&nbsp;

Developer GURNER™ Group has revealed $1.65 billion in residential sales nationally across the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by the continued momentum of its Docklands wellness-focused precinct, Elysium Fields.

The sales result was generated across seven projects in Victoria and New South Wales, headlined by Elysium Fields, GURNER™’s $2.75 billion mixed-use precinct planned for Harbour Esplanade in Docklands.

The project has recorded more than $500 million in sales across the first three towers, equating to around 580 apartments sold.

The first tower, Helios, has now sold out of its 240 private residences, with GURNER™ preparing to release a premium penthouse collection comprising 15 three-bedroom penthouses in coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370975]

Elysium Fields is being developed on the long-held 20,000 sqm Docklands site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, which had remained undeveloped for more than two decades prior to GURNER™ taking over the project around four years ago.

Construction has now commenced across four towers ranging between 18 and 30 storeys, with Hamilton Marino and Maxcon appointed as builders.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to comprise around 1,100 residences, alongside retail, hospitality and public realm uses integrated throughout the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370981]

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners in collaboration with GURNER™ Design House, the project has been positioned around the developer’s broader focus on wellness-led residential living.

“We don’t sell apartments. We create a true luxury lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market today,” Founder and Executive Chairman Tim Gurner said.

“To deliver that requires an extraordinary level of detail, coordination and discipline across multiple verticals, from design and hospitality through to wellness and service.”

“We’ve always believed that living extends far beyond the physical residence. It’s about how you feel the moment you arrive, how you live day-to-day, and the ecosystem that supports that.” 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370977]

The project’s design places a heavy focus on landscaping, wellness amenities and biophilic design principles.

Plans include around 3,700 sqm of landscaped gardens and open space throughout the precinct, alongside a retail and dining offering spanning approximately 5,000 sqm.

The broader public realm strategy centres around what GURNER™ describes as the “Path of Life”, an urban forest and landscaped pedestrian environment intended to connect the various buildings and wellness spaces across the precinct.

The apartments themselves will incorporate a range of wellness-focused inclusions, including purified air and water systems, circadian lighting, antimicrobial surfaces, and optional in-home wellness upgrades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370980]

Gurner said the company’s experience through its Saint Haven wellness clubs had directly informed the residential offering now being incorporated into Elysium Fields.

“We’re seeing a clear global shift toward longevity, performance and proactive health,” Gurner said.

“Our role is to deliver that in a way that feels seamless, highly private and beautifully resolved within the environments we create.”

A large component of the wellness offering is planned through the resident amenity and health facilities proposed within the precinct.

That includes plans for bathing and recovery facilities spread throughout the towers, incorporating mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, flotation therapy, red light therapy and wellness lounges.

The developer is also seeking approvals for what it describes as a “reverse ageing medical clinic” within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370978]

According to project information released by the group, the proposed facility would include cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, infrared and dry saunas, PEMF beds, MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans and blood analysis services.

Within the first tower, Helios, residents will also have access to a dedicated amenity offering known as the Sky Private Club.

The upper 15 levels of the building will include private lounges, dining spaces, rooftop amenities and optional private wellness studios integrated within residences.

The Helios tower itself comprises 260 apartments ranging between 60 sqm and 300 sqm, including a collection of penthouses.

That includes a planned two-storey penthouse spanning around 600 sqm with uninterrupted bay views.

The Elysium Fields precinct is being delivered in partnership with Digital Harbour Holdings, a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which controls the development rights across the Docklands site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370979]

The sales result comes as GURNER™ continues expanding its national development pipeline beyond Victoria.

“We have a strong pipeline across Australia and are now focused on scaling into key markets including New South Wales and Queensland, while continuing to build on our Melbourne base,” Gurner said.

“We currently have more than $3 billion in the market, growing to over $5 billion by October, and expect to materially outperform last year in the 2026 calendar year.”

The result also reflects the continued strength of the upper-end apartment market in Melbourne, particularly for owner-occupier-focused product with large-scale amenity and lifestyle offerings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144441]

Record result anchored by the Group’s “utopian” Elysium Fields precinct – defying market headwinds in Docklands.

Joel Robinson

Elysium Fields drive Gurner to $1.65 billion in apartment sales over 2025

National Australia Bank (NAB) will fund <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a>, a $1 billion, 52-level luxury residential tower being developed by Central Equity in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal locations at Northcliffe.

The project, launched recently by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, one of Victoria’s largest private residential developers, comes at a time when construction funding for large residential developments has become increasingly competitive as lenders tighten exposure to the sector.

Multiplex has been appointed the builder, and construction is now underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365784]

Since its first project, Central Equity has delivered more than 85 residential developments with a combined end value exceeding $8 billion.

Palmera reflects Central Equity’s growing focus on the Gold Coast luxury apartment market and continues a relationship between Central Equity and NAB that dates back to the late 1980s, when the bank funded one of Melbourne’s earliest inner-city residential towers at a time when high-rise apartment living in the CBD was largely unproven.

“NAB’s funding of Central Equity’s $36 million CBD development in the late 1980’s to the financing of the billion-dollar tower today highlights the long-term relationship between the two organisations in delivering major residential projects” said Central Equity Founder and Chairman Eddie Kutner.

He said NAB’s early support was instrumental in helping establish the company’s development model.

“When we commenced our first residential tower in the late 1980s the concept of funding off-the-plan apartments was still largely untested in Australia,” Kutner said.

“NAB recognised the opportunity early and supported the project when others were uncertain. That relationship has now continued for more than 37 years across many developments.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Central Equity was established in 1987 when Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank precinct were still dominated by warehouses and commercial buildings. Fewer than 100 residents lived in Southbank at the time, and large-scale residential development in the inner city was not widely considered.

Recognising changing demographics and lifestyle preferences, the company began developing high-rise residential projects designed to bring permanent residents into the city centre.

Central Equity has provided accommodation for approximately 40,000 residents across Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank, while also incorporating supporting infrastructure including essential lifestyle facilities like retail spaces, childcare facilities and neighbourhood activity centres.

Central Equity has spent many years assembling the Palmera development site on the corner of Garfield Terrace and Frederick Street in Northcliffe, creating a supersite of around 3,300 sqm.

The developer said the Palmera apartment tower reflects its long-term view of the Gold Coast as a growing and increasingly diversified economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365768]

Supported by infrastructure including the light rail network, major road upgrades expanded education, hospital and medical facilities and continued expansion at the Gold Coast Airport with more internation and domestic flights.

Positioned in the tightly held Northcliffe precinct, the 52-level tower will deliver 347 apartments, targeting buyers seeking a high-end coastal lifestyle, from downsizers to interstate investors.

Designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by DBI, Palmera has been conceived as a next-generation residential offering, featuring a collection of oversized apartments, with premium three-bedroom residences offering sweeping northern views stretching from Surfers Paradise through to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-5" data-turn="user" data-turn-id="e65dbe94-e3b6-47f7-b62a-9cbb30c9bf79" data-turn-id-container="e65dbe94-e3b6-47f7-b62a-9cbb30c9bf79" dir="auto">Time &amp; Place’s plans to transform the former David Jones factory building in Surry Hills into a mixed-use residential precinct have gone on exhibition through the NSW Government’s In-fill Affordable Housing pathway.</section>

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:f4d533b7-64a5-413d-86fd-5c99649c2b73-2" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:f4d533b7-64a5-413d-86fd-5c99649c2b73-2" dir="auto">
The Marlborough House proposal, lodged for the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marlborough-house-47-97-marlborough-street-surry-hills-nsw-2010">47-97 Marlborough Street</a> site, would see the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed warehouse building alongside the construction of new residential additions and a separate apartment building on the northern portion of the site.

The proposal seeks approval for 172 apartments across three buildings, including 15 per cent affordable housing managed by a community housing provider for at least 15 years from occupation.

<img alt="Marlborough" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d1d3c2a-bf13-47d6-a335-7c01102cdee1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.29.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cjMYrbR.BLUlWH4dar0RVDDo0bG.u2YT" />

Interior view from the Northern Building Penthouse overlooking the park

&nbsp;

The redevelopment is planned for the prominent 3,413 sqm site bounded by Marlborough Street, Goodlet Street and Lansdowne Street, directly opposite Eddie Ward Park and around 200 metres from the Surry Hills light rail stop.

Time &amp; Place acquired the former David Jones building in 2024, marking the first time the property had changed hands in around 50 years.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal centres around the adaptive reuse of the former David Jones factory, originally constructed between 1913 and 1935 in the Inter-War Chicagoesque architectural style.

Wardle noted in its Architectural Design Report that the building “occupies a significant place in the industrial and cultural history of Surry Hills” and at its peak was “the largest department store manufacturing facility in Australia, employing over 800 people and fuelling the growth of Sydney’s fashion and retail industries.”

The practice said the project positions itself “not as an isolated intervention, but as a contributor to the civic, social, and architectural grain of the precinct.”

The proposal would deliver 75 apartments within the retained southern heritage building, 59 apartments within the central addition, and a further 38 apartments within the new northern building fronting Lansdowne Street.

Planning documents show the scheme would comprise a mix of heritage apartments, new-build apartments, townhouses and penthouses.

<img alt="Marlborough" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="57758518-40a3-4b83-958c-d06e96a2cffa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.29.42%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VerlX9ST5xgBi8.1_YRsqdWTJeT6ygjs" />Interior View of the Heritage Building Apartment

The development would also include a ground-floor retail tenancy on the corner of Marlborough and Lansdowne streets, rooftop communal open space, a landscaped pedestrian link along the western edge of the site, and basement parking accessed from Lansdowne Street via a car stacker system.

&nbsp;

The scheme emerged from a competitive design process run by Urbis, with Wardle ultimately selected as the winning architect ahead of FJC Studio, TZG, Architectus and Wilkinson Eyre.

The Design Integrity Panel later described several aspects of the Wardle scheme as fundamental to the project, including “the stepped character of the new addition to the north of the site”, the landscaped western pedestrian link, and the “garden arrival” experience separating the original Marlborough House from the heritage addition.

Wardle’s design heavily references the site’s industrial and heritage history, while also responding to the surrounding Surry Hills streetscape.

The Architectural Design Report describes Surry Hills as “a finely grained neighbourhood with beautiful and expressive brickworks throughout the suburb,” with the proposal introducing a material palette intended to sit comfortably alongside the existing warehouse fabric and neighbouring terraces.

The report also outlines the project’s relationship with Eddie Ward Park and the broader landscape context of the area.

“Marlborough House occupies a site of deep cultural memory and the neighbouring Eddie Ward Park is of local ecological significance, where natural systems, topography, and stories have long shaped human experience,” Wardle noted in the report.

The architects said the proposal sought to “rebind built form to Country” through landscape, materiality and the adaptive reuse of the heritage structure.

<img alt="Marlborough House" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ae3f2f9-c85f-477a-a6f8-b43f6cb97c41" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.29.53%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=B.qUCLqRvJOR.n9CvYcTpaknIX9LuqKZ" />

The project is also being progressed under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing provisions, allowing developments that include affordable housing to access additional height and floor space incentives.

Under the plans, 2,593 sqm of the project’s floor space would be dedicated to affordable housing, slightly exceeding the required 15 per cent threshold.

In its Design Excellence Strategy, Urbis said the project aimed to “sensitively adapt and enhance the heritage-listed building on site through alterations and additions that preserve its historical significance” while delivering “high-quality market and infill affordable housing development in Surry Hills.”

Time &amp; Place has been one of the most active developers nationally in the last 12 to 24 months. Late last year they completed&nbsp;The Queensbridge in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, a mixed-use tower with 353 apartments and a hotel. They are currently selling Park Modern, 246 apartments near the famous Botanic Gardens in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a>, and have future projects, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-wilmot-173-burke-road-28-hope-street-glen-iris-vic-3146">The Wilmot</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>, the redevelopment of the Northcote Plaza, and another tower in South Melbourne.

The developer broke into Sydney just a few years ago with Two Tides in Manly. They have another project nearby, which is at the ultra-luxury end of the market on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/shoreline-manly-beach-89-90-north-steyne-manly">North Steyne</a>, fronting the beach.

It is also continuing to work through the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-time-place-settles-on-design-for-the-chimes-potts-point-redevelopment">redevelopment of The Chimes building</a> on Macleay Street in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/potts-point-nsw-2011">Potts Point</a>, as well as a project on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/time-place-to-take-on-mosman-apartment-market">Mosman's Redan Street</a>.
</section>

First look: Time & Place unveils Marlborough House redevelopment designs for former David Jones warehouse in Surry Hills

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.

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

Apartments

<html><body>
It doesn't exist on the Melbourne City Council register, nor the State register, which represent the two primary methods of monitoring inner Melbourne's major planning applications. Rather a proposed redevelopment of 502 Albert Road, East Melbourne has been listed on DTPLI's heritage register, as the application seeks demolition to part of the adjoining historic East Melbourne Synagogue.

502 Albert Road, East Melbourne served as the Salvation Army Printing Works complex once upon a time and according a report published in the The Age dated 2011, the site was <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/business/property/citadel-handed-over-20111216-1oyop" target="_blank">sold to Chinese-based interests</a> during that year for $9.7 million. The intended plans were bought to light once more by Apartments.com.au forum member, Fedsquared.

