Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Cbus Property

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Synonymous with large-scale commercial developments for much of its history, Cbus Property is increasingly turning its hand to apartment development in Melbourne. The unique property investor and developer - backed by its superannuation parent - has recently lodged plans for a sizeable Collingwood development, its fifth current Melbourne residential apartment pursuit.

With the lodgement of plans for 61-71 Wellington Street Collingwood, Cbus Property now holds hundreds of apartments in its Melbourne development pipeline in addition to the 408 dwellings currently under construction over two Melbourne sites.

<h2>The latest addition</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/image72_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cbus Property's latest pursuit. Images courtesy John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="316" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image72_0.jpg?itok=3J_27jWH" title="Cbus Property's latest pursuit. Images courtesy John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cbus Property's latest pursuit. Images courtesy John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>61-71 Wellington Street and 37-39 Langridge Street, Collingwood</li>
	<li>13 level residential development</li>
	<li>196 dwellings: 98 x 1BR, 82 x 2BR and 16 x 3BR</li>
	<li>163 car parking spaces and 93 bicycle spaces within three basement levels</li>
	<li>117sqm retail space</li>
	<li>Three commercial spaces: 392sqm total</li>
</ul>
Designed by John Wardle Architects, the proposed glazed tower is to sit behind a partially retained and restored brick facade onsite, with new podium brickwork set to match the existing exteriors.

John Wardle Architects provided a design response for the project, which reads as follows:

<blockquote>
The Collingwood silos have been a significant part of Melbourne's skyline since the expansion of industry and the development of production in the mid 20th century. Originally used to house Barley for brewery/malting works, today the remaining silos are either idle or have been converted into apartment buildings.

The apartment building slab edges have been generated using a negative imprint of a cylindrical form that contextually references the historical Collingwood silos. The curved, scalloped slab edges are expressed around the entire perimeter of the building which also form the apartment balconies.
<cite>Design statement, John Wardle Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>The Cbus juggernaut gathers momentum</h2>

Construction progress on <a href="/buildings/35-spring-street-melbourne">35 Spring Street</a> is set to hasten as the premium 43 level residential tower moves beyond its podium structure, while North Melbourne's <a href="/buildings/assembly-181-capel-street-north-melbourne">Assembly</a> sees its concrete structure for the 138 associated apartments nearing the midway point. Assembly was purchased from private developer Equiset just as public sales began for the project.

It remains to be seen what will be achieved with Cbus Property's forthcoming <a href="/news/cbus-enters-west-melbourne-with-9-dryburgh-street">9 Dryburgh Street</a> West Melbourne project which was met with refusal from Melbourne City Council during April 2015, although is now shown as being at referral. In its initial guise 9 Dryburgh Street would have seen 217 apartment over 13 levels, although Cbus now suggests a yield of approximately 160 apartments is likely with construction commencement anticipated during 2016.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image64_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Assembly's progress and a more recent image of 447 Collins Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="676" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image64_3.jpg?itok=kdXxWzC7" title="Assembly's progress and a more recent image of 447 Collins Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Assembly's progress and a more recent image of 447 Collins Street</figcaption></figure>Last in line is 447 Collins Street which in previous incarnations has involved residential applications within the mixed-use project. With reports a revised planning application is set to be lodged shortly, it is likely a portion of the project will be set aside for apartments which would command top dollar given the project's premier location and unimpeded southerly views.

Incidentally should the project resemble the above recent render, the upper reaches of 447 Collins Street will bring a new design dynamic to the Melbourne skyline; perhaps a unique selling point for future apartment sales?
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silvermb

Cbus Property pushes further into the Melbourne residential market

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Industry superannuation fund <a href="/developers/cbus-property">Cbus</a> has - via its property arm - submitted plans for a key <a href="/new-apartments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">West Melbourne</a> site which it hopes will house a tower including 217 residential apartments. Directly opposite North Melbourne Station, the triangular site is now subject to a planning application before City of Melbourne seeking approval for a <a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a>-designed 14 level residential building that will comfortably outdo all surrounding buildings in terms of height.

<blockquote>
The island site located at 9-19 Dryburgh Street and 109-121 Ireland provides a unique opportunity to construct a place making apartment building with ground level retail shops that will assist in activating the area around the newly constructed North Melbourne train station.

