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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Apartments

<html><body>
Apartments.com.au has in the past highlighted various locations as forthcoming apartment hotspots, with Collingwood's Smith Street and Lygon Street Brunswick East the most notable two notable examples. Malvern East on the other hand may come across as a suburb less likely to attract a mass of apartment developments.

Yet that is what postcode 3145 is in the process of doing, with 12 apartment projects currently listed in the Apartments.com.au <a href="/developments">project database</a>. Add further current projects at planning within Stonnington City Council which are due to appear on the database in due course and the overall number swells to in excess of 20.

<h2>Headline projects</h2>

By far and away the largest residential project within Malvern East, <a href="/buildings/vanguard-781-807-dandenong-road-malvern-east">Vanguard</a> is the work of Bensons Property Group and architects Fender Katsalidis. With 321 apartments over 18 levels, the 62 metre buildings which is at sales also features a north facing terrace designed by TRACT landscape architects.

<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/image20_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vanguard with 60 Belgrave Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="180" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_0.jpg?itok=bvWTRrMF" title="Vanguard with 60 Belgrave Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Vanguard with 60 Belgrave Road</figcaption></figure>While Apartments.com.au first shone a light upon Vanguard during <a href="/news/living-the-high-life-in-malvern-east">January 2014</a>, another more recent planning application is set to become Malvern East's second largest residential endeavour. Little Projects are seeking approval for the former Dairy Bell headquarters addressed as <a href="/buildings/hedgeley-60-belgrave-road-malvern-east">60 Belgrave Road</a> which includes 154 apartments over the 3,860sqm site.

Former SJB Architectute and Plus Architecture Director Alfred de Bruyne conceived the design under the newly former AdeB Architects banner. A mixture of 1, 2 &amp; 3 bedroom apartments are called for as are 6 retail tenancies amounting to 781sqm of new retail space.

<h2>The Dandenong Road stretch</h2>

The completed 833-843 Dandenong Road began the ball rolling along this stretch of prime real estate opposite Caulfield Railway Station and Monash University. Since its completion surrounding low-rise commercial properties have been the target of developers. The Clarence at 857 Dandenong Road is nearing completion while Gasciogne Apartments at 879 Dandenong Road is under the guidance of builder Harris HMC.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image16_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="865-871 Dandenong Road with Gascoigne and Finch."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="242" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_0.jpg?itok=1q0UfApO" title="865-871 Dandenong Road with Gascoigne and Finch." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>865-871 Dandenong Road with Gascoigne and Finch.</figcaption></figure>Sitting between Clarence and Gasciogne, Circa Property Group have instigated a redevelopment of <a href="/buildings/harvard-malvern-east-865-871-dandenong-road-malvern-east">865-871 Dandenong Road</a> which would add a further 47 dwellings while Finch Apartments at 887 Dandenong Road rounds out the current quartet. This new wall of apartment buildings has the potential to be extended east and west along Dandenong Road.

<h2>Incoming</h2>

A swag of additional apartment developments are also on the radar, with Burke Road and Waverley Road front and center. Separate applications covering 82 Burke Road, <a href="/buildings/sia-84-burke-road-malvern-east">84 Burke Road</a>, 86 Burke Road would yield 62 apartments between them if realised while 131-133 Waverley Road and 226 Waverley Road would see a combined 54 dwellings.

Seen below is Moda Corp's Bruce Henderson-designed scheme for 86 Burke Road which would feature a collection of twenty 1, 2 &amp; 3 bedroom residences. While it's at appeal with Council, another recent planning application has been submitted for 1009-1011 Dandenong Road within Malvern East which looks to replace a unique Architects EAT proposal which did not advance and which was <a href="/news/some-architects-eat-style-for-malvern-east">featured on Urban.com.au</a> during 2014.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image13_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Moda Corp's Burke Road development and Architects EAT's scheme for Dandenong Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="192" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_3.jpg?itok=Ph2g3QQ5" title="Moda Corp's Burke Road development and Architects EAT's scheme for Dandenong Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Moda Corp's Burke Road development and Architects EAT's scheme for Dandenong Road</figcaption></figure>Encompassing all the identified apartment projects within Malvern East above and assuming all are delivered, Apartments.com.au has identified in excess of 1,000 apartments earmarked for the suburb.
</body></html>

silvermb

Malvern East firms as a new apartment hotspot

<html><body>
Northcote-based SP Projects is emerging as an apartment developer of note, with a growing catalogue of projects decidedly north of Melbourne's CBD. The developer-builder to date has completed projects in Preston, Northcote and Heidelberg, and now sees five separate residential developments at varying stages of development.

