Challenging the trend of compact living, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-eighth-south-melbourne-22-kings-place-south-melbourne-vic-3205">The Eighth</a> delivers true house-like scale in a vertical format.

Positioned on the penultimate level of The Eighth, a newly completed development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/crema-group">Projects by Crema</a>, the sub-penthouse offers more than just generous dimensions, it redefines what sub-penthouse living can look like in Melbourne’s Domain Precinct.

At 256 sqm, this residence exceeds the scale of most new apartments on the market. It provides the proportions of a freestanding home - three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study, walk-in laundry, and a separate retreat - all within the security and convenience of a high-end vertical community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=354144]

Its elevated corner position allows for uninterrupted, 270-degree views across the city skyline, Albert Park and the Botanic Garden, an outlook increasingly difficult to replicate in denser urban pockets. Full-height glazing frames these views throughout the home, anchoring each room to its setting.

Designed by Miriam Fanning of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a>, the interiors prioritise durability and spatial clarity. Stone benchtops, cove lighting, custom joinery and a fireplace enrich the central living areas.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=354159]

A Gaggenau kitchen with integrated Liebherr refrigeration and a full butler’s pantry supports serious home cooking and entertaining, while a wine cellar and media room add versatility.

Each bedroom features a tiled ensuite and bespoke robes, with the main suite offering privacy and corner views. Private lift access, ducted air conditioning, three side-by-side car parks and ample storage round out the functional offering.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=354160]

Residents of The Eighth benefit from a cohesive lifestyle ecosystem. A rooftop pool and BBQ terrace, wellness facilities at EQ, and an Italian café downstairs all contribute to a vertically integrated community - balancing amenity with calm, day-to-day usability.

Located just off St Kilda Road and moments from ANZAC Station and The Tan, The Eighth provides immediate access to transport, green space and cultural institutions, while remaining quietly removed from the city’s pace.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=354141]

Importantly, the building is complete. With just 36 apartments across 18 levels, The Eighth offers long-term privacy, minimal turnover, and immediate move-in certainty.&nbsp;

The sub-penthouse stands as one of the final, and most compelling, opportunities within this now-established address.

Taylor Dow of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/dow-real-estate">DOW Real Estate</a> is the exclusive selling agent for the sub-penthouse, and the remaining few apartments in The Eighth.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5345]

Staff Writer

A rare South Melbourne sub-penthouse with room to move

Just weeks after launching to their latest new Melbourne apartment development to the market, national apartment developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>&nbsp;has secured the sale of its sub-penthouse.

A local downsizer has spent $6.25 million on a sub-penthouse in The Parker, just 24 apartments on the the doorstep of Caulfield Park. The sale equated to $23,000 per sqm.

The buyer was drawn to the&nbsp;park-fronted lifestyle and panoramic city and bay views.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145454 project_image_fid=352395]

“The first sale at $6.25 million completely vindicated our decision to acquire the site and reimagine it for owner-occupiers,” said Andrew Leoncelli, Managing Director of Abadeen.

“We took what was originally conceived as a smaller apartment product and transformed it into something exceptional — larger homes of enduring quality and understated luxury.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145454 project_image_fid=352397]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-parker-on-caulfield-park-219-balaclava-road-caulfield-north-vic-3161">The Parker</a>&nbsp;has been designed by&nbsp;award-winning architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/powell-glenn">Powell &amp; Glenn</a> and will be enveloped in landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a>. It was the position within the context to the park that drove the design of the building, with 70 per cent of the apartments overlook the 28-hectare space complete with&nbsp;walking trails, ovals, and playgrounds.

“Caulfield Park isn’t a typical recreational space, it has a generosity and nuance in its layering of trees and light,” said Ed Glenn, Principal at Powell &amp; Glenn.

“Our aim was to create a building that feels grounded and connected, with spaces that open to the park and unfold with light. The architecture provides a sense of refuge and prospect, balancing intimate privacy with expansive views."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145454 project_image_fid=352400]

The architecture is defined by sculptural columns that flare like tree trunks, cascading greenery by Acre that softens the façade, and interior spaces by Powell &amp; Glenn’s Clementine Jacobs that use stone, timber, and brass finishes designed to age beautifully over time.

“The Parker is about connection where the building meets the park, people meet nature, and elevated design meets everyday life,” said Brett Robinson, Creative Director of Acre.

“We’ve created lush, year-round gardens that drape the building, softening its form and bringing the outdoors in. Every balcony and outdoor space is treated as an intimate ‘room’ framed by planting, texture, and movement. Sustainability is about timelessness; using robust, natural materials and drought-tolerant plantings that endure.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145454 project_image_fid=353657]

The Parker is Abadeen's second Melbourne apartment development, following the successful Malea, on Central Park in Malvern, which recently completed its construction.

