Developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a> has pushed beyond the now-standard inclusions of rooftop pools and landscaped podiums at its recently launched new Epping project, Senso.

It has laid out over 4,000 sqm of resident-only amenity in a move designed to compete directly with low-density housing on livability, not just density. The result is a development that supports genuine daily use through purposeful spaces distributed across its five-building, 479-apartment precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4396]

Two rooftop pools form the anchor of Senso. One is a 27-metre lap pool adjoining a heated spa, designed for everyday fitness rather than just summer leisure. The second sits on a lower podium, allowing different buildings to share in vertical access and reducing crowding during peak times.

It is the secondary spaces that start to distinguish Senso from other large-scale suburban projects. A rooftop cinema is integrated into a landscaped terrace, offering open-air screenings with natural ventilation and passive cooling.&nbsp;

The inclusion of a “sensory walk”, an elevated boardwalk that threads through the site, suggests a rare investment in non-commercial, non-essential amenity: space for quiet movement that doesn’t double as access or traffic circulation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4402]

The gym and wellness centre, often relegated to a small ground-floor room in many builds, takes on more substance here. Residents have access to a fully equipped gym, as well as outdoor yoga areas and meditative zones that integrate greenery and natural light.&nbsp;

The Club Lounge is similarly designed to support multiple use cases, with a private dining terrace, kitchenette, workspace, and lockable wine storage. These aren’t superficial additions; their scale and spatial allocation indicate serious intent for frequent resident use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4391]

Importantly, Senso’s amenities are embedded within a site that spans more than 10,000 sqm, allowing for better separation between spaces and reduced noise spillover, a critical but often overlooked factor in high-density developments. This spatial generosity also enables multiple alfresco kitchens and communal terraces without compromising individual privacy or usable space.

While many developments make claims about lifestyle, few back it with this level of built infrastructure. Senso’s mix of dedicated fitness, wellness, social and passive green spaces suggests a conscious response to the post-pandemic shift in housing expectations, especially among owner-occupiers.&nbsp;

DASCO is one of several leading developers who have taken out Resilience Insurance's Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing buyers with a 10-year structural and waterproofing warranty, and giving them the ultimate peace of mind.

Senso is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134954]

Staff Writer

The outdoor amenities elevating life at Senso, Epping

Following the proposal by the Minns Labor Government to rezone Parramatta Road to create up to 8,000 new homes, prominent developer Ceerose has gone to the NSW Gov to increase the density of its new mixed-use residential building in Leichhardt.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/ceerose">Ceerose</a>, founded by Edward Doueihi nearly three decades ago, has filed plans for 154 apartments above ground-floor retail at 307-315 Parramatta Road, a key corner site near Norton Street, the main high street strip in Leichhardt.

It's an upsize from the previously approved scheme of 63 apartments across a seven-storey building.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba1ae75b-5f08-43fb-b8d5-3de6d9f6ef71" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.39%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yA3hBBLPH4ev7MsAE0_hieXeqiFqBUb7" />

The project is being advanced through the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway, with concurrent rezoning sought to facilitate the proposal. The 10-storey development would rise over a four-level basement and deliver two retail tenancies, one a larger-format offering and the other a smaller “hole in the wall” space, addressing the Parramatta Road frontage. 21 of the apartments are dedicated as affordable housing.

According to the Urban Design Report by Architecture AND, the scheme includes a podium and tower configuration, with a fine-grain, two-storey parapet street wall that references the traditional shopfront rhythm along the corridor. “An elegant tower form is proposed, combined with a characterful two storey frontage... articulating it as two related buildings, providing consistency with the rhythm and grain of Parramatta Road,” the report notes.

The residential component is split across two slender towers set back from the street edge, a design move aimed at preserving solar access and reducing perceived bulk. This massing strategy also seeks to improve residential amenity by focusing scale toward the quieter northern interface, away from Parramatta Road’s noise and pollution.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="347f2f8f-5d36-4388-b40a-2e77380b9c19" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xvyUE2ujT1lzivXTo.mHBJFF4SmfgLtz" />

Architecture AND has worked with Ceerose on previous Inner West projects, and cites a deep familiarity with the local character. Their design draws heavily on context, heritage, and sunlight access considerations, and engages with the Inner West Council’s “Our Fairer Future” strategic planning framework.

The site spans 2,712 sqm and is located near key intersections with Catherine Street, Hay Street, and Redmond Street. It adjoins a public carpark to the north and is within walking distance of Stanmore and Petersham stations. It is also flagged in state and local planning strategies, including the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, as a suitable candidate for increased density.

Ceerose recently completed The Alex Collective on McEvoy Street in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay.

The Parramatta Road corridor is coming to life with the proposed rezoning which is serviced by a significant number of bus, light rail and train routes.

Deicorp is progressing with its $1.8 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> precinct on Parramatta Road in Five Dock, as is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/toga-to-push-on-with-five-dock-mixed-use-masterplan">TOGA further down the street</a>. Those two projects alone will bring nearly 2,000 new homes to Parramatta Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Ceerose plots mixed-use Leichhardt development on Parramatta Road

North Sydney's landmark 'SBS Building' on Alfred Street is set to be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use residential tower in the booming North Sydney.

Commercial property group FiveX is behind the plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/275-alfred-street-north-north-sydney-nsw-2060">39-storey tower</a>, the latest project to advance under the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

They are proposing 184 apartments above retail spaces, which will replace the existing 20-storey commercial building. FiveX was set up more than five decades ago by Joshua and Marko Berger. It is currently led by Joshua's son Lesli.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower at 275 Alfred Street, North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2efa0980-53fa-4cca-9f9e-9c3c845d4746" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29%20%281%29_0.png?VersionId=y_YyPMq3NQLfYRs84pP4os9UgWiMLp75" />

According to the Architectural Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">FJC Studio</a>, the slender tower form has been deliberately designed to respect the site's transitional setting at the southern gateway to the North Sydney CBD, where high-rise towers give way to lower-scale residential precincts.

