The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" dir="auto">
<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" dir="auto">
The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Apartments

<html><body>
The outlook for China’s growth is a significant uncertainty for the outlook for the Australian economy, according to the latest RBA statement on monetary policy issued this morning.
But in the period ahead, Australian dwelling investment seems likely to be supported by continued strong demand from foreign buyers, the central bank concludes.
Information from the bank’s liaison suggests that foreign buyers tend to have long-term motivations for investment and may be relatively unconcerned about temporary fluctuations in housing price growth.
The statement then adds population growth, employment prospects and expectations for future housing price growth are likely to be the most important considerations for domestic buyers.
"Some geographic areas appear to be at risk of reaching a point of oversupply, particularly the inner-city areas of Melbourne and Brisbane."  
It also noted conditions in the established housing market have eased in recent months.
"National housing prices have declined slightly from their September 2015 peak, following strong growth earlier in 2015.
"Auction clearance rates, which are another timely gauge of housing market conditions, have also declined from very high levels to be around their long-run averages.
"However, some other indicators – including turnover rates, days on market and the eventual discount on vendor asking prices – have been little changed.
"The easing in housing market conditions has been most pronounced for detached houses in Sydney and Melbourne, where earlier price growth had been strongest, and in Perth, where prices have been declining since early 2015."
It noted growth of national apartment prices had been noticeably slower than that of detached housing prices, reflecting large increases in higher-density housing supply over recent years, especially in Melbourne.
"The increase in supply over recent years, partly in response to strong investor demand, has been associated with a gradual increase in the nationwide rental vacancy rate.
"Rental yields remain low by historical standards.
"Dwelling investment grew strongly over the year to the September quarter, supported by low interest rates and the significant increase in housing prices over the past several years."
The RBA has also released its Chart Pack that summarises macroeconomic and financial market trends in Australia.
<a href="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.20.41%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.20.41%20AM.png" alt="" width="770" height="537">
<a href="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.22.05%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.22.05%20AM.png" alt="" width="759" height="549">
<a href="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.23.19%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.23.19%20AM.png" alt="" width="712" height="508">
<a href="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.25.08%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.25.08%20AM.png" alt="" width="741" height="513">
<a href="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.26.05%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.26.05%20AM.png" alt="" width="779" height="566">
<a href="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.27.35%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.27.35%20AM.png" alt="" width="776" height="547">
<a href="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.29.29%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%2011.29.29%20AM.png" alt="" width="810" height="584">
To view the RBA's Statement on Monetary Policy, February 2016, <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/smp/2016/feb/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Chinese still coming but Melbourne and Brisbane inner city at risk of over supply: RBA monetary statement

<html><body>
With 2016 now well underway and several projects gearing up for construction or gathering pace, it's an opportune time for another update on the progress of Apartments.com.au's CBD model. Previously the focus has been on the CBD North area, however with big projects such as Australia 108 in full swing and the approval of Kavanagh Park, it seemed like the next area worth looking at was Southbank.

As this is an ongoing process there are still buildings still to be added, both existing and future, but it's interesting to see what's in store for Southbank over the course of the next five or so years.

<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/southbank_aerial.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank aerial of the central cluster."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_aerial.png?itok=9dTLUtgo" title="Southbank aerial of the central cluster." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank aerial of the central cluster.</figcaption></figure>The elevation below shows (some are not visible) the projects currently under construction on Southbank.

<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/southbank_uc_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank under construction."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_uc_elevation.png?itok=m8Au0yyd" title="Southbank under construction." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank under construction.</figcaption></figure>Major towers currently under construction include:

<ul>
<li>Australia 108</li>
	<li>1-11 Balston Street</li>
	<li>Opus Tower (nearing completion)</li>
	<li>2 Riverside Quay</li>
	<li>Shadow Play</li>
	<li>Marco Apartments</li>
	<li>Platinum Tower</li>
</ul>
When the approved projects (blue) are added into the mix the change in Southbank's skyline and density is significant with Kavanagh Park alone set to add six towers and 2,610 dwellings to the area.

Other sizeable developments include 38 Freshwater Place at 274 metres, 158 City Road, Elysium (240 metres) and Central Equity's tallest approved project to date: Southbank Place at 165 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/southbank_proposals_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green)."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_proposals_elevation.png?itok=ONcUZOXG" title="Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green)." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank approvals (blue) and under construction (green).</figcaption></figure>And lastly proposed developments are included, adding further variety to the skyline silhouette; a far cry from the City of Melbourne's desire for a blanket height in Southbank of 100 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/southbank_all_in_elevation_.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank all in."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_all_in_elevation_.png?itok=lR3i9DO_" title="Southbank all in." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank all in.</figcaption></figure>Still missing from the above images are <a href="http://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/">Wilkinson Eyre</a>'s 317 metre Crown Plaza at 1 Queensbridge Street, which will slot straight in taking centre stage in the Southbank model. This will occur once Apartments.com.au has the full details on the development.