“The Parker offers something truly unique; design elegance, community connection, and green space at your door,” Leoncelli added.

“It’s the kind of place you dream about, then realise you can actually live in.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145454]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen launches The Parker in Caulfield North, secures $6.25 million sub-penthouse sale

It’s been 15 long years since the former Balmain Leagues Club was open to the public. The large 7,330 sqm Victoria Road site had grown progressively more derelict since the doors to the former club shut back in 2010.

Earlier this year, the vertically integrated developer PERIFA, part of the Versatile Group of companies, stepped in and acquired the site, quickly getting to work on construction through its building business Versatile Construction.

PERIFA teamed up with financier Mitsubishi Estate Asia to create <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/rozelle-village-rozelle-152-victoria-road-rozelle-nsw-2039">Rozelle Village</a>, a new community heart of the charming inner west suburb. The mixed-use precinct will not only be home to around 150 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, but also feature a fully activated ground plane with extensive hospitality venues and retail spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8142 project_image_fid=338]

A new club will replace the old Balmain Leagues Club. The public plaza will include a range of new food and hospitality venues, a community art studio, and a retail precinct anchored by a full-line supermarket, a first for the peninsula.

The apartments will be spread across three interconnected buildings designed by Studio SC, with interiors by SJB.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8142 project_image_fid=335]

Buyers weren’t prepared to wait any longer to purchase. When it was time to start selling the development, PERIFA and SRM Residential had buyers queuing out of the display suite door. They secured over 40 sales on launch, including several high-end three-bedroom apartments with sales reaching up to $6.9 million.

Demand has been driven largely by local owner-occupiers who have had <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/rozelle-nsw-2039">Rozelle</a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/rozelle-village-rozelle-152-victoria-road-rozelle-nsw-2039"> Village</a> on their radar for some time, many of them already living in apartments and looking to upgrade without giving up lifestyle, walkability, or views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8142 project_image_fid=325]

Perilli, Co-Founder and Managing Director of PERIFA and Versatile Group, said the community has had to put up with a derelict site on their doorstep for too long.

“The Balmain Leagues Club in Rozelle, which closed in 2010 to make way for the NSW Government Metro Transport Project, was once a hub for local families to come together and enjoy entertainment and hospitality. We’re delighted to embark on a new era for the site, together with our partners Mitsubishi Estate Asia,"&nbsp;Perilli said.

"Our shared vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/rozelle-village-rozelle-152-victoria-road-rozelle-nsw-2039">Rozelle Village</a> is to create a mixed-use precinct that is thoughtfully designed and caters to new residents and the community alike. It will be a major meeting place for the community that embraces the unique character of the Balmain/Rozelle peninsula, while helping to shape its next chapter.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8142 project_image_fid=326]

The residential offering will cater to downsizers, families, and local owner-occupiers, with an emphasis on larger floorplans, high-quality finishes, and expansive views across Iron Cove, Sydney Harbour, and the Parramatta River.

Residents will have private access to a rooftop pool, taking in the views, a rooftop yoga lawn, and podium level gardens.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=8142]

From leagues club to lifestyle precint: Inside Rozelle Village 

Roberts Co has entered a new phase of growth following its acquisition by Arada, one of the world’s fastest-growing property developers in Australia.

The acquisition is supported by a $50 million capital injection into Roberts Co’s Australian balance sheet, consisting of the previously announced $25 million recapitalisation and an additional $25 million in new funding from Arada.

This investment strengthens Roberts Co’s financial position, stabilises operations, and provides the foundation for strategic expansion beyond its New South Wales base, with a focus on new opportunities in Queensland, including the Brisbane and Gold Coast regions.

With Arada’s international resources and financial backing, Roberts Co will broaden its portfolio across residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, reinforcing its strong market position in New South Wales and setting itself to capture growth in one of Australia’s most dynamic construction markets.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said Roberts Co has a proud Australian heritage, an outstanding delivery record, and a strong reputation for collaboration with clients and partners.

"By combining this expertise with Arada’s global scale and financial capacity, we are creating a platform for sustained growth in the Australian market,"&nbsp;Alkhoshaibi said.

“Our $50 million capital injection, including new funds from Arada, underlines our commitment to both stabilise and expand Roberts Co’s operations, particularly into the fast-growing Queensland market. We see significant potential in South-East Queensland’s pipeline and are confident Roberts Co is well placed to deliver lasting value for clients and communities.”

George Kostas, CEO of Roberts Co, said Queensland, and particularly South-East Queensland, is one of the most active and opportunity-rich regions in Australia right now.

"The lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games will bring unprecedented investment across housing, transport, and infrastructure. Roberts Co is eager to play a major role in that transformation and secure a meaningful share of this fast-growing market.”