"The slender tower form and articulated podium establish a respectful relationship with nearby heritage and low rise buildings, including the Whaling Road Heritage Conservation Area,” the architecture firm noted, adding that the tower “completes a missing link in the urban fabric” while enhancing the Alfred Street streetscape.

The proposed building will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 15 percent of the gross residential floor area allocated as affordable housing. There is an agreement already in place that those apartments will be managed by Evolve Housing.

The project aligns with broader state housing objectives, including the National Housing Accord target of delivering 1.2 million new homes by 2029. The Scoping Report filed with the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) suggests the site "presents no impediments to rapid delivery,” with construction able to commence within 12 months of receiving consent.

North Sydney has been one of the most popular suburbs in Sydney for new and off the plan apartment development, but hasn't had the supply to keep up with demand, until recently.

AURA by Aqualand was, for a long time, the only off the plan apartment building on the market. That completed last year, and has sold the majority of its 386 luxury apartments. Recently ALAND launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> on the same street, selling over $100 million within just a few hours of its launch, while developer CASA also launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-mclaren-north-sydney-45-mclaren-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The McLaren</a>&nbsp;in the same precinct.

First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower in booming North Sydney

Kokoda Property Group has announced the Sydney-based Versatile Construction as the builder for its landmark $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> precinct.

Construction of the 17,612 sqm site is scheduled to commence in December 2025 and is expected to be delivered in stages from 2028. Once complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> will comprise 212 residences across four architecturally distinct buildings, alongside Brisbane’s first Kimpton Hotel, extensive retail, hospitality, and wellness amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=295098]

Kokoda Property Group Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens, said appointing Versatile Construction marks a significant milestone for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“Partnering with Versatile Construction gives us confidence in delivering a precinct that sets a new benchmark for luxury living, curated experiences and vibrant riverfront activation," Stevens said.

"Together, we will bring the vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> to life, creating a destination that residents and visitors will enjoy for generations."

Throughout the construction phase, more than 2,000 jobs will be created, supporting hundreds of local contractors and suppliers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=352274]

Marco Fahd, Chairman &amp; CEO at Versatile Group, said the company is looking forward to&nbsp;expanding their footprint in the state, taking on their inaugural project in Brisbane.

"We are proud of the unwavering commitment our team of experts have to quality and certainty in delivery and are excited to work with Kokoda to bring their vision for this unique project to life," Fahd says.

Sales reached $285 million on the launch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>, with sales momentum continuing to "exceed all expectations."

Stevens says the overwhelming response from buyers validated the group’s vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“The demand for a luxury product in this enclave has been extraordinary, we’ve never seen anything like it before. It reinforces everything we’re doing around quality, design, and creating genuine lifestyle precincts. Buyers are recognising the enduring value of Brisbane’s riverfront and are responding to the opportunity to live within a world-class destination that celebrates both place and lifestyle.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139896]

Kokoda appoints builder for $1.5 billion Teneriffe Banks waterfront precinct

Castle Hill’s booming development market is set for another boost, with builder-developer Buildex proposing a new mid-rise apartment building near Castle Towers.

Buildex has submitted plans to The Hills Shire Council for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/197-old-northern-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">nine-storey building comprising 57 apartments</a> on Old Northern Road. The company acquired two adjoining sites earlier this year, totalling more than 2,683 sqm.

Texco Design has prepared the scheme, which includes five one-bed plus study apartments, 37 two-bedrooms, and 15 three-bedrooms.

Castle Hill has become a hotspot for developers in recent years, undergoing significant transformation driven by the opening of the Hills Showground Precinct to development and the introduction of two metro stations servicing the suburb.

Developers including Deicorp and Kassis Homes have already completed projects, and are progressing future developments, while Meriton, Arada, and Ellipse are currently delivering new projects in the rapidly evolving area.

First look: Buildex plans 57 apartments near Castle Towers

180 George is among Meriton&rsquo;s latest developments to be delivered in Sydney&rsquo;s western suburb of Parramatta.

From the elevated podium gardens and destination ground-level retail to the superbly appointed residences, 180 George&rsquo;s towering form announces the arrival of the most spectacular homes ever created on the city&rsquo;s prized river edge.

Urban has taken a deeper look at what 180 George can offer homebuyers.

1. Riverfront address

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=71711]

Soaring to unprecedented heights, 180 George will set a new standard of riverfront living in Parramatta.

Rising 67 floors, the glass tower is set to become the tallest residential building in Parramatta after its completion in December 2021, offering panoramic views from almost every apartment.

552 landmark residences look out over Parramatta River to the Sydney CBD skyline and beyond, marking a new statement building in the epicentre of Western Sydney.

2. World-class development

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=71718]

Delivered by Meriton, 180 George is a world-class development, offering five-star amenities that include a 1,000sqm supermarket, a 75-place childcare centre and an adjoining 58-level hotel tower.

Other facilities include 1,200sqm of podium gardens, a barbeque area, seating, a fully-equipped gymnasium and an indoor aquatic centre with a heated pool, spa and sauna.

3. Luxurious homes

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=71712]

Investors and owner-occupiers will both enjoy the diverse selection of oversized apartments on offer at 180 George, each designed to capture the best of their riverside and CBD setting.

Designed by Woods Bagot, residences are characterised by contemporary design, luxury finishes and plentiful storage.

Dual-level and dual aspect apartments are available, many with large entertainer terraces, media rooms and study rooms with bedroom-sized proportions for those seeking versatile extra space.

