Gold Coast developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/big-projects">Big Projects</a> has secured approval for its second Mermaid Beach project.

The developer, currently selling <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-frederick-mermaid-beach-2265-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Frederick in Nobby Beach</a>, has secured approval for its next project just 1.5 kilomnetres up the road.

The new development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glenelg-residences-2462-2472-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Glenelg Residences</a>, has been designed by BDA Architecture and&nbsp;will have just under 100 apartments across an 11-storey building&nbsp;at 2462–2472 Gold Coast Highway, on the corner of Glenelg Avenue just under 300m from the future Mermaid Beach Light Rail stop.

The apartments, a mix of two- and three-bedrooms, will sit above a retail-focused ground plane and under extensive rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.04%20am.png?VersionId=z6NV4izeuvhBSSVlY6vK6TPO1LxrFeaG" />

BDA said in its planning submission that the project is intended to support the area’s transition toward higher-density, mixed-use living. “This project offers the opportunity to generate appropriate higher-intensity development within the future Light Rail corridor of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a>,” the submission noted.

At ground level, Glenelg Residences will include eight retail tenancies designed to activate the street frontage, complemented by a basement bar offering an additional hospitality element. Above, residents will have access to a rooftop amenity deck featuring an infinity pool, hot and cold plunge spas, day beds, and barbecue facilities.

The architectural approach adopts a restrained material palette of brick, textured concrete, and integrated landscaping, with cantilevered concrete frames and cascading planting intended to soften the built form. BDA described the design as aiming to create “a memorable sculptural mid-rise mixed-use building” that responds to both its coastal setting and urban context.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.45%20am.png?VersionId=cpjIVBqcT_sujmo2UMWkVyLcQ7WGJHaQ" />

The approval comes as the City of Gold Coast continues to plan for significant population growth, with regional targets requiring more than 100,000 new high-density dwellings by 2046.

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Big Projects, led by Matthew and John Barrett, is part of a growing cohort of developers that deliver construction in-house, providing a high level of confidence to prospective purchasers.
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150260]

Joel Robinson

Big Projects secures approval for Glenelg Residences in Mermaid Beach

Sherpa Group is ramping up its investment in the southern Gold Coast by lodging a development application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, a new $350 million project in Coolangatta.

The move comes after the group’s $27 million acquisition of the 2,029 sqm site on the corner of Griffith and Warner Street, last year.

They will develop 194 apartments across a 26-storey tower, which will become Sherpa’s largest project to date.

Viveré will be the next chapter in the Flourish story, following closely behind Amargo, Oasis, and the Avenues in Palm Beach, as well as Symphony in Brisbane, all designed to deliver affordable housing in lifestyle-rich locations, giving locals a real chance to secure a residence close to the beachfront.

The HAL Architect-designed project will offer a diverse range of residences, from one-, two, and three- bedroom apartments to the premium Canopy range to luxury penthouses.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c85f5a7e-a22f-4745-8def-400adb3c0b35" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.43%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=OY.chur3BPExn1exQ2q8clHqWnW_CaBi" />

“The Gold Coast is undergoing a period of immense growth, with more people drawn to the incredible 
lifestyle that’s available, leading to strong growth in property prices,” said Christie Leet, founder of Sherpa 
Group.

“Our goal at Sherpa is to ensure locals are not priced out of the market in prime locations, which is why we 
created the Flourish collection.

“Flourish Vivere will form the next chapter in our portfolio, and we are so excited to be lodging the DA, marking our first project in Coolangatta.”

A signature of the Flourish developments is the communal rooftop. Flourish Vivere will showcase a private resident’s lounge, outdoor dining with barbecues and pizza ovens, heated pool, fully-equipped gym, and a wellness centre with sauna and steam room.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c09372cc-aae6-4458-af2e-f291bd19a5e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Sc_RLXl5jiff.tnadogXjQJ_WIpDjf3p" />

The project is strategically located to offer a walkable lifestyle, with the Strand shopping centre, cafes, restaurants, shops and the beach, all just a short stroll away.

“We have meticulously planned Vivere to build on the Flourish legacy, creating a truly special project,”&nbsp;Leet added.

“Wellness, lifestyle and community are at the forefront of every decision we make, and that has not 
changed for Vivere.”

With the DA now lodged with the Gold Coast City Council, Sherpa has moved quickly to secure LPS Group as the builder, offering buyers a level of certainty that is rarely seen in today’s market.

