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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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Apartments

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Longton Property’s $300 million Avantra project in Mascot has released 61 apartments, the final apartments in its Nettleton Tribe-designed complex.
Avantra consists of 328 luxury apartments across two towers. More than 60 per cent of all released apartments are now sold.
The North Tower has 12 levels with rooftop swimming pool, landscaped garden and communal entertaining area.
The South Tower has 13 levels and also features a rooftop garden and BBQ area.
The two towers feature ground floor retail, with a total of 13 retail tenancies and are envisaged to be anchored by a major supermarket.
The final release will include a selection of studios, one, and two-bedroom apartments located in both the north and south towers and priced from $795,000 to $1.3 million.
Belong Realty sales director, Alan Ha said these apartments are the most premium ever released in Mascot.
“Each apartment will feature stylish and urban interiors offering award-winning designs by Archer + Wright including European tiles, broadloom carpet, timber floorboards and Delonghi appliances, as well heated towel rails and wine cabinets to add that extra touch of luxury.
Avantra's generously sized one-bedroom apartments start from 75 square metres, two-bedrooms from 100 square metres and three-bedrooms from 154 square metres.
Mascot is one of the final areas in Sydney to offer large off-the-plan apartments with local planning authority Botany Bay City Council being one of the few councils to stipulate large sized apartments as the minimum standard.
Situated at <a href="https://www.avantra.com.au/" target="_blank">659-669 Gardeners Road</a>, Avantra is primarily positioned within close proximity to the Sydney Domestic and International Airports, Botany Bay, and just 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD.
Longton Property Group Director Winnie Pi said Longton Property is committed to delivering a community that residents are proud to call home.
“Construction on Avantra with Built is currently underway and we are pleased to announce that it is due for completion in mid-2017,” Ms Pi said. 
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 Longton Property release final Mascot apartments

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A relatively unknown developer is in the process of asserting itself on the Melbourne property landscape with Orion International Group (OIG) accumulating a handful of substantial apartment development sites. Unlike the majority of Asian-affiliated property developers who have sought to secure inner-city development plots for large to ultra projects, OIG has gathered substantially sized middle and outer suburban sites.

OIG's current projects listed within the Apartments.com.au project database have the ability to yield in excess of 400 new dwellings, with this number likely to exceed 1,000 suburban dwellings based upon forthcoming projects. This may prove to be a wise move with many pundits predicting Melbourne's inner-city apartment market will reach saturation point in the period ahead.

Headed by Director Sean (Shujun) Li whose property development background flows to both Australia and China, OIG now holds key development sites in suburbs such as Mont Albert, Ringwood, Frankston and Maribyrnong. A recent acquisition saw <a href="/buildings/residence-east-692-whitehorse-road-mont-albert">692 Whitehorse Road</a> added to the portfolio, with scope for an approved 56 dwellings onsite.

<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/image16oi.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Maribyrnong is set to gain hundreds of dwellings. Images courtesy Orion International Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="182" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16oi.jpg?itok=5CTu5wZf" title="Maribyrnong is set to gain hundreds of dwellings. Images courtesy Orion International Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Maribyrnong is set to gain hundreds of dwellings. Images courtesy Orion International Group</figcaption></figure>Maribyrnong has become a focal point for OIG with dual projects on the radar. 2 Wests Road has been christened <a href="/buildings/summus-2-wests-road-maribyrnong">Summus</a>, with local registrations of interest open in addition to the project appearing on a number of Asian-based sales portals.

In its approved guise 2 Wests Road was to have contained 192 dwellings over three buildings in a staged development encompassing a corner 3,871sqm site, although the Doig Architecture-designed project has been revised (at least externally) since OIG purchased the site earlier in the year.

265 Gordon Street on the other hand shapes as a longer term development prospect. Situated next to Edgewater Estate which is itself witnessing the construction of multiple high-density apartment projects, 265 Gordon Street's sheer size suggests that any development of the site will be rolled out over a number of years and contain in part high-density living options.

