Toorak's dress circle St Georges Road, home to some of the city's priciest homes, is set for a rare new apartment development.

Blood Diamond Group, an entity tied to Tina Brandi, wife of David Brandi who has been a prolific bidder on The Block over the years, has filed plans for an ultra-exclusive development across an amalgamated 3,662 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/104-106-st-georges-road-toorak-vic-3142">104 and 106 St Georges Road</a>.

The proposal would replace two existing homes on the riverfront site with a five-level apartment building cascading down the steeply sloping land toward the Yarra River. Designed by Charles Wright Architects, the development has been carefully shaped around the site’s topography and river environs, with the upper levels stepping back to reduce visual bulk from both St Georges Road and the Yarra corridor.

Planning documents describe the proposal as “a site layout and building typology that is consistent with the emerging character of the area and which provides exceptional amenity for future residents without compromising that of neighbouring properties.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea19a17e-7528-4fa8-b727-05f2f7c025e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20a_0.png?VersionId=rZ2IjdoUL_UrRl1sZ4wZHnQXbYUaEmUQ" />

The scheme comprises 12 apartments, including 10 three-bedroom residences, one one-bedroom apartment, and a substantial split-level five-bedroom penthouse. A 624 sqm communal rooftop terrace will crown the building, while three undercroft levels embedded into the hillside will accommodate apartments and basement parking.

The design leverages the site’s dramatic northern outlook across the Yarra River, with living areas and balconies oriented toward the water. A central atrium running the full height of the building is intended to draw natural light deep into the residences and improve internal amenity.

Landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo Design &amp; Landscape</a> will play a major role in softening the built form, particularly along the river edge where significant setbacks have been introduced. The proposal includes a minimum 30-metre setback from the Yarra River boundary, preserving a substantial landscaped buffer between the development and the waterway.

While a mature English Oak near the front of the site is proposed for removal, the plans retain a large English Elm closer to the riverfront, alongside other established vegetation in the lower section of the property.

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed3bf19b-5bc7-482f-bde7-41f709a13c3a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20b.png?VersionId=SG_kBGu4rOaSPY8FtVcmPJfSCrstuOfg" />

Architecturally, the building adopts strong horizontal forms with expansive glazing and curved balcony edges facing the river. Planning documents note the upper levels “adopt a receding form” to ensure the building responds appropriately to the Yarra River environs overlay controls.&nbsp;

The surrounding streetscape is characterised by large contemporary homes embedded into the hillside, many presenting as modest one or two-storey forms to the street before expanding toward the river frontage below. The planning report notes this established pattern heavily influenced the massing strategy for Toorak Pavilion.&nbsp;

Until the recent sale of the landmark Clendon Road mansion Coonac for around $130 million, St Georges Road held the state's most expensive home, the $80,000,088 derelict "Ghost House" mansion that was bought by crypto king Ed Craven.&nbsp;

Blair House, also on St Georges Road, sold for $74.5 million in 2022.

Joel Robinson

First look: Toorak Pavilions slated for dress circle St Georges Road

Six months after a development site on Kangaroo Point’s Shafston Avenue sold for $6.55 million, plans have been lodged for a 23-storey apartment tower.

A company named JMT Mega Capital, understood to be interstate investors when the 1,222 sqm double block traded late last year through Patona Property, is proposing an 84-apartment development in place of the existing low-rise buildings.

The slender tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/212-220-shafston-avenue-east-brisbane-qld-4169">212–220 Shafston Avenue</a>, overlooking the Brisbane River, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/aplus-design-group">Aplus Design Group</a>. It will comprise a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments above six basement levels, topped by rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e17ba9e-553e-42ef-92b6-22081671521a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_3.png?VersionId=hlVUf99vrOjUs.vhQs0qV0DhOncUy9T8" />

The development has been designed as a vertically articulated tower with recessed balconies, curved façades and planted edges intended to soften its scale within the evolving Shafston Avenue skyline. In the submitted Urban Design Report, Aplus Design Group said the tower had been “shaped with a slender vertical expression, articulated façades, recessed balcony zones, integrated planting and a clearly defined podium relationship, helping to reduce perceived bulk and create a more elegant contribution to the Shafston Avenue streetscape and broader Kangaroo Point skyline.”

The scheme comprises 84 apartments, including 25 one-bedroom units, 34 two-bedroom apartments and 25 three-bedroom residences. A total of 104 car spaces are proposed across six basement levels, including resident, visitor and accessible parking.

Residents will have access to rooftop communal open space and shared amenities, while the development also incorporates deep planting zones and subtropical landscaping throughout the podium and tower levels. The project includes 35 per cent communal space coverage across the site and a 17.5 per cent deep soil zone allocation to support urban greening outcomes.

The application exceeds the mapped building height under the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan and is being assessed under Brisbane City Council’s impact assessment pathway. The design team argues the additional height is supported by the site’s strategic inner-city location, existing high-density zoning, and proximity to transport and employment hubs.

“The design has been developed to make better use of a well-serviced urban site within an established high-density residential setting, while improving the street presentation and overall quality of the public realm interface,” the report states.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ab44b1e-ff45-4bf3-8da8-8aa0cd79db33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_10.png?VersionId=tSxeGekZOqj1e9g3PEn_yFoC3taKDp3U" />

The proposal adds to a growing pipeline of apartment developments reshaping Kangaroo Point ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, with demand continuing to strengthen for new housing supply in well-connected inner-city precincts.

Mosaic has nearly sold out its under-construction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford by Mosaic</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a>,&nbsp;while Pikos recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye Residences</a> nearby. Pikos is also delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gaia-kangaroo-point-108-lambert-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Gaia</a>, over 230 three- and four-bedroom apartments on Lambert Street.

