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.
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</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Apartments

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It's not easy trying to implement the ideals of a ground-breaking research project into an upcoming apartment development, but that's what St Kilda-based property developer Neometro have endeavoured to achieve with their upcoming project at Jewell Station.

The report in question is <a href="https://heartfoundation.org.au/images/uploads/publications/Increasing-density-in-Australia-Evidence-Review-2012-trevor.pdf">Increasing density in Australia: maximising the health benefits and minimising harm</a>, a 2012 evidence-based report commissioned by National Heart Foundation of Australia. Neometro prior to the commencement of Jewell Station became aware of the report which investigated the health impacts of medium-high density living.

The investigation revealed many truths about the flow-on effects of increased density in Australian housing. Some of which Neometro explains provides great opportunities for the wider property development industry to further enhance the product they offer for sale. The report found that higher-density housing, when carefully considered, has the potential to improve the physical and mental health of residents, with great flow-on benefits to the community and the environment.

Urban.com.au recently spoke with Neometro's Design Director Jeff Provan and Director James Tutton on some of the potential for design to have a positive influence on the well being of those who reside in their projects, particularly in relation to the Jewell Station project.

<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/neometro.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Neometro's Design Director Jeff Provan and Director James Tutton."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="233" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/neometro.jpeg?itok=E1ZbZICo" title="Neometro's Design Director Jeff Provan and Director James Tutton." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Neometro's Design Director Jeff Provan and Director James Tutton.</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: How have Neometro endeavoured to implement the ideals from the study?

James Tutton: The largest elements from the National Heart Foundation study which are pertinent to Jewel Station specifically, relate to the fact that clearly having community infrastructure has a positive impact on the physical and emotional well being of people. The community infrastructure however needs to be something that people can either opt into or opt out of.

What we have done at Jewel Station is not create a situation where people have to share laundries or are forced into that co-habitation, but rather they can choose to use community gardens, they can choose to use outdoor leisure spaces etc. and that has a major impact on people's well being.

Another simple, practical example is lighting and if you look at what we're doing from a lighting perspective has an impact on security and security in turn, based on that research has an impact upon people feeling secure within a building, so that's something that we have proactively addressed in the design.

Walkability is obviously a major issue and I wouldn't say that we've hardwired that into the project, but rather the actual site selection process has resulted in something which has immediate proximity to parks. There's park space immediately opposite the development and we have an amount of money which will be going towards the renewal of that park.

Additionally the proximity to retail, education and transport is very strong; we're on the doorstep of Melbourne University, we've got a major retail strip, a bike path, rail line and tram line all within 150 metres of the site. They're all factors which contribute to physical and mental well being in terms of people's living environment.

Jeff Provan: One thing I'll add is in our brief the interior of the apartments and common areas is absolutely crucial to well being and how residents feel. What we're trying to do here with the brief is create that feel of coming in from that fairly harsh environment of railway line, industrial, concrete, asphalt etc. so when you come into your apartment, the idea is that you want to create a calming effect and that's done by various techniques.

Without getting into the nitty gritty, it's a little bit esoteric and a little hard to put your finger on it but apartments are all sort of trying to work with smaller spaces so what you have to do is create a situation that has this light and airy feel about it; the key is to create a calming environment.

The study doesn't quite go into this but you're looking at a building that requires a minimal amount of maintenance so you don't want to be burdening people with the high cost of maintaining an apartment which all comes back to how you design it.

<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/jewel_station.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jewel Station development. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jewel_station.jpg?itok=4nhiaWYo" title="Jewel Station development. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jewel Station development.</figcaption></figure>UM: Does/will the report have an impact on your strategy behind site acquisition: developing projects within areas with a strong community focus and access to recreational areas?

JT: In the current market it's hard enough to buy sites but there are a couple of stand out points from the study in terms of, for example, main roads with high levels of pollution which can obviously be problematic to people's health and in turn means we would avoid them. That's not to say that there aren't ways of mitigating issues.

I guess it's not a position driven by the report per se, but some of the things you may have seen come from the report and the good design guidelines are factors which Neometro have been focusing on for 25 years; they're just common sense from a design and well being perspective.

JP: And I think the reality now is if you're working on an inner city site, generally it's going to be close to public transport so that's sort of a given and I think what James touched on before is we'd rather be doing a building on a railway line even though the rail noise might have a perception of being worse than it is.