Arada pours more funds into Roberts Co, flags expansion into South East Queensland construction market

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hurstville-nsw-2220">Hurstville</a> has quietly become one of Sydney’s most resilient property markets. Supported by strong transport links, infrastructure investment and a growing multicultural community, the St George hub continues to outperform much of the metropolitan market for both capital and rental returns.

According to Positus Property Investment, Hurstville now ranks among Sydney’s top performers for yield consistency, underpinned by population growth of nearly five per cent since 2021 and persistently low vacancy rates.&nbsp;

Limited new supply is tightening the market further - new dwelling approvals have fallen from close to 600 to under 200 in FY25, a structural shortfall that’s placing upward pressure on rents and resale values.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149850 project_image_fid=278]

As one of the final residential stages in the Kempt Field precinct anchored by Woolworths, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/the-one-collection">The One Collection</a>'s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/horizon-hurstville-6-jack-brabham-drive-hurstville-nsw-2220">Horizon</a> represents a rare opportunity to buy into a location experiencing both infrastructure-led growth and constrained supply&nbsp;- now made even more compelling with a limited-time five per cent deposit and matching rebate incentive.

Positus notes that the suburb’s combination of “relative affordability, low vacancy, and rising population” is creating a recipe for continued rental growth and capital appreciation. Weekly rents are increasing faster than strata and outgoings, with two-bedroom apartments seeing the deepest tenant demand - supporting healthy yield margins even after costs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149850 project_image_fid=281]

Horizon prices begin from $668,000, with one, two, and three-bedroom apartments offering flexible entry points for investors.&nbsp;

The project’s location, a short walk to Hurstville Station, Westfield, and an upcoming dining laneway, St Clair Lane, underscores its liquidity and day-to-day convenience.&nbsp;

A 19-minute express train connects residents to the Sydney CBD, while arterial upgrades such as the M6 and WestConnex further enhance connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149850 project_image_fid=275]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a>, Horizon’s soft, organic façade mirrors the parkland of Kempt Field, while interiors prioritise light, durability, and smart functionality.&nbsp;

Each home features Smeg appliances, smart home automation, and generous balconies overlooking the bay and skyline.&nbsp;

Amenities include a gym, sauna, games room, meditation deck, and landscaped courtyards, with wellness and social spaces designed to foster community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149850 project_image_fid=279]

From an investment perspective, Horizon offers what Positus describes as a “value and income sweet spot.” At an average entry price around $745,000 and yields near five per cent, Hurstville units remain roughly $200,000 below comparable inner-west suburbs, allowing investors to capture metro proximity without inner-city risk exposure.

Horizon will deliver 179 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments above St Clair Lane.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/masscon">Masscon</a> is on site moving its way up the building, which is scheduled for completion in late 2026, with move-in expected shortly after.

One Collection is currently offering a five per cent deposit incentive for a limited time.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149850]

The One Collection opens new investment window at Horizon Hurstville with limited-time incentives

Blockhead

<html><body>
Apartments.com.au celebrated its second birthday this month. This is an opportune time to reflect on the past two years and look to the future.

With that in mind, let's take a trip down memory lane with some of my concept designs for various sites around Melbourne.

Following this, I will open the floor to our readers to suggest ideas or concepts they'd like to see for a site or building; for example, Central Pier or development over the railyards at Southern Cross.

<h2>Station Pier concept</h2>

<blockquote>
The idea is the development would act as a gateway for visitors arriving via sea (standing out from a distance) while also activating what is an otherwise series of 'dead' spaces. The concept won't appeal to all but hopefully it serves its purpose in provoking thought for a complex that could be so much more.
</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/montage_01_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Station pier concept © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/montage_01_11.jpg?itok=AtchEiUw" title="Station pier concept © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Station pier concept © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li><a href="/news/blockhead-concept-pier-ing-into-the-future">Blockhead concept: Pier-ing into the future</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>447 Collins Street concept</h2>

<blockquote>
The concept for Market Square, located at 447 Collins Street investigates the possibility of redeveloping the former National Mutual Plaza into a bustling urban oasis in the middle of the Melbourne CBD, that in part pays homage to the site's previous life as the Western Market.
</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/03_2_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="447 Collins Street concept © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="231" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03_2_0.jpg?itok=odQlkJc1" title="447 Collins Street concept © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>447 Collins Street concept © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li><a href="/news/blockhead-concept-447-collins-street-market-square">Blockhead concept: 447 Collins Street / Market Square</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>QVM Precinct concept</h2>