<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/image218.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The sites in question with tower rising behind. Image © DCM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="469" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image218.jpg?itok=30UPNnyj" title="The sites in question with tower rising behind. Image © DCM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The sites in question with tower rising behind. Image © DCM</figcaption></figure><h2>Application details</h2>

<ul>
<li>502 Albert Road, East Melbourne: existing 1901 three-level Romanesque-style building onsite</li>
	<li>Developer: Woodlink Design and Development</li>
	<li>Architect: Denton Corker Marshall</li>
	<li>27 level residential tower at 88.98 metres</li>
	<li>​66 apartments over 2/3/4 bedroom options</li>
	<li>87 car parking spaces over basement and podium levels, serviced by car vehicle lift</li>
	<li>Facilities include cafe/gallery, pool, gym and common area</li>
</ul>
<h2>Heritage consideration</h2>

<blockquote>
The East Melbourne synagogue is a mid-19th century bluestone and brick building based on the revival Greek Corinthian style. The building is significant as an example of the work of architects Crouch &amp; Wilson, prominent designers of ecclesiastical buildings in Victoria in the nineteenth century.

As the only surviving example of two synagogues designed by the architects, the East Melbourne building demonstrates the denominational diversity that characterised their practice during that time. It is one of a very small number of ecclesiastical buildings that they designed in the Classical tradition.
<cite>Roger Gibbins, Urbis</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>A quid pro quo solution</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/image220.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The proposed ground floor layout. Image © DCM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="586" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image220.jpg?itok=Poe-yQdO" title="The proposed ground floor layout. Image © DCM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The proposed ground floor layout. Image © DCM</figcaption></figure>In a solution designed to satisfy both parties, the development calls for the demolition of registered buildings at the rear of the Synagogue at 488 Albert Street East Melbourne in order to provide the intended tower with a viable footprint. The synagogue will contribute part of its land holding to the developer, in return the developer will fully refurbish the East Melbourne Synagogue.

In addition, new facilities over the tower's ground floor will be dedicated to the Synagogue, "Enabling it to provide a comfortable and safe environment for the congregation and visitors. This will enable the synagogue to remain viable, maintaining the congregation into the future."

Furthermore the proposed solution sees three two bedroom apartments, a café and a multi-purpose room seeded to the Synagogue as a means of future income.

<h2>Total luxury</h2>

From upcoming Spring Street giants to 150 Clarendon Street and Jolimont, the Parliamentary Precinct/Fitzroy Gardens are ringed by luxury apartment developments. Those behind 502 Albert Road have positioned the tower to sit within the ultra high-end of Melbourne's apartment market, with apartment sizes far beyond the norm; in fact some are just plain amazing:

<ul>
<li>Smallest 2BR at combined internal/external: 108sqm</li>
	<li>Typical 2BR internal/external: average 160sqm approximately</li>
	<li>Typical 3BR internal/external: average 220sqm approximately</li>
	<li>Penthouse split over two levels: 4BR at 372sqm internal + 170sqm external</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/image263.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The proposed L10-12 layout. Image © DCM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="476" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image263.jpg?itok=6xwQKE90" title="The proposed L10-12 layout. Image © DCM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The proposed L10-12 layout. Image © DCM</figcaption></figure>Applying a modest sales price of $9000 per internal square metre as a rough guide to apartment pricing, a three bedroom abode of 255sqm internal over levels 10-12 would sell for in excess of $2.3 million. Evidently the tower has been positioned to compete with Melbourne's elite residential towers, if not usurp them in the pedigree stakes.

<h2>Comment</h2>

The tower externally looks to follow the lead of Denton Corker Marshall's <a href="/news/85-spring-street-and-the-east-enders" target="_blank">85 Spring Street</a> which is also seeking planning consent, with colour palette and finishes quite similar; blue facades contrasted by lighter block elements. I guess this could be construed as an architect exploring a certain design path or lack of initiative, depends upon your perspective.

As for the few who may call this development home one day, half their luck!
</body></html>

silvermb

Is this Melbourne's most exclusive and expensive apartment development?

<html><body>
The latest in a mounting number of apartment developments centred around <a href="/new-apartments/carlton-vic-3053">Carlton's</a> Queensberry Street was launched last night. <a href="/buildings/the-eminence-139-queensberry-street-carlton">The Eminence</a>, which was <a href="/news/planning-application-139-155-queensberry-street-carlton" target="_blank">first highlighted last year</a> by Apartments.com.au as a planning application, celebrated its launch event with all relevant project partners in attendance.

Speaking to project architect Ian Briggs of <a href="/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architecture</a>, he explains that the design reflects its location - a marriage of the CBD's vertical nature and the low-rise, finer grain substance of Carlton. Consequently the project is split into three vertical volumes, they being the lower Queensberry or northern volume, central and CBD volumes.

Each of these is in turn broken into blocks of two or three levels by way of white external privacy panels/load-bearing features to signify the street level height of traditional Carlton housing. In another nod to the past street level frontages are broken by the use of cottage reliefs, either consisting of perforated metal as seen below or shotcreted forms along other boundaries according to the architect.

<blockquote>
The design is a delicate balance of its environment, responding to the low line, staccato street fronts of Carlton and the high-rise scale of the city. The building form is separated into three towers to capitalise on light entry, natural ventilation and views to every 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment and social space. Floor to ceiling glass to capture views, and expressed fins to frame them, wrap around the façade in a modern day interpretation of classic architecture that is carried from the lobby to the rooftop retreat.
<cite>Developer's description</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image205.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Eminence plays on Carlton's low-rise character"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image205.jpg?itok=cpgoTQON" title="The Eminence plays on Carlton's low-rise character" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Eminence plays on Carlton's low-rise character</figcaption></figure>Near on 30% of the 193 apartments have been sold prior to launch with the owner-occupier market firmly in mind. Paraphrasing what was said last night, an investor may buy in to an owner-occupier focused development yet an owner-occupier will shun an investment driven apartment development, and that's the case with The Eminence as owner-occupiers buyers are represented heavily to date.

In the broader context a search of the Apartments.com.au database shows The Eminence is joined by <a href="/buildings/queens-carlton-106-queensberry-street-carlton" target="_blank">Queens Carlton</a> at the registration and sales stage. In addition <a href="/buildings/81-cardigan-street-carlton" target="_blank">81 Cardigan Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/upper-house-516-520-swanston-street-carlton">Upper House</a> are at varying stages of construction with the latter receiving its finishing touches.