Sherpa has delivered 16 residential projects over the past seven years with a pipeline of $1 billion, with more under construction.

Sherpa takes Flourish brand to Coolangatta, lays plans for Flourish Vivere 

S&amp;S Projects is boosting its investment at Rainbow Bay to more than $1 billion after the prolific Gold Coast developer acquired a new site for $20.25 million and immediately laid plans for a new luxury apartment project in the sought-after precinct.

The site, which is the company’s fifth acquisition at Rainbow Bay in the past four years, will be home to the company’s largest project to date after delivering 3 sold-out projects and construction progresses on Radia worth a combined $215m. 
S&amp;S Projects is currently finalising plans for its latest strategic acquisition, a 1,518 sqm site located 209-213 Boundary Street in Coolangatta, with a development application expected to be lodged within weeks.

The luxury residential development will build on the company’s highly successful projects at Rainbow Bay, comprising Flow, Awaken, Esprit and Radia, with Radia currently under construction by Hutchinson Builders.

“We have been unflinching in our commitment to Rainbow Bay and the transformation we have helped drive in this incredible part of the Gold Coast, which is among the city’s most desirable residential locations,” said S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun.

“Our fifth project will reflect the best of what we have done so far to create a lifestyle precinct that is second to none.”

The latest development, which has yet to be named, is proposed to accommodate 88 luxury apartments in a design that will immerse residents in a unique wellness lifestyle that expands on the legacy of S&amp;S Project’s earlier developments at Rainbow Bay.

The development will feature an expansive rooftop garden and wellness centre with a resort- style pool, among a host of lifestyle amenities planned for residents.

“Rainbow Bay, with its beautiful, protected beach and alongside one of the world’s best surf breaks at Snapper Rocks, is the natural wellness heartland of the Gold Coast,” said Gedoun.

“We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden.”

The latest acquisition comes as S&amp;S Projects is at the completion of Esprit and construction continues on Radia, which are part of their significant portfolio undertaken by the company at Rainbow Bay since 2022.

The $215 million Radia, which comprises 38 apartments, is currently the flagship development by S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay which is expected to be completed in 2027.

Jayde Pezet, of Pezet Matheson, which has managed sales and marketing for S&amp;S Projects across their Gold Coast portfolio, emphasised the developer’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

“S&amp;S Projects continue to elevate the benchmark of luxury with each development," Pezet said.

“We have worked with S&amp;amp;S on their 4 other projects in Rainbow Bay and their approach reflects a team that is constantly learning, refining, and pushing the standard higher.

“Their hyper-local knowledge and deep expertise within the luxury property sector are what truly set them apart, allowing them to deliver projects that feel both globally sophisticated and authentically connected to their coastal environment”

S&amp;S Projects plans to officially launch its latest project at Rainbow Bay in the second half of this year.

“As we embark on our largest project yet, we have pulled out all stops to create another landmark development that truly reflects the relaxed southern Gold Coast lifestyle,” Gedoun added.

S&S buys $20m Rainbow Bay site for fifth beachside apartment project

Japandi, an emerging design trend that combines Scandinavian functionality with Japanese rustic minimalism, remains relatively untested in Australia’s residential development market.

As developers look to differentiate their projects and offer something distinct to buyers, Brisbane-based developer Lantona has embraced the hybrid style for its recently launched Toowong apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/koya-residences-6-josling-street-toowong-qld-4066">Koya Residences</a>, with early response to the design proving positive.

Lantona entrusted Red Door Architecture and interiors practice Luma Design Co with delivering the Japandi brief. The approach blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, emphasising warm, restrained interiors, natural materials and clean lines. Drawing on the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection) and the Scandinavian principle of hygge (comfort and cosiness), it creates serene, uncluttered and sustainable living environments.

These design principles are expressed throughout the Josling Street development, both in its exterior form and across the 40 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences within.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366229]

Koya reflects a deliberately scaled approach, with the five-storey form designed to align with the surrounding residential streetscape rather than dominate it.

“Koya is conceived as a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings. Every decision, from material selection to spatial planning, has been guided by long-term liveability and enduring relevance,” the developer said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366243]

Positioned within an established inner-west neighbourhood, the development sits near riverfront parklands and the Bicentennial Bikeway, while remaining within walking distance of Toowong Village and multiple public transport options connecting to the CBD, St Lucia and West End.