Jewel is obviously on a train line so there's a bit of noise but you can mitigate it through double glazing so residents can sleep. If they want to open their door they're only going to hear noise say every half hour rather than the constant noise of a freeway, so they can use their facilities in the manner in which they were designed for.

UM: What are your thoughts on advocating developer contributions to go towards community amenities where sites are restricted in providing an appropriate level of onsite amenity?

JT: Developers do already make that contribution in the form of open space however one of the challenges is the fact that there's not necessarily transparency in the way that the money is used and whether it is directly related to a specific area.

In terms of Jewel Station we've been incredibly fortunate whereby we're doing this development and VicTrack are covering the cost of the public realm. To an extent we're getting a bit of a free kick because it's a partnership in terms of the overall design and development of the precinct.

JP: In terms of what the building does for the community, first and foremost it has to get the architecture and street activation right; how it affects the outside community and how the community see and respect the building. Something not many people get right is the street activation and it's sometimes difficult to do because it can get value managed out.

The crucial aspect for the developer is to make sure that it does work within the urban landscape in terms of how friendly it is, how approachable the building is, what are the functions that are going to go into the building. As James touched on, in projects like Jewel station we're not going to add pools or cinemas, we have to do things that benefit the individual in the building. If you get the community right within the building that will really reciprocate with the outside community.

UM: Thank you for your time gentlemen.
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Laurence Dragomir

High density happiness with Neometro's James Tutton and Jeff Provan

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The rebirth of <a href="/new-apartments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood's</a> Yorkshire Brewery is complete with the local landmark now standing resplendently as a residential apartment complex. Located at 1-21 Robert Street Collingwood, the redevelopment includes townhouses, 338 apartments over multiple new buildings and retail spaces at ground level.

The foundation stone for the retained heritage elements onsite was laid during 1876, with the brick tower the site's most intriguing feature. Over time Yorkshire Brewery has hosted both brewing and cooperage activities, although in recent decades the complex has remained largely abandoned save for the odd squatter.

<a href="/developers/sma-projects">SMA Projects</a>, architect <a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and contractor <a href="/builders/icon">Icon</a> formed the core of the project development team, undertaking the task of bringing the landmark back to life over an 18 month build period and along the way seeking a 5 Green Star energy rating.

Prior to the development parties such as the Collingwood Historical Society were requesting a "Development that will respect and enhance its heritage significance." How the existing fabric of the historic onsite buildings is interwoven with the new builds is a subjective matter, nonetheless the amount of public space available within the development is altogether impressive.

<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_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Inside the newly finished complex"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="440" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_3.jpg?itok=xQm60Evn" title="Inside the newly finished complex" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Inside the newly finished complex</figcaption></figure>Hayball describe the project as follows:

<blockquote>
A contemporary new residential neighbourhood, anchored by the restoration and adaptive re-use of the heritage-listed former Yorkshire Brewery

Located in close proximity to the CBD, parklands and myriad dining and entertainment options, 1-21 Robert Street is a strategic new neighbourhood-oriented development in Collingwood. At the core of the project is the sensitive restoration and adaptive reuse of the former Yorkshire Brewery, coupled with exceptional design quality, residential amenity and public open space.

By reducing site coverage and providing higher built form away from the heritage fabric, a vibrant heritage precinct can accommodate ground-level retail, a 480sqm neighbourhood Square at the base of the brew tower and provision for heritage interpretation.

As well as offering environmental sustainability, diversity and affordability, the development will provide greater amenity and access to the site for residents, neighbours and the general public.
<cite><a href="http://www.hayball.com.au/projects/yorkshire-brewery-apartments/">Hayball: Yorkshire Brewery Apartments</a> </cite>
</blockquote>

Most interesting is the placement of multiple visual markers throughout the site which provide a historic snapshot and visual accompaniment to the site's varied past. This is a unique touch among contemporary Melbourne apartment developments and is aimed at visitors moving through the site, as is the Melbourne Bike Share station located within the development.

Much like Brunswick's <a href="/buildings/tip-top-brunswick-170-edward-street-brunswick-east">Tip Top development</a> which was completed during 2014, Yorkshire Brewery doesn't hold absolute frontage to a prime street and consequently won't have waves of pedestrian traffic passing through. Nonetheless a very pleasant outcome has been created with strong ground level permeability throughout the site.