Approximately 380 apartments are currently under the guidance of SP Projects with three projects under construction, covering the middle-ring northern suburbs of Essendon, Coburg and Preston.

<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/image121.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brave Apartments and Major Anderson"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="566" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image121.jpg?itok=SYaKfAXR" title="Brave Apartments and Major Anderson" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brave Apartments and Major Anderson. Render courtesy Arctic Mirage</figcaption></figure>Brave Apartments and The Gilbert are well advanced with internal fit outs for both in progress.

Brave Apartments in particular gained a jump on its rivals by being the first project to commence construction in an emerging apartment precinct along Pascoe Vale Road, Essendon. Now joined by three additional apartments projects as early stages of construction, Brave Apartments is directly opposite a <a href="http://www.architecton.com.au/34556/538598/select-projects/pascoe-vale-road-essendon">mooted development adjoining Glenbervie Station</a> which would feature a 17 level tower.

Still at early stages of construction is Mayor Anderson Apartments which is adjacent to the Upfiled Line. Designed by Metaxas Architects, Mayor Anderson will be SP Projects' tallest development to date.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image116.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Preston has become a focus for SP Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="242" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image116.jpg?itok=g5n9cYcP" title="Preston has become a focus for SP Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Preston has become a focus for SP Projects. Render courtesy Arctic Mirage</figcaption></figure>Preston has once again become an area of focus for the developer, with two projects forthcoming within the popular apartment precinct surrounding Preston Junction.

Just launched is Windsor &amp; Co which replaces the former Windsor Smith factory at 169-195 High Street. The low-rise distinctively blue outlet will make way for a six level apartment building which includes 98 dwellings split between one and two bedroom options. The project's expansive frontage to High Street will allow for an extensive activated building front.

The final Windsor &amp; Co format follows a failed attempt by the previous site proponents to increase the development to eight levels and 128 dwellings, according to Darebin City Council.

Shaping as next in line for SP Projects is 73-77 Plenty Road, a short distance from Windsor &amp; Co. Dubbed Station 77, the site has planning approval for a ten level apartment complex with 69 dwellings and five retail spaces in tow.

Whether this approved format is what SP Projects intend to deliver remains to be seen but it does point toward the group's growing appetite for new apartment projects in Melbourne's north.
</body></html>

SP Projects at home in Melbourne's north

<html><body>
As South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct churns out apartment towers seemingly at will, developers have of late continued to push the limits of their projects in the pursuit of increased returns. While a string of taller towers at either planning or approval have lined up along Chapel Street, 16-22 Claremont Street is the most recent proposal that would have a marked presence in the South Yarra skyline.

Proponents K&amp;E Rogers Pty Ltd have sought to usurp a current planning permit set to expire during October 2016 with a recently submitted residential scheme. At 13 levels and 51 metres the permitted office design is well short of the asked for tower which would have 31 levels and measure 98.5 metres.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/claremont.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of 16-22 Claremont Street above all others"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="784" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/claremont.jpg?itok=38b5nuEa" title="Artist's impression of 16-22 Claremont Street above all others" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of 16-22 Claremont Street above all others</figcaption></figure>First seen on Skyscrapercity, early images of the proposal see a predominantly blue edifice with twin 20 level angular 'wings' jutting out from the oval-shaped tower. With a nominal value of $140 million, 16-22 Claremont Street which is believed to be a MGS Architects design encompasses 399 apartments and stands considerably taller than any surrounding buildings.

16-22 Claremont Street is a large rectangular plot located centrally within the Forrest Hill Precinct. Split between a low-rise commercial building and at-grade car park, the proposal is neighboured by existing residential buildings which include Lilli Apartments, Prime Tower, Ella, SXY2 and 50 Claremont Street, all of which range between 15-20 levels.