Lantona said the location was central to the project’s conception, pointing to Toowong’s balance of green space, transport access and proximity to major education institutions.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> combines river access, walkability, immediate CBD connection and a strong educational presence. That balance made it the obvious setting for Koya.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

Communal amenity is concentrated on the rooftop, where a shared retreat will include a pool, dining areas and outdoor spaces oriented towards neighbourhood and city views. The design allows for both private use and small gatherings, extending the living environment beyond individual apartments.

Koya enters the market at a time when smaller-scale developments are becoming less common in established suburbs, with many recent projects in the suburb shooting for the sky.

In a nod of confidence,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/brisbane-builders">Brisbane Builders</a>&nbsp;has already commenced construction on the building, which is slated for completion in early 2027. Keenan &amp; Byrne is marketing Koya.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150787]

Japandi-inspired Koya Residences launch in Toowong

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A completed Castle Hill apartment development is returning to market with an uncommon level of financial backing, positioning it as one of the more secure options for buyers in Sydney’s north-west.

Skyview in Castle Hill, originally developed by Top Place and now overseen by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, is being relaunched following a full remediation process. Central to its repositioning is a substantial financial reserve designed to provide ongoing protection and reduce uncertainty for incoming purchasers.

At the core of this offering is an $11 million bond secured during the project’s remediation phase, negotiated by former NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler. With less than $4 million required to complete the works, approximately $7.2 million remains in reserve, with around 15 years left on the term.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359134]

Rather than a typical insurance-backed structure, the remaining funds are held as cash, creating a readily accessible financial buffer should any future building issues arise. The structure is intended to provide buyers with an added layer of certainty, differentiating the development from more conventional apartment offerings.

Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure provides a level of security not typically seen in apartment developments.

“The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers,” Huxley said.

“Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359135]

The remediation process has now been completed in full, with no active rectification orders or outstanding directives linked to the project on NSW Government registers. This outcome reflects the broader tightening of building oversight across the state, while also highlighting the project’s transition into a completed, compliant asset.

In a market where many buyers remain cautious about apartment quality, initiatives like this are designed to restore confidence, giving purchasers greater certainty and a stronger sense of security in their investment.

Equitifund has since acquired the remaining apartments and is managing their reintroduction to the market. With the works finalised and a significant financial reserve in place, the project now presents with a markedly different risk profile compared to its initial release.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359137]

Beyond the added security, the development is positioned in one of Castle Hill’s more established pockets. The Gay Street address places it within close proximity to Castle Towers, one of the country’s largest retail centres, as well as Castle Hill Metro Station, which now connects directly to the broader Sydney Metro network.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said buyer demand in the area continues to be driven by access to transport and amenity.

“Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre,” Hamblett said.

“There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359145]

The apartments also enter the market at a relatively accessible price point for the area, with two-bedroom configurations starting from $995,000 and rental demand for similar stock reaching around $900 per week. This combination of pricing, connectivity, and completed status is expected to appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors seeking lower-risk entry into the Hills District apartment market.

For eligible buyers, a limited 3.50 per cent p.a. two-year fixed interest rate is currently available through Equitifund’s lending partners, providing an additional layer of affordability.

EquitiCredit Pty Ltd ACN 676 363 769 holds ACL 559289 and provides credit assistance. Finance is arranged through EquitiCredit and funded by its lending partners. Interest rates are subject to change and eligibility criteria apply. Terms, conditions, fees and charges may apply. This is not financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. Prospective buyers should seek independent financial advice.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]
</section>

Castle Hill apartments offering unmatched buyer protection through dedicated fund

Bourke Street

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A three-storey Bourke Street, Melbourne retail building, home for many years to jewellers Kozminsky, has been bought by the Giannarelli family for $7.6 million.
They are well known in Melbourne for its stonemason business.
Bidding began at $5 million from Grant Cohen, whose family own The Block arcade with the property called on the market at $6.5 million.
The corner 421 Bourke Street building, which dates back more than 150 years, last traded in 1976 at $295,000.
It was sold at a building rate of more than $25,000 per square metre.
It followed the closure of tenants, Kozminsky in March this year after 165 years in business. 
The building was listed by the Shaw family through CBRE.
The property was built as as a single-storey bluestone office for the stock and station agents Kaye Butchart &amp; Co in 1859.
Bourke Street's last sale was earlier this year when the vacated home of Society restaurant sold for $8.07 million.
The vacant three-level building, listed as notable under city planning laws, was sold by the Codognotto family who had owned it since 1981.
The 23-29 Bourke Street premises sold through Gross Waddell's Raoul Salter.
The Italian-themed Society restaurant was first opened by immigrant Guiseppe Codognotto in 1924 closing just last year.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Kozminsky building on Bourke Street, Melbourne sold