Additionally a dual tower scheme for 87-105 City Road, designed by Fender Katasalidis Architects is also anticipated to be included soon as will the the revamped 334-344 City 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/southbank_from_fss.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank from Flinders Street Station."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_from_fss.png?itok=bak2-zBS" title="Southbank from Flinders Street Station." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank from Flinders Street Station.</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Southbank's surge continues: another CBD model update

<html><body>
Prolific South Yarra developer Michael Yates has banked upon the continued success of the luxury apartment sector within the suburb by positioning his latest apartment offering squarely at the expanding baby-boomer sector of the market.

After a string of successful apartment and commercial developments spanning the best part of two decades and predominantly within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct, Michael L Yates &amp; Co. have released 55 Claremont with the intention of capturing the “boomer-boom." Discerning the shift of a certain part of the market toward premium apartment living, 55 Claremont will contain a comparatively modest 37 apartments over 16 levels.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/yate9001_55_claremont_e01_heroa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of the upcoming development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1160" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yate9001_55_claremont_e01_heroa.jpg?itok=67_hgbmp" title="Hero perspective of the upcoming development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the upcoming development</figcaption></figure>According to the developer the first signs of the strengthening luxury apartment market appeared when fellow Michael L Yates &amp; Co. development Yarra House sold more than 70 percent of apartments to owner occupiers in the over-50 bracket. With Yarra House freshly completed, 55 Claremont has been positioned to absorb the “boomer-boom” defined by their desire for high quality, spacious apartments in inner city pockets.

In excess of 40 percent of stock has traditionally gone to investors in the developer's earlier apartment projects, although with baby boomer demand for apartment living on the rise projects such as 55 Claremont will continue to emerge as the industry steps up to cater for this emerging apartment dweller.

<h2>The boomer shift</h2>

<blockquote>
We ensured our next development, 55 Claremont, ticked the boxes for baby boomers – spacious and flexible floorplans, a boutique development in a prime location and a dress circle view of Melbourne.

Another trend we’re seeing is the downsizers’ desire to merge floorplans. The ability to create your own, bespoke apartment combined with a five-star hotel ambiance has been embraced by empty nesters looking to enjoy their encore years.

With the kids out of home, or retirement on the way, these buyers value being in close proximity to Melbourne’s best restaurants and cafes, cinemas, recreational facilities, parks and the city.
<cite>Michael Yates of Michael L Yates &amp; Co</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/in03_type_b_kitchen_lighta.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/in03_type_b_kitchen_lighta.jpg?itok=SPBbQ5sk" title="Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area</figcaption></figure>Michael L Yates &amp; Co.'s preferred architect Bird de la Coeur is responsible for the overall design of 55 Claremont, with Hassell appointed to deliver interiors for the premier project that will see a maximum of three apartments over any one floor

Designed with clean finishes, apartments feature and abundance of space, stainless steel Gaggenau appliances, stone-finish island benches and oak timber flooring.

As South Yarra and Forrest Hill in particular continue to develop, Michael L Yates &amp; Co. also consider 55 Claremont's position as a strong selling point. Panoramic, never-to-be built out views are on offer with the CBD a focal point.

<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/yate9001_55_claremont_in02_bedrooma.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A bedroom with CBD views"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yate9001_55_claremont_in02_bedrooma.jpg?itok=PF5CxdQ_" title="A bedroom with CBD views" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A bedroom with CBD views</figcaption></figure>One bedroom apartments within 55 Claremont range in size from 41sqm to 53sqm with large two bedroom apartments holding 95sqm. Three bedroom apartments range between 95sqm and 151.5sqm with prospective purchasers having the option of combining floorplans to create bespoke apartments.

With only 37 apartments on offer construction of 55 Claremont is due for completion by the end of 2017.
</body></html>

silvermb

The boomer-boom: 55 Claremont targets the luxury apartment market

<html><body>
Melbourne City Council are set to make the early running in 2016 in terms of providing feedback on seven high-rise towers which are still at planning at a state level. This evening's first sitting of the year for the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee will consider the merits of four separate planning applications covering Melbourne's CBD and Fishermans Bend.