Should the light commercial sites immediately south of Yorkshire Brewery be developed, the potential exists for a network of laneways to be implemented. In many ways the area has the appropriate scale, history and urban character for such a move to succeed if attempted.

<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_8397.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yorkshire Brewery has a story to tell"><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_8397.jpg?itok=CKQTYtEl" title="Yorkshire Brewery has a story to tell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Yorkshire Brewery has a story to tell</figcaption></figure>Post Yorkshire Brewery, SMA Projects will now turn its attention to three forthcoming projects. Hayball have been retained as the architect of choice and look to have taken their design queue from Yorkshire Brewery with a similar exterior design theme from across both <a href="/buildings/fitzroy-ltd-250-gore-street-fitzroy">250 Gore Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/the-lyric-338-gore-street-fitzroy">338 Gore Street</a>, both in Fitzroy.

A third as yet unnamed project is also planned by the Southbank developer.

See below a host of images taken of Yorkshire Brewery in recent days.
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silvermb

Yorkshire Brewery open for all to see

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Salta Property Group has opted to transform a site with approval for a 5 Star Green Star design rated ‘A Grade’ office building into premium apartments. Already heavily active within the Victoria Street Precinct which straddles both Richmond and Abbotsford, Salta have elected to add 109 high-end apartments on the site which faces the Victoria Gardens complex.

With basement works completed onsite some years ago, the site has languished thereafter while Salta has pursued surrounding apartment developments. Not having been able to secure a tenant for the commercial project, Salta initiated the residential application process with Yarra City Council in recent months.

Designed by Bates Smart, the building will present as a 'U' shaped structure with an adjoining mezzanine stair expected to lead to the bank of the Yarra River.

<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/image5_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of the intended development. Image courtesy Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_2.jpg?itok=n0VDjf2r" title="Hero perspective of the intended development. Image courtesy Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the intended development. Image courtesy Bates Smart</figcaption></figure><h2>647-649 Victoria Street application summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Corner of Victoria Street and Walmer Street.</li>
	<li>Vacant site with completed basement</li>
	<li>Site area of 3,500sqm with 62.18m frontage to Victoria Street</li>
	<li>10 level building at 39.05 metres in height</li>
	<li>109 dwellings: 44 x 1BR, 40 x 2BR, 25 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Apartments sizes from 53sqm to 154sqm</li>
	<li>179 on site car spaces and 30 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Porte Cochere, Pool/Gym/Sauna and lounge/library plus residential amenity areas included</li>
	<li>Walmer Plaza running to the river's edge</li>
	<li>Project cost: $55 million</li>
</ul>
<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/image7_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved commercial building is now likely consigned to history. Image courtesy Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_5.jpg?itok=BfzFXuLx" title="The approved commercial building is now likely consigned to history. Image courtesy Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved commercial building is now likely consigned to history. Image courtesy Colliers</figcaption></figure><h2>The insatiable appetite for Victoria Street Precinct apartments</h2>

Usurped by the current proposal, the approved office development who's permit would have expired during 2016 was to have seen 12,692sqm of office space added, in addition to a retail outlet and conference facility. The drift from commercial to residential use is not particularly surprising given the area's surrounding context.

Recent years have seen the completion of apartment projects by developers Fusion Property Group, Salvo and Hamton in addition to Salta which remains the biggest property player in the area. These various projects amount to a very substantial 1,818 dwellings being added to the precinct, in addition to 93 serviced apartments delivered by Salta and operated by Quest.

Salta also has the final stage of A Place To Live under construction with 63 apartments in tow while Hamilton Marino are working on Blue Earth Group's Playhouse apartment project with a further 310 dwellings under construction.

Furthermore Supply &amp; Co which is at sales will add another 139 apartments to the mix while numerous other projects are at planning assessment or approval.

<h2>Salta's shift to apartment development</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/fqu_201404241.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green Square is now part of the Victoria Street landscape"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="379" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fqu_201404241.jpg?itok=_g5xEJkj" title="Green Square is now part of the Victoria Street landscape" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green Square is now part of the Victoria Street landscape</figcaption></figure>Active across all sectors of development, Salta have made a concerted effort to bolster their residential pipeline for the coming years. Victoria Street Precinct will see two additional projects, with the second stage of Green Square diagonally opposite Victoria Gardens due to be released during 2016.