First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point apartment tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct

A new 25-storey apartment tower proposed for Mercer Street would push Geelong’s western gateway skyline higher, with Morphy Birrell Property Group lodging plans for a project directly beside one of the city’s most significant heritage streetscapes.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>-designed development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/65-67-mercer-street-geelong-vic-3220">65-67 Mercer Street</a> has now been referred to Victoria’s Planning Minister. The site sits opposite the Geelong rail corridor and immediately south of the heritage-listed St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church and Ashby Hall precinct.

Rather than compete with the neighbouring ecclesiastical buildings, the proposal adopts a sculpted podium intended to reference the materiality and scale of the heritage context. Planning documents note the design draws cues from the “dark stone brick” church and surrounding masonry buildings, while the tower above transitions into a softer, curved form oriented toward Corio Bay and the Geelong waterfront.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b797d10c-d4a6-47af-b8df-1aeaa3b382be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/public%20square.png?VersionId=QGIpcz1x1hKB6lQLl2iobyHqb6PS2Ztc" />

The development forms “Stage 5” of Morphy Birrell Property Group’s broader Mercer Street precinct strategy, following the completion of the 21-storey Miramar tower on Cavendish Street and several additional approved redevelopment stages nearby. Planning consultants Ratio said the proposal “represents an exemplary development outcome” aligned with the strategic ambitions for Central Geelong’s continued urban renewal.

The mixed-use project would replace an existing low-rise commercial building and surface parking area on the 3,320 sqm corner site. FK’s urban context report describes the proposal as a residential development comprising apartments, resident amenities, commercial space, and integrated landscaping positioned to maximise bay views and northern sunlight access.

Renders show a deeply articulated tower with curved balconies stepping above a lower masonry podium that frames a landscaped forecourt facing Mercer Street. The design intentionally preserves sightlines toward the adjacent church buildings, with the podium scaled to reinforce the heritage edge before the tower recedes upward.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bdca91e-66f7-4ac7-8baa-2f93bd5b564e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/geelong%20site.png?VersionId=QOhbino4ZgzKYw5dW3QE14E.2yq.Sv87" />

The planning report highlights the site’s strategic location within 400 metres of key Geelong destinations including Cunningham Pier, the Geelong Station precinct, Deakin University, and the convention centre. Bus services run directly along Mercer Street, while the Corio Bay foreshore sits around 100 metres north of the site.

The proposal arrives amid accelerating redevelopment across central Geelong, where planning policy continues to encourage higher-density housing close to transport infrastructure and the waterfront. Mercer Street in particular has emerged as a focal point for taller apartment development due to its proximity to Geelong Station, the bay, and major civic infrastructure.

Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct

Development giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a> and joint venture partner Hostplus have revealed the next residential stage of their $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan, lodging plans for 512 more apartments within the precinct on surplus racecourse land at 110 Wilson Street, Moonee Ponds.

The proposed development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trackside-house-110-wilson-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Trackside Gardens</a>&nbsp;in the planning application, follows the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-hamton-and-hostplus-reveal-sixth-stage-of-moonee-valley-park-masterplan">recent unveiling of the sixth-stage Cox Place Precinct</a> and continues the long-running transformation of the Moonee Valley Racecourse into one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects.

Positioned on the north-eastern edge of the racecourse adjacent to CityLink, Trackside Gardens will comprise three residential buildings rising between 61.8 metres and 86.4 metres within a heavily landscaped precinct shaped by Hamton’s Nature Based Cities framework.

The project forms part of the broader Moonee Valley Park redevelopment being delivered by Hamton, Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club, which is reshaping the 40-hectare racecourse site into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, retail, commercial space, hotels, parkland and community infrastructure.

Trackside Gardens sits separately to the recently proposed Cox Place Precinct, a five-building stage comprising around 1,100 residences, two build-to-rent buildings, two build-to-sell towers, retail, office space, and a hotel overlooking the racetrack. Together, the projects continue to accelerate housing delivery across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fc1941e-52d3-41c6-abc4-0f13fe8ae5ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/DA%20Edits%20%281%29.png?VersionId=7qwRHq5dcvXWNot2hNOgoQhN2GIWudNK" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> with landscape architecture by Tract, Trackside Gardens has been conceived as a botanical-style residential precinct prioritising canopy planting, communal green space, and vertical landscaping.

“The architectural vision for the proposed development centres around buildings in a botanical park setting that champions the important role of nature,” the planning submission states.

“The proposal incorporates principles of biophilic design, with landscape and environmentally sustainable development influencing the ultimate design response of the buildings and prioritising the ground plane to ensure a high amenity for both occupants and visitors.”&nbsp;

Trackside Gardens will deliver 512 apartments across the three buildings, alongside 518 basement car spaces and 523 bicycle spaces. Around 20 per cent affordable housing is proposed across the broader North East Precinct, equating to around 158 dwellings.&nbsp;

The affordable housing component will be concentrated within the Wilson East building, while the remaining apartments are expected to be delivered as build-to-sell residences.

Trackside Gardens has been designed around Hamton’s Nature Based Cities initiative, founded by Executive Chair Paul Hameister OAM in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Urbis, Ark Resources and Tract. The initiative promotes integrating higher-density urban development with significant biodiversity, tree canopy and landscape outcomes.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89353449-7b3c-42fd-8fd8-8bf64a5ef80f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_4.png?VersionId=X8jRt0P2L7fIWjLhfX6gPknXToXIBeLj" />

A comprehensive landscape strategy would introduce deep soil planting, vertical greening, communal gardens, and new pedestrian links throughout the site.

Planning documents state the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating, a 7.5-star average NatHERS rating, and “Exemplary” Nature Based Cities certification.&nbsp;

The proposal joins an expanding pipeline of approved and proposed buildings within Moonee Valley Park, including the recently launched Eveline apartments and the approved Grandstand North and South towers.