In a new planning climate where Melbourne City Council's support or opposition carries a greater weight on the decision making process, the events of this evening may well provide the clearest indication yet on the fate of a number of notable Melbourne projects.

Outlined below are the four projects under consideration this evening.

<h2>850-868 Lorimer Street, Port 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_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="850-868 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_5.jpg?itok=2opb2sWu" title="850-868 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>850-868 Lorimer Street. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>Melbourne City Council supports the proposal subject to conditions

First appearing on Apartments.com.au during mid 2014, the Fishermans Bend proposal put forward by commercial and industrial property player Goodman Group has been subject to design changes in the interim.

Initially with four towers, the revised scheme now sees three towers ranging between 28 and 44 storeys with the tallest at 144.75 metres. 1,354 apartments and 1,100 car spaces were set for the development when first submitted, although these figures have come down to 1,134 and 936 respectively.

The project has a revised value of half a billion dollars and has the ability to be built over two separate stages, with the taller two buildings forming stage 1.

<h2>111-125 A’Beckett 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/image132_0_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="716" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image132_0_0.jpg?itok=kJYq_HPM" title="Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Melbourne City Council supports the proposal subject to conditions

Singaporean developer Tong Eng Group is on the road to gaining approval for their first Australian project. 111-125 A’Beckett Street's 632 dwellings would rank it as one of the CBD's largest apartment projects.

At 210 metres the Elenberg Fraser-designed tower would feature a tinted glazing system which would see a base neutral/silver reflective glazing gradually transition to a multi-coloured tinted glazing. Spandrels over the tower would be arranged in an inverse manner giving the project a point of visual difference relative to many of its existing and future neighbours.

Planning documents show that DEWLP held an initially favourable response to the application and coupled with Melbourne City Council's support 111-125 A’Beckett Street looks set to add to the emerging forest of towers in the CBD's northern end.

<h2>478-488 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/image13_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="478-488 Elizabeth Street's lower floors. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="424" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_5.jpg?itok=fGEn3FU4" title="478-488 Elizabeth Street's lower floors. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>478-488 Elizabeth Street's lower floors. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Melbourne City Council does not support the proposal

A trio of nominated entities are behind the proposal which is also the handy work of Elenberg Fraser. The proposal as it stands has fallen foul of Melbourne City Council, with issues such as acceptable tower separation and setbacks, impact upon adjoining as yet undeveloped sites, lack of a five star green star rating and parking arrangements cited.

Mixed-use in nature, 478-488 Elizabeth Street would see 383 apartments, 198 hotel suites and a variety of resident/guest-driven amenities included within the 68 storey structure that would rise 208 metres.

Apartments.com.au will highlight the planning application for 478-488 Elizabeth Street next week.

<h2>212-222 La Trobe Street and 17-25 Little La Trobe 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/image14_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy JCB and DCM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_2.jpg?itok=tiFVbfdt" title="A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy JCB and DCM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy JCB and DCM</figcaption></figure>Melbourne City Council supports the proposal subject to conditions

212-222 La Trobe Street is also subject to planning assessment as Scape Student Living seek to amend the approved scheme from residential to student accommodation use. Previous architects JCB have been replaced by DCM, having been responsible for Scape's first Melbourne project nearby at <a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">393 Swanston Street</a>.

Accordingly the revamped La Trobe Street towers hold similar design traits to the Swanston Street project, with 212-222 La Trobe Street gaining a lattice-like structure over its podium. The development team have sought to square off the tower floorplates with Council describing the outcome as "Effectively a ‘dumbing down’ of the building and is not acceptable."

Internally the buildings will hold a cumulative 827 student dwellings, a doubling of the previous scheme which gained approval for 413 dwellings over essentially the same floor area.

Beyond the planning process, regardless of whether the planning minister approves this application or not, there will be plenty more planning work over the next few years in this immediate area due to the CBD North station, as part of the Melbourne Metro Rail project, being mooted to have its surface buildings constructed on or near the Swanston and La Trobe Street corners.
</body></html>

Melbourne City Council set the planning tone for 2016

<html><body>
Ageing in place and housing shortage are the two biggest buzz words in property at the moment, with current reports suggesting that older generations are refusing to downsize, causing a shortage of housing for younger buyers.

However, Marshall White Projects is in fact witnessing the opposite – now more than ever before we are seeing a substantial number of retirees buying up luxury apartments in order to fund their retirement lifestyle. In fact in my lifetime I have never seen a more large-scale acceptance towards apartment living from retirees than right now.