<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_6587.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queensberry Street with 81 Cardigan, Eminence and Upper House in view"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="393" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6587.jpg?itok=_6HzeyvK" title="Queensberry Street with 81 Cardigan, Eminence and Upper House in view" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queensberry Street with 81 Cardigan, Eminence and Upper House in view</figcaption></figure>Directly opposite The Eminence, the distinctive facade of <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">152 Queensberry Street</a> is waiting in the wings with planning approval. Together these projects will inject in the vicinity of 430 apartments with little more than 200 metres separating the quartet.

Into the future <a href="/developers/grocon">Grocon's</a> redevelopment of the former CUB site is expected to yield three buildings fronting Queensberry Street. <a href="/news/days-of-future-past-cub-site-carlton-continued" target="_blank">Outlined previously</a>, the three future towers have the potential to yield hundreds of new apartments, but for now The Eminence holds sway over this emerging development corridor.
</body></html>

The Eminence joins the queue on Queensberry

<html><body>
Urban.com.au aren't averse to providing a shout out to firms who design intriguing residential buildings, albeit conceptual ones. Recently a design by South Melbourne firm <a href="http://burtonandcarter.com" target="_blank">Burton &amp; Carter</a> crossed our desks and we were mighty impressed.

The architect's summary of the gateway project designed for Port Melbourne is as follows:

<blockquote>
The Eminence is a proposed 35 storey residential tower in the bay side area of Port Melbourne.

The parametric design of the podium incorporated retail, restaurant and cafe spaces to generate a lively community space for residents and public that would make use of the interesting design that allowed for natural light and bay side views through the triangulated windows, yet stopped unwanted cold strong south-west winds. The opening up of the facade allows for a triple storey interior main lobby that marks the entrance at ground level.

The residential tower connects with the podium with a sleek extrusion to the north-west facade, allowing maximum balcony space to the south to maximise views of the bay side for the residents, but also allowing city views to the north-east. The smooth finish to the tower’s form creates a crown on top of the building that follows the curvilinear form of the podium to generate an aesthetic connection between the two.
<cite><a href="http://www.burtonandcarter.com/#!multi-residential/c1ww2" target="_blank">Burton and Carter: The Eminence Apartments</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/9f8809_2d38001534e24636a2f08a669cddb3ed.jpg_srz_p_954_865_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Burton &amp; Carter"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="526" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/9f8809_2d38001534e24636a2f08a669cddb3ed.jpg_srz_p_954_865_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.jpg?itok=9HVgBnKA" title="Image © Burton &amp; Carter" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Burton &amp; Carter</figcaption></figure>Visually, design parallels can be drawn between Burton &amp; Carter's scheme and <a href="http://snohetta.com/project/90-ras-al-khaimah-gateway" target="_blank">Snøhetta's</a> Ras Al Khaimah gateway project in the emerging UAE emirate, albeit on a smaller scale.

<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/arch2o-rak-gateway-project-8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy Arch2o"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/arch2o-rak-gateway-project-8.jpg?itok=QxaZO7DE" title="Image courtesy Arch2o" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image courtesy Arch2o</figcaption></figure>Both designs are mixed-use in nature and carry substantial areas of associated communal space and landscaping. Externally the buildings are quite similar in styling, while also providing a variety of sheltered and shaded spaces for public use. The undulating form of either design peaks with a landmark 'gateway' tower signifying the structures isolated dominance.

Both gateway projects are also situated at the entrance to their respective city, the difference being Ras Al Khaimah's fronts the desert whereas Port Melbourne's would be a marker for arriving ships.

<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/01_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/01_2.jpg?itok=IdVbhBaT" title="Image © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Laurence Dragomir</figcaption></figure>Resident render guru Laurence provided us with this <a href="/news/blockhead-concept-pier-ing-into-the-future" target="_blank">Port Melbourne concept design</a> last year (as seen above), further investigating the notion of a gateway structure marking ones aquatic arrival into Melbourne. I'd take any which one in Melbourne yet Button and Carter's is a crisp, contemporary design that unfortunately will never seemingly see the light of day.
</body></html>

Gateway meets gateway meets gateway in Port Melbourne

<html><body>
If one statistic brings into focus Melbourne's current development boom, it's this one; since Rialto's completion heralding Melbourne's first 200 metre plus tower in 1986, a total of six towers beyond 200 metres (not including antennas) have been built in the proceeding 28 years.

Melbourne right now has 23 towers beyond 200 metres ranging from proposed to under construction.

It's a gobsmacking figure representative of a perfect storm of circumstances both locally and abroad which based upon the evidence at hand will see the vast majority of these proposals delivered, rather than land banked or onsold. Counted within the ranks of the 23 listed below are four towers of 300 metres or greater, propelling Melbourne in the the ranks of other global cities with 'Supertall' towers.

