourne apartment pipeline flowing.
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UEM Sunrise's next Melbourne foray shapes as a standout project

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Studios and one-bedroom apartments in Sydney have the largest proportion of rental tenants, while it’s the least for three-bedroom apartments, a new paper from BIS Shrapnel suggests.
Contributing factors include NSW’s strong population growth, net overseas migration, and a record low net interstate migration outflow. The findings were taken from the BIS Shrapnel report titled 'Apartments in Sydney Suburbs Market Brief'. 
Studio and one bedroom apartments are dominated by rental tenants, who account for 70% of households moving into these apartments over the prior five years. 
For two-bedroom apartments, 57% of movers were tenants, while it was just around 40% for three-bedroom apartments.
<a href="/images/2016/02/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-12%20at%208.20.13%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-12%20at%208.20.13%20AM.png" alt="">
Vacancy rates in both Inner and Middle Sydney have consistently remained below 2%, with occupancy being underpinned by strong population growth over overseas migration, with many migrants’ first accommodation being rental dwellings, says the report. 
Rental growth, however, is a different story. While median unit price growth remained high at 14.9% in 2014/15, rental growth was just 1%. 
Long-term median two-bedroom unit rental growth has lagged the growth in prices, ranging from 4.0% per annum on the Lower North Shore, to 5.3% per annum in the Middle South West.
<a href="/images/2016/02/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-12%20at%208.21.24%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-12%20at%208.21.24%20AM.png" alt="">
The result has been that indicative unit yields in Sydney are now around their previous lows of 2003 to 2005, at 3.7% in June 2015.
<a href="/images/2016/02/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-12%20at%208.18.20%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-12%20at%208.18.20%20AM.png" alt=""> 
This would point to little potential for further growth in unit prices (and eventually the possibility of price declines), as occurred during the mid-2000s.
 
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

 Sydney rental growth lags despite strong tenancy: BIS Shrapnel report 

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Yesterday's release of the Melbourne Metro Rail project business case has prompted us to take a closer look at Arden-Macaulay and with the ground work laid during 2012 paving the way for intensive urban renewal within the area, the urban regeneration precinct which consumes a fair amount of North Melbourne is beginning to see a slow yet steady stream of higher density residential development.

<blockquote>
The Arden-Macaulay structure plan encapsulated strategies and actions relating to land use including the delivery of new and improved open spaces and attractive and safe streetscapes. It also contains actions relating to transport, community infrastructure and sustainable infrastructure.

Arden-Macaulay offers a key opportunity to provide for sustainable growth that can achieve positive community outcomes. The Arden-Macaulay Structure Plan provides a long term vision and strategy to sustainably manage the renewal of the area.
<cite>City of Melbourne</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/image19_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MCC's precinct map with superimposed markers indicating current development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="495" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_5.jpg?itok=amjMkpIO" title="MCC's precinct map with superimposed markers indicating current development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MCC's precinct map with superimposed markers indicating current development</figcaption></figure>With the structure plan as a backdrop and a number of large projects such as Accord Property Group's 88 Laurens and HWD Australia's Gramercy Parks yet to be revealed, Arden-Macaulay's current development activity is essentially limited to two pockets. The precinct's southern tip within West Melbourne sees Journal and Wallace under construction while Cbus Property's Volaire has just commenced its sales campaign.

It is the heart of the renewal zone within North Melbourne that throws up a surprise. With such a large area set aside for renewal it is perhaps unexpected that development within North Melbourne is limited to a small pocket principally surrounding the corner of Haines Street and Shiel Street with the exception being 101-117 Canning Street.

<blockquote>
The Victorian Government and Local Government identified Arden-Macaulay Precinct as a key urban renewal site that could catalyse a new CBD-fringe mixed-use office precinct with a potential to accommodate 25,000 residents and in excess of 43,000 jobs.