In the past six months alone, we have seen an astounding number of retirees purchasing off-the-plan apartments.

As an example, more than 70% of our Somers Avenue project in Malvern was sold to retirees, while at another luxury off-the-plan project in Doncaster, Arbor, retirees bought over 65 percent of the apartments sold. These retirees are either choosing apartment living of their own volition, or often they are assisted by their children who are supporting the move to downsize.

Whether you are for or against the merits of apartment living, there is no denying that the apartment landscape has changed drastically over the past five years.

No longer restricted to towering high-rise developments in the CBD, developers now understand that new demographics are adapting to apartments and are therefore delivering more larger-than-average, luxury apartment offerings in boutique developments in quiet tree-lined streets, to cater for these new buyers.

This has in turn opened up a host of opportunities for the retiree market who is seeking to swap their sprawling, aging home for something that offers a low-maintenance lifestyle without compromising on luxury or convenience.

According to the government’s Housing Decisions of Older Australians report, the primary motivator when retiring is to remain in a familiar community that’s close to family friends. Second is the desire to access amenity that assists with ageing in the form of facilities and low-maintenance housing.

That’s where these boutique apartment projects become so appealing to retirees.

Firstly they are located in areas that are familiar to the location the retirees know and love, and secondly they offer a spate of facilities and communal amenity that encourages community interaction and ease of living. I believe the recent shift in the retiree market’s mindset is only the beginning; as more older buyers recognise the benefits of apartment living, more will follow suit.

Which brings me to highlight the need for the current government neighbourhood planning zones to be overturned in order to fuel the demand for these sorts of boutique developments. Right now, under the current planning scheme, most of the ideal locations for these boutique developments – quiet side streets in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs – are restricted to two-lot subdivisions, with main roads the only approved locations for future development growth.

As retirees embrace apartment living, we need to meet these new expectations and provide suitable dwelling options to meet the heightened demand. If we don’t enforce change we will be unable to deliver the sorts of boutique apartment options that appeal to the retiree market.

In my opinion, it is this underlying lack of supply, not a voluntary refusal from retirees to downsize, which will cause a shortage of housing supply for future generations.

Leonard Teplin is a director of <a href="http://www.marshallwhiteprojects.com.au/">Marshall White Projects</a>.
</body></html>

Leonard Teplin

Retirement is no barrier to apartment living

<html><body>
The recent upward trajectory of St Kilda Junction has received an exclamation mark of sorts with a massive mixed-use planning application currently with City of Port Phillip.

Located at <a href="/new-apartments/8-12-punt-road-st-kilda">8-12 Punt Road</a> and 3-7 Wellington Street, the project which has been dubbed One St Kilda Junction would stand at over 90 metres if given the green light. Developer Drekoncile Pty Ltd has engaged <a href="/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architecture</a> who have in turn created a uniquely shaped tower which incorporates a spiral form over its lower levels.

One St Kilda Junction would carry on the recent apartment push into St Kilda Junction, with the area's most recognisable recent addition, <a href="/buildings/the-icon-6-st-kilda-road-st-kilda">The Icon</a>, adjacent to the current Plus Architecture-driven proposal.

<h2>One St Kilda Junction 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/image33_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the project. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_4.jpg?itok=Sf-Ogmkh" title="Aerial perspective of the project. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the project. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site address: 8-12 Punt Road and 3-7 Wellington Street, St Kilda.</li>
	<li>2,336sqm site with current commercial and limited residential use.</li>
	<li>Proposed 28 level mixed-use tower at 95.55 metres.</li>
	<li>286 apartments: 4 x studio, 130 x 1BR, 130 x 2BR, 18 x 3BR, 4 x 4BR.</li>
	<li>5,230sqm of commercial office space.</li>
	<li>958sqm of retail space over five tenancies.</li>
	<li>Six level basement holding 403 car spaces, 247 storage areas and 103 bicycle bays.</li>
	<li>Communal terrace and resident facilities over level 11.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Plus Architecture design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
Positioned right on the “Junction” the site has a responsibility to achieve significant site status. It must also elevate the built form conditions in the immediate context by setting a new precedent for any future development aspirations.

The result is a spiralling massing that begins at a historical scale of old St Kilda Road, then extrudes vertically to respond to the existing context heights of Wellington Street, with the spiral completing its turn at a height suitable for a symbolic building. The spiral form allows for the landscaping to continue vertically above the street tree canopies on the many terraces that are formed by the spiral shape.