Sleek kitchens, some taking in the tower&rsquo;s signature views, are created around easy entertaining and modern family life, with premium quality European appliances, integrated dishwasher and VENINI microwave.

4. Sydney&rsquo;s second CBD

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=71722]

&ldquo;Parramatta is rapidly transforming into a buzzing metropolitan hub with over 175,000 working professionals making it Sydney&rsquo;s second CBD&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.

180 George is conveniently located at the centre of it all, just a small walk from the $2 billion Parramatta Square redevelopment which will boast the country&rsquo;s largest office tower. It will house major tenants such as National Australia Bank and the NSW Government.

The key economic and cultural hub includes great community offerings, including the first vertical high school rising 16 storeys and the mixed-use Parramatta Square precinct.

5. Well-connected and well-serviced

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=71721]

Meriton&rsquo;s latest Parramatta tower enjoys convenient access to some of Australia&rsquo;s best educational and medical facilities.

Among these include the Western Sydney University Parramatta campus, the University of New England, Tara Anglican School for Girls and The King&#39;s School.

A short drive to the Westmead precinct unlocks one of the largest health, education, research and training precincts in Australia including four major hospitals, three medical research institutes and the largest research-intensive pathology service in the state.

Parramatta boasts a range of transport offerings, including the free shuttle bus service, the upgraded Parramatta Ferry Wharf, a future Light Rail stop, Parramatta Station the new multi-billion dollar transport networks including WestConnex and the new Metro West.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=8590]

Urban has taken a deeper look at what 180 George can offer homebuyers

max.kwok_55688

Five things we love about Meriton’s latest residential tower in Parramatta, 180 George

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EXPERT OBSERVER
In my <a href="https://theconversation.com/re-imagining-sydney-with-3-cbds-how-far-off-is-a-parramatta-cbd-102197">article</a> yesterday showing how far Greater Parramatta is from hosting one of <a href="https://www.greater.sydney/metropolis-of-three-cities">three metropolitan CBDs proposed</a> by the Greater Sydney Commission, the verdict was clear:
The Sydney metropolis has a very long and bumpy way to go before we can re-imagine it with more than one CBD. Visionary and bold decision-making, supported by significant investment, is required for the Central City to transition to a metropolitan centre.
Today, I introduce a bold proposal to build a Central CBD for metropolitan Sydney, as a real complement to the City of Sydney CBD to the east.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240968/original/file-20181017-17668-17wqj4q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240968/original/file-20181017-17668-17wqj4q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> Figure 2: An overview of Central City 2048. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
Central City 2048 is a 30-year strategic plan, which builds on the Greater Sydney Commission’s <a href="https://www.greater.sydney/metropolis-of-three-cities">Greater Sydney Region Plan</a>. Central City 2048 presents a vision for a dynamic, connected and sustainable CBD at the heart of the Greater Sydney metropolitan region.
Employment, transport and housing targets to be achieved by Central City 2048 are listed in Table 1.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240970/original/file-20181017-17686-1it5pst.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240970/original/file-20181017-17686-1it5pst.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
<h2>Economy</h2>
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240971/original/file-20181017-17671-12ph3dt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240971/original/file-20181017-17671-12ph3dt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> Figure 3. Key economic actions – Central City 2048. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
Central City’s economy is supported by two pillars: Parramatta CBD and the Westmead health and education precinct. There is a key strategic challenge to attract finance, tech, education and creative industries, while supporting existing health and government sectors. Essential to economic growth is the provision of dedicated commercial and retail floor space, and regional access to it.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240972/original/file-20181017-17692-tb2iz3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240972/original/file-20181017-17692-tb2iz3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
<h2>Connectivity</h2>
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240973/original/file-20181017-17674-184qprn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240973/original/file-20181017-17674-184qprn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> Figure 4. Key connectivity actions – Central City 2048. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
Currently, commuter travel time to Central City from most strategic centres exceeds 30 minutes during morning and afternoon peak periods. By 2056, the number of trips to Central City is predicted to triple during these periods.
Without more investment in public transport, <a href="https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/sites/council/files/inline-files/pdf%2019%20-%20Parramatta%20CBD%20Strategic%20Transport%20Study.pdf" target="_blank">forecasts suggest the travel-to-work mode split will remain the same, increasing Central City’s congestion problems</a>. Regional mass-transit connections and reliable local transport options are a priority for Central City’s future.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240974/original/file-20181017-17668-1flq7wu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240974/original/file-20181017-17668-1flq7wu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> Figure 5. Central City 2048 regional connectivity map. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
In terms of digital connectivity, existing infrastructure is limited to copper wire infrastructure. Only small pockets are connected to the National Broadband Network. A more reliable network with increased capacity is essential for Sydney’s next metropolitan centre.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240975/original/file-20181017-17677-g40y8j.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240975/original/file-20181017-17677-g40y8j.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
<h2>Liveability</h2>
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240976/original/file-20181017-17686-p9vc43.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240976/original/file-20181017-17686-p9vc43.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> Figure 6. Key liveability actions – Central City 2048. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
At 41.5 people per hectare, Central City’s residential density is much lower than the Harbour City’s 64.8 people/hectare. Highly liveable cities such as Vancouver and Copenhagen, with residential densities of 167.64 persons/hectare and 61.8 persons/hectare respectively, suggest high-density cities can be liveable too.
To support increased densities, Central City 2048 proposes increased employment opportunities and investment in transport, social and cultural infrastructure. It capitalises on Central City’s cultural diversity, heritage and landscape to create a vibrant and liveable city. Affordable housing targets of 30% are proposed to ensure Central City is an equitable city.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240977/original/file-20181017-17671-1vtzi6p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240977/original/file-20181017-17671-1vtzi6p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
<h2>Invest in city shaping</h2>
Central City 2048 proposes one new rail line, three metro lines, just under 300,000 additional jobs, and a 30% affordable housing target for all new dwellings. This looks ambitious, if not shocking, to many. But it portrays a compelling image of what it takes to build a metropolitan CBD at the geographical heart of the Greater Sydney Region. This is what city-shaping, and indeed nation-building, looks like.
The decision is now ours: are we willing to invest what it takes to make it happen?
This article is inspired by the work of the students enrolled in the <a href="https://sydney.edu.au/courses/units-of-study/2018/arch/arch9093" target="_blank">Integrated Urbanism Studio</a> for the Master of Urbanism at the University of Sydney. I specifically would like to acknowledge the significant contributions made by Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal and Kun Fan.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/102198/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tooran-alizadeh-377838" target="_blank">Tooran Alizadeh</a>, Senior Lecturer, Director of Urban Design, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/reimagining-sydney-this-is-what-needs-to-be-done-to-make-a-central-city-cbd-work-102198" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