<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/image23ring.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="8-10 Bourke Street Ringwood. Image courtesy Eliana Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="275" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23ring.jpg?itok=W_0to1PX" title="8-10 Bourke Street Ringwood. Image courtesy Eliana Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>8-10 Bourke Street Ringwood. Image courtesy Eliana Group</figcaption></figure>Also appearing on OIG's website is <a href="/buildings/8bourke-8-bourke-street-ringwood">8-10 Bourke Street, Ringwood</a>. Currently at planning with Maroondah City Council, the three building development finds itself in an area west of Ringwood Street that is already popular with apartment developers.

Covering 8-10 Bourke Street and 1-7 Nelson Street, the application calls for a staged development with buildings of up to six levels. 119 apartments fronting Nelson Street are expected within the first stage with a further 52 apartments holding a Bourke Street address to follow.

Signifying Ringwood's growing stature as an apartment hot spot, OIG also secured 28-30 Maroondah Highway Ringwood with the prominently positioned 9,428sqm site offered for sale during 2014. Dubbed 'Gate of Ringwood' and with near on 70 metres frontage to Ringwood's premier thoroughfare, the site is likely to take three buildings with heights up to 13 levels an depicted below.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image20oi.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Gate of Ringwood. Images courtesy Orion International Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20oi.jpg?itok=otl_ojcM" title="Artist's impression of Gate of Ringwood. Images courtesy Orion International Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Gate of Ringwood. Images courtesy Orion International Group</figcaption></figure>424-426 Nepean Highway, Frankston is also inline for eventual development with the 2,678sqm site in OIG's control. Currently known as Brockwood House the double storey commercial building holds three street frontages and is likely to be redeveloped into high-rise apartments in line with a number of other proposals for the bayside suburb.
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silvermb

Orion International Group set for a suburban apartment blitz

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The highest rental growth regions for units in the September quarter were in NSW's mid-north coast, the Victorian suburb of Wimmera, Queensland's south west, outer Adelaide in South Australia and the Tasmanian suburb of Mersey-Lyell, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
CoreLogic RP Data's Quarterly Regional Market Rental Review to September found unit rents on NSW's mid-north coast increased by 3.2% over the quarter to $320/week and rents in Victoria's Wimmera increased by 2.5% over the quarter to $205/week.
South west Queensland rents increased by 11.8% over the quarter to $308/week, outer Adelaide rents increased by 4.0% over the quarter to $260/week and rents in WA's central increased by 5.6% over the quarter to $265/week.
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The Tasmanian suburb of Mersey-Lyell rents increased by 4.5% over the quarter to $230/w.
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NSW units lead national regional rental growth: CoreLogic RP Data

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GUEST OBSERVER
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The announcement by the NSW Government of plans for an extra 36,000 new apartments around 11 stations on the proposed Sydney Metro line supports the integration of transport and density. 
It is essential that housing densities are increased around new railway stations. The addition of 36,000 new apartments around the 11 stations on the proposed metro from Sydenham to Bankstown is a good beginning but over time more density may be needed.
The strategy indicates that high rise buildings should be located around a number of stations including Bankstown, Canterbury and Campsie but the documents indicate that ‘high rise’ is considered to be 9 stories and above. It is important that buildings up to 20 stories are located in the urban centres near railway stations and services, and that communities understand that this will occur.
The Sydenham to Bankstown Strategy delivers increased densities within 800 metres of each railway station. Clearly development will be determined by the feasibility of replacing existing buildings and if the uplift in density is insufficient then change will not occur. It will be important that the economic viability of redevelopment of existing town centres is tested with the private sector to ensure that the housing targets can be met. 
The strategy lists potential infrastructure upgrades and suggests that a contribution scheme from development will fund some of these projects. The extent of contribution will need to be carefully managed to ensure that projects are still viable.
The Government’s strategy for development and urban renewal around the 11 stations along the Sydenham to Bankstown Metro line must be implemented through a strong planning framework. Rezoning of land around stations must be undertaken efficiently and within a reasonable amount of time. 
The Government must not allow individual councils to water down the development potential. After all it is the State Government that is delivering and investing in the new Metro line and this form of rapid transit needs significant development close to stations to maximise the effectiveness of the public transport system.
Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.Vdaart55dFI" target="_blank">here</a>.
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cjohnson-8xfqfuuCSq