<blockquote>
Like most sequels, no-one really asked for it, but I went ahead and decided to produce one anyway. Without further ado here's the highly anticipated "This little piggy went to a different market", focusing on everyone's favourite, the Queen Victoria Market.
</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/qvm_04_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Queen Victoria Market concept © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="297" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qvm_04_0.png?itok=nBzCN7ta" title="Queen Victoria Market concept © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queen Victoria Market concept © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li><a href="/news/this-little-piggy-went-to-a-different-market-probably-on-foot">This little piggy went to a different market (probably on foot)</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>What to do with Waterfront City</h2>

<blockquote>
From the moment of its conception, Waterfront City has struggled with an identity crisis of sorts; it's part entertainment precinct and part shopping precinct with no real unifying theme. Bearing that in mind today's piece constitutes the first part of a series of articles looking at ways of improving the look and usability of the precinct.
</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/waterfront_city_park.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Waterfront City concept © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="299" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/waterfront_city_park.jpg?itok=HDitirbc" title="Waterfront City concept © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Waterfront City concept © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li><a href="/expert-insights/buying/what-to-do-with-waterfront-city-part-one">What to do with Waterfront City? (part one)</a></li>
	<li><a href="/expert-insights/buying/what-to-do-with-waterfront-city-part-two">What to do with Waterfront City? (part two)</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Brunswick Market concept</h2>

<blockquote>
The strategy behind the plan is simple: live local, grow local, buy local - a self sustained village of sorts. The market traders could live within any one of the 5 apartment buildings or shop top homes, the fruit and vegetables would be grown on-site and sold on site, with the Brunswick Market housed in a new building fronting Sydney Road, integrated with an urban farm to the rear that spills out onto Florence Lane (nee Street).
</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/03_laneway_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brunswick Market concept © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="247" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03_laneway_01.jpg?itok=k7PJkkjw" title="Brunswick Market concept © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brunswick Market concept © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li><a href="/news/blockhead-concept-this-little-piggy-went-to-market-on-his-fixie">Blockhead concept: this little piggy went to market (on his fixie)</a></li>
</ul>
​So which site should we devise a concept for next?
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Have your say: which site should Urban.com.au devise a concept for next?

<html><body>
This time last year I wrote an article called "<a href="/news/blockhead-concept-this-little-piggy-went-to-market-on-his-fixie">This little piggy went to market (on his fixie)</a>" which investigated (on a purely conceptual level) redeveloping the Brunswick Market site @ 661 Sydney Road into a mixed-use village.

Like most sequels, no-one really asked for it, but I went ahead and decided to produce one anyway. Without further ado here's the highly anticipated "This little piggy went to a different market", focusing on everyone's favourite, the Queen Victoria Market.

As most readers would know, the City of Melbourne have made their intentions clear in the past year regarding the market's renewal: creating one of the world's great market experiences. City of Melbourne are currently pushing ahead with phase two of their community consultation process, covered in <a href="/news/unesco-world-heritage-listing-for-the-vic">an earlier article</a>.

Based on some of the guiding principles illustrated below, I've put together a concept for the site with a focus on the new public space and southern development site.

<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/Image2vmarket_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queen Victoria Market Planning Strategy. © City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="695" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2vmarket_0.jpg?itok=jvk9iWQI" title="Queen Victoria Market Planning Strategy. © City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

I've kept it rather broad and conceptual, to nut out the finer details and design it correctly would take more time than I can presently afford.

Put simply it's an idea around a series of new glazed and timber sheds which house various programs (such as nurseries, a community veggie patch, microbrewery and TAFE) bordering a large public space, featuring a mix of soft and hard landscaping.

For the new development to the south, I've kept the buildings which interface with the Queen, Franklin and William Streets to maximum height of eight levels. Predominantly residential in use they are clad in a mix of timber, masonry and off-form concrete with retail at ground level. A new laneway off Franklin Street snakes its way through the site and out on to Queen Street.

To the south of the laneway sits 18-storey and 80-storey buildings of mixed uses; the taller of which is loosely based on a shard-like reinterpretation of DCM's unbuilt Building 4 at the former Carlton Brewery site.

And with that I shall let you all (hopefully) enjoy these conceptual images:

<dl>
<dt><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/QVM_01_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="New development to Peel &amp; Franklin Streets. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/QVM_01_1.png?itok=vijLeMYL" title="New development to Peel &amp; Franklin Streets. © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a></dt>
	<dd>New development to Peel &amp; Franklin Streets. © Laurence Dragomir</dd>
	<dt><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/QVM_02.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Plaza view looking west along new Franklin St. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="239" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/QVM_02.png?itok=ByAJeeNw" title="Plaza view looking west along new Franklin St. © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a></dt>
	<dd>Plaza view looking west along new Franklin St. © Laurence Dragomir</dd>
	<dt><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/QVM_04_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial view of north end and market precinct. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="297" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/QVM_04_0.png?itok=DUmF24LZ" title="Aerial view of north end and market precinct. © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a></dt>
	<dd>Aerial view of north end and market precinct. © Laurence Dragomir</dd>
	<dt><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/tower_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="300m tower - drawing cues from DCM's unbuilt Brewery tower. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tower_0.png?itok=6P6MpAmb" title="300m tower - drawing cues from DCM's unbuilt Brewery tower. © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a></dt>
	<dd>300m tower - drawing cues from DCM's unbuilt Brewery tower. © Laurence Dragomir</dd>
	<dt><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/QVM_03a.png" rel="gallery-all" title="View of new development from Queen Street. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="167" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/QVM_03a.png?itok=FyLk9orc" title="View of new development from Queen Street. © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a></dt>
	<dd>View of new development from Queen Street. © Laurence Dragomir</dd>
	<dt><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/QVM_03.png" rel="gallery-all" title="View looking east along Franklin Street with skyline in the distance. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="237" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/QVM_03.png?itok=5V7tSACP" title="View looking east along Franklin Street with skyline in the distance. © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a></dt>
	<dd>View looking east along Franklin Street with skyline in the distance. © Laurence Dragomir</dd>
</dl>
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This little piggy went to a different market (probably on foot)

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Following on from <a href="/news/the-pencil-skyscraper-464-collins-street-in-depth#content" target="_blank">Mark's comprehensive article on the development at 464 Collins Street yesterday</a>, I have the privilege of providing you all with a follow up article aptly named "How do you solve a problem like 464?" More specifically I am referring to the sheer concrete wall abutting the western boundary of the site, broken up only by two slivers of glazing; a pet hate of the Apartments.com.au crew.

464 Collins Street is not alone in this regard and this article should in no way be construed as an attack on the building or project architect Bates Smart for that matter, whose work I generally admire. Rather the intent is to highlight what we consider to be a problem that is becoming more prevalent with new buildings along shared boundaries - the dreaded blank wall.

This commonly occurs on smaller city sites housing residential towers designed to achieve the maximum yield or commercial towers with a side core arrangement hoping to maximise floor plate efficiency. As a result of this insatiable need for more and more apartments/office space in the city coupled with Floor Space Ratios unofficially going out the window (pun definitely intended) some time ago, means setbacks from boundaries are becoming somewhat of an endangered species. This basically limits the possibility of any windows to habitable rooms along the site's boundary and you guessed it we're left with a blank wall.

<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/eEYx88.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Star &amp; Sky as seen from Elizabeth Street. Image credit Ryan Seychell."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/eEYx88.jpg?itok=zlWF4NEh" title="Melbourne Star &amp; Sky as seen from Elizabeth Street. Image credit Ryan Seychell." typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Star &amp; Sky as seen from Elizabeth Street. Image credit Ryan Seychell.</figcaption></figure>The most recent crop of buildings to be adorned with this must have architectural accessory are Melbourne's answer to Mary-Kate &amp; Ashley Olsen (better known as Melbourne Star and Melbourne Sky above), developed by Brady Group and designed by Peddle Thorp Architects. Both buildings' service cores are located to the east and west boundaries of the greater site, the towers only being separated (just) by Sutherland Lane.

Consequently a pedestrian walking along Elizabeth Street is presented with a great big blank wall making up about 50% of the eastern elevation, a sliver of glass, and a facade nominal setback consisting of a series of windows and balconies which will lose any amenity that they may currently have once the adjoining site is redeveloped.

Melbourne Star &amp; Sky highlight the problem developers and architects on tight sites have to contend with perfectly; you either build all the way to the boundary and have no windows or you setback a minimal distance (usually 1.5m) and risk the loss of what natural light and means of ventilation those apartments possess to any future development.

<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/08jj.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="464 Collins with a kinetic energy facade applied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/08jj.jpg?itok=LZIS6Wlj" title="464 Collins with a kinetic energy facade applied" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

<figcaption>464 Collins with a kinetic energy facade applied</figcaption></figure>So just what can be done with a blank concrete wall along a shared boundary considering there's the possibility that at some point in the not-too-distant future another building will cover cover the precast facade. Using 464 Collins Street as my subject I had a crack at some potential treatments for the blank concrete wall to the west. While the urban art and embossed precast make grand visual statements that may fall foul of planning authorities, the kinetic energy facade strikes a balance between subtle visual interest and intense facade activation.

Consisting of small aluminum tiles bound by lengths of wire, the facade treatment seems fluid, reacting to wind movement in a constantly changing manner providing an interface between built form and the natural environment. Current examples include <a href="http://www.uap.com.au/art/infrastructure/brisbane-domestic-terminal-car-park/" target="_blank">Brisbane Airport's car park</a> and Marina Bay Sands Singapore. The beauty of such a facade application is that when required it could be easily removed utilising 464 Collins Street's building mechanical unit with minimal fuss.