Critically, the area is in close proximity to existing CBD employment and markets, particularly in Parkville, promoting the benefits of agglomeration essential to knowledge-based industries. The core Arden Precinct, in the southern part of the site, is particularly well suited to accommodating a major employment hub, with a large parcel of government-owned land.

Without a significant expansion to public transport access, making Arden accessible to broader metropolitan labour catchments, the area could still offer the opportunity for significant residential development, but the opportunity to support employment growth would be lost
<cite>Melbourne Metro Rail project <a href="http://mmrailproject.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/40677/MM-Business-Case-Feb-2016-Vol-1.pdf">business case</a>, pages 59 and 60</cite>
</blockquote>

Below is an overview of the current state of play for the crop of North Melbourne projects found within Arden-Macaulay:

<h2>Arden Gardens</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/image18_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Arden Gardens. Image courtesy CBD Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="426" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_5.jpg?itok=ds3m54qV" title="Arden Gardens. Image courtesy CBD Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Arden Gardens. Image courtesy CBD Development Group</figcaption></figure>CBD Development Group look set to launch this sizeable project located at 101-117 Canning Street, with site demolition underway. Offloaded by Woolworths during 2014, the pending development will feature roughly 300 apartments and 600 car spaces atop extensive ground floor retail offerings.

Woolworths have reserved 4,350sqm on a 20 year lease with another 1,500sqm of retail allowable within the Buchan Group-designed project.

<h2>3 Shiel Street</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/image8_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Knight Frank's render associated with the sales campaign"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_6.jpg?itok=gmwQi10L" title="Knight Frank's render associated with the sales campaign" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Knight Frank's render associated with the sales campaign</figcaption></figure>Spec Property have chosen to sell their permitted site with Knight Frank handling the sales campaign. Set over 1,300sqm and holding 38 metres of street frontage the scheme consists of 21 single bedroom apartments, 42 double and 2 triple bedroom dwellings.

Rising up to 9 levels to the rear of the site, 3 Shiel Street is notionally ready to go should the site be bought by a developer with intentions to deliver the project immediately.

<h2>1 Shiel Street, North Melbourne</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/img_0555.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1 Shiel Street under construction"><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_0555.jpg?itok=ZlqFn3bF" title="1 Shiel Street under construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Shiel Street under construction</figcaption></figure>MAVGroup has begun construction on this residential development without the usual pre-sales campaign. The Fender Katsalidis-designed project is expected to house 34 apartments over six levels upon completion.

With a site area of 674sqm, the project had initially sought to be taller but was brought to its current level as the planning process transpired.

<h2>104 Haines Street</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/home-external.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="REVEL's Haines Street project"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="517" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/home-external.jpg?itok=NJ8_2b-6" title="REVEL's Haines Street project" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>REVEL's Haines Street project</figcaption></figure>The only project at marketing, Revel Development Group's residential pursuit dubbed Reflections holds 143 dwellings over 13 levels. The work of Plus Architecture, Reflections which takes its name from the highly reflective facade which is set to adorn the buildings lower levels.

At 143 dwellings it is second to Arden Gardens in terms of approved apartment numbers for a given project.

<h2>114-116 Haines Street</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/capture-v11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="114-116 Haines Street. Image courtesy Kyriacou Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="570" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/capture-v11.jpg?itok=wBA7a6-P" title="114-116 Haines Street. Image courtesy Kyriacou Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>114-116 Haines Street. Image courtesy Kyriacou Architects</figcaption></figure>Melbourne Acquisitions has this Friday pencilled in for an onsite auction of 114-116 Haines Street. Approval is in place for 27 apartments over 10 levels plus basement capacity for 18 vehicles.

The 476sqm plot is sandwiched in between 104 Haines Street and the current planning application at 36-58 Macaulay Road below.