<h2>The 200 metre plus tower list as of August 2014</h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
<thead><tr>
<th>Address</th>
			<th>Height</th>
			<th>Developer</th>
			<th>Architect</th>
			<th>Status</th>
			<th>Apartments</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/568-collins-street-melbourne">568 Collins Street</a></td>
			<td>218m</td>
			<td>Stamoulis Property Group</td>
			<td>Bruce Henderson</td>
			<td>Under Construction</td>
			<td>588</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/prima-tower-31-queensbridge-street-southbank">Prima Pearl - 31 Queensbridge Street</a></td>
			<td>254m</td>
			<td>PDG Corporation</td>
			<td>Disegno Australia</td>
			<td>Under Construction</td>
			<td>667</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vision - 500 Elizabeth Street</td>
			<td>226m</td>
			<td>Brady Group</td>
			<td>Peddle Thorp</td>
			<td>Under Construction</td>
			<td>524</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/150-queen-street-melbourne">Tower Melbourne - 150 Queen Street</a></td>
			<td>226m</td>
			<td>CEL Australia</td>
			<td>Elenberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Delayed</td>
			<td>581</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One - 452 Elizabeth Street</a></td>
			<td>241m</td>
			<td>Golden Age</td>
			<td>Elenberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Sales</td>
			<td>622</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Light House - 450 Elizabeth Street</a></td>
			<td>218m</td>
			<td>Hengyi - Sixth Grange</td>
			<td>Elenberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Sales</td>
			<td>607</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">EQ Tower - 127 A'Beckett Street</a></td>
			<td>202m</td>
			<td>ICD Property</td>
			<td>Elenberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Sales</td>
			<td>632</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/elysium-54-clarke-street-southbank">Elysium - 54 Clarke Street</a></td>
			<td>244m</td>
			<td>Baracon</td>
			<td>BKK Architects</td>
			<td>Registrations</td>
			<td>270</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-townhouses/272-queen-street-melbourne">272 Queen Street</a></td>
			<td>210m</td>
			<td>Site for sale</td>
			<td>Peddle Thorp</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
			<td>624</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">70 Southbank Boulevard</a></td>
			<td>319m</td>
			<td>Aspial WCL</td>
			<td>Fender Katsalidis</td>
			<td>Approved</td>
			<td>1105</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">250 Spencer Street T1</a></td>
			<td>295-300m</td>
			<td>Far East Consortium</td>
			<td>Cottee Parker</td>
			<td>Approved envelope</td>
			<td>750</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">250 Spencer Street T2</a></td>
			<td>235-240m</td>
			<td>Far East Consortium</td>
			<td>Cottee Parker</td>
			<td>Approved envelope</td>
			<td>805</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">250 Spencer Street T3</a></td>
			<td>205-210m</td>
			<td>Far East Consortium</td>
			<td>Cottee Parker</td>
			<td>Approved envelope</td>
			<td>520</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">250 Spencer Street T4</a></td>
			<td>225-230m</td>
			<td>Far East Consortium</td>
			<td>Cottee Parker</td>
			<td>Approved envelope</td>
			<td>788</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/380-melbourne-380-lonsdale-street-melbourne">380 Lonsdale Street</a></td>
			<td>217m</td>
			<td>Hiap Hoe</td>
			<td>Elenberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>728</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank">1 Queensbridge Street</a></td>
			<td>308m</td>
			<td>Schiavello - Crown</td>
			<td>Bates Smart</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>626</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/madison-grand-334-city-road-southbank">334-344 City Road</a></td>
			<td>270m</td>
			<td>Private</td>
			<td>Hayball</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>578</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/new-apartments/38-freshwater-place-southbank">25-35 Power Street</a></td>
			<td>274m</td>
			<td>ML Hospitality</td>
			<td>Metier 3</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>496</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/swanston-central-168-victoria-street-carlton">156-172 Victoria Street</a></td>
			<td>237m</td>
			<td>CEL Australia</td>
			<td>Elenberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>1037</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin Street</a></td>
			<td>216m</td>
			<td>Artemis Group</td>
			<td>Hassell Studio</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>367</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/news/planning-application-180-russell-street-melbourne">180 Russell Street</a></td>
			<td>271m</td>
			<td>AXF Australia</td>
			<td>Bunchan Group</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>506</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">224-252 La Trobe Street</a></td>
			<td>267m</td>
			<td>UEM Sunrise</td>
			<td>Eleneberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>1139</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">54-64 A'Beckett Street</a></td>
			<td>253m</td>
			<td>Aspial WCL</td>
			<td>Elenberg Fraser</td>
			<td>Planning</td>
			<td>750</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="/news/cbus-property-seeks-a-sky-high-planning-scheme-amendment-for-447-collins">447 Collins Street</a></td>
			<td>300m</td>
			<td>CBUS Property</td>
			<td>Woods Bagot + SHoP</td>
			<td>Proposed</td>
			<td>400</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
All projects above include a residential component, with no purely commercial towers included. On that front QIC's 80 Collins Street comes closest with an overall height of 187 metres.

Given there are always minor fluctuations in apartment numbers per project, the above list would pump in the vicinity of 15,700 apartments or near on 30,000 permanent residents into the City of Melbourne. Factor in the thousands of hotel suites which are included within 10 of the 23 proposals and the transient population figure also rises sharply.

<h2>One image says it all</h2>

Below is a marketing image for ICD Property's EQ Tower located at 127 A'Beckett Street. If the opening Rialto statistic brings the matter into focus, the below image provides a visual aid as to the rapidly evolving nature of Melbourne's skyline.

In addition to EQ Tower, no less that 14 other towers of 200 metres or more would be visible in some way, excluding those already completed. A healthy number of these towers are located within the CBD's northern reaches surrounding EQ Tower; testament to the sudden explosion of apartments loosely surrounding Victoria Market.

<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/v02_ext_skyline_aerial_view_lr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One of many. Image courtesy eqtower.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="364" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v02_ext_skyline_aerial_view_lr.jpg?itok=LtOraKr3" title="One of many. Image courtesy eqtower.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One of many. Image courtesy eqtower.com.au</figcaption></figure><h2>Future towers on the radar</h2>

Listed on Melbourne-based Altus Development's website is a forthcoming scheme fo A'Beckett Street. With an expected value of $395 million, the proposal will hold a nominal 1125 apartments and hotel suites.

<blockquote>
On the high ground of Melbourne’s CBD and close to its famed premier universities, hospitals, parks and cosmopolitan nightlife of the city’s northern precinct will rise a magnificent tower. Comprising 900 residential apartments, a 4-star hotel and dining this development represents unparalleled growth opportunities. Central to key Melbourne destinations and exceptionally well-served by public transport and arterials, it is a foremost opportunity.
<cite><a href="http://www.altusdevelopment.com.au/melbourne-developments">Altus Development: Melbourne Developments</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/abeckett_crop.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A'Beckett Street Melbourne CBD. Image © Altus Development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="237" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/abeckett_crop.jpg?itok=9I_S9eHf" title="A'Beckett Street Melbourne CBD. Image © Altus Development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concept snippet for A'Beckett Street Melbourne CBD. Image © Altus Development</figcaption></figure>Elsewhere Fragrance Group's 555 Collins Street has been reported as seeking a height of 305 metres AHD in an all-commercial development, although this will be confirmed when the relevant planning application is submitted. The good oil also suggests that Fragrance Group's Savoy Tavern site on Spencer Street and PJ Development Holdings' Kavanagh car park site on Southbank will also (very) comfortably exceed the 200 metre barrier.

Of course there are also those projects which arise unbeknown to the greater public, but for the immediate future it seems likely the number of 200 metre plus proposals will slow as developers seek to materialise the many projects listed above.
</body></html>

Melbourne's 200 metre club bursting at the seams

<html><body>
It's become a well worn path in recent years; small-scale property developers winding their way up in project scale to a point where they begin to assert themselves as a serious player in Melbourne's development landscape. The subject of today's article is JD Group who according to their website were established during 1996 and for the most part went about their business of creating townhouse and low-rise apartment projects.

Under the guidance of CEO &amp; Managing Director John Yun, JD Group have of late ventured into larger low-rise projects. Currently under construction, the 71 apartments of <a href="/buildings/reynolds-gardens-187-reynolds-road-doncaster-east" target="_blank">Reynolds Gardens</a> is soon to be joined by the 50 apartments of <a href="/buildings/middle-burke-436-burke-road-camberwell" target="_blank">Middle Burke</a> which begins construction this September.

Meritorious as these two are, they look to be a springboard with JD Group intending to ramp up the scale of future residential projects. According to their website, four major development sites have been added to the JD Group's stable of late, they are:

<h2>196-202 Burwood Road, Hawthorn</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/jdweb.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="196-202 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. Image © JD Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jdweb.jpg?itok=_3N7JTSz" title="196-202 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. Image © JD Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>196-202 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. Image © JD Group</figcaption></figure>The firm's most recent acquisition at 196-202 Burwood Road and 1-9 Drill Street, Hawthorn represents a large development site of 7,013 sqm. The existing Going Going Green nursery onsite holds street frontages to Burwood Road of 69m and 101m to Drill Street.