The site shares three boundaries to three separate streets all with activated facades to achieve a day long activity at the ground plans and the immediate levels above. A pedestrian link running North South between Nelson Street and Wellington Street will give Nelson Street the opportunity to have some thriving North facing retail space.

The digital façade which holds the podium together as a horizontal band is a response to existing on site conditions, the unique traffic environment, and the vibrancy of St Kilda. This digital façade will also assist to elevate the identity of St Kilda Junction and this proposal.
<cite>Town planning report for One St Kilda Junction</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Digital desire</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/image6_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light and colour are set to dominate lower levels. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_4.jpg?itok=DKwfeGUd" title="Light and colour are set to dominate lower levels. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light and colour are set to dominate lower levels. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Very few Melbourne planning applications have sought to include integrated digital façades as part of their development, yet given One St Kilda Junction 's positioning and existing exposure to billboard adverts the development team have chosen to apply digital screening over levels three and four.

Adverts, urban art installations and public information announcements are possibilities for the digital overlay which would capture passing traffic from Punt Road, St Kilda Road, Fitzroy Street and Barkly Street.

Consisting of semitransparent panels which would be internally illuminated by LED's the digital façade would still allow for external views and light penetration as it would for the most shroud office space over levels 3 and 4.

<h2>Expectations and reality</h2>

The development falls within the St Kilda Road South Precinct which is a preliminary strategic framework aiming to create new planning controls for the area.

At the time of One St Kilda Junction's submission the strategic framework plan had not yet been fully fomalised. It would seem that the development team has sought to utilise this 'grey area' with a proposal of 95 metres as opposed to the 35 metre limit called for within the preliminary strategic framework.

The Icon directly south of One St Kilda Junction passed successfully through VCAT during 2012 at 57 metres, thus providing a midway point or potentially a precedent between the developers want of 95 metres and Council's expectations of 35 metres. Council will not make a decision upon the merits of the proposal until this Wednesday at the very earliest.

<h2>One St Kilda Junction development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Drekoncile Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Project Manager: Pomeroy Pacific</li>
	<li>Architects: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Town Planning Consultants: <a href="/developers/urbis">Urbis</a>
</li>
	<li>Structural Engineers: BG &amp; E</li>
	<li>ESD and Services Engineers: Simpson Kotzman</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineers: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind Engineers: Vipac</li>
	<li>Building Surveyors: Floreancig Smith</li>
	<li>Shrine of Remembrance Vista Property Assessment Report: Bosco Jonson Pt y Lt d</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

St Kilda Junction subject to its biggest development yet

<html><body>
During 2015 Apartments.com.au highlighted Essendon's Keilor Road and surrounds as <a href="/news/essendons-high-density-development-a-model-example">a prime example of progressive high density living along a transport corridor</a>.

More specifically Keilor Road's drift toward medium density development is essentially what was envisaged by City of Melbourne's Director of City Design, Rob Adams in his <a href="http://www.transformingaustraliancities.com.au/%5C">Transforming Australian Cities</a> study. Principally focused on exploring "The potential yield that could accrue through good urban design of the urban corridors/strategic sites," Keilor Road and the adjoining Mount Alexander Road fit the bill with both tram and bus services present.

Fast forward beyond last year's article and Moonee Valley City Council are assessing the latest development looking to call upon Keilor Road with Romano Property Group seeking to add 142 apartments to the evolving strip.

<h2>165-169 Keilor Road Essendon Development 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/image16_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Keilor Road perspective. Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_2.jpg?itok=blBHaawH" title="Keilor Road perspective. Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Keilor Road perspective. Image courtesy ClarkeHopkinsClarke</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Currently vacant former car dealership covering 4,470sqm.</li>
	<li>Three apartments buildings proposed of up to seven levels or 21.6 metres.</li>
	<li>142 apartments: 59 * 1BR, 68 * 2BR, 15 * 3BR.</li>
	<li>203 car parking spaces, 135 bicycle spaces and 114 storage units included.</li>
	<li>Three ground floor tenancies: 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li>Dual rooftop terraces.</li>
	<li>Project value: $30 million.</li>
</ul>
ClarkeHopkinsClarke have designed 165-169 Keilor Road, continuing their relationship with Romano Property Group which now see's a handful of ClarkeHopkinsClarke-designed projects in development for the North Melbourne-based outfit.

At 4,470sqm and with 107 metres frontage to Keilor Road, the former ŠKODA dealership continues the trend of large development plots in the area being repurposed into sizeable apartment developments. A former stronghold of various car dealerships which have since been lured to Essendon Fields, 165-169 Keilor Road represents one of the last sites along the strip to go this way.