Also nearby in Salta's keeping is 25-35 River Boulevard with near on 500 dwellings approved. Elsewhere Salta have Essence South Yarra under construction, with 699 La Trobe Street, the Preston Market redevelopment and a joint venture with Asia One for 63 Exhibition Street set as forthcoming residential projects.
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Salta's Walmer project adds to the Victoria Street apartment surge

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In addition to news of a <a href="/news/a-new-melbourne-icon-squarely-in-minister-wynnes-hands-447-collins-street">new iconic design for 447 Collins Street</a>, last week also yielded additional information on a handful of other sizeable Melbourne residential developments.

Spanning four separate suburbs, the six proposals are all substantial towers with the smallest containing some 321 dwellings. All bar one of the six have been championed by established property players which maintain a national presence, and combined are capable of adding near on 3,000 new apartments into the Melbourne market.

See below an overview of the six projects which are at differing stages of the development process:

<h2>SKY ONE Box Hill - 545 Station Street, Box Hill</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/image9_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SKY ONE Box Hill. Image courtesy Golden Age Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_2.jpg?itok=zXJGcpOU" title="SKY ONE Box Hill. Image courtesy Golden Age Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SKY ONE Box Hill. Image courtesy Golden Age Development Group</figcaption></figure>The wraps are off Golden Age Group's newest project dubbed SKY ONE Box Hill. After picking up the approved development site in a recent sales campaign headed by CBRE, Golden Age Group have elected to rework the approved Buchan Group-designed 34 level tower.

In its place will stand a sleek 35 storey tower consisting of luxury apartment above retail uses across lower levels. Launching in the first quarter of 2016, SKY ONE Box Hill is a continuance of Golden Age Group's surge into the Melbourne apartment market which has yielded six high-rise projects in a few short years, including the under construction <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a> which will eventually stand at 241 metres.

<h2>Shadow Play - 105 Clarendon Street, Southbank</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_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Shadow Play's distinctive silhouette. Image courtesy Enrich Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_1.jpg?itok=79079FuV" title="Shadow Play's distinctive silhouette. Image courtesy Enrich Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Shadow Play's distinctive silhouette. Image courtesy Enrich Property</figcaption></figure>BPM revealed last week that Melbourne builder Icon Co will construct its marquee Southbank residential tower. Valued at $300 million and designed by Elenberg Fraser, Shadow Play is expected to reach completion in May 2018 following the commencement of demolition on the existing structures onsite.

Included are 475 one, two and three bedroom apartments serviced by 150 podium parking spaces and a 600 square metre communal space across level nine.

<h2>32-44 Flinders 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/image10_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Further revised. Image courtesy SJB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_5.jpg?itok=lLwKnD0x" title="Further revised. Image courtesy SJB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Further revised. Image courtesy SJB Architects</figcaption></figure>DEXUS Property Group's first foray into the local residential market has gone through the approvals ringer with a redesign implemented which saw the initial proposal trimmed from 66 levels to 56, while the total number of dwellings has also fallen from 625 to 496.

Melbourne City Council planners have recommended objection based upon excessive height, inadequate setbacks and overshadowing although DEXUS's intentions will lie with the Minister for Planning as the gross floor area of the building proposed is in excess of the 25,000sqm benchmark.

<h2>295-309 King 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/image11_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_4.jpg?itok=gcAI9D3a" title="295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Also back under the gaze of Melbourne City Council is an application that first surfaced during October 2014. Council planners have recommended refusal for the tower based upon revised plans which were received on 14 October 2015 and which includes 440 apartments within a 215 metre tower.

Although the revised plans were submitted post the amendments to the Melbourne Planning Scheme which would consequently render the application invalid, its initial submission date during 2014 suggests it will likely be judged under the old planning provisions… or so the theory goes.

<h2>1 Collins Wharf, Docklands</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_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lend Lease's latest Docklands offering. Image courtesy The Australian"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_1.jpg?itok=PF_du3JI" title="Lend Lease's latest Docklands offering. Image courtesy The Australian" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lend Lease's latest Docklands offering. Image courtesy The Australian</figcaption></figure>The Australian reported last week on Lend Lease's latest addition to Victoria Harbour is in the form of a Bates Smart-designed residential tower. Covering 28 levels and encompassing 321 dwellings the stepped tower will sit diagonally opposite Library at The Dock and will be a follow-up the the precinct's premier apartment projects Convesso and Concavo, also Bates Smart creations.