What needs to be done to make a central city CBD work?

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CoreLogic have looked at where you’ll find a unit with a median value of under $500,000 close to the CBD.
The results highlight that housing options under $500,000 are available much closer to the CBD for units compared with houses. This likely also goes some way to explaining why in Sydney and Melbourne, where house values are falling, the more affordable unit market is holding up better).
While most Australians still aspire to own a house, the cost of well located houses, particularly in the larger capital cities, is restrictive.
As a result an increasing number of buyers are choosing to purchase more affordable units which offer the ability for owners to live in more desirable suburbs at a lower price point than purchasing a house.
<ul>
<li>Sydney</li>
</ul>
Lakemba is the suburb closest to the city centre with a median unit value below $500,000.
Located just over 12km from the city centre, the median value is $435,314. Compared to other capital cities, unit values below $500,000 are typically much further away from the city centre.
<ul>
<li>Melbourne</li>
</ul>
The Melbourne CBD has a median unit value below $500,000 and most of the suburbs surrounding the CBD also offer units which are typically valued below $500,000. Compare this to the detached housing market where the suburb closest to the city with a median below $500,000 was 16km away.
<ul>
<li>Brisbane</li>
</ul>
Most suburbs in Greater Brisbane have a median unit value below $500,000. Even within the CBD and surrounds median unit values generally sit below $500,000 offering a much more affordable alternative, particularly in the inner city to houses.
<ul>
<li>Adelaide</li>
</ul>
Units are much more affordable than houses throughout the city. In fact, throughout the whole city there are only five suburbs in which median unit values are in excess of $500,000.
<ul>
<li>Perth</li>
</ul>
While most of the suburbs surrounding Perth’s CBD have a median unit value below $500,000 there remains many suburbs with a median value of more than $500,000. These suburbs are typically along the coast or along the Swan River in some of the more exclusive enclaves.
<ul>
<li>Hobart </li>
</ul>
With a citywide median unit value well below $500,000 most of the suburbs across Hobart have a median value below $500,000. In fact, across the whole city only 3 suburbs have a median unit value of more than $500,000.
<ul>
<li>Darwin</li>
</ul>
Only one suburb in all of Greater Darwin has a median unit value of more than $500,000. As a result, the supply of relatively affordable unit stock is significant, particularly when compared to houses below $500,000.
<ul>
<li>Canberra</li>
</ul>
While there was only 1 suburb with a median house value below $500,000 there are substantially more suburbs with a median unit value below $500,000. Many of these suburbs are also quite close to the city centre resulting in a cheaper and more viable housing alternative in these areas.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/25/CORELOGIC%20PLUSE%201.jpg" alt="">
 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/25/CORELOGIC%20PLUSE%202.jpg" alt="">
Property Observer spotted a Lakemba two bedroom unit in Sydney has been recently sold for $442,000 (pictured below).
Set back from the street on the second level, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nsw-lakemba-128259782" target="_blank">9/94 Sproule St apartment</a> features two bedrooms, open living and dining zone, eat-in kitchen, and lock up garage. 
It is less than 10 minutes walk to Lakemba Station, buses and shops.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/25/lakemba%20.jpg" alt="">
A Brisbane City two bedroom apartment with city and mountains views currently on the market is priced at over $477,000 (pictured below).
Situated in popular Aurora Towers, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-brisbane+city-128310802" target="_blank">the 398/420 Queen Street apartment features two bedrooms, </a>open plan living and dining area and balcony with the views.
Aurora resident facilities include a pool, spa, sauna, gym, cinema, sun deck and BBQ area.
The 86 square metre apartment is close to dining, entertainment and retail options in the CBD, public transport and universities.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/25/brisbane%20city.jpg" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Where can you buy a sub-$500,000 unit in our capital cities?

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Victoria University is once more pushing to consolidate its CBD presence into a single precinct, although not via the expected source.

Heritage Victoria is assessing a current proposal to restore and refurbish the former Land Titles Office (LTO) and Strong Room, with a new vertical campus tower at 247-283 Queen Street expected. The institution did hold approval for a separate mixed-use tower on the adjoining block, mere metres from the current proposal, which was also to have seen its CBD presence consolidated.

John Wardle Architects have conceived the current 17-level tower which would rise from behind the restored LTO building.

<h2>247-283 Queen Street development 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/image218_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image218_0.jpg?itok=AL1fkPlE" title="Street level perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>LTO Building vacant for three years, requires an internal refurbishment</li>
	<li>Proposed 87.5 metre tower</li>
	<li>Total Net Lettable Area for the project is 23,263 square metres</li>
	<li>27% of space dedicated to formal teaching and learning use</li>
	<li>Osteo and Dermal Clinic, Entrepreneurial Hub, VU College and social spaces also included</li>
	<li>Single basement level</li>
	<li>New pedestrian link at ground level between LTO Building and proposed tower, with canopy above</li>
</ul>
<h2>Heritage considerations</h2>

The former Land Titles Office is included in the Victorian Heritage Register for being a property is of architectural, technical and historical significance to Victoria. It was built in three stages between 1874 and 1877, with the Strong Room completed over 1884-1885.