Located in close proximity to North Melbourne and the CBD, the apartments in the development will appeal to young professionals and academics working or studying in the nearby health and university precincts.
<cite><a href="http://www.cbusproperty.com.au/news/latest/dryburgh-street-west-melbourne/">Cbus Property: Dryburgh Street, West Melbourne</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>
<a href="/buildings/volaire-9-dryburgh-street-west-melbourne">9 Dryburgh Street</a> 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/image10hwm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="9 Dryburgh Street. Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="558" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10hwm.jpg?itok=IpFH5B0Q" title="9 Dryburgh Street. Image © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>9 Dryburgh Street. Image © Hayball</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Current site use: dual level commercial building.</li>
	<li>Planning application lodged October 2014.</li>
	<li>14 level tower @ 48.18 metres.</li>
	<li>217 apartments: 88 one bedroom apartments and 129 two bedroom apartments.</li>
	<li>3 ground floor commercial tenancies totaling 423sqm and a public forecourt.</li>
	<li>114 basement car parking spaces, 4 motorcycle spaces, 57 resident bicycle spaces and 12 resident visitor spaces.</li>
	<li>Residential amenities and common areas: Level 6 and Level 13.</li>
</ul>
<h2>A question of height</h2>

Located between E-Gate/Docklands and the forthcoming Arden-Macaulay precinct, 9 Dryburgh Street's proponents have pressed for a tower of some height in order to define the immediate area.

According to the structure plan outlining expected heights for the area, a general height limit of 20 metres is desired, with the possibility of 30 metres or ten levels for sites deemed appropriate. The town planning report goes on to state that Amendment C190 which covers the Arden-Macaulay area does not cover the site in question during the first round of policy implementation, perhaps prompting Cbus to press ahead with a taller proposal.

<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/image12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Arden-Macaulay preliminary height limits. Image © Urbis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="249" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12.jpg?itok=EgZNdePq" title="Arden-Macaulay preliminary height limits. Image © Urbis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Arden-Macaulay preliminary height limits. Image © Urbis</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The subject site has distinct opportunities that differ from the broader areas of North and West Melbourne given its location as an island site next to North Melbourne train station. To achieve a high intensity of development and necessary concentration of people to spark renewal the proposed building design and height is required.

The location of the development on top of the escarpment overlooking Docklands offers opportunities to capitalise on the views and create a dramatic skyline and definition to the North Melbourne Station precinct.
<cite>Urbis, town planning report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Design highlights</h2>

The planning application references the ground plane treatment which includes a high level of permeability, landscaping and amenity compared to what is currently onsite. This improved urban realm is further aided by three leasable tenancies fronting Dryburgh Street which will bring extra activity to the immediate area, rather than it currently acting as a transitional area for North Melbourne Station users.

Externally the proposal carries many a Hayball design feature, including aluminium clad, dark glazing, precast panels, perforated metal balustrades and bluestone.

<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/image13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Materials application. Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="218" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13.jpg?itok=nhuyjKQe" title="Materials application. Image © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Materials application. Image © Hayball</figcaption></figure>Internally 9 Dryburgh Street will carry a range of dwelling sizes, all with either one or two bedrooms alluding to the type of buyer the projects will likely be pitched toward. One bedroom dwellings have floor areas ranging from 42.5sqm-53.5sqm while two bedroom dwellings have floor areas ranging from 59sqm-78sqm.

All habitable room windows have a direct light source while every apartment has been provided with a balcony.

<h2>Cbus moves further into the apartment sector</h2>

With commercial projects having dominated their portfolio in years gone by, 9 Dryburgh Street represents Cbus Property's fourth current foray into the Melbourne apartment market. <a href="/buildings/35-spring-street-melbourne">35 Spring Street</a> leads the way with the 43 level tower of some 270 apartments preparing to rise from a considerable site excavation.

Purchased off Equiset with display at the ready, <a href="/buildings/assembly-181-capel-street-north-melbourne">Assembly</a> in North Melbourne is also preparing for construction after a strong sales campaign while the developers scheme at <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">447 Collins Street</a> recently hit a stumbling block with Planning Minister Matthew Guy rejecting the tower in its current form. With in the vicinity of 400 apartments included, 447 Collins Street will undoubtedly return in some way, shape or form.

<h2>9 Dryburgh Street team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Cbus Property</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Architect: Hayball</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>ESD: ADP Consulting</li>
	<li>Landscape: Land Projects</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
</ul>
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Cbus enters West Melbourne with 9 Dryburgh Street

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So it has come to be that a slab of marble facade dislodging itself during 2012 has led to one of Melbourne's more audacious and sought after planning amendments. From that initial 'loss of face,' a chain of events has since seen 447 Collins Street vacated, approved for demolition and subject to an international design competition at the behest of current owner, <a href="http://www.cbusproperty.com.au/news/latest/cbus-snares-collins-street-gem/" target="_blank">Cbus Property</a>.