1 Collins Wharf will follow on from the current six residential towers that are under construction within Victoria Harbour as Lend Lease enjoys robust demand for Melbourne apartments from both local and overseas purchasers.

<h2>38 Freshwater Place, Southbank</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image21_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A prized development site. Image courtesy CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_4.jpg?itok=qamzVdWB" title="A prized development site. Image courtesy CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A prized development site. Image courtesy CBRE</figcaption></figure>One of Melbourne's premier development opportunities is up for grabs with 38 Freshwater Place put on the market by M &amp; L Hospitality. With approval in place for a 273 metre tower which could not be repeated under new planning rules, competition to secure the site is expected to be strong.

METIER3 have designed the sweeping tower with 496 apartments and 390 hotel suites included, although the successful buyer may choose to convert the scheme to a purely residential outcome.
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Six premier residential developments jostle for the spotlight

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<div class="page" title="Page 1">The three months up to October recorded the fastest pace of growth in apartment construction in ten years, according to the latest construction performance index released by the Housing Industry Association in conjunction with the Ai Group.</div>
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The Ai Group/HIA Australian Performance of Construction Index found house building activity weakened in October, and fell into the negative for the first time in five months. 
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HIA economist Harley Dale said the October data reinforces the important role that residential construction is playing in driving broader economic activity. 
"The strong findings for apartments are consistent with the considerable pipeline of activity, while the overall trajectory for detached houses signals healthy construction in 2015/16, albeit off the cyclical peak of last year," he said. 
"That is, however, a sharp monthly decline in the house building sub-index and some reversal will hopefully come through in November. There are signs emerging of a broadening strength to the construction industry – the results for the commercial and engineering construction sectors are encouraging.” 
Ai Group Head of Policy Peter Burn said commercial construction has edged closer to expansion.
"In contrast, house building slipped into negative territory and engineering construction remained in contraction," he said. 
"The higher level of activity in the apartment sub-sector was sufficient to extend the overall construction sector expansion into a third month. 
"Expectations of further growth in the months ahead will be encouraged by the higher levels of new orders recorded for the apartment, engineering and commercial construction sub-sectors. This is a further sign of the long-awaited broadening of the base of economic growth.” 
The report said construction activity sub-index contracted slightly in October (down 1.2 points to 49.5) after two months of expansion, but new orders (up 1.1 points to 53.5) and employment (up 2.3 points to 54.9) both expanded for a third month. Supplier deliveries dipped slightly into negative territory (down 2.5 points to 49.6).
Apartment building activity  increased up 9.2 points to 72.4. House building contracted for the first time in five months, falling sharply from September’s 11-month high (down 9.8 points to 47.0).
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Apartment construction driving October building growth

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South Yarra has consistently been a hot spot for apartment development for some time, yet the suburb's Forrest Hill Precinct continues an unprecedented surge of large-scale planning applications which continue to land with City of Stonnington.

The latest to join the ranks is 37-41 Claremont Street with Artisan Architects last week submitting plans for a 31 level residential tower on behalf of LK Property Group. Sold by CBRE City Sales during June of this year, the 970sqm site will likely see 324 new apartments added toward the northern end of Forrest Hill Precinct.

Incidentally 37-41 Claremont Street is LK Property Group's third current foray into the South Yarra apartment market with Gisele at 300 Toorak Road under construction and the suburb's tallest proposal, <a href="/buildings/capitol-grand-241-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a>, at sales.

<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/12189526_1146896592007142_6297621148415691697_n.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective of the proposed tower. Image courtesy Artisan Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="511" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/12189526_1146896592007142_6297621148415691697_n.jpg?itok=eRlu9feR" title="Street level perspective of the proposed tower. Image courtesy Artisan Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective of the latest addition. Image courtesy Artisan Architects</figcaption></figure>The Forrest Hill tower will also accommodate 182 vehicles and 920sqm of commercial floor space within a building holding 36,546sqm of GFA, placing it among the precinct's largest. 37-41 Claremont Street is also another collaboration between architect and developer, following on from Opus Tower on City Road which has all but topped out.

<h2>Forrest Hill by the numbers</h2>

Currently the <a href="/developments?field_lga_tid=120&amp;items_per_page=10">Forrest Hill subcategory</a> within the Apartments.com.au project database is holding 13 high-rise residential towers which are at various stages of the development cycle, with a combined yield of 3,010 apartments. Yarra House and Lucia are at the tail end of construction while Claremont Manor's floorplate is above ground. The remainder are at planning, approved or registrations &amp; sales.