Apartment development essential around Sydney Metro stations: Urban Taskforce

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Apartments in Bondi Junction are securing a median gross yield of 4.1%, the latest data from propertyvalue.com.au shows.
The median selling price of units in the Sydney eastern suburb sits at $819,000, with a median price change up 18 percent annually.
The median apartment rental was $650 per week, placing the suburb at 40th across NSW.
Up for grabs currently is an executive <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-bondi+junction-120381681" target="_blank">apartment at 1003/80 Ebley Street</a> with a price tag of $895,000 through Stella Gankin and Marina Makhlin of R&amp;W.
The one-bedroom unit and study is currently used as a furnished executive rental averaging $1,000 per week with an occupancy between 80%-86% per year.
Median rentals in Bondi Junction have grown steadily over the last decade, nearly doubling from $330 in 2005. 
Over the last 12 months, 130 units have sold in the area averaging about 23 days on the market, data from <a href="/news">propertyvalue.com.au</a> shows.
Bondi Junction is spread over an area of nearly one square km and its population has grown at a rate of 7% over a five-year period from 2006 to 2011, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows. In 2011, it had a population of more than 8,600.
Owner-occupied homes in the suburb fell slightly to 46.4% in 2011 from 48 percent in 2006, the data showed.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Bondi Junction apartment rentals yields investors $650 median a week

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Gross rental yields for combined capital cities are at record low with September figures for houses at 3.4% and units at 4.3%, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
CoreLogic RP Data's September Rental Index Result noted last year combined capital city gross rental yields were 3.7% for houses and 4.5% for units and said rental returns may fall lower over the next few months.
"With capital growth anticipated to continue to outpace rental growth we expect that rental returns are likely to push even lower over the coming months," it said.
"From an investment perspective it means that capital growth is going to remain a much more important for a return from an investment property.
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"Rental yields are lowest for houses in Melbourne (2.9%) and highest in Darwin (5.4%). In fact, Melbourne, Sydney (3.1%) and Canberra (4.1%) house yields are now at a record low. Unit yields are lowest in Sydney and Melbourne at 4.1% and highest in Darwin at 5.8%. Sydney unit yields are currently at a record low."
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<a href="/images/2015/10/08/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-08%20at%202.06.45%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/08/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-08%20at%202.06.45%20PM.png" alt="">
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Gross rental yields for combined capital cities are at record low: CoreLogic RP Data

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The City of Melbourne's Future (Planning) Committee convened for their monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, delivering their recommendations on a number of planning applications within central Melbourne.

Of the five applications, four were referred to City of Melbourne for comment by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP); two received conditional support, one received City of Melbourne's objection and another was deferred to next month's meeting. The fifth application saw council express concerns with the proposal.

An overview of each case is provided below.

<h2>TP-2015-515: 383-405 King Street, West 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/haileybury.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Haileybury College elevation. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/haileybury.jpg?itok=6Y0W2Tft" title="Haileybury College elevation. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Haileybury College elevation.</figcaption></figure>Haileybury College's plans for a city campus gained support from council with the committee resolving to issue a Notice of Decision to Grant Permit. The application lodged in June sought approval for refurbishment works to the existing building for use as an education centre, comprising of an Early Learning Facility (ages 3 and 4), Junior School (Years Prep to Year 4) and Senior School (Years 9 to 12).

The application received a total of 62 objections during the advertising period relating predominantly to traffic concerns, with council citing key issues for consideration such as the appropriateness of the proposed use in its location, proposed student numbers, potential amenity impacts for residents, proposed signage and car parking, traffic and access arrangements.

<blockquote>
The proposed use is supported as access to education services it is considered to be of benefit to the local community and wider municipality. Subject to a reduction in student numbers and standard amenity conditions being imposed on the permit, the proposed use will not have unreasonable impact on the amenity of the surrounding area.