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It just wouldn't be Melbourne at the moment without another Asian-backed property developer holding grandiose plans for a clutch of forthcoming inner-city apartment towers. Eagle-eyed Apartments.com.au contributor Nicholas Harrison has spotted the latest in a conga line of new developers seeking their slice of the Melbourne action.

Sydney-based Besgate Group is the latest entrant into the market with three sizeable residential towers in the works, including 640 Bourke Street which may well tip over 270 metres in height. The privately owned consortium has had exposure of sorts in Melbourne previously, listing La Banque as their only Melbourne project although Melbourne-based Brady Group was the developer for the Little Lonsdale Street apartment tower.

Previous to their Melbourne aspirations, Besgate Group have completed a string of projects in both Sydney and predominantly Shanghai over the past decade, with B1 Tower Parramatta and Atria North Sydney among their recent projects. Their Melbourne projects are as follows:

<h2>140 King Street</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/king_2-750x283.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Recently to planning. Image courtesy Besgate"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="219" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/king_2-750x283.png?itok=pcWdOkDv" title="Recently to planning. Image courtesy Besgate" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Recently to planning. Image courtesy Besgate Group</figcaption></figure>Lodged with the State Government for assessment earlier this month, Besgate Group carry images of the proposed residential tower on their website. Le Roi as it's expected to be named, will replace a three-level office building with a 58-level residential tower complete with an articulated black exterior.

Situated over a 781sqm block, the tower will hold 271 apartments, with an element of commercial space expected as well. At approximately 180 metres in height, the project has an estimated value of $300 million and is in close proximity to the 224-metre Bourke Place Tower.

<h2>558-566 Swanston Street</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/swanston_1-750x283.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Massing concept for 558-566 Swanston. Image courtesy Besgate"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="219" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/swanston_1-750x283.jpg?itok=Ofdq1OGF" title="Massing concept for 558-566 Swanston. Image courtesy Besgate" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Massing concept for 558-566 Swanston. Image courtesy Besgate Group</figcaption></figure>Besgate Group landed the former City Peugeot dealership at 558-566 Swanston Street which was offered for sale during late 2013. The 1,396sqm land holding is located midway between the CBD and Melbourne University, with 29 metres of frontage to Swanston Street and sight lines over Lincoln Square.

As seen above, the massing form for the project suggests a residential tower just shy of 20 levels, with retail offerings expected at ground level. Dubbed The Ivy, 200 apartments are slated for the project with a value in excess of $150 million.

<h2>640 Bourke Street</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/bourke_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Le Poste. Image courtesy Besgate"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="219" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bourke_2.jpg?itok=Zc-ebBbl" title="Artist's impression of Le Poste. Image courtesy Besgate" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Le Poste. Image courtesy Besgate Group</figcaption></figure>Last but by no means least is Le Poste which is expected to grace the former Australia Post offices at 640 Bourke Street. The site itself has planning approval for a Hayball-designed <a href="/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">42 and 32-level residential complex</a> carrying 563 apartments.

Diagonally opposite the recently approved 226 metre Elenberg Fraser-designed <a href="/buildings/premier-tower-134-160-spencer-street-melbourne">134 Spencer Street</a>, Besgate Group have plans for an altogether larger development for their Bourke Street address. A mixed-use scheme of 85 and 55 levels is expected with a total of 989 apartments within.

Valued in excess of $600 million, the project will maintain the existing heritage listed façade of the original Australia Post Office, with the remainder of the site likely to make way for the tower estimated at 270 metres in height.
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silvermb

Besgate Group readies their surge into the Melbourne apartment market

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Last Friday on a warm, sunny day in Melbourne the <a href="http://grimshaw-architects.com">Grimshaw</a> office undertook a site visit of the 699 Bourke Street project which topped out recently. Designed by Grimshaw on behalf of <a href="http://www.mirvac.com/">Mirvac</a>, (in their role as developer, builder, asset owner and manager) the building upon completion will become the new home of energy provider <a href="http://www.agl.com.au/about-agl">AGL</a>, consolidating its Melbourne operations to one location.