<h2>One in, all in</h2>

The domino-like fall of these prime Keilor Road and Mt Alexander Road sites has accelerated in recent years, while the scale of apartment buildings proposed has also increased.

Directly opposite 165-169 Keilor Road, Blue Earth Group have sought approval for an apartment development on what was a former Nissan dealership. Amended plans would see 232 apartments created within a multi-staged, CHT Architects-designed apartment building. The project at 144-160 Keilor Road is now in the hands of VCAT after the adjusted plans were submitted during October.

<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/image22_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="CHC's Parkside alongside CHT's 144-160 Keilor Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="392" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_4.jpg?itok=gopv1O6C" title="CHC's Parkside alongside CHT's 144-160 Keilor Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CHC's Parkside alongside CHT's 144-160 Keilor Road</figcaption></figure>ClarkeHopkinsClarke are also enjoying further exposure within Essendon with two additional projects in development. Accord Property Group's Alexa is under construction while Parkside Essendon is Goal Property Group's latest pursuit.

CBD Development Group shapes as the latest entrant into the area, running with a sizeable apartment development at 1144 Mt Alexander Road. Yet to reach City of Moonee Valley's planning channels, the project dubbed Unique on the Park is the design of Peddle Thorp and will feature a full size Coles supermarket at ground level along with ancillary retail.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image28_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Leake Street, Alexa and CBD Property Group's pending 1144 Mt Alexander Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_1.jpg?itok=43MiPtxp" title="Leake Street, Alexa and CBD Property Group's pending 1144 Mt Alexander Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Leake Street, Alexa and CBD Property Group's pending 1144 Mt Alexander Road</figcaption></figure>Keilor Road's most recent apartment project completion was BPM Group's Collins and Queen which provides an additional 116 apartments for the strip. Over recent years Keilor Road alone has seen seen seven substantial apartment developments completed, with the likes of Amne, Essque, Erantis, Horizon, Mink and 386-388 Keilor Road joining Collins and Queen in pumping 520 additional dwellings into the area.

Recently completed Mount Alexander Road apartments total 240 dwellings.

The influx of apartment developments through Keilor Road and Mount Alexander Road has also served to alter the streetscape with increased retail and commercial tenancies replacing what were previously for the most inactive street frontages.
</body></html>

Essendon's model example set for another addition

<html><body>
Thrust into the spotlight last year, <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick's</a> <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Nightingale apartment</a> development has re-entered Moreland's planning system after VCAT revoked the project planning permit in a highly contentious decision.

At 6 Florence Street, the project became a poster boy of sorts for current planning inconsistencies with the project's approval nullified due to a lack of onsite car parking even though it is located within metres of Anstey Railway Station, Upfield Bike Path and Tram 19. The tribunal challenge came from adjoining developer Chaucer Enterprises, with VCAT ultimately ruling that Nightingale should make a contribution towards meeting the parking demands it generates, in line with other apartment developments.

The decision was so contentious the Victorian Planning &amp; Environmental Law Association and Ratio Consultants held a <a href="/news/vpela-seminar-summary-vcats-nightingale-decision-car-parking-and-the-future-of-sustainable-development">special seminar</a> on the ruling, exploring possible ramifications.

<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/ca627_florencest_5094.21.25pm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Commons led the way in sustainability. Image courtesy nightingale.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/ca627_florencest_5094.21.25pm.jpg?itok=wHj2MBtW" title="The Commons led the way in sustainability. Image courtesy nightingale.melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons led the way in sustainability. Image courtesy nightingale.melbourne</figcaption></figure>Nightingale is much the same as <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">The Commons</a> directly opposite, with the completed project serving as a prototype for many of the ideas fundamental to <a href="http://www.nightingale.melbourne/">The Nightingale Model</a>. The Commons has no car parking spaces onsite.

No car parking is fundamental to The Nightingale Model; its core expectation is that financial return is equal to sustainability and liveability, where it is suggested that financial return is far and away in front for the typical development model.

In the revised plans submitted during December, three car parks have been included within Nightingale at ground level with access via a laneway to the rear of the site. 42 bicycle spaces are also included.

<h2>Better luck this time</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_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Preliminary sketch of Nightingale 2.0. Image courtesy nightingale.melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_3.jpg?itok=qMrfUTz6" title="Preliminary sketch of Nightingale 2.0. Image courtesy nightingale.melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Preliminary sketch of Nightingale 2.0. Image courtesy Nightingale, Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Florence Street and its three car spaces aside, the partnership behind The Nightingale Model are hoping for a less complicated planning run with their next project dubbed Nightingale 2.0.