John Wardle Architects' scheme is noted as being less intrusive on the historic structures than a 2014 permit for works to the LTO building. Under those plans demolition, refurbishment and new building works would have been undertaken to create a new tower for Victoria University above the Strong Room.

Similarly, under current plans "the support structure for the tower is to be placed around the Strong Room, and does not impact on the original enclosing walls of the building. The vertical campus core will be located in the south-west corner of the Strong Room, requiring demolition of the existing built-in shelving units and structure above and below.

The original northern section of the Strong Room will be retained and restored."

A photographic essay of the two historic structures can be found <a href="http://www.hinlimphotography.com/gallery_A1_files/Heritage/2016%20LTO%20Strong%20Room/index#">here</a>.

<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/image223_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Former LTO - Strong Room. Image: Hin Lim Photography"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image223_0.jpg?itok=GW_dWtXk" title="Former LTO - Strong Room. Image: Hin Lim Photography" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Former LTO - Strong Room. Image: Hin Lim Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>John Wardle Architects design notes</h2>

<ul>
<li>The success of this new vertical campus for Victoria University amongst other criteria and measures is the project’s response to the Heritage aspects of the site, it’s accordance with Planning requirements and the development of the Tower form and floor plate that creates a flexible framework for new teaching and learning activities within a new city campus.</li>
	<li>This building takes stock of the expanding means by which people learn and communicate today, and transposes them into a tower form.</li>
	<li>While many advances in communication and learning have evolved independent of developments in the physical environment, the notion of a campus still holds considerable sway. The enduring nature of a campus is couched in its ability to bring creative and progressive minds together in physical space - providing a platform for their sustained interaction.</li>
	<li>Rather than an autonomous essay on the future of learning, the VU Tower acknowledges that Melbourne’s civic history can be found in buildings that are monumental – or through time, have become mute.</li>
	<li>The space between the Land Titles Office and the Strong Room has the potential to perform multiple roles by establishing a sense of Terra Firma for the project. Through a series of interventions that uncover its latent qualities, we propose an internal street that is at once a transitional moment between city and campus, and a key opportunity to set the tone for architectural and pedagogical values that follow.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image220_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Level five student area. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image220_1.jpg?itok=qFJAJjiV" title="Level five student area. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Level five student area. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>First to fall?</h2>

Victoria University did hold approval for a more substantial mixed-use development across 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, diagonally opposite the Queen Street tower proposal.

The permit has not been acted upon for a number of years, which would call into question the institution's intentions for the dual Little Lonsdale Street sites.

<blockquote>
"Planning approval is in place for redevelopment of these sites for a new multi-storey educational facility. This facility was designed to accommodate an expanded educational programme for the central city campus, including health and business faculties.

On more recent review of this approved development Victoria University has determined that the modest area of the floor plates, combined with lifting (vertical movement) requirements, makes the viability of this development questionable."
<cite>Lovell Chen</cite>
</blockquote>

Spanning 135 metres and designed by Jackson Architecture, the Little Lonsdale Street tower was designed to include academic and support services space, plush 11,350 square metres of leasable office space.

Time will tell if Victoria University pursues the Little Lonsdale Street tower in an altered form such as student accommodation or consigns it to history.

<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/image221_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A dated render of VU Tower. Image: Jackson Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image221_0.jpg?itok=1SZOGjia" title="A dated render of VU Tower. Image: Jackson Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A dated render of the approved VU Tower. Image: Jackson Architecture</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

VU reworks its Queen Street Precinct tower plans

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Salta Properties' latest project is poised to clear a major planning hurdle at City of Melbourne's Future Planning Committee sitting this evening.

Council planners have recommended approval for Salta's mixed-use tower at 57-63 Exhibition Street. Replacing ASF House, the currently 203m tower with an expected development cost of $255 million may be required to ditch a number of floors in order to prevent overshadowing of Birrarung Marr.

City of Melbourne planners have requested it be reduced to 183 metres. A mix of hotel and residential, 57-63 Exhibition Street's fate is ultimately with the Planning Minister.

Should the final green light be given, Salta will be in a strong position to woo a hotel operator for the project's 185 suites which range between 34sqm and 82sqm. The immediate area surrounding the Exhibition Street proposal is already a magnet for premium hotel brands; Stamford Plaza, Sheraton Melbourne, Sofitel, Grand Hyatt and a pending NEXT outlet are present.

<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/image16ex.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exhibition Street perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="465" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16ex.jpg?itok=Xr7PMg0c" title="Exhibition Street perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exhibition Street perspective. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>57-63 Exhibition Street's ground plane treatment has seen a laneway inserted, connecting Strachan Lane and Chester Lane. Incidentally Strachan Lane was subject to a <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/chequerboard-art-in-melbournes-strachan-lane-washed-away/news-story/8807c8fc73d039ab1ef4049b3ddc4013">creative urban art installation</a> earlier this year which riled Council.

Report documents talk of the the "considered placement of openings and fine detailing in the (proposal's) podium facade and the ramp’s internal elevations, this alluring detail and materiality becomes the focus of Chester Lane when experienced from Flinders Lane, enticing passers by to explore further." The design also allows for adjacent properties to be redeveloped in an equitable manner.

City of Melbourne planners have called for further design changes in addition to the slight height decrease. Fenestration to the southern boundary wall above a height of 80 metres has been sought, along with further detail regarding the proposal's ground floor plane.