If the diagonally opposite Atria project recently developed by Caydon is any indication, a residential project in the vicinity of 250 apartments is plausible.

<h2>180-200 Reynolds Road, Doncaster East</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/38-OA-South-Birdeye-View1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="180-200 Reynolds Road, Doncaster East. Image © JD Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/38-OA-South-Birdeye-View1.jpg?itok=oKSd85qp" title="180-200 Reynolds Road, Doncaster East. Image © JD Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>180-200 Reynolds Road, Doncaster East. Image © JD Group</figcaption></figure>Currently before Manningham City Council, 180-200 Reynolds Road, Doncaster East is diagonally opposite JD Group's Reynolds Gardens project. Designed by Paul Shaw &amp; Associates, the proposal seeks to deliver 300 dwellings within four apartment buildings over the 13,376 sqm site with all apartments containing either one or two bedrooms.

Council planners have advised approval for the application.

<h2>20 Queens Road, 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/11_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="20 Queens Road, Melbourne. Image © JD Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/11_2.jpg?itok=wjXEAWqX" title="20 Queens Road, Melbourne. Image © JD Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>20 Queens Road, Melbourne. Image © JD Group</figcaption></figure>Reported as being for sale this year with a potential planning application yielding 461 apartments, 20-22 Queens Road covers 4,598 sqm with Albert Park Golf Course frontage. Post purchase, JD Group have chosen Rothe Lowman to conceive an apartment tower which is now under town planning according to the developer's website.

<h2>1026-1030 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East</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/1026.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1026-1030 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East. Image © JD Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1026.jpg?itok=2cYvG4od" title="1026-1030 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East. Image © JD Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1026-1030 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East. Image © JD Group</figcaption></figure>JD Group are based in Doncaster East so it's no surprise their fourth prime development site is also their third development within the suburb. Intended to be a landmark development with more than 100 high-end apartments, the 4,200 sqm site is currently under town planning.

From meagre beginnings to near on 1000 apartments in the development pipeline, JD Group look to be asserting themselves on the Melbourne property development landscape.
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JD Group ramp up their Melbourne project pipeline

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It is always a worthwhile exercise in gleaning the opinions of others, more so when the person in question represents a growing wave of non-resident apartment buyers seeking to claim a slice of the Melbourne residential market.

Urban.com.au had the opportunity to pose a number of questions to Light House purchaser and Melbourne semi-resident, Raymond Wei.

In this vox pop of sorts we began by asking the question perhaps most pertinent: would you describe yourself as an investor or an owner-occupier?

RW: I view myself as an owner, I won't be using my apartment year-round but when I'm in Melbourne it is my residence.

MB: Melbourne's skyline is always changing with new projects appearing; were views a consideration when you purchased or merely a benefit?

RW: Everyone would choose sunlight and views if they had the choice. I know Melbourne is changing quickly so views will change but I appreciate direct sunlight and not living in the shadow all the time. Light House will give me both.

MB: What attracted to you the development, in terms of location and design?

RW: I know what Melbourne can be like with its weather, so I was impressed with the winter garden designed into the apartment; it creates a really comfortable residential environment and gives me another usable space when I want it.

The location is great, I have the market and shops a few minutes away.

<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/lhintimage.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light House Melbourne's dining room"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lhintimage.jpg?itok=vErr877q" title="Light House Melbourne's dining room" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light House Melbourne's dining room</figcaption></figure>MB: How important was the interior design of the living spaces when considering your purchase?

RW: Very important as I will end up living in the apartment. Some people don't care so much, as they are just investors looking to buy an investment property. With Light House I looked at the quality of the living spaces plus I was impressed with the amount of natural light available.

MB: Would you use the communal facilities at Light House (e.g. the sanctuary spa and the entertainment lounge)?

RW: Yes, I will use all of them whilst living in Melbourne. Sometimes you want to get out of your house but not necessarily go outside - maybe the weather's not so good or so on - and the facilities allow me break my routine. I get to relax, work or socialise in quality spaces.

MB: Is a car park important or just an afterthought when living in the CBD?

RW: I require a car when in Melbourne, so absolutely parking becomes extremely important. It takes away all the headache of trying to find street parking in a city where they're not easy to find. It's certainly cheaper than getting charged hefty fees at public car park.

MB: As for the world's most livable city, what do you find attractive about living in Melbourne?

RW: Living in the city brings a lot of convenience. I'm within walking distance to major shopping centres, Victoria Market and many other attractions that local residents take as part of everyday life.

I really like the culturally diversified lifestyle, events, mixed cuisines and restaurants plus the varied festivals... Melbourne has a lot to offer in a concentrated area.
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The rhyme and reason for buying in Melbourne 

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Crane your neck skyward toward Southbank and you'll see the final floors appearing on Melbourne's latest high-rise icon: Prima Pearl.

Site works began in February 2011, giving a fair indication as to how much time, resource and effort is required to realise a tower of Prima Pearl's ilk. Under the guidance of Brookfield Multiplex the tower recently reached its maximum height of 256 metres, officially making Prima Pearl the 2nd tallest residential tower in Melbourne after Eureka Tower and overall the city’s fourth tallest building.

With 50 owners already inhabiting their lower level dwellings, all site construction will be completed by early 2015 marking the tower as the third successful joint project between development entities PDG and Schiavello.

<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/spp%2020140320.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Prima Pearl's lower levels looming over the Yarra earlier during 2014"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/spp%2020140320.jpg?itok=b-Tk4TaK" title="Prima Pearl's lower levels looming over the Yarra earlier during 2014" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Prima Pearl's lower levels looming over the Yarra earlier during 2014</figcaption></figure><h2>Design highlights</h2>

Created by Disegno Australia and defined by its highly reflective bronzed glass façade, the 72 level edifice moves incrementally from a concave to convex form over the full tower height. While aesthetically pleasing to those who look from afar, the highly reflective substrate provides uninterrupted views when looking out from within while also providing the comfort of complete privacy.

No less than 8,500 high performance glazing panels are employed over the facade whereas concrete structure specialist Form 700 employed 2372 precast panels, 42,536m³ of concrete, 4,068 tonnes of reinforcement and near on 400 tonnes of post tensioning in delivering the structure.

<h2>From the ground up!</h2>

Prima Pearl comprises two lobbies, one catering for the 369 apartments within the Pearl segment (most of which have settled), while the balance of the 661 apartments are held in the Prima component above. The Pearl lobby via Power Street provides an immediate sense of space and luxury, punctuated by a green wall. Concierge, building management and/or security personnel will be based at reception and are available 24 hours a day as required.