<h2>Not before time</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image33_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Frontages to Daly and Claremont"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_1.jpg?itok=S4aYZ_wk" title="Frontages to Daly and Claremont" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Frontages to Daly and Claremont</figcaption></figure>Readers with knowledge of the area will recognise the dearth of anything remotely organic along Claremont Street.

The proposed 16-22 Claremont Street will do its part to address this by introducing a trellised feature to both Claremont Street and Daly Street. Finished with greenery, the articulate and inviting podium feature is in contrast to its surrounds while also providing an enhanced thoroughfare which acts as an extension of 'Yarra Lane' directly opposite.

The proposed 16-22 Claremont Street thoroughfare completes the activated mid-block link between South Yarra Station and Chapel Street, the only issue being the lack of an actual northern entry point at the station; a topic which has been pondered for some time.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image32_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The plaza connecting Claremont and Daly"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_0.jpg?itok=yx0GlkRf" title="The plaza connecting Claremont and Daly" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The plaza connecting Claremont and Daly</figcaption></figure><h2>Claremont on a high</h2>

Claremont Street itself is a hive of development activity as site after site finds new use as a high-rise residential development. Claremont Manor's jump form is above ground as Hickory Group undertake its construction while Buildcorp Commercial have all but completed Alto South Yarra directly opposite.

<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_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Claremont Street line-up"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="218" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_1.jpg?itok=PnEif9Eg" title="The Claremont Street line-up" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Claremont Street line-up</figcaption></figure>Further north along Claremont Street and Little Projects recently released The Elfin for public sales while <a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">55 Claremont Street</a> is due for a planning decision. The latest of Michael L Yates &amp; Co's many South Yarra projects, 55 Claremont Street would include 39 dwellings over 16 levels and present as one of the area's smaller developments by apartment numbers.

Also at planning is 42-48 Claremont Street, South Yarra on behalf of Claremont Co Pty Ltd. With a nominal development value of $40 million, another substantial residential developments looks to be in the offing.
</body></html>

Add another to South Yarra's emerging 'Forrest'

<html><body>
A survey by researcher Michael Matusik has confirmed what many in the real estate industry knew or suspected – that developer claims about sales in their unit projects are often a pack of lies.
He surveyed 10 recently-completed projects with a combined 1,500 apartments in the Brisbane inner-city market and found that sales rates were, in most cases, agonizingly slow - quite a contrast to the claims of “selling fast”, “few remain” and “50% sold within the first month of release”.
He says many claims made by developers and marketers are so outrageously false, they should be investigated and prosecuted by the relevant authorities.
His conclusions: “The sales rates promoted in many new apartment advertisements are optimistic at best. In some case, there’s outright lying, which should be challenged by ASIC and the real estate institute.”
Amen to that. Project proponents who falsely claim to have made high levels of off-the-plan sales often goad gullible investors or home-buyers into hasty action, for fear of missing out. These buyers often end up with dud investments, over-priced and falling in value.
I get frequent emails from investors, usually impressionable young people, who are being pressured by accountants, solicitors or financial advisors into buying off-the-plan apartments in the inner-city suburbs of our major cities. 
They are bombarded with claims of high sales rates, never-to-be-repeated offers and the prospect of windfall capital gains. They’re under heavy pressure and highly stressed, because they’re afraid of making a decision they’ll regret. Many are unaware of the massive commissions their “advisors” will receive if they buy.
It’s the dirty underbelly of the property industry that regulators seem powerless to eradicate. But a clampdown on false claims about sales rates as a way of enticing buyers would be quite easy for ASIC or the Office of Trade Trading to police.
If Matusik can conduct a revealing survey, surely the authorities with their much greater resources can do the same or better.
His survey found that the true sales rate among the surveyed developments was just three apartments per project per month. The results ranged from one to seven sales per month per project, but the average was three sales per month. It took most of the projects 15 months to sell enough units (i.e. over 60% of the project) to start construction.
“The shortest time period to sell out a project was 21 months, while the average time was just over three years,” Matusik said. “Several projects took over four years to sell out.”
Amazing to consider these results, against frequent claims by project proponents of having sold half the units even before the launch of marketing, or having sold out most of the project in the first weekend of marketing. Often an expression of interest is classified as a sale.
Media reports such claims as gospel, when often they’re shameless fabrications. Journalists don’t challenge anything anymore.
Matusik says: “We need some clear rules. For mine, an off-the-plan sales can only be reported as ‘sold’ if the contract is signed, unconditional as to finance and the stipulated deposit has been paid.”
This issue will get worse before it gets better, given the upcoming tsunami of new apartment projects in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth as our major cities head into an era of over-supply.
TERRY RYDER is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can  <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a>
</body></html>

terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Over supply ahead as tsunami of new apartment projects hit Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth: Terry Ryder