After a survey where near on 200 respondents registered their desire to live within a Nightingale apartment, planning documents for the project at <a href="/buildings/nightingale-2-0-30-railway-place-fairfield">72A Station Street, Fairfield </a>were lodged in the first week of the new year. Designed by <a href="/architects/six-degrees-architects">Six Degrees</a>, the project is adjacent to Fairfield Railway Station and will include 20 apartments and three retail premises.

Nightingale 2.0 will have zero car parks in line with the philosophy of the project partners.

<h2>Comment</h2>

Three car spaces within Nightingale comes across as an almost token offering from the development team to placate VCAT's ruling. Considering The Commons directly opposite has no car spaces included, that all the prospective Nightingale buyers were comfortable with no car parks attached to their apartment and that <a href="/news">Moreland City Counci</a>l unanimously voted to approve the development in its original guise, it makes the VCAT ruling all that much more questionable.

No doubt a degree of hypocrisy can be levelled at VCAT with Fairfax Media this week reporting on the tribunal's fresh ruling which has <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/five-storeys-zero-car-parks-vcat-gives-green-light-to-contentious-building-20160117-gm7kx6">permitted a Brunswick East development</a> to proceed with zero car parks, even though it is a comparatively fewer public transport options relative to Nightingale.

VCAT inconsistencies aside, it is highly likely that Moreland City Council will green light the alterations to Nightingale's design in quick time.
</body></html>

Nightingale heads back to planning in the wake of VCAT's howler

<html><body>
This is as much an article about the reactions of residents located within areas earmarked for higher density living, as it is the robust shift that areas of Bentleigh is currently subject to in terms of higher density living.

The article heading references the very capable <a href="https://gleneira.wordpress.com/2014/12/02/calcutta-is-here/">Glen Eira Debates</a> blog which casts a comprehensive net of higher density development within City of Glen Eira, albeit in a generally negative context.

The multiple references to suburbs within Glen Eira morphing into 'Caltutta' or Kolkata in the new vernacular, is due to the rise in medium density apartment developments throughout the municipality. Emotions aside, the correlation between Calcutta and Bentleigh, Carnegie or Caulfield is an over exaggeration in the extreme; in 2014 Glen Eira maintained a density of <a href="http://profile.id.com.au/glen-eira">3,725 people per square kilometer</a> while Kolkata held a density of <a href="http://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/kolkata-population/">24,000 people per square kilometer</a>.

Nonetheless, it's understandable that not every person will welcome higher density outcomes in their neck of the woods, but well, the people must go somewhere!

<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/slums.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kolkata and Glen Eira: a tenuous analogy"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/slums.jpg?itok=fR70M6hU" title="Kolkata and Glen Eira: a tenuous analogy" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kolkata and Glen Eira: a tenuous analogy</figcaption></figure>While Kolkata may be a stretch, Glen Eira was indeed the big mover in the Apartments.com.au Project Database over the course of 2015. Upwards of 35 residential projects were added during the calendar year; a combination of increased development and enhanced planning application detection.

As per most of Melbourne municipalities, Glen Eira is experiencing growth in apartment projects, although Glen Eira projects tend to average 4-5 storeys.

Bent Street is the prime example within Glen Eira of intense redevelopment. A typical suburban street adjacent to a Bentleigh Railway Station and the retail/services of Centre Road, many Bent Street detached dwellings have been cast aside for apartment developments. The question becomes: If not Bent Street, then where? It does seem the ideal location for higher density living.

Clearly there remains some resentment to medium density apartment development, as evidenced by Glen Eira Debates. Yet looking at the issue of adding higher density in appropriate areas in a rational manner and Bent Street is a premier example of appropriate higher density development around an activity node.

A handful of owners on Bent Street looked to be in agreement, <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/bentleigh-trio-sell-their-properties-together-as-one-and-strike-it-rich/story-fni0fit3-1226959184494">selling their combined properties to a residential developer</a> in a high profile 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/image1_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bent Street is firmly on the development radar"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1_3.jpg?itok=eUknp0hQ" title="Bent Street is firmly on the development radar" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bent Street is firmly on the development radar</figcaption></figure>This combined site at 14-18 Bent Street went on to become Rita Apartments which is now under construction with builder Xerri set to deliver 50 plus dwellings on what was previously 3.

Rita Bentleigh is joined by XV Apartments at 15 Bent Street, The Bentleigh at 23 Bent Street and Leigh at 22 Bent Street which are either at marketing or construction. Further projects at 10-12 and 11-13 Bent Street have also been approved, totalling approximately 215 apartments with a further project at 20 Bent Street yet to reach a planning outcome.