Eight levels of podium parking sit atop ground level while level 9 features over 2,350sqm of dedicated residential amenity space. Designed to equal the facilities of a six star hotel, the double height space incorporates a 25m in‐ground pool with sauna, spa and steam 
room. A gym, residents’ lounge, private dining room, sun lounge and barbeque terrace over the northern and eastern sides are also included.

Accessible to all residents of Prima Pearl, other amenity area facilities include a virtual golf driving range, meeting rooms, private cinema and a games room. 57 levels of residential apartments ensue while level 67 features the Skylounge, exclusively for the use of residents living on levels 46 – 65. Commanding panoramic views, the area includes multiple sun decks, swimming pool, spa with adjoining steam room, sauna and change facilities, lounge space and private dining room with catering kitchen facilities.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Prima Pearl was such a unique opportunity for PDG and Schiavello to produce a world class residential tower which added significant value to Melbourne’s growing skyline. All apartments within Prima Pearl sold out within an 18 month timeframe. A prestigious position opposite the Crown Entertainment Complex with the associated five star fashion boutiques and restaurants was very appealing to a wide range of owner occupiers and investors.
<cite>PDG Sales Manager, Mark Giuliano</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
My goal was to ensure that the architectural intent was realised and that the most beautiful, liveable and unique residential tower currently in Australia would be created for PDG’s clients.
<cite>Disegno Australia Senior Associate, Roberto Dreolini</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Pool.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mesmerising comes to mind. Prima Pearl's pool. Image © PDG Corporation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Pool.jpg?itok=rxBrnQIU" title="Mesmerising comes to mind. Prima Pearl's pool. Image © PDG Corporation" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mesmerising comes to mind. Prima Pearl's pool. Image © PDG Corporation</figcaption></figure>Schiavello originally purchased the Prima Pearl site in 1984. After a number of designs surfaced, Prima Pearl was chosen after Schiavello joined forces with PDG during 2009 with a vision to in their own words, "create a development without equal in inner Melbourne." Testament to their hard work and dedication Melbourne now has a new, high quality icon to gaze upon.

I'm happy to say Apartments.com.au will tour Prima Pearl and provide a comprehensive pictorial review in the coming weeks.
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A bronzed icon takes its place

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I like many others was surprised and impressed when Hengyi Australia announced recently that it had reached sales of 75% for its Light House project on Elizabeth Street. I had also incorrectly made the assumption that the majority of sales to date were to offshore investors, and that Hengyi Australia was merely another of the throng of Asian property developers keen to absorb robust demand for Melbourne apartments.

Following a recent chat with Hengyi's Head of Marketing &amp; Business Development, Stephen Speer, an new impression was born of a Chinese-backed, yet distinctly Melbourne-based developer intent on achieving great things within the local context.

<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_5957.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The William nearing construction completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/IMG_5957.jpg?itok=GqlXcUW4" title="The William nearing construction completion" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>The William nearing construction completion</figcaption></figure>Hengyi's initial Bruce Henderson-designed project at 199 William Street is well into construction as seen above, with remaining apartments on offer for sale exclusively within the local market. The rebirthed office complex which will include a Wyndham Hotel upon completion is scheduled to open its doors within months, and Apartments.com.au may just be first through the door to have a look around.

Light House is the flagship project for Hengyi Australia. The size, eye-catching design and methodology behind Light House at 450 Elizabeth Street have ensured the projects success and ingratiated Hengyi to many locally.

<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/lhd02.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lhd02.jpg?itok=_d7QKptv" width="580"></a>
<figcaption> </figcaption></figure>Once the initial partnership was forged with co-developer Sixth Grange, the numbers for Light House were adjusted resulting in a taller proposal which gained approval from Planning Minister Matthew Guy. Thereafter a local retail sales campaign was launched in unison with five investor roadshows through Southeast Asia with Malaysia proving to be the highest yielding stop.

Overall sales for the 607 apartments within Light House now stand beyond 80%, and of those roughly 60% have been to Australian buyers. Sales have been strong over all available layouts with a proportionately healthy percentage of apartments carrying three bedrooms, a result of Hengyi adjusting to local market desires.

Rather than utilising parent company Shandong HYI's resources, local institutions have financed the construction of Light House with demolition slated to begin during September. Piling and associated works will ensue over some months, resulting in the first signs of the tower's skyward movement during 2015. Construction is due for completion early 2017.

<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/lhd01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="450 Elizabeth Street display suite"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lhd01.jpg?itok=6TJNRFkc" title="450 Elizabeth Street display suite" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>450 Elizabeth Street display suite</figcaption></figure>Asked what is next on the back of Light House's success, Stephen Speer suggests Australia is Hengyi's oyster. Given the right project specific dynamics or joint-venture partner, the firm would develop anywhere based upon the opportunity presented. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Darwin were nominated as potential cities, depending upon the opportunities that arise.

Hengyi Australia have hit the ground running, one can only wonder what the firm has in store next?
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Hengyi Australia makes itself at home

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Hong Kong-backed local developer Far East Consortium has begun pre-sales marketing for the fifth and final installment of their Upper West Side residential development. Currently at planning, The Fifth Apartments otherwise known as 605-613 Lonsdale Street, continues the strong working relationship between developer and architects Cottee Parker.

Responsible for the initial four residential buildings that constituted Upper West Side, Cottee Parker have again delivered a scheme for 605-613 Lonsdale Street which was purchased by Far East Consortium, enabling a fifth tower within the greater development.

<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/Image100.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As envisaged from Spencer Street. Image © Cottee Parker"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="905" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image100.jpg?itok=5xKWoMtW" title="As envisaged from Spencer Street. Image © Cottee Parker" width="580"></a>

<h2>Planning assessment details</h2>

<ul>
<li>The Fifth Apartments @ 605-613 Lonsdale Street</li>
	<li>51 levels and 165.45 metres in height</li>
	<li>1,491 sq.m site including 133 sq.m under Rose Lane</li>
	<li>399 apartments - 64 x one bedroom, 291 x two bedroom, 44 x three bedroom</li>
	<li>279 sq.m of retail over four separate tenancies to Rose Lane and Lonsdale Street</li>
	<li>204 car spaces, 6 motorbike spaces, 122 bicycle spaces provided within two basement levels and six podium levels, accessed via two car lifts from Lonsdale Street. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Cottee Parker guiding factors</h2>

<blockquote>
From a built form perspective the proposed design aims for three principal objectives: to activate the ground plane with retail tenancies and foyer entry to the exposed frontages; to provide a podium activated with apartments and of a scale that contributes and enhances the street wall face to both Lonsdale Street and Rose Lane; and a tower of apartments that reinforces the Hoddle Grid in its orientation on the site, is set back off its boundaries to separate its form from the podium below, and offers maximum access to sunlight and views across the city and beyond.
</blockquote>

Externally the tower varies from its neighbours by featuring copper and champagne metal cladding over the tower, whereas other UWS towers rely upon curtain wall glazing or precast finishes. Arranged in a rectilinear pattern, The Fifth's facade is accentuated by bronze tinted glass balustrades and is presented in almost a haphazard manner to pique visual interest.