To ensure the proposed traffic and car parking arrangements are appropriately managed and adhered to, permit conditions are included requiring a formal traffic management plan and green travel plan. Vic Roads is supportive of installing new pedestrians crossing and introducing a new school speed zone in King Street which would assist in pedestrian safety.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Ministerial referral TPM-2014-47: 65-71 Haig 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/haig.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="65-71 Haig Street."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/haig.jpg?itok=C852c2X9" title="65-71 Haig Street." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>65-71 Haig Street.</figcaption></figure><a href="/news/planning-application-65-71-haig-street-southbank">Covered by Urban.com.au</a> in April, the 55-storey 142 metre tower designed by Fender Katsalidis and abutting the West Gate freeway has received a mixed review from council; concerns relating to the appropriateness of its height and the layout of some apartments.

Despite this council believes these concerns can be addressed via conditions of permit to reduce the overall height to a maximum of 125 metres and via an improved internal layout to selected apartments within the tower.

<blockquote>
…it is acknowledged that there have been recent approvals for buildings in excess of 100 metres on Haig Street such as 57-59 Haig Street and 61-63 Haig Street which are approved at 122 metres and 120 metres respectively. The proposed height is therefore not consistent with the approvals at these sites and therefore a 145.4 metre building is not considered appropriate as it risk creating an undesirable built form character that influences future developments to proposes similar or even taller heights.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Ministerial referral TPM-2015-1: 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/32-44_flinders.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="32-44 Flinders Street in context."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="720" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/32-44_flinders.jpg?itok=M7YYWByX" title="32-44 Flinders Street in context." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>32-44 Flinders Street in context.</figcaption></figure>Now at 56 levels and 181 metres - down from an initial height of 65-storeys and 212 meters - the Planning Officer's report to the Future Melbourne Committee recommends that council object to the proposal on the grounds of height, plot ratio, setbacks and internal amenity to apartments and that the proposal represents an over development of the site.

This is based on a plot ratio of 30:1 across the site, despite the application not being affected by Amendment C262 which calls for a plot ratio of 24:1 and setbacks of five metres to street frontages, or the proposal sitting within a height control area. 32-44 Flinders Street's overshadowing of Birrarung Marr is also a cause of concern for council.

<blockquote>
The proposed tower would be perceived as a wall of towers lining the northern side of Flinders Street. The tower would both overwhelm and overshadow Flinders Street and overshadow one of the City’s most significant public parks - Birrarung Marr. The continuation of Spark Lane connecting to Sargood Lane is a welcome contribution to Melbourne’s laneway network.

Having regard to the immediate context, the proposed tower is considered to be an over scaled proposition. We recommend an overall reduction in car parking and for the applicant to further increase inhabited space within the podium.

For the northern component we suggest consideration for moving the entry foyer closer to Flinders Lane. For the southern component we recommend a significant reduction in height to ensure no additional overshadowing of Birrarung Marr, increased setbacks, and the exclusion of ‘saddle back (sic)’ bedrooms.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Ministerial referral TPM-2015-12: 346-376 Queen 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/queensplace.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queens Place's highly articulated podium."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queensplace.jpg?itok=ly1WTg9Z" title="Queens Place's highly articulated podium." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queens Place's highly articulated podium.</figcaption></figure>The twin tower proposal is known as Queens Place and allows for dual schemes: an OLS conforming scheme of 68-storeys (206 and 209 metres respectively) and an alternate non-conforming scheme 79-storeys (246 and 249 metres). The applicants submitted revised designs on September 3 with the following key changes:

<ul>
<li>Minimum five metre setbacks provided from the proposed towers to all street frontages</li>
	<li>The core of Tower 1 has shifted approximately four metres to the east</li>
	<li>Ground Level escalators have shifted to allow for improved public realm outcomes</li>
	<li>Increase in active uses adjacent to La Trobe Street</li>
	<li>Revision of A’Beckett Street connection to plaza and shifting of airlock location</li>
	<li>Increase chamfered setback to La Trobe Street podium at levels 3 and 4 to open views to Welsh Church</li>
</ul>
The proposal received a unanimous vote of support from the City of Melbourne, with the final decision to be made by the Planning Minister. An application to penetrate the OLS will need to be made to aviation authorities in order to proceed with the 79-storey twin design.