Hamton has increasingly focused on precinct-scale, nature-led communities across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, with projects spanning Hawthorn, Kew, and Moonee Ponds.

Hampton unveils Trackside Gardens, latest stage of $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan

The Paul Gedoun-led <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Group</a> has achieved another milestone in its $1 billion transformation of Rainbow Bay on the southern Gold Coast with the completion of the company’s third project in four years, the $160 million <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a> residences.

Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a>, Esprit buyers have now moved into the 94 apartments across two interconnected buildings at 217-227 Boundary Street.

The successful settlement of Esprit marks another astounding chapter in the S&amp;S story, which launched its highly successful Flow apartments three years ago and created its own ultra-luxury branded fingerprint on an area craving new luxury residences.

Most early purchasers have secured gains of well over $1 million since the project launched in 2021.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the completion of Esprit reflects sustained demand for premium apartments in tightly held coastal locations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
“Esprit has attracted buyers seeking a combination of quality design, considered amenity and a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate,” said Gedoun.

“We identified some years ago that Rainbow Bay is a unique market where supply of luxury residences is limited, and we see the settlements in Esprit further underpinning this thinking - that for both owner-occupiers and investors.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172174]

A key feature of the development is ‘Club Esprit’, a 1,000sqm residents-only rooftop level combining wellness and recreation, believed to be a first for the Gold Coast, and which is fast becoming a signature of the S&amp;S brand.

Positioned to capture views across Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay and the Tweed River, the rooftop includes a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga lawn, sauna and steam facilities, ice bath, private dining spaces, outdoor cinema and landscaped areas for residents.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> Director Jayde Pezet, who led the sales campaign for Esprit and S&amp;S’s Flow and Awaken apartments, said the project’s performance reflects both the strength of the product and the depth of demand for premium apartments on the southern Gold Coast.&nbsp;

“In some cases, we’ve seen values double since launch, which is a clear reflection of how tightly held Rainbow Bay has become and the level of demand for well-executed projects in this market,” said Pezet.&nbsp;

“Buyers recognised early what S&amp;S Projects was delivering here, and that conviction has been rewarded as the project has progressed towards completion.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=214819]

Esprit offers a mix of two- three and four-bedroom apartments and sits within walking distance of the beachfront, cafés and local amenities, reinforcing its appeal as both a lifestyle and investment destination.

The project is the third completed by S&amp;S Projects in Rainbow Bay, following Flow Residences and Awaken Residences, which together have contributed to the suburb’s emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after coastal pockets. &nbsp;

S&amp;S Projects is continuing its investment in the area with Radia, a $215 million development currently under construction.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172175]

Gedoun said the completion of Esprit signals continued confidence in the southern Gold Coast market.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen strong interest in well-located, high-quality apartments, particularly in areas where future development opportunities are limited."

“That’s been a key factor in the performance of Esprit and the broader Rainbow Bay market”.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102921]

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

<html><body>
Setting a contemporary new benchmark in boutique workspace design, Studio Light presents a bold architectural statement against the urban backdrop of Melbourne’s vibrant Collingwood. Situated only 2 kilometres north-east of Melbourne’s CBD, Studio Light is situated at the gateway to the city’s most esteemed cultural, sporting and culinary icons. Positioned perfectly for commerce and leisure between vibrant Johnston and Smith Streets, BPM brings to Collingwood an unrivalled workplace experience.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/studio-light-4-6-gold-street-collingwood-63400dc1764b7ca56568708b1e1ae36f_0.jpg?itok=F16zQrmg" style="width: 580px; height: 435px;"></a></figure><ul>
<li>Enviable location in the heart of Collingwood.</li>
	<li>Spacious and light-filled apartments.</li>
	<li>Cafe and commercial amenities for residents.</li>
</ul>
The most distinguished architectural feature is the lustrous finish of the building’s panelled façade, which plays on the sun’s ever-changing position to provide a series of scintillating reflections and shadows.

Integrating with the eclectic laneways of the area, the building’s luxurious entry statement, which is secured by swipe pass access, merges with a lofty café space at ground level to provide Studio Light’s businesses with an informal meeting area for entertaining clients and guests.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/studio-light-4-6-gold-street-collingwood-116d20a8915a768579dc283184b19304_0.jpg?itok=OnsGqCDf" style="width: 580px; height: 435px;"></a></figure>Generous outdoor terraces on levels three and five provide purchasers or tenants with their own private recreational spaces. The most unique amenity, however, is the open rooftop deck, which celebrates uninterrupted views of the city skyline and provides a flexible gathering space for meetings and events. On and off street bicycle spaces are complemented by 13 car stacker spaces reserved for secure parking.

Melbourne CBD, Yarra Park, Fitzroy Gardens, Carlton Gardens, St.Vincent's Hospital, ACU and a vibrant hub of cafes, restaurants and bars all within walking distance from your front doorstep.

The eccentric Collingwood is also surrounded by some of Melbourne's leading schools, transport services and employment opportunities.
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urban.com.au

Studio Light is situated at the gateway to the city’s most esteemed cultural, sporting and culinary icons.

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With a clarity of architectural intent and a presence that is both memorable and distinguished, Light Edge is a stunning residence of 31 apartments over 6 levels. Situated less than 3 kilometres from Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) and upon the nexus of Melbourne’s most vibrant cultural and food hub, Light Edge offers a unique and enviable theatre of experience for residents.

<ul>
<li>Coveted location in the heart of Richmond.</li>
	<li>Well designed and spacious apartments.</li>
	<li>Maximised natural daylight in living spaces.</li>
</ul>
Light Edge’s considered mix of one and two-bedroom residences offer both a sanctuary and stage for residents looking to participate in the magnetism of local bars, nightlife and restaurants or curate an in-house entertaining experience. Carefully considered spaces are framed by a selection of generous balconies that offer stunning views over Melbourne’s city skyline to the West and South West while Northern balconies connect residents to the energy of the surrounding streetscape.