The four most recent planning applications lodged with City of Stonnington do tell a story of a more adventurous Forrest Hill Precinct of late. 42-48 Claremont, 671 Chapel, 37-41 Claremont and 16-22 Claremont are all considerably taller than the average Forrest Hill build over the history of the renewal precinct, and account for 1,216 dwellings or 40% of all apartments currently monitored by Apartments.com.au.

<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/syarra.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The most recent quartet looking for their place within Forrest Hill"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/syarra.jpg?itok=G-_14HMy" title="The most recent quartet looking for their place within Forrest Hill" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The most recent quartet looking for their place within Forrest Hill</figcaption></figure>The largest of all apartment developments within the precinct is yet to appear publicly. According to <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/fridcorp-harry-goles-plan-apartment-towers-worth-800m-in-melbourne/story-fnko7zi0-1227439130820">The Australian</a>, Fridcorp's 627 Chapel Street will hold roughly 550 apartments in a $500 million mixed-use tower that will rival neighbour Capitol Grand at approximately 150 metres in height.

An overview of all current major apartment developments within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct is seen below.

Lead image courtesy CBRE City Sales
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Forrest Hill's apartment numbers are big and getting bigger

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Historic St Crispin House is back before City of Yarra planners with a development of 19 levels in the offing. A contentious planning application for the site at 247-259 Johnston Street Abbotsford was rejected by VCAT during 2012, much to the delight of Council at the time.

Initially submitted during January 2011 on behalf of Abbotsford JV Pty Ltd, the 17 level ROTHELOWMAN-designed scheme came in for heavy criticism for being out of scale with the surrounding neighbourhood. At 2,171sqm, the site was sold during early 2015 with the current larger application lodged mid year.

With a nominal project value of $45 million, the application calls for a 19 storey residential tower above three basement levels. City of Yarra have sought further information on the application prior to plans being made public.

<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/main_1_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lemon Baxter and CBRE successfully sold the development site "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/main_1_1.jpg?itok=vUsJL1MW" title="Lemon Baxter and CBRE successfully sold the development site " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lemon Baxter and CBRE successfully sold the development site</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The VCAT decision is a major win for Council and the community against overdevelopment. Council put forward a strong case at VCAT, employing a barrister to argue its position that the development’s scale, height and density was inappropriate. Council had received 87 objections, and a petition with 19 signatures, opposing the development.
<cite><a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Planning--Building/Major-developments/247-259-Johnston-Street-Abbotsford-17-storey-redevelopment/">Yarra Council: 247-259 Johnston Street, Abbotsford</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Yarra Mayor Cr Geoff Barbour said VCAT’s decision was a great relief, given the proposal was out of kilter with the existing neighbourhood and would have set a precedent for very intensive development.

“This development would have changed the character of this neighbourhood, and there would have been no going back.”

He said Council would assess any new application for the site on its merits, but the developer should heed the verdict that an intense development would not be supported.
<cite><a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/News/media-releases-2012/community-victory-against-17-storey-development-in-abbotsford/">Yarra Council media release: “Community victory against 17-storey development in Abbotsford” (2012)</a></cite>
</blockquote>

The above was taken from a City of Yarra 2012 media release upon VCAT ruling against the initial 17 storey tower which was to have held 204 apartments and 118 car parking spaces. The new application looks set to once again test the resolve of both Council and developer, although this time around 247-259 Johnston Street is not the only apartment development of note in the immediate area.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image102_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The rejected scheme for 247-259 Johnston Street Abbotsford. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image102_0.jpg?itok=lNo4E5oM" title="The rejected scheme for 247-259 Johnston Street Abbotsford. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The rejected scheme for 247-259 Johnston Street Abbotsford. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Lodged during the same week, H Development Pty Ltd is also seeking approval for a 10 level apartment building nearby at <a href="/buildings/the-argyle-on-johnston-316-322-johnston-street-abbotsford">316-322 Johnston Street</a> which would see 52 apartments realised. <a href="/new-apartments/288-298-johnston-street-abbotsford">288-298 Johnston Street</a> which is diagonally opposite 247-259 Johnston Street also holds approval for 44 apartments over an eight level building which was conceived by Cox Architecture.