<blockquote>
Broadly, the proposed development exhibits a high quality design, providing a podium that will successfully integrate with the height and detailing of adjacent graded historic buildings in addition to providing a high degree of activation and site permeability. The tower component achieves adequate separation and setbacks, and the design exhibits excellent internal amenity.

Subject to the recommended conditions, it is considered that the subject site can support a building of this scale, and the proposal will make a positive contribution to Exhibition Street and Melbourne’s City
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</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/image21_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Faceted to the floor. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="507" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_13.jpg?itok=UD8RcfTo" title="Faceted to the floor. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Faceted to the floor. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>For Salta, the nod from Council tonight is a major step toward securing approval for the site which was entered into a joint venture with Malaysia’s Asia One. Although Asia One held the site outright initially, scant little has been heard from the developer since the joint venture was announced; perhaps a coincidence but Salta Properties Pty Ltd is the sole entity listed within the report to Council.

Regardless, 57-63 Exhibition Street adds to Salta's pending apartment development pipeline.

Their Park House project at 627 Victoria Street, Abbotsford has seen Icon Co installed as preferred builder, with a start to the 500 plus apartment build imminent. Also on the radar is 695-699 La Trobe Street, a 28 level tower containing rental apartments and hotel suites.

Upon approval, 57-63 Exhibition Street would join 249-261 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill and additional apartment projects within the Salta's Victoria Gardens precinct as future projects.
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CoM moves to provide clearance for 63 Exhibition's lofty ambitions

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Over the course of the last week, Malaysian developer S P Setia has landed two telling blows in Melbourne's apartment market, further enhancing its stature locally.

Malaysian publication The Edge Markets has in recent days reported that the developer has secured 111-125 A’Beckett Street for a price of $61 million. Complete with permit for an Elenberg Fraser-designed apartment tower spanning 200 plus metres, the A'Beckett Street plot of 1,714sqm is the developer's sixth Melbourne foray.

CBRE City Sales recently ran an Expression of Interest campaign for the site which was initially controlled by Singaporean outfit Tong Eng Group. The scheme had been dubbed Myriad Melbourne prior to S P Setia's involvement.

The Edge Markets <a href="http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/s-p-setia-acquires-sixth-parcel-land-melbourne-rm137-bil-project">reported</a> S P Setia's CEO and president, Datuk Khor Chap Jen as stating the following:

<blockquote>
We are truly pleased and happy with this fantastic news. This is another golden opportunity for S P Setia to deliver yet another development par excellence in Melbourne, the world's most livable city for the sixth year in a row.

The winning bid reaffirms Setia’s long-term commitment and confidence in the Australian real estate market. We remain optimistic on the property market in Australia and will continue to look out for more acquisition opportunities.
<cite>Datuk Khor Chap Jen, CEO, S P Setia</cite>
</blockquote>

In its currently approved form S P Setia can pursue 632 apartments within their new project.

According to The Edge Markets, 111-125 A'Beckett Street will be launched this year and will carry an estimated gross development value of $419 million.

<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/image5_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="111-125 A'Beckett Street. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_9.jpg?itok=rNGJcaLL" title="111-125 A'Beckett Street. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>111-125 A'Beckett Street. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>News of S P Setia's A'Beckett Street foray comes hot on the heels of <a href="/news/s-p-setias-308-exhibition-street-approved-shangri-la-hotels-resorts-confirmed-as-operator"> the developer launching Sapphire By The Gardens</a>, which includes dual towers in the 250 metre range.

While one tower has been dedicated to Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to be operated under their premium Shangri-La banner, the other which includes 345 luxury apartments has seen a high level of sales made, according to offshore markets website The Edge. Located at 308 Exhibition Street, the Cox and Fender Katsalidis-designed development features a distinctive green podium.

Released for sale only last weekend, The Edge Markets also <a href="http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/s-p-setias-sapphire-gardens-70-taken-over-weekend-launch">reports</a> that more than 70% of apartments have been accounted for after the launch which was held simultaneously in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Sydney and here in Melbourne. Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore are reportedly to have their launch this weekend.

Construction of the mammoth project is slated to start later this year.

<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/image6_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sapphire By The Gardens. Image: S P Setia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_15.jpg?itok=QmcuMweq" title="Sapphire By The Gardens. Image: S P Setia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sapphire By The Gardens. Image: S P Setia</figcaption></figure>With Maison Carnegie at construction and A'Beckett Street poised to join Sapphire By The Gardens at sales over the course of 2017, S P Setia's only remaining Melbourne project which has yet to be launched is the more modest mid-rise 103-105 High Street in Prahran.
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S P Setia lands 111-125 A'Beckett Street as offshore media reports Sapphire is all but sold out

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Once derided as the derriere of Melbourne's CBD, the west end is undergoing a marked revival with a slew of residential projects about to begin. This revival largely can also be attributed to the ongoing development of Docklands and the redevelopment of what is now Southern Cross Station, with the resultant epicentre of Melbourne's CBD slowly shifting to the area around King and Spencer Streets. 

A snapshot of some of the largest of these projects which will transform the face of Melbourne from a westerly aspect can be seen below;

<h2>555 Collins 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/555collins_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="555 Collins Street. Images: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/555collins_0.jpg?itok=9NIVdgHj" title="555 Collins Street. Images: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>555 Collins Street. Images: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>One of the latest projects to hit the market following a colourful history at planning. Once the site of the beautifully crafted Federal Coffee Palace, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">555 Collins Street </a>currently stands as the empty concrete edifice dubbed Enterprise House.

Initially seeking planning exemption for a commercial building of 400m, owner Harry Stamoulis sold the site to Fragrance group who tried for a 90-storey, 300m tower designed by Bates Smart. That was reassessed following backlash during the planning process and was eventually replaced with a 47-storey pleated tower rising from a tapering base.