Both striking and luxurious, residents are welcomed into curated spaces of exquisite materials and finishes including stone, polished chrome and beautifully considered oak timbers. Light Edge’s interior design responds to the demands of contemporary urban living, while car and storage facilities deliver convenience and security.

Supporting a seamless transition between inside and outside spaces, Light Edge’s oscillating and geometric facade provides the discretion required for inner city living while maximising the natural daylight from the North. A palette of alternating black and white textured walls are offset by a stunning black metal entrance creating a statement of contrasts – light and dark, liberation and restraint, sunlight and shadow.
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Light Edge is a stunning residence in Richmond, complete and ready to move in

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Another piece of the substantial Melbourne hotel puzzle has fallen into place as King Street prepares to host the nation's maiden Quincy Hotel.

After a period of speculation, 33 King Street will formally host the outlet after developer BPM came to terms with multinational investment fund InterGlobe. Toga Far East will manage the Quincy Hotel-branded tower after InterGlobe picked up the approved site for $91.3 million.

Asia One initially backed the project with BPM coming on at a later stage. After guiding the 241-room development through to approval, BPM then sough to offload the permit.

Similarly structured to BPM's fellow hotel development at <a href="/new-apartments/9-11-exploration-lane-melbourne">9-11 Exploration Lane</a>, the King Street build will be developed by BPM although final ownership will rest elsewhere. Contractor Maxcon has been assigned to both the King Street and Exploration Lane builds.

Maxcon is expected to begin works onsite in the third quarter of 2018.

<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/2016-8-18-elenberg-king-street-c1-wxh_hero1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Another hotel for Melbourne. Image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="776" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2016-8-18-elenberg-king-street-c1-wxh_hero1.jpg?itok=PN6NQwaX" title="Another hotel for Melbourne. Image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Another hotel for Melbourne. Image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Given the risks associated with developing in the current lending environment, BPM sought a unique fund-through arrangement to remove any reliance on local financiers.

We have proven as a business that we can prevail during times of economic uncertainty through our agility alone. Our extensive global relationships, and our ability to innovate the development sector and its existing finance structures, allows the BPM business to see continued growth when many local developers become victims to the property cycle.
<cite>Managing Director of BPM, Jonothan Hallinan</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The appetite from international investors was substantial. The ability to partner with an experienced local developer like BPM was certainly seen to de-risk the project’s delivery, however it was the composition of the deal and its unique terms that made the opportunity so sought-after.

The structure of this contract is a first in the Australian market and is the result of several weeks of collaborative discussions.

To lead these discussions with international giants like InterGlobe and Toga Far East is demonstrative of BPM’s scalable business model and sound strategic delivery, which allows us to traverse multiple development sectors and work with a multitude of partners.
<cite>BPM’s Development Director, Tom Howgate</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Hotels still standing strong</h2>

The Quincy Hotel and Exploration Lane projects stand to add a further 371 hotel rooms to Melbourne already super strong pipeline. 

Major CBD and Southbank projects at construction which are solely, or in part dedicated to hotel accommodation include W Hotel at <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">Collins Arch</a>, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Vibe Hotel</a> Queen Street, <a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Holiday Inn Express</a> City Road, <a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Adina Southbank</a>, <a href="/buildings/west-end-185-rosslyn-street-west-melbourne">Adina Apartment Hotel</a> at West End and the Ritz-Carlton at <a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">West side Place</a>.

In another Australian first Melbourne is also set to host the nation's first St Regis hotel with local interior architecture practice CHADA announcing they will provide design input for the forthcoming 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/explporation-lane.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="9-11 Exploration Lane is also due for a construction start. Image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="820" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/explporation-lane.jpg?itok=91Rf8EWQ" title="9-11 Exploration Lane is also due for a construction start. Image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>9-11 Exploration Lane is also due for a construction start. Image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Melbourne lands the nation's first Quincy Hotel

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Melbourne's hotel stronghold is poised to gain another addition as developer BPM pushes to gain approval for a project across 130-134 Little Collins Street.

Already heavy with existing hotels, the Little Collins Street / Exhibition Street axis stands to gain a 300-room NEXT Hotel which is currently under construction, in addition to BPM's intended tower. Entering planning late last year, the Little Collins Street project is the latest for BPM which has veered away from residential developments to focus on the current strong demand for hotel space within Melbourne's CBD.

BPM is looking to sell 9-11 Exploration Lane, having installed builder Maxcon to deliver the 100-metre tower. Upon its completion which is slated for late next year, the Elenberg Fraser-designed tower will stand 34 metres and occupy a miniscule 168 square metre site.

Also on BPM's for sale list is 33 King Street which includes 241 hotel rooms over 30 levels. It too is the design of Elenberg Fraser.

<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/image55_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="130-134 Little Collins Street. Image: BPM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="997" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_11.jpg?itok=kkm2WsDb" title="130-134 Little Collins Street. Image: BPM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>130-134 Little Collins Street. Image: BPM</figcaption></figure>130-134 Little Collins Street's planning tilt follows on from Elenberg Fraser working on early design for then landowner Uniting Church of Australia.

During late 2016 <a href="https://www.victas.uca.org.au/UCA%20Resources/Property/Documents/130%20LC%20information%20sheet%20051217.pdf">BPM was installed by the Uniting Church</a> as its preferred Joint Venture partner, with the duo then creating an "alternate development concept plan to ensure the most favourable planning outcome for the site." The revised scheme resulted in residential apartments being replaced by a purely residential hotel development. 

According to the Uniting Church, "prior to the commencement of construction, the development partner, or a third party will enter into a contract of sale to purchase the accommodation hotel which will de-risk the project."

Uniting Church, in turn, will use the proceeds of the sale to support the operations of the wider church.