Lead image courtesy Victorian Heritage Database
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A test of wills looms over a prime Abbotsford development site

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Prominent Melbourne architecture firm Hayball has taken a differing tact in relation to one of its current high-rise projects which is currently being assessed at a State level. As one of a handful of owners of 135 Sturt Street Southbank which also serves as their head office, Hayball have seemingly stamped their own imprimatur on the composition of the proposed residential tower.

Unencumbered by the needs and wants of a developer, the architecture practice has created a building which they believe will yield a “net community benefit.” This is achieved not only by including a diverse range of dwellings types and affordable housing options, but also by effectively expanding the adjoining arts precinct.

Six separate entities control 135 Sturt Street Southbank, with Cystic Fibrosis Association of Victoria joining Hayball as the most prominent owners. The planning application is also actively pursuing a partnership with nearby art institutions with one scenario allowing for the Malthouse Set Workshop and Chunky Move Studio to relocate to the proposed tower in order to allow for the expansion of the adjoining The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art building.

<h2>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/image101.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site in question. Image courtesy Urbis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image101.jpg?itok=Z_ku1TMn" title="The site in question. Image courtesy Urbis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site in question. Image courtesy Urbis</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current use: two storey commercial building over a 2884.6sqm site</li>
	<li>Proposed 42 level tower (including plant) at 134 metres in height</li>
	<li>341 apartments: studio, 1, 2, 3 and Penthouse dwellings</li>
	<li>226 car and 151 bicycle spaces within two basement levels</li>
	<li>Communal spaces over levels 12, 13 and 39</li>
	<li>2094sqm of retail/commercial adaptable space available</li>
	<li>Nominal project value: $98 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
Our consultation with our neighbours has encouraged us to consider the possibility of this building being a microcosm of inner city. This as a city building which coalesces many uses and elements into one entity as a viable development proposition.

The design response aims to cultivate site and place, to authentically enrich the experience of the social and urban realm. The architectural approach presents a deliberate and resolved series of site specific strategies for an ensemble of forms. The building is therefore experienced as an assemblage of elements and not as a monolith.

A composition of activities is created, forming defensive or protective spaces within the site both in response to the CityLink off ramp and freeway opposite, and the adjoining Malthouse theatre structures on the northern boundary. This is intended to offer a social and cultural dimension to its experience and underpin the making of place through dynamic, animated interaction.
<cite>Hayball: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Love thy neighbour</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/image1135s.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lower levels as envisaged from Sturt Street. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1135s.jpg?itok=EcjdXw6B" title="Lower levels as envisaged from Sturt Street. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lower levels as envisaged from Sturt Street. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>A laneway will frame the northern flank of the proposed tower, allowing for the “Melbourne experience” within Southbank. Event spaces, commercial and retail spaces, placemaking features and a bar café are expected, providing interest on a human scale.

An art space is expected to front Sturt Street while levels one and two of the intended building are designed as flexible commercial spaces; likely for the new Malthouse Set Workshop and Chunky Move Studio should the development team's intentions come to fruition.

<blockquote>
We seek to curate a large scale mixed use development that is both inclusive and diverse within Melbourne’s Arts Precinct providing a much needed richness and livability being a catalyst for an attractive destination and connected place to live emerge within Southbank.
<cite>Hayball: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>A nod to diverse housing types</h2>

The large range of apartment options included speaks of almost altruistic intentions on Hayball's behalf; far from the typical one and two bedroom options that define most apartment developments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image3135s.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Numerous levels feature studio, 1,2 and 3 bedroom dwellings. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="238" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3135s.jpg?itok=nnkqfrpT" title="Numerous levels feature studio, 1,2 and 3 bedroom dwellings. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Numerous levels feature studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom dwellings. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>Studio, 1 Bed 1 Bath, 1 Bed 1 Bath Flexi, 2 Bed 1 Bath, 2 Bed 2 Bath, 3 Bed 2 Bath and 3 Bed 3 Bath options are included with flexible floorplates allowing for 2 bedroom apartments to be expanded by way of subsuming the adjoining studio apartment if requested. Not only is there a diverse apartment mix, but the intended residential mix has been outlined.

Short term accommodation options for patrons or employees of the Arts Precinct are catered for as is a set percentage of affordable housing dwellings within the development. The array of apartment formats also speaks toward the intended mix of families, ageing, singles, and couples expected to call 135 Sturt Street home.