<html><body>
I’ve spent almost 2 decades marketing and developing apartment projects of varied kinds, big and small, across lots of price brackets and in many locations, and I’ve been interested to observe how apartment living has evolved. We all know that more of us are now living in apartments, a trend that’s set to continue as we see much more high-density living becoming commonplace.
Over the past few weeks I looked at how important ‘place making’ has become as part of the development cycle as many inner-city areas are completely transformed. But there’s another more personal and communal side, a more everyday intimate side to apartment living that I think anyone associated with the development and marketing of apartments should be mindful of, and that’s the value of good neighbours.
Apartment living involves much closer connections between neighbours, a closer sharing of space and facilities. And while not living in the pockets of our neighbours, good relations and a friendly building in a high density community is always desirable.
While we have various area of legislation to help manage apartment buildings, even if the current rules are out-dated, which they are, just what makes a good neighbour and how people living in an apartment generally view the ups and downs of their lifestyle, gives some valuable insights.
Considering this topic further there are, as might be expected, some die hard and often repeated comments about neighbours and the ‘likes’ and ‘dislikes’ about apartment living.
Community Connections
Here’s a quote I recently came across. “The human body has 7 trillion nerves, and you manage to get on every single one of them.” 
The point is I guess that it’s more or less human nature that sooner or later someone or something will get on our nerves and when an apartment project is complete, or when a buyer comes into an already established building, there’s a neighbourhood, a vertical community that the buyer connects with.
In an apartment community, living in close proximity there’s some clear ideas on just what makes good (and unfortunately bad) neighbours. Most items on the list come down to some very basic things, some of which are addressed by rules and regulations, but there are some where improved planning and design can and does make a significant difference.
Good Neighbours
From experience and with lots of feedback from past buyers and my sales team, some of the key attributes of good neighbours revolve around predictable areas like parking, the use of common areas, security, noise, pets, rubbish, smells and building management.
It’s also thought-provoking, but I think not unexpected, that when you ask people, or read research about what individuals like and dislike about apartment living that many of the same topics are always on their list. On the downside many lists of ‘dislikes’ focus on smells, pets, noise and poor management. While the up-side the list often features cost (affordability), easy maintenance, security and personal safety and access to amenities, although in some markets cost might now be a more subjective measure.
Common Areas a Common Concern
Medium and high-density apartment living will always involve the use of shared areas, common property and when you look at some of the issues that people refer to here, I find myself thinking that ‘shared’ or ‘co-operative’ property could be a better way to describe such areas.
Well-designed key facilities that make up common property do play a big part in creating appealing projects, and good neighbours do not neglect or abuse common property. The key issues usually comes down to things like blocking parking access, the abuse of visitor parking, or leaving rubbish in common areas. It’s one of the reasons the building management is a common focus.
When it comes to subjects like smells, noise and pets there’s been lots of work done here, and I think that generally all new buildings avoid concerns of smells and noise and the rules around pets are usually very clear cut. I think that having foyer areas open to natural ventilation and the wider use of tiles have made a big difference to how buildings function and are maintained.
Building design does address noise, but it’s also important to have a well-connected community so that a friendly chat can help diffuse concerns over excessive noise.
Building Management and Community
While a review of Strata Legislation in NSW is hopefully soon on its way and has been a long time coming, good neighbours is still something that can not be forced into place by legislation. There’s always room and I think willingness for having good building community, a community of neighbours, where being social and friendly will usually occur naturally. Keeping an eye open on security, understanding that common areas are shared property and a co-operative approach to management will always be a positive.
In many markets a great deal of attention is paid to price movements and the demand for apartments, still I think we need to always remember that community and the value of good neighbours are important to buyers and all residents.
Market conditions are always evolving and I also consider that keeping these everyday issues in mind does help in planning and designing new buildings and also how we structure key marketing. I consider the value of community and good neighbours are part of what demographics aims to measure beyond the published figures we are all familiar with. A friendly and co-operative apartment community, no matter how big will always help sooth a majority of those 7 trillion nerves!
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of Colliers International. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.projectagenda.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
</body></html>

pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

The value of good neighbours in apartment living: Peter Chittenden

<html><body>
Pockets of Moreland continue to gentrify via a pipeline of new apartment projects, with the latest being <a href="/buildings/iseo-443-lygon-street-brunswick-east">ISEO</a> at 443-445 Lygon Street, Brunswick East. Most apparent on this stretch of Lyon Street is the continued shift toward apartment living, with ISEO a prime example.

The project's interiors have been created by Plus Architecture on behalf of TON Projects, with ISEO returning to residential use after 36 years as a commercial venue, albeit returning in a far higher density format.  The project will feature 28 one and two bedroom apartments, with ground floor retail set to usher in new restaurant and retail spaces.

Landscape architect Brett Robinson of Acre has designed external areas which includes an internal courtyard, while the Plus Architecture team have created interiors which reference the project's industrial surrounds. With Capital Property Marketing handling sales, it's expected that purchasers will be drawn to the project's creative design when sales commence during September.

<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/v03_lygon_street_living.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ISEO interior. Image courtesy TON Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v03_lygon_street_living.jpg?itok=q_fp065t" title="ISEO interior. Image courtesy TON Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ISEO interior. Image courtesy TON Projects</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Brunswick East is fast establishing itself as a sought after location. It offers a strong sense of community, an endless array of cafes and restaurants and the CBD is only a short tram ride away.

Our vision for ISEO is to deliver an aesthetically beautiful project that encompasses the lifestyle the area has to offer, while also standing the test of time for generations to come.
<cite>Stefan Toniolo, Director, TON Projects</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Apartment interiors feature industrial yet sophisticated finishes throughout including loft style timber floors that offer a heightened sense of space, a mix of track lighting in the kitchen and an exposed wall light in the bathroom, which is further enhanced by the large format bathroom tiles on both the walls and floor.

As these apartments are larger than standard one and two bedroom apartments, we were also conscious of providing as much clever storage as possible, including a mix of both overhead cupboards and overhead shelving in the kitchen, and seamlessly integrating the fridge and pantry.
<cite>Narelle Cuthbert, Head Interior Designer, Plus Architecture</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>The bigger Moreland picture</h2>

While ISEO is the most recent apartment development to launch sales, a number of others along Brunswick East's Lygon Street look likely to advance as well. A string of retail spaces covered by <a href="/buildings/8-lygon-street-brunswick-east">6-20 Lygon Street</a> are currently sitting idle, with approval for 149 dwellings onsite in place on behalf of Liuzzi Property Group. Directly opposite Blue Earth Group's Rima Brunswick project should also see an additional 150 apartments delivered in the near future.

A sweep through the Apartments.com.au <a href="/developments">project database</a> sees 14 projects currently at Registrations and Sales within Moreland's boundaries, with a sum of 956 apartments for sale.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image25_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ettaro and R Corporation's York are two of the larger projects under construction in Moreland"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image25_2.jpg?itok=xRuR2pY0" title="Ettaro and R Corporation's York are two of the larger projects under construction in Moreland" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ettaro and R Corporation's York are two of the larger projects under construction in Moreland</figcaption></figure>Switch to those listings Under Construction and 11 projects are at various stages of delivery throughout Moreland, accounting for a further 1,400 plus apartments.

In addition to those projects under construction or at sales, a number of notable planning applications have landed with Moreland City Council in recent times. Smaller multi-level projects aside, three notable developments are currently seeking approval.