<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/image54_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Greenery envisaged for Little Collins Street frontage. Image: BPM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image54_8.jpg?itok=OK9vhnPr" title="Greenery envisaged for Little Collins Street frontage. Image: BPM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Greenery envisaged for Little Collins Street frontage. Image: BPM</figcaption></figure>130-134 Little Collins Street sits alongside Citadines on Bourke Melbourne and is diagonally opposite the aforementioned NEXT Hotel on former Little Collins Street forecourt of what was Nauru House. Builder Multiplex now has the NEXT Hotel jump form above ground with an expected completion date for the 29-storey tower slated for next year.

Existing hotels in the south-east pocket of Melbourne's CBD include Stamford Plaza Melbourne, QT Melbourne, Sheraton Melbourne, Rydges Melbourne, Mantra Exhibition and Sofitel Melbourne.

Urban.com.au's Project Database shows 15 separate active hotel developments within Melbourne's CBD. Thousands of new hotel rooms and suites are set for the CBD despite the healthy number of completed hotel developments in recent years.
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Little Collins Street's hotel precinct poised for another addition

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In addition to news of a <a href="/news/a-new-melbourne-icon-squarely-in-minister-wynnes-hands-447-collins-street">new iconic design for 447 Collins Street</a>, last week also yielded additional information on a handful of other sizeable Melbourne residential developments.

Spanning four separate suburbs, the six proposals are all substantial towers with the smallest containing some 321 dwellings. All bar one of the six have been championed by established property players which maintain a national presence, and combined are capable of adding near on 3,000 new apartments into the Melbourne market.

See below an overview of the six projects which are at differing stages of the development process:

<h2>SKY ONE Box Hill - 545 Station Street, Box Hill</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/image9_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SKY ONE Box Hill. Image courtesy Golden Age Development Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_2.jpg?itok=zXJGcpOU" title="SKY ONE Box Hill. Image courtesy Golden Age Development Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SKY ONE Box Hill. Image courtesy Golden Age Development Group</figcaption></figure>The wraps are off Golden Age Group's newest project dubbed SKY ONE Box Hill. After picking up the approved development site in a recent sales campaign headed by CBRE, Golden Age Group have elected to rework the approved Buchan Group-designed 34 level tower.

In its place will stand a sleek 35 storey tower consisting of luxury apartment above retail uses across lower levels. Launching in the first quarter of 2016, SKY ONE Box Hill is a continuance of Golden Age Group's surge into the Melbourne apartment market which has yielded six high-rise projects in a few short years, including the under construction <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a> which will eventually stand at 241 metres.

<h2>Shadow Play - 105 Clarendon Street, Southbank</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image8_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Shadow Play's distinctive silhouette. Image courtesy Enrich Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_1.jpg?itok=79079FuV" title="Shadow Play's distinctive silhouette. Image courtesy Enrich Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Shadow Play's distinctive silhouette. Image courtesy Enrich Property</figcaption></figure>BPM revealed last week that Melbourne builder Icon Co will construct its marquee Southbank residential tower. Valued at $300 million and designed by Elenberg Fraser, Shadow Play is expected to reach completion in May 2018 following the commencement of demolition on the existing structures onsite.

Included are 475 one, two and three bedroom apartments serviced by 150 podium parking spaces and a 600 square metre communal space across level nine.

<h2>32-44 Flinders Street, Melbourne</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image10_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Further revised. Image courtesy SJB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_5.jpg?itok=lLwKnD0x" title="Further revised. Image courtesy SJB Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Further revised. Image courtesy SJB Architects</figcaption></figure>DEXUS Property Group's first foray into the local residential market has gone through the approvals ringer with a redesign implemented which saw the initial proposal trimmed from 66 levels to 56, while the total number of dwellings has also fallen from 625 to 496.

Melbourne City Council planners have recommended objection based upon excessive height, inadequate setbacks and overshadowing although DEXUS's intentions will lie with the Minister for Planning as the gross floor area of the building proposed is in excess of the 25,000sqm benchmark.

<h2>295-309 King Street, Melbourne</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image11_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_4.jpg?itok=gcAI9D3a" title="295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>295-309 King Street. Image courtesy Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Also back under the gaze of Melbourne City Council is an application that first surfaced during October 2014. Council planners have recommended refusal for the tower based upon revised plans which were received on 14 October 2015 and which includes 440 apartments within a 215 metre tower.

Although the revised plans were submitted post the amendments to the Melbourne Planning Scheme which would consequently render the application invalid, its initial submission date during 2014 suggests it will likely be judged under the old planning provisions… or so the theory goes.

<h2>1 Collins Wharf, Docklands</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/image14_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lend Lease's latest Docklands offering. Image courtesy The Australian"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_1.jpg?itok=PF_du3JI" title="Lend Lease's latest Docklands offering. Image courtesy The Australian" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lend Lease's latest Docklands offering. Image courtesy The Australian</figcaption></figure>The Australian reported last week on Lend Lease's latest addition to Victoria Harbour is in the form of a Bates Smart-designed residential tower. Covering 28 levels and encompassing 321 dwellings the stepped tower will sit diagonally opposite Library at The Dock and will be a follow-up the the precinct's premier apartment projects Convesso and Concavo, also Bates Smart creations.

1 Collins Wharf will follow on from the current six residential towers that are under construction within Victoria Harbour as Lend Lease enjoys robust demand for Melbourne apartments from both local and overseas purchasers.

<h2>38 Freshwater Place, Southbank</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image21_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A prized development site. Image courtesy CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_4.jpg?itok=qamzVdWB" title="A prized development site. Image courtesy CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A prized development site. Image courtesy CBRE</figcaption></figure>One of Melbourne's premier development opportunities is up for grabs with 38 Freshwater Place put on the market by M &amp; L Hospitality. With approval in place for a 273 metre tower which could not be repeated under new planning rules, competition to secure the site is expected to be strong.