37 three bedroom apartments are included, which represents a disproportionately high 11% of dwellings, with this number capable of being expanded.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Hayball (lead entity)</li>
	<li>Architectural plans, elevations and sections: Hayball Architects</li>
	<li>Urban Context Report: Hayball Architects</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Wind Engineering Assessment: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: Simpson Kotzman</li>
	<li>Traffic: Traffix</li>
</ul>
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The best of intentions: 135 Sturt Street, Southbank

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A one bedroom Croydon Park unit was Sydney's cheapest weekend auction sale, reflecting a sale with a gross 4.7% yield.
It was<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-croydon+park-120780917" target="_blank"> 1/9 Queensbrough Road</a> which sold to an investor through Unique Property Real Estate agent Hellio Dias.
The size was 42 sqm.
The now renovated 1965 apartment last sold at $200,000 in 2009, reflecting 10% annual growth after renovation. It was last up for rent in early 2014 with a $345 weekly asking rental.
There was only one other sale at below $500,000 across Sydney.
There were three sales under $500,000 around the Charmhaven district.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sydney's cheapest sold for $383,000 at Croydon Park

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Make no bones about it, Cremorne-based DealCorp are back in the high-rise game after a hiatus of sorts in which the developer has pursued low and medium-rise residential projects over a number of suburbs. At the point of their efforts is an intended development within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct that is set to distinguish itself from the pack.

Plus Architecture are responsible for the design which sees the exterior of the 25 level edifice employ a spinal-inspired finish to the tower which is slated to hold 141 apartments and eight office studios.

42-48 Claremont Street also continues the trend in recent times which has seen a string of increasingly taller apartment developments flood into the remaining development plots within Forrest Hill Precinct.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image23_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne High School's perspective of the development. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="412" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23_3.jpg?itok=willlUWx" title="Melbourne High School's perspective of the development. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne High School's perspective of the development. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure><h2>Application summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Currently onsite: two level commercial building over 949sqm site.</li>
	<li>Proposed 25 level tower at 80.8 metres.</li>
	<li>141 dwellings: 26 x studio, 26 x 1BR, 85 x 2BR, 4 x 3BR.</li>
	<li>Eight office studios between 61sqm and 94sqm.</li>
	<li>263sqm communal facilities including pool and gym.</li>
	<li>Basement provisions for 100 vehicles and 123 bicycles.</li>
	<li>Landscaped forecourt to Claremont Street.</li>
	<li>Development includes $1.5 million contribution to Public Transport Victoria for South Yarra Station upgrades.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
Claremont Street is a modern built form environment with similar design elements, we set out to find a design solution which provided a unique experience. To produce a standout design and some variation in the Claremont Street skyline we looked to express verticality in the design.

The facade articulation responds to the massing of the building being 'rib' like and a need for screening between apartments. With a 'rib' shape massing the articluation becomes the twisting spine up the building that responds to the internal planning.
<cite>Plus Architecture, town planning submission</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/image46_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Further perspectives created by Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="312" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_2.jpg?itok=EmIm-ul6" title="Further perspectives created by Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Further perspectives created by Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>With Stonnington Council's request for further information, revised plans were submitted during September with most visible changes relating to the podium and how it interacts with the street.

<h2>Forrest Hill mushrooms</h2>

DealCorp have initiated the development of 42-48 Claremont Street at a time where development sites within the precinct are becoming increasingly rare. Coupled with the recent approval of <a href="/buildings/capitol-grand-241-toorak-road-south-yarra">Capitol Grand</a>, current proposals seeking approval are pushing further skyward.

<a href="/new-apartments/671-chapel-street-south-yarra">671 Chapel Street</a> is seeking 102 metres while Fridcorp's 627 Chapel Street looks likely to rival its neighbour Capitol Grand with a tower in the vicinity of 160 metres.

42-48 Claremont Street shapes to be the second tallest development along Claremont Street with a fellow residential tower also at planning likely to hold that title. <a href="/buildings/yarra-one-16-22-claremont-street-south-yarra">16-22 Claremont Street</a>'s development team have sought approval for a 98.5 metre Fender Katsalidis-designed tower; coupled with the above developments Forrest Hill will further emerge as a substantial skyline in its own right.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Dealcorp (Claremont Co. Pty Ltd)</li>
	<li>Architect: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Planning: SJB Planning</li>
	<li>Wind: Mel Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Sustainability: Ark Resources</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape: Mark Jacques</li>
</ul>
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