Branson Group are hoping to have resolution soon enough on their want to deliver a seven level residential block at <a href="/new-apartments/38-40-breese-street-brunswick">38-40 Breese Street</a> Brunswick. Designed by ADDARC, the proposal would include 30 one and two bedroom apartments, adding to the already popular residential renewal of the area surrounding Anstey Station.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image26.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ADDARC's design for 38-40 Breese Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26.jpg?itok=BNZeK4za" title="ADDARC's design for 38-40 Breese Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ADDARC's design for 38-40 Breese Street</figcaption></figure>The redevelopment of Jewell Railway Precinct has moved forward with a planning submission lodged which sees demolition of existing buildings onsite and creation of two eight storey mixed use buildings. Located at 15A Union Street, a precursor to the project can be seen in a <a href="/news/discussing-apartment-living-with-bkks-simon-knott">recent article</a> on Apartments.com.au.

In nearby Coburg, 200-216 Sydney Road is set for major change with plans afoot for a mixed-use development consisting of a supermarket, commercial office space and 124 apartments over a six level building.
</body></html>

ISEO leads a new wave of Moreland apartment developments

<html><body>
The pace of construction activity continues to quicken at Victoria Harbour as Lend Lease cashes in on the seemingly endless demand for apartments. Their Docklands precinct currently sees seven residential towers at various stages of construction, a far cry from the solitary project on the radar during 2005.

Add a number of ongoing infrastructure and civic projects within the precinct and the level of development activity within the waterside hub is truly impressive.

Leader of the pack is the Bates Smart-designed <a href="/buildings/concavo-8-waterside-place-docklands">Concavo</a> residential tower which is rapidly approaching completion, while the dual towers of <a href="/buildings/888-collins-street-docklands">888 Collins Street</a> directly opposite Concavo are making swift progress. 888 Collins Street's western tower has topped out while the 40 level eastern tower has nudged past a third the way to its eventual height.

Most impressive is the progress of <a href="/new-apartments/889-collins-street-docklands">839-889 Collins Street</a> which has seen four Koichi Takada-designed towers advance to construction in seemingly no time. Replacing intended commercial buildings along Victoria Harbour's waterfront, promenade works and foundation piling have commenced which will ultimately see an additional 1070 apartments added over the four buildings.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="There's no shortage of construction within Victoria Harbour"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="426" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20.jpg?itok=6jn-hEIy" title="There's no shortage of construction within Victoria Harbour" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>There's no shortage of construction within Victoria Harbour</figcaption></figure>It's not all apartments at Victoria Harbour though with the <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/CommunityServices/CommunityFacilities/CommunityInfrastructure/Pages/DocklandsFamilyServicesBoatingHub.aspx">Community Hub at The Dock</a> set for completion later in the year. The hub will feature a new home for Docklands Yacht Club, the Victorian Dragon Boat Association and the Melbourne Outrigger Canoe club, plus a family services centre encompassing consulting, playground and communal facilities.

The Community Hub joins<a href="/news/talking-up-docklands-newest-showpiece"> Library at the Dock</a> which opened during 2014; both projects represent a shift toward providing community-based facilities within Victoria Harbour. In addition, demolition works continue further west along North Wharf Road in preparation for future development stages, effectively stretching construction along a roughly 500 metre front within Victoria Harbour.

Perhaps most interesting is the regeneration of Merchant Street. Near completed aspects of the project seek to add greater variety to the streetscape, with an eye toward creating a finer grain pedestrian experience and enticing workers to stay within the area post work hours.

Whether this is a natural progression of Victoria Harbour or an admission that the original builds were lacking where it matters - street level activation and design quality - is another topic altogether. Upon first viewing below the near complete corner of Bourke and Merchant is somewhat bland relative to the render which depicts a greater level of intricacy over the newly projected podium.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Community Hub, promenade works and Merchant Street. Render courtesy Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="329" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_2.jpg?itok=oUhM6Hao" title="Community Hub, promenade works and Merchant Street. Render courtesy Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Community Hub, promenade works and Merchant Street. Render courtesy Lend Lease</figcaption></figure>​So what was the state of Victoria Harbour during 2005? Only John Wardle's impressive <a href="http://www.johnwardlearchitects.com/projects/project/11-dock-5">Dock 5</a> residential tower was on the menu, creeping skyward over the course of the year. It's purple facade and overhung metal crown complimented the 148 apartments within the project, giving the precinct a focal point upon its completion.