Ultimately though once again it's a matter of heightened planning policy and enforcement; I wouldn't be holding my breathe...

Click for a larger view and enjoy the renders including some context shots!
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How do you solve a problem like 464?

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A lot has happened since my last concept article (<a href="/news/blockhead-concept-this-little-piggy-went-to-market-on-his-fixie">This Little Piggy went to Market (on his fixie)</a>): Kevin Rudd is now Prime Minister, Australia has lost The Ashes but is fighting for respect, The Maroons are State of Origin champions and Hawthorn lost to Geelong while Essendon has run out of steam yet again.

All the while I've been lying in bed at night thinking about Station Pier, Port Melbourne. This article forms part of a series of articles focusing on Port Melbourne's past, present and future. As the name suggests I'll be focusing on a possible future for at least part of the site.

I may revisit the pier itself for another article at some stage, however I have decided to focus on the area highlighted in red below, closest to Waterfront Place.

<figure><img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/pictures/article-images/Existing%20site%20plan.jpg"></figure>My concept for the site consists of seven parts as seen on the map below:

<figure><img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/pictures/article-images/site%20plan_edit-01_1.jpg"></figure><ol>
<li>A museum and visitor centre focusing on the history of the pier</li>
	<li>A raised sloping park with public parking underneath, replacing the current open air car park and nature strip</li>
	<li>New paved square</li>
	<li>Overpass and raised public concourse allowing for courier/truck access through and underneath the development</li>
	<li>8-storey apartment building with retail at ground and concourse levels + 2 rooftop gardens and pergola structure</li>
	<li>55-storey Hotel and apartments with retail and commercial space at ground and concourse levels + garden on rooftop</li>
	<li>65-storey apartment tower atop a 3-storey shared podium, retail at ground and concourse levels</li>
</ol>
While the height of the towers may be significantly beyond any other development in the area, they sit to the south of the existing residential area and west of the beach; overshadowing of the beach only really occurring late in the afternoon, which particularly in summer, might not be such a bad thing. As per previous concepts dreamt up for Apartments.com.au, I have tried to provide a reasonable balance between private and public spaces.

The idea is the development would act as a gateway for visitors arriving via sea (standing out from a distance) while also activating what is an otherwise series of 'dead' spaces. The concept won't appeal to all, but hopefully it serves its purpose in provoking thought for a complex that could be so much more.

Hope you enjoy the images below, click for them for a full screen view.
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Blockhead Concept - Pier-ing into the future

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Following <a href="/news/anstey-in-colour">Anstey in Colour</a> and <a href="/news/anstey-in-development">Anstey in Development</a>, the final instalment is… "This little piggy went to market (on his fixie)". Today we look at Brunswick Market (661 Sydney Road), its immediate derelict neighbours on Florence Street and the potential development opportunities that exist within the precinct.

The strategy covers a number sites, which are but a short stroll or fixie ride from Anstey Station and Sydney Road. See Google Maps image below, with site highlighted in a rich shade of Brunswick Green.

<figure><img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/pictures/article-images/Site.jpg"></figure>As John Batman once declared on the banks of the Yarra, to whomever was listening "This is the place for a village!" So too do we at Apartments.com.au decree that this is "the place for a village!"

The strategy behind the plan is simple: live local, grow local, buy local - a self sustained village of sorts. The market traders could live within any one of the 5 apartment buildings or shop top homes, the fruit and vegetables would be grown on-site and sold on site, with the Brunswick Market housed in a new building fronting Sydney Road, integrated with an urban farm to the rear that spills out onto Florence Lane (nee Street).

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/05_overall%20aerial_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Anstey Village overview"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/05_overall%20aerial_0.jpg?itok=hWLqsZqT" title="Anstey Village overview" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Anstey Village overview</figcaption></figure><h2>Key features</h2>

<ul>
<li>A rebuillt Brunswick Market.</li>
	<li>A Multi-storey urban market housed within a glass house.</li>
	<li>5 apartment buildings ranging in height starting from 3 storeys fronting Sydney Road and rising to 13-storeys facing Breese St, employing a variety of materials to break down the visual mass and create an identity for each tower element.</li>
	<li>The pedestrianising of Florence Street with a strong interface between it and the new market / multi-storey urban farm.</li>
	<li>Shoptop housing along Florence Lane with a mix of retail spilling onto the laneway with plenty of bicycle parking.</li>
	<li>An expansive rooftop park.</li>
	<li>North facing sky gardens interspered between apartments.</li>
</ul>
Whereas my last renders for <a href="/news/the-future-of-vertical-farms-in-melbourne">integrated vertical farming</a> were more about exploring a notion, Brunswick Village is certainly a more viable commercial concept. Regardless of whether the site is owned by state, private of institutional interests the concept could proceed given the acquisition of a minimal number of adjoining sites.