<h2>36-58 Macaulay Road</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/download.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artisan Architects' impression of 36 Macaulay Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/download.jpg?itok=ZMoh9pNU" title="Artisan Architects' impression of 36 Macaulay Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artisan Architects' impression of 36-58 Macaulay Road</figcaption></figure>The latest entrant into the precinct is a scheme by Artisan Architects for Platinum Taxis Holdings Pty Ltd which calls for dual residential buildings abutting 114-116 Haines Street. Addressed 36-58 Macaulay Road, the project would see 177 apartments created within 10 and 13 storey buildings.

According to Artisan Architects the project includes the retention and refurbishment of the former Melbourne Omnibus Company Stables and its surrounding walls, a new community hall and a new public space.
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The current state of play within Arden-Macaulay

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Canberra apartments have joined the other capitals, Brisbane and Melbourne at a market peak, according to the latest HTW property clock.
The valuation firm Herron Todd White has issued its latest property clock for apartments - a simple broad brush means to suggest where property markets are as at February 2016 - and what direction prices are moving in.
The valuation firm has included capital and select regional cities on the property clock for apartments price direction.
The Canberra residential unit market presents its own unique concerns, according to HTW.
The threat of oversaturation is a very real one and continues to be observed in several market segments including the Flemington Road corridor in Gungahlin and the Belconnen Town Centre. 
HTW anticipate 2016 will be a year of flat growth with demand shifting further away from the unit market in most segments and towards new detached houses.
<a href="/images/2016/02/08/700_HTW_units.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge.
For more information, <a href="https://www.htw.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Canberra apartments join Brisbane and Melbourne at market peak: HTW property clock

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Mirvac, and their joint venture partners, Freemasons Victoria have released details on their high end apartment block overlooking Fitzroy Gardens. Over 3000 expressions of interest have been lodged by interested buyers.
The Eastbourne project consists of 275 apartments designed inside and out by Bates Smart at the former Dallas Brooks Hall site in East Melbourne.
<img src="/images/2016/02/08/East%20Melbourne%20render.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="323">
The building will be crowned by an 11th floor penthouse with views of the Fitzroy Gardens, the MCG and Port Phillip Bay.
The slender pavilion style penthouse will be 50 metres in length, designed by Bates Smart director Kristen Whittle to have views from every room.
The 600 sqm penthouse will feature five bedrooms with a master suite zone, exclusive lift lobby and two living areas. 
Mirvac's head of residential John Carfi said extensive enquiries had already been been fielded from interested purchasers.
“East Melbourne is a coveted and tightly held suburb, but even so, it has been a pleasant surprise to see the amount of interest already received, especially from local residents from 150 Clarendon and our past project, The Melburnian,” he said.
The site, located at 300 Albert Street, is currently owned by Freemasons Victoria.
Don Reynolds will be installed as Grand Master of Freemasons Victoria on Friday 1 April, 2016 He will become the 45th Grand Master.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Mirvac's plans for pavilion penthouse overlooking East Melbourne parkland

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Once a stronghold for various industries, <a href="/new-apartments/richmond-vic-3121">Richmond</a> continues to evolve as a highly sought-after inner city apartment hub. While areas north and west of the Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre have seen intense levels of apartment development, the tract of land directly south of Victoria Gardens and east of Burnley Street is now set to continue the trend.

Doonside Precinct has risen to prominence with a string of apartment developments poised to make their mark.

In recent times the initial planning to-ing and fro-ing in order to realise the Doonside precinct have been in full swing. Noteworthy is a recent report delivered by <a href="/developers/urbis">Urbis</a> arguing that proposed amendment to the Yarra Planning Scheme seeking to apply a Heritage Overlay to parts of Doonside Precinct <a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/DownloadDocument.ashx?DocumentID=13738">would not provide a net benefit to the community</a>.

Regardless a handful of apartment developments are emerging, creating the first wave projects which will seek to call Doonside home.

<h2>Supply Co.</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/image27_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Supply Co. Image courtesy Forza Capital"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_0.jpg?itok=G5rs5tMD" title="Supply Co. Image courtesy Forza Capital" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Supply Co. Image courtesy Forza Capital</figcaption></figure>First out of the gates is <a href="/developers/forza-capital">Forza Capital's Supply Co</a>. which references the site's former use. At sales is a Peddle Thorp-designed 11 level apartment building with 140 apartments included.