As part of the move, AGL will also adopt a new style of working, Smarter Working, which aims to enhance collaboration, allow for better use of space and resources and re-energise the workplace. An internal atria and 5 sets of internal stairs navigate AGL’s tenancy, each enabling improved vertical and visual connectivity throughout the premises.

<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/gsa002_v01c_a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="699 Bourke Street hero shot. © Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gsa002_v01c_a.jpg?itok=rLEDSSck" title="699 Bourke Street hero shot. © Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>699 Bourke Street hero shot. © Mirvac</figcaption></figure><h2>Key features</h2>

<ul>
<li>19,452sqm NLA</li>
	<li>2,595sqm floor plates</li>
	<li>Never to be built out, exceptional views to north, east and west elevations of every office floor</li>
	<li>Plus connectivity to the future south tower and integrated public realm via the 'internal street' connecting Bourke and Collins Streets</li>
	<li>100% occupiable desk space with 12m of fully glazed elevations</li>
	<li>6 star Greenstar certified design</li>
	<li>Open air roof top terrace and double height, fully glazed 'lantern' function room on the top level</li>
	<li>Over 3.5x the 6 star Greenstar requirements for end of trip facilities (including around 400 lockers, 275 bike racks and state of the art change facilities)</li>
	<li>Cogeneration, rainwater catchment, 360 solar panels, occupancy enabled lighting, provisions for electric car charging, sustainability integrated digital signage</li>
</ul>
Fitout works are due to commence later this year with a planned move by AGL during mid 2015.

<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/v04e_141001.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="699 Bourke in context with the future South tower at 664 Collins Street. © Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v04e_141001.jpg?itok=y2SM84gr" title="699 Bourke in context with the future South tower at 664 Collins Street. © Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>699 Bourke in context with the future South tower at 664 Collins Street. © Mirvac</figcaption></figure>Coupled with great weather on the day, the site provides excellent views of the CBD, Southbank, Docklands and allowed individuals an up close opportunity to appreciate the Southern Cross Station Roof. So please enjoy a selection of photos in the slide show below from a glorious Melbourne afternoon on site at 699 Bourke Street.
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Laurence Dragomir

Grimshaw office tour > 699 Bourke Street, Docklands

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Over a year ago, Apartments.com.au wrote on the forthcoming <a href="/news/regenerating-office-buildings-on-bourke" target="_blank">redevelopment of 570 Bourke Street</a>, formerly known as Marland House. Leap forward and contractor Brookfield Multiplex are currently in the early stages of breathing new life into the 1972 vintage office complex. Of an age where owner Charter Hall (via their Core Plus Office Fund) considered a number of directions for the asset, they have embarked upon a $150 million project with the intention of creating a workplace that meets and exceeds contemporary tenant expectations.

So what are those expectations? Look no further than Docklands to see that large corporations value large floorplates. In Charter Hall's words "To attract and retain the best people, companies are demanding expansive, lifestyle-oriented workspaces."

To that end 570 Bourke Street will become Melbourne CBD's largest vertically connected office space. Nestled within an established legal and financial precinct, the development will provide 28,000 square metres of contiguous office space across 11 levels, achieved by extending the floor plate to both Bourke and Little Bourke Street frontages.

<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/570_bourke_lobby01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Entering 570 Bourke Street's foyer. Image © Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/570_bourke_lobby01.jpg?itok=CR_2yx9X" title="Entering 570 Bourke Street's foyer. Image © Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Entering 570 Bourke Street's foyer. Image © Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Space efficiencies gained from large floors usually come at the expense of amenity in Melbourne. 570 Bourke is unique because it provides the space we know tenants crave, but in an already thriving and established part of the city.
<cite>Chris Forbes, Charter Hall CPOF fund manager</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We usually only see floor plates of these sizes outside of the CBD where the option to expand within the building is not typically available,” Mr Sutherland said. 570 Bourke stands out for its ability to give tenants the choice and flexibility to expand in the CBD as their business flourishes, while benefiting from space efficiencies and the building’s amenity.
<cite>Hamish Sutherland, Knight Frank national director of CBD leasing</cite>
</blockquote>

Designed by Hassell Studio, the reincarnated project will feature a light-filled glass atrium. Prominent through all 10 levels, the atrium will allow natural light to penetrate the workspaces while inter-connecting stairways enables 570 Bourke Street to boast the largest vertically integrated floor plates available in the CBD. At 2,700 square metres per floor, this equates to an impressive 270 staff per level over the expanded footprint.