<blockquote>
The site sits within an area that is undergoing significant change with a number of high-rise developments recently completed, under construction or approved and yet to be constructed. Based on a clear understanding of the context, the proposed development is generally consistent with the emerging built form character of Hoddle Grid and the community’s vision of a bold, inspirational and sustainable city.

The proposed development offers a reasonable response to the opportunities and constraints of the site and its immediate context. However, this relies on permit conditions requiring key changes including minimum five metre tower setbacks to all street frontages, improved public realm outcomes at ground level, improved accessibility of new through block links and an increase in active uses adjacent to La Trobe Street, improved apartment layouts including deletion of long saddle back bedrooms, an increased chamfered setback to La Trobe Street podium to open views through to the Welsh Church heritage building, and alternative wind mitigation strategies to achieve walking comfort.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Ministerial referral TPM-2013-15: 150-160 Turner 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/150_turner.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="150 Turner Street."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="371" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/150_turner.jpg?itok=ZxRWR_qs" title="150 Turner Street." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>150 Turner Street.</figcaption></figure>First covered on Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/urban-com-aus-top-5-picks-planning-assessment-july-2013">two years ago</a>, 150 Turner Street by Artisan Architects has been met with strong opposition from the City of Melbourne, with council objecting to the development on the basis that the concerns raised can not be addressed via permit conditions and will require a redesign.

<blockquote>
The proposed development will result in unreasonable wind tunnel effects at ground level, a poor urban design outcome with regards to wind mitigation measures and fails to provide the ground level and tower setbacks sought by the Strategic Framework Plan. The proposal lacks dwelling diversity, and a majority of apartments rely on either a ‘saddle-back’ or borrowed light arrangements for the bedrooms which results in poor internal amenity.

It is considered that these significant concerns cannot be addressed via permit conditions, in particular as the wind measures and required setbacks would require a significant redesign of the tower form.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>
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Laurence Dragomir

The Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee makes some decisive calls

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One of Footscray's premier development sites is up for grabs, with the expectation that over time it could yield in excess of 500 apartments in a low to mid-rise development outcome.

Located south of Hopkins Street in what was once earmarked as the Maribyrnong Wharf Precinct, 11-19 Whitehall Street provides near on 14,000sqm of land with the expectation that a residential developer will purchase the plot. Colliers International and Sutherland Farrelly are jointly marketing the site.

Over a decade ago, 11-19 Whitehall Street and surrounds were to be subsumed within the Maribyrnong Wharf Precinct, which would have seen a ARM Architecture-led rejuvenation of the riverfront area into a predominantly commercially focused precinct. During 2005 developers associated with the project withdrew, leaving the proposal dead in the water.

Ten years later and 11-19 Whitehall Street represents the largest development site offered in the immediate area to date. In the wider Footscray context, 11-19 Whitehall Street shapes as a key redevelopment in a suburb now front and square as a high-density residential development hot spot.

<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/whitehall.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concept design for 11-19 Whitehall Street. Image courtesy Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/whitehall.jpg?itok=AwGeFiNz" title="Concept design for 11-19 Whitehall Street. Image courtesy Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concept design for 11-19 Whitehall Street. Image courtesy Colliers</figcaption></figure>Barely four kilometres west of the Melbourne's CBD, 11-19 Whitehall Street which is also known as the '<a href="http://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Files/Ryco_info_sheet.pdf">Ryco site</a>' has seen Maribyrnong City Council introduce a Development Plan Overlay over the site, supporting a high-density mixed-use outcome. In addition to 500 plus dwellings, Maribyrnong City Council also envisage commercial and retail uses for the site.