624 apartments constitute the tower.

<blockquote>
555 Collins Street will provide a dynamic and elegant residential tower regenerating a prominent, but neglected corner site within Melbourne’s CBD. The tower form is distinguished by a unique tapered podium which allows for the creation of an increased public realm and generous retail precinct.

The tapered base also means daylight can filter into the internal spaces, while at night, light will illuminate the surrounding precinct. A continuous pedestrian loop will link the development with the adjacent building, expanding public amenity and creating a contemporary addition to Melbourne’s collection of laneways.

- Bates Smart
</blockquote>

555 Collins Street is currently at sales and registrations.

<h2>West Side Place</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/gold_residences.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Gold Residences at West Side Place. Image: Far East Consortium"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="375" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gold_residences.jpg?itok=lYWSSdJ_" title="The Gold Residences at West Side Place. Image: Far East Consortium" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Gold Residences at West Side Place. Image: Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure>Stage 1 of West Side Place comprising two 200m + towers including a Ritz-Carlton hotel, and is set to commence construction in coming months following a successful sales campaign, with few apartments remaining. Developer Far East Consortium is now pushing ahead with the next stage - The Gold Release Residences - set for launch on June 3rd via Colliers.

Rising 72-storeys for an approximate height of 245m, the Gold Release will sit to the east of the Ritz Carlton with a laneway separating the two towers and frontage along Lonsdale Street. A fourth and final tower of 69-storeys and approximately 235m high will complete Far East's regeneration of two city blocks, which it began with its Upper West Side development on the site of the former Lonsdale Street power station.

<blockquote>
The Gold Release is the newest stage within the Ritz-Carlton precinct offering one and two bedroom residences up to level 70 and featuring expansive views across Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne’s city skyline and beyond. The Gold Release represents sophistication, elegance, value, quality and status. Everything that is synonymous with West Side Place and the Ritz-Carlton.

Designed to maximise natural light, residences are available right up to the clouds at level 70, across the following three offerings of Sky Residences, Central Residences, and Garden Residences.

- Far East Consortium
</blockquote>

<h2>Premier Tower</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/premier_tower.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Premier Tower construction progress. Photo: redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/premier_tower.jpg?itok=-jX3Ks1g" title="Premier Tower construction progress. Photo: redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Premier Tower construction progress. Photo: redden</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/premier-tower-134-160-spencer-street-melbourne">Premier Tower</a> replaces the old Savoy Hotel on one of Melbourne's more prominent corners. The site is now at piling following initial demolition and excavations, with the result a 249m tower and 600 plus apartments.

Fragrance Group are behind the Elenberg Fraser-designed tower, with Multiplex the head contractor.

<blockquote>
We know you’ll agree that when you hear the phrase ‘less is more’ the first person that springs to mind is Beyoncé. No? Well – our new mixed-use building 134 Spencer Street provides the link between the two. At once a building that is the essence of first principles design – created entirely by parametric modelling – meanwhile its spiralling curves recall the twists and turns of a woman dancing in black cloth.

The deceptively complex form is the result of our research into wind, solar and massing criteria – the form is the best possible solution to all of those requirements. On top of that – we’ve taken the heritage surrounds into account, stepping down from the podium to meet them at eye level. This building is just another step in the westerly shift of the CBD.

- Elenberg Fraser
</blockquote>

<h2>299 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/firs9645_299kingst_el03_parkview.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="299 King Street and surrounds. Image:CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="223" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/firs9645_299kingst_el03_parkview.jpg?itok=qRECk-TJ" title="299 King Street and surrounds. Image:CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>299 King Street and surrounds. Image:CBRE</figcaption></figure>Initially receiving approval for a height of 208m - down from the initial proposal of 83-storeys and 269m - owners Farinia on sold the site with approval for a residential scheme by Plus Architecture to Aurumstone Group. Aurumstone has since engaged Elenberg Fraser to rework the scheme in readiness for a imminent sales campaign.

Gone is the pearlescent façade which would produce a pink, bluish, purple effect depending on how light was cast over the tower. Likewise the tower's form has been rationalised with curvaceous lines and a bulge in form toward its peak.

<h2>Collins House</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/collins_house.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins House construction progress. Photo: redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_house.jpg?itok=wR8gtWqR" title="Collins House construction progress. Photo: redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption><a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House construction</a> progress. Photo: redden</figcaption></figure>Hickory is progressing construction works on the narrow site of what will eventually become Australia's slimmest tower, containing 267 dwellings. To deliver Golden Age's 60-storey residential tower and to deal with the site's small footprint, Hickory will be employing its innovative HBS construction method

The project will be serviced by a single tower crane, with major elements including façade and floors fabricated off-site and rapidly assembled on arrival at Collins Street. As such Hickory anticipates the overall construction programme on the Bates Smart designed tower will be reduced by up to 30%.

<blockquote>
The 60 level Collins House project incorporates the grand heritage façade of Melbourne’s historic Maker’s Mark building with a sleek contemporary tower.  Located on a small site footprint in central Melbourne, Hickory’s construction method for the project incorporates our own volumetric structural system, allowing building componentry to be erected more efficiently than a conventional formwork approach would have allowed.

Once complete, the 204-metre project will boast 271 luxury apartments ranging from two and three bedrooms to double storey loft apartments over a single basement level.  Communal facilities for residents include Collins Terrace on Level 3, a private indoor / outdoor space with private dining and gourmet kitchen and the St James Club on Level 27, a private club space with fitness facilities, outdoor deck, dining room and bar.