Dock 5 followed on from both the Ericsson and NAB low-rise commercial buildings representing the initial projects within the expansive Victoria Harbour precinct. Providing exceptional spaces internally, the buildings arguably offered little by way of design nous externally; a failing that could be applied to many builds within Victoria Harbour over the years to come, namely Myer Docklands, Montage, Mosaic and Forte.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image22_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dock 5 on the rise"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="524" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image22_2.jpg?itok=9VsVrFJB" title="Dock 5 on the rise" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Dock 5 on the rise over the course of 2005</figcaption></figure>If nothing else the seven to one ratio of apartment projects under construction over the decade-long gap serves to exemplify the rate at which apartment living has rocketed throughout Melbourne, particularly since 2000. Looking forward to 2025 and Victoria Harbour will most likely be complete as further projects creep westward toward the Bolte Bridge.

What the fully completed precinct will look like at that point is anyone's guess at this stage.
</body></html>

Now and then: Victoria Harbour during 2015 and 2005

<html><body>
The latest private residential building approvals chart in the latest chart pack from the Reserve Bank of Australia shows a marked increase in higher-density housing development between 2009 and 2015.
Approvals for detached housing dipped between 2009 and 2014. 
<a href="/images/2015/08/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-13%20at%2011.28.42%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-13%20at%2011.28.42%20AM.png" alt="">
</body></html>

mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Notable increase in high density housing development since 2009: RBA 

<html><body>
A development site with a long and varied history is back in focus as an application for a substantial residential tower continues to go through the necessary planning channels. 9-27 Downie Street with the south west corner of Melbourne's CBD is the site in question, intermittently finding itself in and out of the news over the past decade.

Once a site held by Key Securities Investments Group Pty Ltd, 9-27 Downie Street was to be rebirthed during 2002 as The Archer with 200 apartments within an Edgard Pirrotta-designed 35 level tower. Key Securities Investments Group Pty Ltd's subsequent demise laid low any plans for redevelopment of the site in the medium term.

With the site changing hands once more during 2014, developer Einwood Pty Ltd wasted little time in advancing plans for a 52 storey building onsite, lodging documents with the then DTPLI during November 2014. After receiving feedback identifying various design issues with the initial proposal, a revised scheme of some 38 levels was put forward during April 2015.

With the revised application in hand, Melbourne City Council has recently had its say on the proposal, deeming certain aspects of it, and particularly the lack of setbacks to Downie Street, unacceptable.

<h2>9-27 Downie Street, Melbourne 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/image146.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Differing views of the proposal's lower levels. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="412" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image146.jpg?itok=0J-rwQI2" title="Differing views of the proposal's lower levels. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Differing views of the proposal's lower levels. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Demolition of the existing structure over the 1,188sqm site</li>
	<li>Construction of a 38 level apartment tower at 118.8 metres in height</li>
	<li>335 apartments split between 150 x 1BR and 185 x 2BR dwellings</li>
	<li>Four retail tenancies to Downie Street, each with an area of 40-42sqm</li>
	<li>Level 34 communal area of 137.9sqm</li>
	<li>Proposal GFA: 27,893sqm</li>
	<li>Podium capacity for 101 vehicles and 139 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Nominal project value: $50 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Form and materials</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/image149.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="East elevation. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image149.jpg?itok=AAfFb-sH" title="East elevation. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>East elevation. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>Given the tight nature of the site the proposal seeks to maximise its utilisation of available space. Over levels 2-7 the building extends as much as 950mm over Downie Street, constituting a podium of sorts with an overall height of 27 metres.

According to the Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee, setbacks to other boundaries include a minimum five metres over levels 9-33 from the south boundary, minimum five metres from the west boundary and zero to the northern site boundary.

Externally Peddle Thorp have employed a materials schedule that could be considered their signature of sorts. Tones of blue and black with white and precast horizontal elements are prevalent, with timber applied to the lower levels.

<h2>Melbourne City council have their say</h2>

As taken from the Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee, recommending that the proposal be rejected:

<blockquote>
The combination of podium level balconies overhanging Downie Street and minimal/zero setbacks from Downie Street at the tower levels will result in a building which will overwhelm the pedestrian, be visually intrusive and dominant from the public realm and create a canyon-like effect in Downie Street.