While 215 dwellings covering a handful of suburban blocks is a meteoric jump in density for Bent Street, is it completely beyond expectations? No building exceeds four levels and Council have ensured all projects meet their planning expectations. It does in fact come across as an excellent case study where density is confined to a specific and appropriate pocket of the suburb.

While Bent Street is the epicentre, adjoining and adjacent streets are also subject to apartment development. Loranne and Mahvo Street will jointly add 70 apartments at the hand of local developer Steller while Vickery Street is subject to two applications that would add a further 57 dwellings.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image6_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Leigh, Rita and The Bentleigh are representative of the size and scale of local apartment projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="439" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_5.jpg?itok=2lMEqzz3" title="Leigh, Rita and The Bentleigh are representative of the size and scale of local apartment projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Leigh, Rita and The Bentleigh are representative of the size and scale of local apartment projects</figcaption></figure>Could a person rationally argue that Bent Street's transformation and that of other Glen Eira pockets such as Centre Road or Carnegie's Neerim Road are completely beyond rational expectations?

Mass overdevelopment in certain eyes is structured growth in others. On the face of it, Glen Eira is not so much turning into 'Calcutta', but more so keeping pace with the rest of… Melbourne.
</body></html>

Calcutta is here... in Bentleigh!

<html><body>
The heart of South Melbourne is seeing increased development activity as a swag of projects look to use the turn of 2016 as an important construction marker. Emerald Hill as it was once known serves as the heart of the suburb and has traditionally been been subject to limited low and medium-rise developments relative to its loftier neighbours in Southbank.

Developers and apartment buyers alike have been seeking out the stretch of South Melbourne west of Clarendon Street, with no less than six apartment project builds on the go which will in time add 430 new apartments to the area.

Market Street is front and centre for the moment with ITUM's The Walker most advanced in its construction. While it is approaching structural completion the adjoining site which is subject to Teri Apartments is at bulk excavation. Combined these two projects will add approximately 260 apartments to 'old' 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/image1sme.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="South Melbourne's Market Street is seeking elevated construction activity"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="268" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1sme.jpg?itok=i4x2NCNZ" title="South Melbourne's Market Street is seeking elevated construction activity" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>South Melbourne's Market Street is seeking elevated construction activity</figcaption></figure>Directly opposite the two above yet technically in Southbank, 80 Market Street will also shortly receive a Maben-badged tower crane for the purpose of delivering a new commercial building designed by Billard Leece Partnership.

Push further into South Melbourne and Trio Construct have begun preliminary works on Lt. York while Figurehead will also begin works on the adjoining site at 274 Coventry Street for the purpose of a seven level mixed-use development which includes 37 apartments.

Dorcas Street holds three upcoming projects at varying stages of delivery. Evolve Development's Jewel apartment project is as basement level with LU Simon undertaking the build while the adjoining 240-242 Dorcas Street is also poised to begin construction at the hand of builder Trimont.

Waiting in the wings is Piccolo Developments' 228 Dorcas Street which gained approval via VCAT during November, and is expected to advance to sales this year.

<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/image4sme.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jewel, 228 dorcas Street and an early version of 240-242 Dorcas Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="378" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4sme.jpg?itok=7WEnkNmQ" title="Jewel, 228 dorcas Street and an early version of 240-242 Dorcas Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jewel, 228 dorcas Street and an early version of 240-242 Dorcas Street</figcaption></figure>The spike in apartment activity within Emerald Hill may raise questions about the erosion of sorts of the area's unique character, with the current number of builds the highest recorded in the area. It does bare mentioning that 228 Dorcas Street aside, there are no other projects within the old Emerald Hill within the Apartments.com.au project database.

That's not to say that the remainder of South Melbourne is static, with a mass of projects encircling Emerald Hill.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image8_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fishermans Bend is on the rise"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="238" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_3.jpg?itok=ppxnUfG0" title="Fishermans Bend is on the rise" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fishermans Bend is on the rise</figcaption></figure>Sections of South Melbourne that fall within Fishermand Bend are beginning to see signs of construction with Hamilton Marino's Gravity Tower leading the way. While it will begin to appear in the skyline over the course of 2016, two additional projects will also add to the overall South Melbourne apartment mix.

BPM Built are poised to begin construction of Night Fall on Gladstone Street while Crowbuild will also undertake a $9 million apartment development a matter of doors down in the coming months.
</body></html>

Apartments

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Apartments

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News