The site's history has not been lost upon the design team with the exterior maintaining a facade of concrete, glass and mesh privacy screens. The industrial-inspired exterior is balanced out by interiors which have been described as "Sleek, sophisticated and stylishly functional, with the warm, light tones that contrast with bright metal and natural wood."

<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_0117_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A piece of history retained and integrated "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0117_0.jpg?itok=L8oYCQai" title="A piece of history retained and integrated " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A piece of history retained and integrated</figcaption></figure>At ground level a cafe has been incorporated, as will be the existing facade which will frame the active space.

<h2>Burnley Terrace</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/image25_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cera Stribley's take on a new Richmond landmark"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="428" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_4.jpg?itok=MWKfstHC" title="Cera Stribley's take on a new Richmond landmark" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cera Stribley's take on a new Richmond landmark</figcaption></figure>Architecture firm <a href="/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> recently took the wraps off <a href="http://cerastribley.com/burnleyterrace">a concept design</a> for a land parcel abutting Victoria Gardens. Selling agents for the adjoining 77 Burnley Street site have noted Salta Properties as the developer behind Burnley Terrace which is addressed 53-65 Burnley Street.

Producing a concept outlining what could be possible for the sizeable development site, the resultant 20 level tower could carry as many as 411 apartments with 488 basement car parks and 5,870sqm of retail included.

<blockquote>
The Burnley Terrace development presents a unique architectural opportunity as various constraints on the site such as its irregularity in shape and planning form controls encourage a bespoke and distinctive design outcome.

As the proposal gets higher, there is a requirement to set the building back to overcome overshadowing controls. The proposal celebrates the concept of ‘terracing’ by defining each layer with contrasting materiality.

The architecture is generally sympathetic to the area and the scale and building forms located to the main street interfaces are comparative to other surrounding buildings. Taller buildings are located to the middle to rear of the immediate precinct where they minimize the amenity impacts to the area.
<cite>Cera Stribley</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/image26_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Block forming a possible outcome. Image courtesy Cera Stribley"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_1.jpg?itok=w_K_J8gY" title="Block forming a possible outcome. Image courtesy Cera Stribley" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Block forming a possible outcome. Image courtesy Cera Stribley</figcaption></figure><h2>Upcoming projects</h2>

An all but completed display suite has appeared at 1-9 Doonside Street, most likely for the pending release of 36-44 Doonside Street.

With planning approval given during 2012, the development is shaping as the next apartment release within the budding precinct. In its initial guise the multi-building development catered for in excess of 200 dwellings and held multiple retail spaces within the Rothelowman-designed scheme.

Given the lengthy time between approval and what is shaping as a likely sales launch in the near term, the project may have changed in its appearance.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image32_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial designs for 36-44 Doonside Street and 77 Burnley Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_1.jpg?itok=KzILdSXN" title="Initial designs for 36-44 Doonside Street and 77 Burnley Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Initial designs for 36-44 Doonside Street and 77 Burnley Street</figcaption></figure>Changing in a different fashion is 77 Burnley Street which until recently was in the hands of St Kilda Road-based developer Pirovich. With its planning application review withdrawn during late January, the site has recently been moved on with TCI Property handling the sale.

Designed by SJB Architects, the ten level building would have featured 63 apartments split between 48 single and 15 dual bedroom dwellings. Using the neighbouring Burnley Terrace development as a template, the new proprietors may seek to add additional levels to any future planning application for their newly acquired development site.

Also waiting in the wings is Salta Properties' 25-35 River Boulevard which has the ability to deliver near on 500 new dwellings.

Factoring in the abundance of large low-rise sites both within and surrounding Doonside Precinct, the area looks capable of churning out apartment projects for many years to come.
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