With maximum flexibility and providing a dynamic work space in mind, each of the expanded floors have been designed with malleable spaces, allow tenants to link and enclose areas as desired. 'Suspended' meeting room pods peer over the internal atrium, adding visual pop to the internal design.

<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/image60.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="570 Bourke Street. Image © Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60.jpg?itok=8Y7jQ2_d" title="570 Bourke Street. Image © Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>570 Bourke Street. Image © Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure><h2>Project highlights</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Charter Hall</li>
	<li>Design: Hassell Studio</li>
	<li>Project Manager: PDS Group</li>
	<li>28,000sqm of built space over 10 lower levels: 2,700sqm floor plates</li>
	<li>10 different tenants are already accommodated within the existing high rise office tower at 570 Bourke</li>
	<li>Lifestyle Centre catering for 300 cyclists/runners (dedicated entrance + shower &amp; change facilities)</li>
	<li>Curtain wall façade blends solid and translucent elements, bringing subtle diversity to the façade</li>
	<li>Bluestone paving, timber walls, travertine stone and light installation define the lobby</li>
	<li>New laneway: Gresham Street to be reconfigured + cafe and streetscape works</li>
	<li>500 car parking bays</li>
	<li>695sqm of retail space fronting Bourke and Little Bourke Streets</li>
	<li>175sqm of boutique office space on level one, fronting Little Bourke Street</li>
	<li>Target a 4.5 star NABERS Energy rating</li>
</ul>
In the perpetual race to attract tenants, commercial asset owners are increasingly providing the physical and technological needs of businesses while also enhancing the experience for their staff. Charter Hall have positioned 570 Bourke Street as a showcase for contemporary thinking and design within Melbourne's CBD.

Apartments.com.au will certainly be asking to tour the reborn Melbourne landmark upon completion.
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570 Bourke Street reborn

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249 Bourke Street.
1901 William Pitt.
Before the Tivoli Theatre was built, the site it stood on what was home to a business consisting of a timber yard and stables in the mid 19th Century.  In the 1860's the Australian and New York Letting and Livery Stables replaced the older business and interestingly the business also included a hall on the upper level.  During 1866 the hall was known as The Varieties and then later as the Opera Comique; the first Australian performance of the Can Can was staged in The Varieties hall.
In 1872 it became The Prince of Wales Opera House (or just The Opera House) and a syndicate calling themselves the Opera House Company presented a wide variety of popular entertainment, including the first Melbourne performance of The Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore.
Some years later in 1894, the walls of the building were leaning and The Opera House was described as the most dangerous theatre in Melbourne.  The building which housed a capacity audience of 2127 people, was deemed a fire risk and a health hazard.
A year later an English singer and comedian named Harry Rickards took a three-year lease on the risky theatre.  On the 22nd of August 1896, the magician Carl Hertz projected the first motion pictures to be seen by the Australian public.  In 1897, the city council objected to the theatre still being used.  Harry, who still had 3 years left on his lease, asked for a delay in the closure and finally during 1899, a month after the lease expired, the city council closed the theatre.
The optimistic Harry Rickards then negotiated a new 50-year lease with the owners that included the condition that the old theatre be demolished and replaced with a new one.
The New Opera House was completed on the 18th of May 1901 and was designed in a Moorish style by William Pitt who had also designed the Princess Theatre on Spring Street.  It was made of red brick with marble columns and embellished with coloured tiles and ornate cast-iron work with the roof featuring a huge illuminated globe.
Inside two highly decorated corridors led from the street to the main foyer, which included a rockery with palms, ferns and a water feature while a marble stairways swept you up to the dress circle.  A three level auditorium, with its décor dominated by red and gold colours throughout, had a capacity of 1539, and the three tiers of seating created an intimate relationship between the performer(s) and the audience.  The Tivoli Theatre underwent renovations over the years and was rebuilt significantly in 1956.
In 1912, the New Opera House was renamed the Tivoli Theatre by Harry Rickards’ successor, Hugh D. McIntosh.  The Tivoli was the home of Melbourne vaudeville for 65 years until it closed on the 2nd of April 1966.  During its 65 years as a theatre it hosted stars like the escapologist Houdini, comedian W.C. Fields, illusionist Chung Ling Soo, entertainer George Formby, actor and singer Tommy Steele, singer Shirley Bassey and comedian Chico Marx amongst many others.
Lavish revues were introduced in the 1930's and became the Tivoli's standard fare, with pantomimes at Christmas and in the later years, the occasional musical. In the early 1950s the Folies Bergere Revue encouraged controversy about the amount of bare flesh on show for publicity.  In truth, what was on show was only a little more than a typical Tivoli show, but the audience ‘bought it’ and the revue ran for nearly fifteen consecutive months.  English actor and comedian Jimmy Edwards starred in the final live show in 1966.
A month after the closure of the theatre, the Tivoli Cinema opened, although round midnight on the 4th of April 1967, a fierce fire badly damaged the Tivoli.  What was left of the theatre/cinema was demolished and a new office building with the aptly named Tivoli Arcade on the ground level was built on the site, which is now home to the RMIT University's Business School.
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thecollector