Without burdening readers with a thorough business case, development would roll out as follows. The current vacant carpark would be developed initially, with profits from residential unit and retail space sales to fund the still running market redevelopment. Stage two involves redeveloping the market space fronting Sydney Road to the north of Florence Street. The new market would move into this area and stage three would see the remainder developed, delivering additional multi-stotey urban market space along with a signature circular residential building.

There you have it, the potential to deliver a redeveloped market with improved urban outcomes whilst having the market run continually in some way, shape or form throughout the construction process.

Next up is a <a href="/news/blockhead-concept-pier-ing-into-the-future">revamped Station Pier</a>. Feel free to leave your suggestions as to what you'ld like to see next. Enjoy the images below.
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Blockhead concept - This little piggy went to market (on his fixie)

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Earlier this year I travelled to the United States for work purposes, a great experience even though I swapped my shorts for snow and icy footpaths. Through my travels I managed to visit the Museum of Science and Industry (www.msichicago.org) in Chicago. In and amongst some impressive displays I stumbled across the Fast Forward - Inventing the Future exhibition which displayed some of the "usual suspects" when it came to western humanity's view of the future like bendy phones and robots that can make you breakfast. 
The one display that particularly resonated with me described the benefits of using vertical farming through inner city areas to help tackle the world's food production problems. <a href="http://www.mailman.columbia.edu/our-faculty/profile?uni=ddd1" target="_blank">Dr. Dickson Despommier</a> has been a vocal advocate of this method of farming and given his background as an ecologist, microbiologist and Professor of Public Health and Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University - I'd say his opinion carries substantial oomph.
The issues involved are complex and significant. Through Despommier's website <a href="http://www.verticalfarm.com" target="_blank">www.verticalfarm.com</a>, it's estimated that by 2050 nearly 80% of the world's population will be living in urban areas.
Consequently to feed the additional 3 billion people, current practices would require an additional agricultural land equivelant to 20% the size of Brazil. Assuming current trends continue there may well be a shortfall in required resources yet through the use of vertical farming a partial, yet highly sustainable solution is in the offing.
Advantages with vertical farming include:
<ul>
<li>
		Year round crop production; 1 indoor acre is equivalent to 4-6 outdoor acres, depending on the crop. For example, 1 indoor acre of strawberries is equivalent to 30 outdoor acres;</li>
	<li>
		Crop issues relating to weather and pests become redundant;</li>
	<li>
		All food grown in vertical farms are organic;</li>
	<li>
		Vertical farming eliminates agricultural runoff by recycling black water;</li>
	<li>
		Vertical farming eliminates the use of agricultural land for growing crops;</li>
	<li>
		Greatly reduced incidence of many infectious diseases associated with the agricultural interface;</li>
	<li>
		Vertical farming converts black and grey water into potable water by collectiong the water of evapotranspiration;</li>
	<li>
		Vertical farming adds energy back to the grid via methane generation from composting non-edible parts of plants and animals;</li>
	<li>
		Dramatic reduction in fossil fuel use (no tractors, plows, shipping);</li>
	<li>
		Conversion of abandoned urban properties into food production centres;</li>
	<li>
		Creation of sustainable environments for urban centres;</li>
	<li>
		Creation of new economic and employment opportunities;</li>
</ul>
So how could this be applied to Melbourne? Resident renderer Laurence Dragomir of Blockhead has used the former Savoy Tavern site on the corner of Bourke and Spencer Streets as our test site to demonstate how a mixed-use vertical farm and residential tower in Melbourne may look like (if we had lots of money and could defy gravity...).  
The concept shown below proposes a tower comprising a 15 storey high public market hall at the corner of Bourke and Spencer Streets, north facing terraced community gardens and a communal urban farm. An atrium runs the height of the building.
While whimsical in its nature, the scheme demonstrates the sustainable direction that buildings should pursue. There is no doubt that in the future governments must consider the use of vertical farming and other efficient practices as a legitimate way of sustaining the planet's growing population.
If greater Melbourne continues to gobble up potential farming land for detached houses and increased urban sprawl, then we will reach a point where the financial and environmental cost of sustaining our population could spiral.
On a smaller scale, a number of restaurants around Melbourne are growing a lot of their own plant based produce in house which is great, but we need to think about facilitating this in a far larger scale.
We pride ourselves as a great food city, let's pride ourselves on being a great sustainable food city. Utilising vertical farm technology would go a long way in achieving that goal.
 