METIER3 have designed the sweeping tower with 496 apartments and 390 hotel suites included, although the successful buyer may choose to convert the scheme to a purely residential outcome.
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Six premier residential developments jostle for the spotlight

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The evolution of Montague Precinct will soon gain further momentum with <a href="http://www.bpmcorp.com.au/">BPM’s</a> Night Fall project set to become reality. Inspired by elements of urban New York, it has been designed to add a sense of New York to the rich grain and fabric of the area and to provide a contrast to some of the taller developments both approved and proposed within the precinct.

The $26.5 million boutique project comprises 45 apartments over 7-storeys and is located at 165 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne, just 1.5km from the CBD, 2km to the arts precinct and within walking distance of South Melbourne Market and Bay Street shopping precincts. The mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments range in size from 45sqm to 110sqm.

According to BPM Founder and Company Director, Jonathan Hallinan, Night Fall was very much in keeping with his business philosophy of bringing the BPM to areas of potential such as Montague Precinct.

<blockquote>
I knew exactly what I wanted to do with the site. We do things a little differently in that the way we look at it is that we’re bringing BPM to the area; we’re very committed to our brand and all of our marketing is identical irrespective of whether it’s in Carnegie, Melbourne CBD, Southbank, Brisbane or even Los Angeles.

My number one business philosophy has been to build a property portfolio – and the quote to take from that and which is something I tell everyone is that the risk of being out of the market is far greater than the risk of being in it.

It’s very much about the portfolio and the diversity of that portfolio. That can take form in towers but we also want to keep developing the boutique as well.

We want to be involved in diverse areas and areas where we see the potential for future growth and potential – areas which are gentrifying and have the potential to become hubs with a strong food and coffee culture.
<cite>Jonathan Hallinan, BPM</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image54_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Night Fall hero perspective. Image courtesy BPM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="497" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image54_0.jpg?itok=MZUgZLY3" title="Night Fall hero perspective. Image courtesy BPM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Night Fall hero perspective. Image courtesy BPM</figcaption></figure>Hallinan cites the Montague precinct's revitalisation and the opportunity to contribute to the evolution of the area as the main drawcard for BPM. By tapping into the existing character and infrastructure of the location, BPM seek to enhance the sense of local neighbourhood identity and create a community for residents.

<blockquote>
Because of the change in planning there is an incredible potential for developers to come in to the area but geographically Montague Precinct being so close to South Melbourne, Southbank and the CBD, it has the potential to get a food and coffee culture into it and that interests us in the long term.

The fact that this isn’t just blank land that will be developed with completely new buildings and the opportunity to get a really good mix of new and old really appealed to us. We’re very committed to the area and there will be some more news around that coming out shortly.
<cite>Jonathan Hallinan, BPM</cite>
</blockquote>

A 102sqm café space wraps the laneway corner and opens up to the residential lobby, providing residents with a barista on their doorstop, as well as a community hub.

Designed in collaboration with architects DKO and interior designers Hecker Guthrie, BPM’s vision was to create a sense of identity and belonging for residents through a restrained yet sophisticated design that takes inspiration from the Bulgari hotel in London, with a New York feel. It was DKO's willingness to work with Hallinan's vision for the site that saw them engaged for Night Fall.

<blockquote>
I think DKO have a good aesthetic eye. Every building that we develop derives from me, the look and feel, aesthetically comes from me.

Some architects are willing to follow that and amplify what I want, what I need really well because they have a similar aesthetic eye to me and DKO certainly were quite happy to do so. DKO were able to amplify my ideas around the architecture whereas there are a lot of architects where it’s their design and their idea.

At BPM we design the buildings ourselves.
<cite>Jonathan Hallinan, BPM</cite>
</blockquote>

Night Fall’s architectural form is classically restrained and masculine with refined exterior finishes crafted in response to the surrounding environment.

<blockquote>
Warm palettes of industrial elements, such as anodised bronze panelling and contrast black detailing, are offset by softer textured off-white exterior treatments and polished edges.
<cite>Hannah Jonasson, Associate Director of DKO</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The carefully considered and light filled spaces are framed by generous balconies and an orientation that maximises natural daylight and the stunning city views to the north-east and bay views to the south-west.

The interiors feature strong architectural geometries. The space is defined by shade and a palette of sophisticated white on white contrasts with elements of warmth applied to the articulated forms. Highlights of fine black detailing are introduced in hardware such as tapware and door handles.
<cite>Hamish Guthrie, Director of Hecker Guthrie</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/nightfall_living.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Night Fall Living area. Courtesy BPM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="375" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nightfall_living.jpg?itok=1FTRov41" title="Night Fall Living area. Courtesy BPM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Night Fall Living area. Courtesy BPM</figcaption></figure>Living areas are defined by a textured carpet with purchasers able to customise the planning of the space. The overall warm palette is complemented with the texture of the floor boards, carpet and tiled hob.

Kitchens feature freestanding joinery that are inserted elements into the space, with a cracked glazed tiled hob and concealed uplighting wrapping the freestanding kitchen. The island benchtop features a streamlined ceramic finish with a 900mm wide Fisher and Pykel integrated dish drawer with the option of chrome or black tapware. The Smeg oven and cooktop are accompanied by a concealed rangehood shroud by custom panels.

<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/nightfall_kitchen_low_res1.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Night Fall kitchen interior. Courtesy BPM."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="403" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nightfall_kitchen_low_res1.jpeg?itok=eiWqIOsH" title="Night Fall kitchen interior. Courtesy BPM." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Night Fall kitchen interior. Courtesy BPM.</figcaption></figure>Bathrooms floors are tiled with a large format grey tile that continues throughout the walk-in-shower. A standalone custom vanity unit reflects the kitchen aesthetic, along with the option of chrome or black tapware. A custom shaving cabinet with wall mounted lighting provides added storage.