An indicative development concept for the site depicts two substantial residential buildings of up to eight levels, with what looks to be a public access way through the site. This is in line with Maribyrnong City Council's Development Plan which includes a link through to the Footscray Community Arts Centre.

The offering of 11-19 Whitehall Street coincides with the commencement of works on <a href="/buildings/the-riverside-1-moreland-street-footscray">Riverside</a> which is adjacent to the Whitehall Street land parcel. Builder Hamilton Marino has taken over the site with two tower cranes now erected in order to deliver the 200 plus apartments over the 10-12 level complex.

<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/image88_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Progress on Riverside, Riverina and 1 Warde Street in its latest form"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="270" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image88_2.jpg?itok=1ZwK_bJa" title="Progress on Riverside, Riverina and 1 Warde Street in its latest form" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Progress on Riverside, Riverina and 1 Warde Street in its latest form</figcaption></figure>While a handful of other sites remain capable of accommodating future residential developments in what was once touted as the Maribyrnong Wharf precinct south of Hopkins Street, Joseph Road Precinct directly north is also receiving its first taste of construction. Preliminary works continue on <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a>, with its first stage selling strongly, so much so that the second stage is poised to be released which includes a residential tower in excess of 30 levels.

The recent sale of <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2 Hopkins Street</a> and the offering of <a href="/buildings/liberty-one-1-warde-street-footscray">1 Warde Street</a> by GURNER, the addition of a new display suite within the Joseph Road Precinct and the construction commencement of two substantial projects all suggest that this stretch of Footscray fronting the Maribyrnong River is after a long hiatus finally moving toward mass development.
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What was Maribyrnong Wharf now shapes as an apartment haven

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Flemington Road is set to receive another substantial apartment tower, adding to the emerging cluster of residential projects that are taking shape along boulevard.

Property syndication and investment manager Oliver Hume Property Funds is driving the development, which will be known as The Principal. Located at 69 Flemington Road, The Principal joins another nearby Oliver Hume project dubbed Nord at 81 Flemington Road which is well into construction.

The Principal will replace a low-rise commercial building currently across the 1,042sqm site, which also fronts Villiers Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/flemingtonrd01-99f017e00f_1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The approved scheme for 67-73 Flemington Road. Image courtesy David Watson Architect"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flemingtonrd01-99f017e00f_1_0.jpg?itok=YZkfO3CH" title="The approved scheme for 67-73 Flemington Road. Image courtesy David Watson Architect" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The approved scheme for 67-73 Flemington Road. Image courtesy David Watson Architect</figcaption></figure>67-73 Flemington Road was <a href="/news/flemington-roads-apartment-surge-gains-momentum">highlighted by Urban.com.au last year</a> as a project on behalf of Obiter Investments Pty Ltd which was listed as the proponent at the time. Lodged with Melbourne City Council during August 2014, the application gained final approval only last month.

Designed by David Watson Architects, the development carried a nominal value of $40 million and featured 165 apartments (82 x 1BR, 80 x 2BR, and 3 x 3BR) within a 15/16 levels tower reaching 50.29 metres. 115 car parking spaces and 100 bicycle spaces were included over both basement and lower ground levels.

While it is possible that design changes have been made to the initial scheme, The Principal will still contain 162 one, two and three bedroom apartments and two penthouses over 15 levels according to the project website.

<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/image52_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Apartments are making their mark along Flemington Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image52_0.jpg?itok=VmoOO-zK" title="Apartments are making their mark along Flemington Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Apartments are making their mark along Flemington Road</figcaption></figure>The Principal's 164 dwellings will join a handful of new apartment projects fronting Flemington Road. Currently there is in excess of 700 apartments under construction over three separate developments, namely <a href="/buildings/north-19-flemington-road-north-melbourne">North</a>, <a href="/buildings/nord-melbourne-81-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Nord</a> and <a href="/buildings/helio-91-flemington-road-north-melbourne">Helio</a>.