Sources and Further reading 
http://www.verticalfarm.com/
http://www.economist.com/node/17647627
http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/fastforward/
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flame

The future of vertical farms in Melbourne

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Market Square is the first in a series of articles I will be writing for Apartments.com.au that will be looking at the adaptation, regeneration and development of buildings, structures and sites through conceptual interventions in the form of pretty pictures.

The concept for Market Square, located at 447 Collins Street investigates the possibility of redeveloping the former National Mutual Plaza into a bustling urban oasis in the middle of the Melbourne CBD, that in part pays homage to the site's previous life as the Western Market.

The idea came about after a panel on the Godfrey and Spowers designed building came <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/concrete-slab-falls-10-storeys-20120130-1qp08" target="_blank">crashing down</a> in January 2012. Following which, owner's ISPT engaged consultants Aurecon to complete an assessment of the structural integrity of the tower and its facade.

<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/03_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A bustling urban oasis in the middle of the Melbourne CBD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/03_2.jpg?itok=-MVxD5Pt" title="A bustling urban oasis in the middle of the Melbourne CBD" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>A bustling urban oasis in the middle of the Melbourne CBD</figcaption></figure><h2>The Site</h2>

Before I go any further, here is a brief rundown of the site:

<ul>
<li>The current 1960's international style marble facade building replaced the former Western Market following its demolition in 1961.</li>
	<li>The Western Market, established in 1841 and operating for 90 years before its closure, was Melbourne's first official fresh fruit and vegetable market. Market Street is named after it.</li>
	<li>The site is zoned as CCZ1 (Capital City Zone 1) meaning a permit is required to:</li>
</ul>
<ol style="font-style: italic;">
<li>To construct a building or construct or carry out works which will cast a shadow across the north bank of the Yarra River between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm on 22 June. A permit may only be granted if the responsible authority considers the overshadowing will not prejudice the amenity of the Yarra River corridor.</li>
	<li>To construct a building or construct or carry out works which would cast a shadow between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm on 22 March and 22 September over public space, public parks and gardens, public squares, major pedestrian routes including streets and lanes, and privately owned plazas open to the public. A permit may only be granted if the responsible authority considers the overshadowing will not prejudice the amenity of those areas.</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>See <a href="http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/melbourne/ordinance/37_04s01_melb.pdf">Schedule 1 to the Capital City Zone</a> for more info.</li>
	<li>Additonally the usual <a href="http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/melbourne/ordinance/43_02s01_melb.pdf">Design Development Overlay</a> applies to the site.</li>
	<li>Basic Planning Property report for the site can be found <a href="http://services.land.vic.gov.au/landchannel/content/propertyReport?reportNo=3">here</a>
</li>
	<li>Currently no Heritage Overlays apply to the site</li>
</ul>
While ISPT consider the current building's future following the exit of the final tenants mid-year (there has been talk of retaining it and carrying out remedial works to the facade) I have decided in this instance to knock it down and go tabula rasa on its derriere.

You're probably asking "but why Laurence? what's wrong with the current building?" "have you no architectural conscience?" "Tabula, Rasa? Derriere? Good god man what are you on about?"

All very good questions. Here I see an opportunity to inject some much needed sheltered, green space into the heart of the CBD.

<h2>Project Summary</h2>

The key elements of the scheme are as follows:

<ul>
<li>A 4,000sqm, sunken (relative to Collins Street), north facing public park, accessed via stairs and bleachers along Collins and featuring a community garden</li>
	<li>A large timber 'Urbarn' Market (Urban + Barn, gee aren't I clever) paying homage to the site's former life as the Western Market</li>
	<li>A 45-storey office tower raised above a 12-storey public 'podium' housing your stock standard bars, cafe, restaurants etc. plus a publically accesible, tiered, urban farm stepping up from Collins Street. The tower is topped off with a roof top garden and 80m light shard.</li>
	<li>A 12-storey high, concrete verandah over the park on a monumental scale akin to the Grande Arche in Paris providing shelter from the weather and framing the view of the significant beaux-arts former Port Authority Building to the south.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Method behind the madness?</h2>

I tried to be strategic in orienting the tower to run north-south versus the current building which is sited to run east-west. This was done as a means of reducing the visual bulk from the river and the amount of overshadowing for a tower of its height even is it's not ideal from an ESD point of view.

I have attempted to control the amount solar gain through the faceted triple skinned glazed facade which is also intended to act as a wind mitigator, by reducing the amount of 'flat' surface area.

The provision of an urban park was partly done to offset any loss of amenity to the Northbank as a result of the tower's height, which is taller than the current building due to the amount of site area given over to public programme.

I also liked the idea of inserting a park into Melbourne's main street amongst the corporate towers.

I think I've rambled on enough for now, so until next time when I will be tackling Station Pier in Port Melbourne. Please enjoy the site chronology and images below - let me know what you think. Peace out.
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