- Hickory
</blockquote>

<h2>600 Collins 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/06_collins_melbourne_corner_plaza_hires.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="600 Collins Street base and plaza. Image: ZHA "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/06_collins_melbourne_corner_plaza_hires.jpg?itok=RsjW4isc" title="600 Collins Street base and plaza. Image: ZHA " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>600 Collins Street base and plaza. Image: ZHA</figcaption></figure>Developer Landream has applied to amend the approved plans to include a six star hotel in the tower with a marketing campaign not too far off for the ZHA and Plus Architecture designed tower. The development distinguished by 3-stacked vases, will deliver a plaza to Collins Street and laneway to the west of the site activated with retail and a gallery space.

^00 Collins was approved with 420 apartments in place, although that final release will likely see this number change.

<blockquote>
The design has been defined by Melbourne's rich and diverse urban landscape, reinterpreted in a contemporary solution driven by the logical division of its overall volume that will enhance the city's public realm with generous communal spaces. We are honoured to be working with our partners in Melbourne to deliver this project for the city.

- Michele Pasca di Magliano, Zaha Hadid Architects. 
</blockquote>
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Laurence Dragomir

Apartments galore set to breathe new life into the western CBD 

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GUEST OBSERVER
<div class="WordSection1">
The residential population of the City of Perth needs to double if the Perth CBD is to reduce current record levels of commercial office vacancy, and provide workers in the CBD which are the mainstay of the CBD retail sector and eateries.
Of the 200,000 people that work in Perth CBD, less than 20,000 live within the boundaries of the City of Perth.
The exodus of people leaving the CBD at the end of each working day, creates traffic chaos on the freeways and leaves the CBD lacking the night time economy that makes other major cities.
 The City of Perth currently has plans to promote Perth CBD as a vibrant residential area, but much more is needed to be done.
The recent new stock of apartments and medium to high-density housing is limited to opposite ends of the CBD and there has not been enough new supply to make Perth’s residential population anywhere near its target.
We need more, better quality and affordable housing options spread around the Perth CBD to create new precincts that attract people and new businesses into the CBD.
WA Labor’s plans for a second high school in the CBD will require well designed and affordable housing options for families as well as those looking for inner city living.
However, if Perth is going to compete with the suburbs and provide an appropriate mix of housing options in the CBD, the WA Labor government must prioritise key reforms including:
<ul>
<li>Introduce stamp duty concessions for off-the-plan apartments similar to a traditional house and land package;</li>
<li>Fast track the Strata Title reforms to enable community titles and improve strata management;</li>
<li>Full private certification of building permits;</li>
<li>Legislate to allow local authorities like the City of Perth to bring building owners, tenants and financiers together to agree to loan terms to enable finance arrangements to upgrade old and vacant CBD buildings.</li>
</ul>
These reforms are now urgent if we are to create the right commercial, retail and residential offerings to encourage people to move into the CBD.
 
Lino Iacomella is a WA Executive Director at Property Council of Australia and can be contacted <a href="https://www.propertycouncil.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Perth CBD must double number of residents: Lino Iacomella

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GUEST OBSERVER
The high vacancy rate for older commercial buildings in Perth is a concern for the broader community and the Property Council of Australia is calling on the major parties contesting the state election to take a bigger interest in policy solutions to problem.
The Perth CBD has the highest vacancy rate in the country at 22.5 percent and much of the vacancy is in older buildings known as ‘B grade’ stock, which makes up almost a third of the total stock of commercial offices in the CBD. 
The vacancy rate for B grade buildings is over 30 percent.
The risk in Perth is that commercial tenants will continue to gravitate to the newer higher grade office towers leaving the older buildings vacant, creating ‘dark zones’ in the CBD.
A two-tier office market is emerging in the CBD, including prime and A grade buildings in stronger demand by tenants and older buildings. 
We are already seeing vacancy rates in prime buildings decline however vacancies in older buildings may not have peaked yet.
In a bid to tackle, the rising Perth vacancy rates, the Property Council is calling on the major parties contesting the State election in March to commit to working alongside industry and the City of Perth to enable building upgrade agreements in the CBD.
Building upgrade finance is a voluntary mechanism to assist building owners to upgrade commercial buildings to improve, water, energy, and environmental efficiency by retrofitting existing commercial buildings.
Under the Building Upgrade Finance mechanism, a local council can voluntarily enter into a building upgrade agreement with a building owner and a financier.
Under a building upgrade agreement the building owner agrees to undertake upgrade works in respect of their building. The financier agrees to advance money to the building owner for funding the upgrade works, and the council agrees to levy a building upgrade charge against the land on which the building is situated. 
The initiative has been successfully adopted in Victoria, NSW and SA. However, it will require a change of the Local Government Act to enable building upgrade agreements to commence in WA.
Building Upgrade Agreements are a simple and effective mechanism to overcome the high office vacancy rate in the CBD and prevent the spread of dark zones
Lino Iacomella is executive directory, Property Council WA, and can be contacted <a href="https://www.propertycouncil.com.au/Web/About_Us/Contact_us/WA/Web/About_us/ContactUs/WA.aspx?hkey=4fc8901b-1527-43f8-88ed-c466ebcc6220" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Policy solutions needed to counter CBD dark zones

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Melbourne's Tavistock House in the middle of the CBD has been sold at auction for $7.9 million.
The iconic triple-storey corner freehold building at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-melbourne-502136982" target="_blank">383-387 Flinders Lane</a> comprises a 442 sqm land parcel and over 42 metre triple street frontage.
It's surrounded by major corporate headquarters, Melbourne’s finest restaurants, luxury retail, high end hotels and entertainment as well as all forms of public transport.
It was offered with up to 12 months settlement and has traded for the first time in over two decades. It last sold for $600,000 in 1993.
It comes part leased to established tenants.
Colliers International handled the sale with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BM8YKO8BslB/?taken-by=cooleyauctions" target="_blank">Cooley Auctions handling the onsite auction</a>.
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