The Titillating Tivoli Theatre

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As one office expansion at AMP Square (535 &amp; 555 Bourke St) nears completion, another directly opposite, is due to begin. EstimateOne recently listed four builders as vying for the construction rights to deliver a revamped 570 Bourke St; they being Brookfield Multiplex, Watpac, Built and Probuild Constructions. Known as Marland House, the tower was completed during 1972 and is currently owned by Charter Hall.
Standing at 121m with 31 levels of A-grade office space the Hassell-designed expansion consists of a new 12 level wing over the Bourke St forecourt, while also adding a dozen levels at the rear of the tower above the existing 645-bay Secure Parking facility facing Little Bourke St. According to project manager PDS Group, these new additions which are valued at approximately $70 million will employ the maximum site area while adding 15,620sqm of net lettable area to the complex.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image1_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group."><img alt="570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group." class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_6.jpg?itok=vC9rbvMG" typeof="Image"></a>
<figcaption>570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group.</figcaption></figure><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/Image3_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group."><img alt="570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group." class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3_3.jpg?itok=r_EFkrFV" title="Images of 570 Bourke St expansion" typeof="Image"></a>
<figcaption>570 Bourke St expansion. Image courtesy PDS Group.</figcaption></figure>555 Bourke St on the other hand is in the final stages of it's regeneration. Backed by owner Juilliard Group and designed by Metier 3 architects, its expansion seeks to completely overhaul the 1969 landmark building designed by US firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. After nearly two years builder Construction Engineering has essentially completed all works with a variety of extensions added to the original tower at 535 Bourke and the L-shaped St James building.
The $120 million expansion includes three additional levels atop St James, characterised by overhung floorplates, angled blades and a glass facade with etched L-shapes; taking inspiration from the shape of the building. Photos of the expanded 555 Bourke St are found below

<h2>Project details</h2>
Further details for 555 Bourke as per <a href="http://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-melbourne-500420731" target="_blank">realcommercial.com.au</a>:

<ul>
<li>Large Efficient Floor Plates</li>
	<li>Centrally Located to all public transport with Southern Cross station 400 metres away</li>
	<li>100% Full Fresh Air Distribution System with LTVAV (Low Temperature Variable Air Volume)</li>
	<li>Up to 14,000 sqm of Office Space available</li>
	<li>Excellent Natural Light</li>
	<li>Innovative &amp; Unique Design</li>
	<li>Abundant End Of Trip Facilities and tenant amenities including bike storage for 200 Bicycles and 20 customized shower facilities.</li>
	<li>4.5 star NABERS Energy Rating (Target)</li>
	<li>Meeting &amp; Conference facilities</li>
	<li>Substantial on-site retail and public space amenity</li>
</ul>
<h2>Comment</h2>

Although a moot point now, a case may have been made for retaining AMP Square as was, given its design by a world renowned architecture firm: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. The age, character, appeal and interest associated with the complex may have let to AMP Square being considered as a place of local significance and a potential heritage listing. Everyone will have their own opinions on this matter. Regardless from my perspective the new AMP Tower, St James development is generally a good outcome.


While I may have misgivings regarding the etched facade applied to the St James extension, the general size and scope of the revamp is quite good. One of the key aspects of any aged building regeneration is increasing human interaction. Once up and running AMP Square will feature massively expanded retail offerings, active street frontages as opposed to blank walls and a covered internal area heavily weighted towards user amenity and retail purposes which in turn enhances social interaction. That is always a good result.
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