Incidentally should The Principal remain true to the above render, it will become the fifth apartment project to front Flemington Road with a black glazed exterior, resulting in a decidedly brooding entry point to Carlton and Melbourne's CBD from the North West.

Future apartment projects set to grace Flemington Road include the recently sold <a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">3-5 Bedford Place</a> and an adjoining 1200sqm site on the Haymarket roundabout which is now with Fortius and Melbourne architecture firm Metier3.
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The Principal: Flemington Road's latest addition

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Subsequent to an earlier article which <a href="/news/moonee-ponds-on-the-up-and-up">highlighted the first phase</a> of the massive and long overdue redevelopment of the former Readings site in Moonee Ponds, further plans are now available which detail the second and more substantial portion, of what will constitute stage one of the overall development.

While <a href="/buildings/margaret-st-7-aspen-street-moonee-ponds">34-36 Margaret Street</a> is well advanced with preliminary marketing material circulating throughout the industry, the wraps can be taken off 40 Hall Street which envisages two apartment towers with the tallest reaching 22 levels.

Stage one of the development has the capacity to deliver 626 apartments on the site which sits between multiple transport nodes.

<h2>34-36 Margaret Street and 40 Hall Street</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_6580.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective from Hall Street. Image courtesy Caydon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="644" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6580.jpg?itok=t0b_EXOt" title="Hero perspective from Hall Street. Image courtesy Caydon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the Hall Street aspect. Image courtesy Caydon</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 7,979.6sqm (60% of the Readings site)</li>
	<li>6, 13, 16 and 22 level residential buildings</li>
	<li>Heights ranging between 18.6 and 67.9 metres</li>
	<li>626 apartments: 385 x 1BR, 240 x 2BR, 1 x 3BR</li>
	<li>1,044sqm of retail space over six double height tenancies</li>
	<li>3 basement levels holding 551 vehicles and 226 bicycles</li>
	<li>Extensive landscaping includes a new civic plaza, green podium treatment and rooftop gardens</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/img_6578.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Moonee Ponds Market's expected yield. Image courtesy Caydon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6578.jpg?itok=V5HVKMCZ" title="Moonee Ponds Market's expected yield. Image courtesy Caydon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Moonee Ponds Market's expected yield. Image courtesy Caydon</figcaption></figure>The graphic above demonstrates the sections of the site that will be split over the staged development. Margaret Street and Hall Street will be activated via Stage1, with the balance of the site which fronts both Homer Street and Everage Street set for future attention.

A civic plaza is slated for the mid regions of the site, acting as a linking space to surrounding streets.

<blockquote>
The plaza will be characterised by strong spatial containment punctuated by advanced tree planting. The paving design provides a way to transition between the language of Hal Street paving (by Council) and the language of the plaza, which will be made from sampling the diverse and textured materials that can be seen within the Moonee Ponds site.
<cite>Oculus statement, landscape report</cite>
</blockquote>

Glass, timber, metal, concrete and brick finishes will define the building exteriors.

The overall layout depicted above is generally in line with a <a href="http://www.plusarchitecture.com.au/portfolio/monee-ponds-masterplan/">Plus Architecture-conceived masterplan</a> for the entire site. While indicative heights have been given for three of the four future buildings, it remains to be seen what will materialise at the north east corner of the site, with previous concept plans indicating 30 levels of apartments living is not out of the question.

<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/image29_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy Caydon and Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="296" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_2.jpg?itok=BPhVbmOQ" title="A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy Caydon and Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy Caydon and Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Caydon have rapidly advanced plans for the prime site after revealing they were the buyer of the 1.34­ha parcel during April of this year. Leighton Properties and project partner Qualitas had held the site until the sale, submitting plans for a Plus Architecture-designed 16 level residential tower (above right) that subsequently gained planning approval.

Caydon have of late used Fender Katsalidis to design their upcoming batch of projects, with the Margaret Street and Hall Street designs no exception.

<h2>Hall and Margaret Street planning application team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Caydon</li>
	<li>Architecture: Caydon (with Fender Katsalidis)</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Landscaping: Oculus</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Wind: Vipac</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

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