Construction of Night Fall is scheduled to commence in late 2015, with completion expected in late 2016. With a strong pipeline of projects set to be announced soon headed by Light Edge in Richmond in addition to a development within the eastern end of the Melbourne CBD also on the cards, it's set to be a busy few years for BPM building on its last 20.
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Laurence Dragomir

Night falls on Montague Precinct

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Interesting times abound for one of Melbourne's more flamboyant development firms, with BPM in the midst of a development push that sees no less than six apartment projects currently active on Apartments.com.au's Project Database. With a penchant for all things <a href="http://www.bpmcorp.com.au/">beautiful and exotic</a> the firm which was founded by Jonathan Hallinan in 1995, has gone about creating a unique niche for itself in an industry where the majority of developers are trying to set themselves apart.

Underpinning the flair however is the aim of delivering quality living spaces, with <a href="/buildings/shadow-play-105-clarendon-street-southbank">Shadow Play</a> on Southbank acting as the firm's 'flagship' project and first Melbourne high-rise. Apartments.com.au recently spoke with BPM founder and Director Jonathan Hallinan in order to better understand the company's current anf future intentions.

Beginning with Shadow Play, the question was posed as to why BPM chose to move into the high-rise sphere and how was the prized Southbak site secured?

<blockquote>
Moving into the tower market was a courageous move for BPM, which had cemented itself as the premier developer of boutique, medium density developments in Melbourne. Fundamentally I always knew that BPM had further potential beyond just the medium density market, and that’s why I decided to move the business forward into developing residential towers.

Shadow Play is positioned in a sought after location that aligns with BPM’s strategy to develop in areas that appeal to successful, passionate people, with a strong coffee and food culture. When the opportunity presented to secure the Shadow Play site, we moved quickly to negotiate with the vendor.

On the day of the negotiations, I was scheduled to board a flight to the US late that evening. I spent the day at the solicitor’s office of the vendor, negotiating into the night before finalising the deal minutes before I was due to be at the airport. It would prove to be one of the most significant days in the history of BPM, marking our first endeavour into the high rise market and signifying a new era for the business.
<cite>Jonathan Hallinan</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shadowplay_ext_5_2100px_landscape_large.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Shadow Play taking centre stage. Image courtesy BPM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shadowplay_ext_5_2100px_landscape_large.jpg?itok=Yjd5X7ks" title="Shadow Play taking centre stage. Image courtesy BPM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Shadow Play taking centre stage. Image courtesy BPM</figcaption></figure>Shadow Play to date has seen 70% of the apartments on offer sold, with 30% of those sales accounted for by overseas buyers. The success of Shadow Play has seen BPM take steps to initiate further high-rise projects, while also maintaining their willingness to tackle smaller, high-end projects.

<blockquote>
The move into large scale projects does not represent an abandoning of smaller boutique developments for BPM. Rather, as a business we see a great opportunity to apply the same luxury approach and design aesthetic typically associated with our boutique properties to our larger scale projects.

Therefore we aim to be across every market from boutique projects, medium density and high rise developments, taking what we do so well at the boutique level and applying that approach to the tower market, in order to make luxury apartment living more accessible and achievable for people on any income, without compromising on design or quality.

We are currently finalising negotiations on a further four high rise development sites, where we will continue to adopt our retention strategy of keeping 10-15% of the project.
<cite>Jonathan Hallinan</cite>
</blockquote>

The commitment to smaller boutique developments is underlined by BPM creating an internal construction arm specialising in luxury, medium density apartments developed by its parent. <a href="/buildings/walter-280-neerim-road-carnegie">Walter Carnegie</a> which is well advanced and <a href="/buildings/the-standard-brighton-209-bay-street-brighton">The Standard</a> located on Bay Street, Brighton are under the guidance of BPM Built.

<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/image30_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Night Fall set for South Melbourne. Images courtesy BPM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_2.jpg?itok=Z2xX4l-A" title="Night Fall set for South Melbourne. Images courtesy BPM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Night Fall set for South Melbourne. Images courtesy BPM</figcaption></figure>Looking ahead BPM are set to release their first project within Fishermans Bend, with Night Fall the moniker assigned to <a href="/buildings/night-fall-165-gladstone-street-south-melbourne">165 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne</a>. Registrations of interest for the project are open with late July expected to see its public sales campaign launch.

Described as a cultural barometer and beacon by the development firm, Night Fall will see approximately 45 apartments delivered with large balconies a feature, allowing for flow between interior and exterior spaces.

Elsewhere and BPM are in the process of creating two additional Melbourne projects. Richmond will be home to a new apartment development at <a href="/buildings/light-edge-34-elizabeth-street-richmond">34-40 Elizabeth Street</a>, with the project at the final stages of planning and slated for a late 2015 release to market while Collingwood will see the developer diversify by fostering creative designer office spaces within a project that will be launched during 2016.
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Jonathan Hallinan on the rise of BPM

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Life has been breathed into a dormant <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a> development site with Hampton East-based BPM on the verge of proceeding with a reworked development scheme located at <a href="/buildings/shadow-play-105-clarendon-street-southbank">105 Clarendon Street</a>. Designated Shadow Play, the tower sitting on a 1,260sqm site will feature 52 levels of apartment living above a 9 level podium; both of which will carry a subtle rippling facade to which the project's name references.

Designed by <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a> and with internals by Hecker Guthrie, Shadow Play is expected to hold 150 car spaces within the podium and 546 apartments within the tower above. While a restaurant may be the ground level drawcard, Shadow Play's top floor will host an entire resident amenities level.