<a href="http://www.woodsbagot.com/" target="_blank">Woods Bagot</a> in conjunction with New York-based <a href="http://www.shoparc.com/" target="_blank">SHoP Architects</a> have created dual concept designs that would contravene one of Melbourne's enduring planning covenants, thus potentially setting a new benchmark for others to emulate. The Yarra River and Southbank have long been considered off limits in terms of overshadowing as explained below.

<h2>A river runs through it</h2>

<blockquote>
The importance of the Yarra River as a key natural feature of Melbourne is acknowledged in State planning policy, the Melbourne Planning Scheme and the Planning Schemes of other relevant municipalities. The only basis upon which an exemption to the prohibition could possibly be contemplated is if there was a demonstrated public benefit which would outweigh such an impact on a natural asset of state significance.

However, it is considered that it is premature to consider an exemption from the mandatory shadow prohibition requirement without further resolution of a detailed design for future development of the site.
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Bridge and Spire concepts under consideration</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/image18447.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Alternative Spire (left) and Bridge concept designs. Image courtesy SHoP / Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="269" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18447.jpg?itok=9-Vzd6w0" title="Alternative Spire (left) and Bridge concept designs. Image courtesy SHoP / Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Alternative Spire (left) and Bridge concept designs (right). Image courtesy SHoP / Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Seen above are the two concepts put forward for consideration and comment. Spire refers to the single slender tower in the vicinity of 300 metres in height while Bridge consists of two interconnected towers at 190 metres and 160 metres respectively.

The Spire proposal incorporates a tower to the western portion of the 5,900sqm site. Its massing and three separate elements sees Spire hold a remarkably similar form to another Melbourne proposal, <a href="/news/a-point-of-difference-97-franklin-street-melbourne" target="_blank">97 Franklin Street.</a>

While both schemes are mixed-use (commercial, residential and hotel and retail) only Spire proposes a large public space to three street frontages. This provision of a new public space by way of a city park is the 'carrot' for anointing Spire as the preferred outcome and would see a new public space of 2,000sqm established, equivalent in size to City Square or the State Library forecourt. Interestingly the Spire design seeks to subsume part of Market Street thus increasing dedicated public space 2,739sqm.

A height versus public benefit relationship is at play with the two designs. While Bridge would lessen Yarra River and Southbank overshadowing concerns, it also drastically reducing the amount of square metres dedicated to public space whereas Spire aims to deliver the opposite outcome. Therein lies the crux of the matter.

<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/image15447.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One outcome includes implementing a large public space. Image courtesy SHoP / Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="243" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15447.jpg?itok=XA4Vj_Ya" title="One outcome includes implementing a large public space. Image courtesy SHoP / Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A large open space is the defining difference. Image courtesy SHoP / Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Despite discussions between City of Melbourne's Urban Design Branch and the proponent, City of Melbourne's Future Melbourne Committee report recommends the opposition of the proposed Planning Scheme amendment.

<blockquote>
Overall it is considered that the proposal is not supportable due to the potential to further erode a long-held policy and due to the loss of amenity to Queensbridge Square and the Yarra River corridor. The numerous policies which seek to protect the Yarra River and which highlight Queensbridge Square as an important open space are not given enough weight in the applicant’s submission. Although it is acknowledged that the proposal presents potential gain to an area of open space this should not be at the expense of existing amenity and character to one of our most important assets.
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

In effect this places the final decision squarely in the hands of State Planning Minister Matthew Guy.

<h2>447 Collins and 555 Collins to overshadow?</h2>

Further west along Melbourne's premier thoroughfare, 555 Collins Street has garnered media attention in recent times. Touted as the future home of a 404-metre skyscraper, the initial proposal was promptly <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/skyscraper-plans-cut-down-to-size-20130710-2pqfv" target="_blank">consigned to history</a> owing to Essendon Airport's flight path restrictions.

Consequently controlling interests sold the site to Singaporean developer Fragrance Group and Apartments.com.au understands that preliminary talks have taken place regarding an optimal design envelope for the site. While a nominal height for 555 Collins Street has been put forward we're unable to divulge further information, suffice it to say that both 555 Collins Street and 447 Collins Street would comfortably overshadow the Yarra at certain times of the year based on initial concepts.
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