<blockquote>
The resultant expression is of a random cellular nature with added layers of complexity developed by the location of the glazing and the secondary solid balustrade components.
</blockquote>

Although the western end of the CBD continues to flourish with a bevy of new developments, The Fifth will find its only direct residential interface with the adjoining 56 level Manhattan which is currently under construction. Both buildings front Rose Lane and as such 3.86 metres separate the towers at street level. Setbacks to Lonsdale Street above podium level maintain a minimum of six metres while separation to the adjoining Manhattan above podium is generally maintained at ten metres.

<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/roi-image-02-1927x1101.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A touch of Jack Merlo. Image © thefifthapartments.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/roi-image-02-1927x1101.jpg?itok=r3oTMHJz" title="A touch of Jack Merlo. Image © thefifthapartments.com.au" width="580"></a>

<h2>Internal amenity</h2>

Jack Merlo has been charged with delivering The Fifth's recreational areas, totalling 396 sq.m. Residential amenity over level 6 includes a gym, lounge and terrace while pool, spa, teppanyaki grill and rooftop garden are also present.

Nine apartments per floor is the norm for the tower component with fewer apartments located over the podium levels, acting as a car park wrap. No less than 22 separate apartment floorplans are available within The Fifth with the most proportionately generous being a level seven 2bed/bath at 225 sq.m, 156 sq.m of which is terrace. More typical spaces of between 47 sq.m and 108 sq.m constitute the majority of the 399 apartments expected to head to sales upon final approval.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Far East Consortium</li>
<li>Architect: Cottee Parker Architects</li>
<li>Structural &amp; Civil: Winward Structures</li>
<li>Traffic: Cardno</li>
<li>ESD Consultant: Wood &amp; Grieve</li>
<li>Services, Fire &amp; Lift Engineer: Wood &amp; Grieve</li>
<li>Hydraulics: Hydrautech</li>
<li>Acoustic Engineer: Acoustic Logic</li>
<li>Surveyor: Jeavons &amp; Tomkinson</li>
<li>Building Surveyor: Phillip Chun</li>
<li>Waste: Wastech</li>
<li>Town Planner: Fulcrum Planning</li>
<li>Wind Engineer: Melconsultants</li>
<li>Facade Engineer: BG&amp;E Consulting</li>
<li>3D Renders: Luminova</li>
</ul>
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The Fifth > 605-613 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

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Is it a case of natural progression or development too far? City of Yarra is currently considering an 11 level residential application located at 243-247 Queens Parade in Clifton Hill.

Located within a wedge of land known as Clifton Hill Interchange, the site and surrounds are earmarked for residential redevelopment via both State Planning Policy Framework and the Local Planning Policy Framework. The latter decrees that built form of 5-6 storeys are ideal "Unless the proposal can achieve benefits such as significant upper level setbacks, architectural design excellence and positive contribution to the enhancement of the public domain."

<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/Image64_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site location. Image © Fieldwork"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image64_1.jpg?itok=i_GJkM1-" title="Site location. Image © Fieldwork" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site location. Image © Fieldwork</figcaption></figure><h2>Design details</h2>

<ul>
<li>Address: 243-247 Queens Parade</li>
	<li>Developer: Parade Projects Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: Fieldwork Projects</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Tract Consultants</li>
	<li>11 levels @ 40.5 metres</li>
	<li>76 dwellings (38 x 1 bedroom 30 x 2 bedroom 8 x 3 bedroom)</li>
	<li>85 basement car spaces</li>
	<li>2 retail spaces over 109.3 sq.m</li>
	<li>Communal roof top gardens at eighth and eleventh floors</li>
	<li>4 star Green Star</li>
</ul>
<h2>Fieldwork make their debut</h2>

Northcote-based Fieldwork Projects make their debut on Apartments.com.au with 243-247 Queens Parade in Clifton Hill. In designing the project Fieldwork have sought "Close consultation with Yarra City Council to achieve a highly suitable planning outcome for the site. Close attention has been paid to Council's Municipal Strategic Statement, including housing diversity, urban design principles and the site's strategic potential for absorbing a higher density of Yarra residents."

Generally the building consists of four elements:

<ul>
<li>A two level podium and canopy at ground level, which integrates with the existing warehouse streetscape (Ground Floor to Level 1)</li>
	<li>A set-back apartment level with contiguous decking creates a shadow-line effect, delineating the upper and lower forms (Level 2)</li>
	<li>The 'floating' sculptural form (Levels 3 to 7)</li>
	<li>The setback upper sculptural form (Levels 8 to 10)</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/Image65.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Crowning feature. Image © Fieldwork"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="446" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image65.jpg?itok=whvRpNCg" title="Crowning feature. Image © Fieldwork" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Crowning feature. Image © Fieldwork</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The building is designed to be sensitive and responsive to the existing context while being mindful of the changing nature of the area and the likely higher density development which will eventually surround it.
</blockquote>

Vertically ribbed precast panels are broken in places by vertical aluminium fins and dynamic, operable bi-fold shutters. Lower levels feature timber bi-folds as does the underside of the footpath canopy while street frontage is a mixture of white and charcoal brickwork.

The building's required setback of the upper form allows for a landscaped terrace area supplemented by an indoor communal area. Landscaping and common vegetable garden aside, the terrace is framed by a feature tri-level staircase and includes a kitchen, dining facilities and the ubiquitous barbeque.

<h2>The pointlessness of grey planning?</h2>

Recall that City of Yarra have nominated 5-6 levels as their preferred built form outcome, yet have left the door open for increases subject to factors such as design excellence. During 2013 Council rejected the adjoining 217-241 Queens Parade development at 8 levels which was consequently approved by VCAT.

At 11 levels could anyone envisage City of Yarra approving this development? The answer for most is no; therefore would any reader also doubt VCAT will be called upon once more? And another question: why allow such ambiguity in planning controls when it seems the end result is costly legal representation and wasted time?

No doubt the rationale behind the controls is there, but is seems a pointless exercise by City of Yarra to allow scope for height increases and then rejected them promptly, as has been the case on the neighbouring site and elsewhere within Yarra. The final outcome will be interesting.
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