<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/image19_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Shadow Play"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_1.jpg?itok=SGaKBy7y" title="Artist's impression of Shadow Play" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Shadow Play</figcaption></figure><h2>BPM on Shadow Play</h2>

<blockquote>
Standing tall on the corner of City Rd &amp; Clarendon St, ’Shadow Play’ will form a landmark ‘gateway’ to Melbourne’s South Melbourne and CBD. Constantly morphing and changing as the viewer moves around the building, the sculptural form creates a beautiful ephemeral experience. Undulations in the façade give the illusion of movement across the building skin whilst also practically working to maximise views out across Melbourne.

The podium design is activated through residential apartments to the Clarendon St and City Rd corner. A layered and semi-transparent articulated mesh is stretched across the main corner of the building which is designed to provide privacy to the apartments and allows for a highly effective natural ventilated car park to Haig Lane and City Rd.

Working in harmony with the natural environment ’Shadow Play’ will create an iconic &amp; animated sculpture for the city of Melbourne.
<cite>BPM website</cite>
</blockquote>

As mentioned Shadow Play will replace the approved scheme onsite also devised by Elenberg Fraser. Approved during September 2011, the tower consisted of a 42 level, 133 metre high residential complex with three ground floor retail tenancies and above ground parking through the podium. With a GFA of 37,000sqm the then 308-320 City Road would have contained 360 one and two bedroom residential apartments.

Readers with an even longer memory may equate the current Shadow Play design to that of architect Ivan Rijavec's early Prima Tower design seen below. While there's more than a decade between the two, both carry splaying 'wings' of sorts emanating from a rounded leading form, producing a very agreeable outcome.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image21_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The initial Prima Tower with 308 City Road inserted. Images courtesy Rijavec and Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="724" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_0.jpg?itok=jH9bayBL" title="The initial Prima Tower with 308 City Road inserted. Images courtesy Rijavec and Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The initial Prima Tower with 308 City Road inserted. Images courtesy Rijavec and Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Shadow Play represents a sizeable leap in project scale for BPM, with low and mid-rise residential projects their forte to date. <a href="/buildings/collins-queen-40-collins-street-essendon">Collins &amp; Queen</a> in Essendon represents BPM's largest Melbourne project with 111 apartments and 6 retail tenancies currently under construction.

Nonetheless BPM look to be on a rapid expansion curve with Shadow Play joined by pending Richmond, Collingwood and South Melbourne projects, in addition to three Brisbane apartments developments in the pipeline.

Shadow Play's project briefing suggests the tower is aiming at a 2018 completion date.
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Out of the shadows and into the light

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Melbourne-based property developer BPM is awaiting a final planning decision for what would be their first high-rise project. Submitted during November 2013, 165-167 Gladstone Street South Melbourne - like many other projects proposed for the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area - was in a state of flux up until the State Government's recent announcement of the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan.

With an initial tranche of Fishermans Bend towers <a href="/news/scores-of-fishermans-bend-apartments-approved">publicly approved last week</a>, BPM would be expecting a final decision soon enough (as is the case with many other developers) in order to move forward with the residential project laced with an international design presence.

<blockquote>
BPM has recently acquired a new site in South Melbourne. The new project will see boutique apartments with a design collaboration between BPM and designers from New York's Meatpacking District.
<cite>BPM</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Project Summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image58dko.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="165-167 Gladstone Street as taken from the planning application. Image © dKO Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="723" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image58dko.jpg?itok=FNIwTOm4" title="165-167 Gladstone Street as taken from the planning application. Image © dKO Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>165-167 Gladstone Street as taken from the planning application. Image © dKO Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site of 702sqm currently used as warehouse / photo studio</li>
	<li>Proposed 18 level tower at 58 metres in height</li>
	<li>90 apartments, all with terrace or balcony</li>
	<li>56 * 2 bedroom apartments + 34 * 1 bedroom apartments</li>
	<li>69sqm retail space fronting public realm</li>
	<li>52 vehicle and 29 bicycle spaces</li>
</ul>
<h2>A style all its own</h2>

dKO Architecture have seemingly added a further degree of contrast to the Fishermans Bend precinct which has to date been inundated with curtain wall facades or the unique stylings of Artisan Architects clutch of project within the precinct. The planning application sources New York's 41 Bond Street and London's Bulgari Hotel as design inspiration

Included over the external facade is a grid pattern of textured precast panels which present in an almost retro manner. Possibly not every person's design preference but a welcome contrast nonetheless.

<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/image59dko.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected materials palette. Image © dKO Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="93" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image59dko.jpg?itok=m3-uR7s4" title="Expected materials palette. Image © dKO Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Expected materials palette. Image © dKO Architecture</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The proposed development employs a contemporary architectural style incorporating a range of materials and finishes to provide visually interesting and textured façades. The materials proposed include varying types of white finish pre-cast concrete with dark grey tender framing elements interspersed with metal through the perforated and slat screens, bronze anodised metal and bronze and grey tint glazing together with clear glazing
<cite>Contour Town Planners</cite>
</blockquote>

Situated within a discretionary height limit area of Fishermans Bend, this is the first public viewing of 165-167 Gladstone Street South Melbourne, which at nearly a year in planning may have been subject to design alterations although not subject to height restrictions.

Regardless 165-167 Gladstone Street South Melbourne is the latest in a slew of projects from BPM. Others including the currently under construction duo of <a href="/buildings/collins-queen-40-collins-street-essendon">Collins and Queen</a> on Essendon's burgeoning Keilor Road apartment strip plus <a href="/buildings/walter-280-neerim-road-carnegie">Walter Carnegie</a>, also a product of dKO Architecture.

<h2>Project team as at November 2013</h2>

<ul>
<li>Architect: DKO Architecture</li>
	<li>Town Planners: Contour Consultants</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineers: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Environmental Sustainability Consultant: Lucid Consulting Australia</li>
	<li>Environmental Consultants: Alpha Environmental</li>
	<li>Waste Management Engineers: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind Consultants: MEL Consultants</li>
</ul>
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