Tower setbacks from the south boundary represent an inadequate response to the potential for further development of the land to the south. The proposal also raises issues relating to the amenity of a number of bedrooms including west-facing saddle-back bedrooms which will experience relatively poor daylight and ventilation compared to that which would be provided by conventional windows.

The proposed building will overshadow Batman Park at 1 pm and 2 pm on 22 June, contrary to Clause 22.02 of the Melbourne Planning Scheme. 7. The changes to the development required to render it consistent with requirements of the Melbourne Planning Scheme are considered so significant that they cannot be addressed by conditions.
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee, 7 July 2015</cite>
</blockquote>

The final decision will rest with DELWP and Planning Minister Richard Wynne. Interestingly enough Downie Street maintains two examples of towers sans podiums; the under construction <a href="/buildings/560-flinders-street-melbourne">560 Flinders Street</a> and the completed Eifel mixed-use tower at 8 Downie Street. Whether the precedence is maintained or broken with 9-27 Downie Street remains to be seen.

<h2>9-27 Downie Street, Melbourne development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Einwood Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: Peddle Thorp</li>
	<li>Planning: proUrban</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

What's in a podium? 9-27 Downie Street, Melbourne

<html><body>
Spurred on by the freshly complete $600 million Melbourne Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market development, Epping which is 22 kilometres due north of Melbourne's CBD is in the infancy of a push toward higher density living. Designated as an Activity Centre during March, Epping is now expected to host an increased number of larger mixed-use projects.

With a number of principally residential projects gaining approval of late, the momentum toward a higher density Epping has increased with the news that Melbourne-based property development and investment group Riverlee has purchased 215 Cooper Street, Epping in an off‐market deal valued at $14 million.

Riverlee will be joined by diversified Malaysian outfit Batu Kawan Berhad (BKB) in developing the 46‐hectare former quarry and landfill site; Epping being the Ipoh-based group’s first real estate venture in Australia.

<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/215_cooper_st_epping_aerial_context_lr-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of Epping. Image courtesy Riverlee"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="220" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/215_cooper_st_epping_aerial_context_lr-2.jpg?itok=gtP-UDCI" title="Aerial perspective of Epping. Image courtesy Riverlee" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of Epping. Image courtesy Riverlee</figcaption></figure>After laying idle for 17 years, 215 Cooper Street will become a master‐planned mixed‐use precinct that compliments other major uses within the Activity Centre, including the Northern Hospital, Epping Plaza and adjoining commercial precincts. Differing housing typologies have been slated for the site, with an element of high-density apartment living expected.

<blockquote>
We are working closely with the City of Whittlesea and other key stakeholders in the area, and have been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement to see something delivered on the site.

We consider this an exciting opportunity to bring life to a site that has been inactive for nearly two decades, and deliver something great for the local community.
<cite>Kevin Lee, Riverlee Deputy Managing Director</cite>
</blockquote>

News of Riverlee and BKB's Epping joint purchase follows hot on the heels of the announcement that Pacific Group will pursue an expansion of their Pacific Epping Shopping Centre. Buchan Group will design the expansion, which will include a new 112-room hotel built with an overall gross floor area of approximately 9,950sqm.

Located on the corner of High Street and Cooper Street, Pacific Group is on the search for a national or international operator, with CBRE Hotels tasked with the job of securing an operator.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image12_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="719 High Street, Epping. Image courtesy Pelligra Holdings"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="297" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_2.jpg?itok=xLpdd05n" title="719 High Street, Epping. Image courtesy Pelligra Holdings" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>719 High Street, Epping. Image courtesy Pelligra Holdings</figcaption></figure>Epping as a newly designated Activity Centre also has a number of higher-density apartments developments which have been approved, with the largest currently shown as <a href="/new-apartments/empire-epping-719-high-street-epping">719 High Street</a> within the Apartments.com.au Project Database. Pelligra Holdings is the developer of the mixed-use project which would see a 12 level building delivered, including 94 apartments within the Elevli Plus design.

Other approved residential projects in the area include <a href="/new-apartments/alto-epping-790-high-street-epping">790 High Street</a> and the 92-apartment 67 Rufus Street.
</body></html>

Apartments

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Apartments

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News