Southern Cross Station anchors the western end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s CBD, connecting metropolitan and regional rail with tram and bus interchanges in one of the city’s busiest transport corridors.&nbsp;

Just metres away, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a>&nbsp;will place residents in the heart of the city, with immediate access to Spencer Street trams, a growing mix of retail, hospitality and cultural venues, and a neighbourhood evolving into a lively residential precinct.

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>, the 68-storey project integrates a sculptural glass tower with the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley Building on a 2,765 sqm site.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the development replaces a previously approved scheme for 813 apartments with a refined offering of just over 600 larger-format residences, responding to a growing owner-occupier demand for spacious city living.

The location sits within a dynamic pocket undergoing significant transformation. Marvel Stadium and the Docklands waterfront are less than 10 minutes away on foot, offering both sports and leisure attractions.&nbsp;

Bourke Street Mall, Queen Victoria Market, and the State Library are all within walking distance, while Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne’s oldest park, provides a green escape just to the north.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335425]

Proximity to some of the city’s largest employers and education hubs, including the courts precinct, legal chambers, RMIT, and major hospitals, makes 640 Bourke Street an appealing residential address for professionals, families and students alike.

Education opportunities span all levels. Nearby, Haileybury City Campus offers private schooling just a short walk from 640 Bourke Street. Just beyond the CBD fringe, Carlton Gardens Primary School, one of Melbourne’s oldest state primary schools, and Docklands Primary School provide convenient government schooling options.

Higher education is equally accessible. RMIT University’s city campus spans multiple buildings just a few blocks away, while the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus is easily reached via tram along Swanston or Elizabeth Streets.

Victoria University’s City Queen campus, focused on law and business, is also close by, positioning 640 Bourke Street within walking distance of three of Melbourne’s major tertiary institutions.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335414]

The neighbourhood’s retail tapestry continues to evolve into something distinctly local and walkable. Just steps away, Woolworths Metro on Bourke Street ensures that everyday essentials are easily within reach.&nbsp;

For larger shopping trips, Spencer Outlet Centre on Spencer Street and QV Melbourne on the opposite side of the CBD broaden the offering with supermarkets, fashion, dining and specialty stores.

The lane-to-lane vibe unfolds beautifully in nearby arcades and alleys. Hardware Lane, with its European-style red-brick paving and alfresco dining, pulses with jazzy evenings and casual lunches.

A few minutes north, Howey Place and Centre Place offer leafy, boutique-lined lanes where hidden cafés and niche retailers congregate under historic glass-covered cloisters.

Completing this tapestry is the newly opened Mecca “beauty playground” on Bourke Street. Spanning 4,000 sqm over three levels, the flagship blends immersive retail within an art-deco heritage setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335415]

This finely grained network of shops, eateries, arcades and service outlets defines the everyday lifestyle at 640 Bourke Street - further enriched by over 3,000 sqm of resident amenity including a Turkish-inspired pool, gym, co-working rooms and private cinemas.&nbsp;

Now selling from $640,000 to $3.95 million, with off-the-plan stamp duty concessions available until October 2026. Prospective buyers can visit the on site display gallery which has&nbsp;fully built one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Joel Robinson

640 Bourke Street: A heritage address at the heart of Melbourne

Lower North Shore development specialists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>&nbsp;has topped out its new local apartment development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-6-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective</a>.&nbsp;

Located in the tightly held suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/naremburn-nsw-2065">Naremburn</a>, Northcote Collective is a collection of just 58 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed by award-winning architects Rothelowman.&nbsp;

The building is just a five to 10 minute walk from the heart of Crows Nest and the new&nbsp;St Leonards and Crows Nest Metro stations. Abadeen has also brought doorstep convenience, with a ground-floor retail offering on Northcote Street.

Northcote Collective is being delivered by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode</a> — an iCIRT-rated construction company well regarded in the new development industry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114189 project_image_fid=272840]

“This is an important and exciting moment for Northcote Collective, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with our partners, consultants, and future residents,” said Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen.&nbsp;

“From the outset, our vision was to create something truly special for Naremburn — homes that respect the character of the neighbourhood while elevating the standard of Lower North Shore living. With connectivity to transport, retail on the doorstep and a true village lifestyle, this milestone also comes at a perfect time when buyer confidence is returning to the market. I am incredibly proud of our team and of Decode for their dedication in helping us bring this vision to life.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114189 project_image_fid=272865]

The development is two-tiered, with two rooftops for residents. The taller building has an impressive rooftop pool, a rare inclusion in the new Sydney apartment market. The level, with panoramic views, also includes an entertaining terrace with barbecue facilities.

Local downsizers and young professionals are showing the strongest interest in the development, with recent improvements in the property market — supported by three rate cuts in 2025 — boosting borrowing power and buyer confidence.

Auction activity across Sydney surged by almost 30 per cent in recent weeks, with clearance rates above 70 per cent — signalling a renewed wave of buyer demand.

Northcote Collective will welcome buyers in 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114189]

Abadeen tops out Northcote Collective in Naremburn

Sunshine Coast-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/devcon-property-group">Devcon Property Group</a> has acquired one of Maroochydore’s most prominent development sites for $12 million unlocking the potentialfor a mixed-use project in the Cotton Tree precinct.

&nbsp;

The 4,178 sqm site at 41–43 Aerodrome Road—well known locally as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants—was sold via an off-market expressions of interest campaign by Colliers agents Nick Dowling and Baydn Dodds. More than 70 targeted buyer groups were approached, resulting in multiple competitive offers for the property.

Devcon Property Group Managing Director Michael Kain said the acquisition was a strategic move in line with the company’s focus on delivering high-quality projects in prime coastal locations.&nbsp;

“We’re excited about the possibilities this site, in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic beachside &nbsp;communities, offers for a broad range of development outcomes,” Kain said.

“Its location, ocean view potential, and proximity to the Maroochydore CBD and beach make it an &nbsp;outstanding development prospect. Our plans are to refurbish the existing building and then review &nbsp;development options for the remainder of the site.”&nbsp;

<img alt="Aerodrome Rd site overlooking Beach (Large)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a29dc4ed-68c1-4bec-a4fc-283063dcde1e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Aerodrome%20Rd%20site%20overlooking%20Beach%20%28Large%29.jpg?VersionId=b0WxJWevmLoAfCP4YvGImZpR3rSCJJ9L" />

Colliers Special Projects Manager Baydn Dodds said the sale reflected the ongoing strength of the &nbsp;Sunshine Coast’s development site market, particularly for projects capable of achieving water views. &nbsp;

“Sites of this scale, in walkable beachside locations with ocean views, are tightly held and continue to attract significant interest from both local and national developers,” Baydn Dodds said. &nbsp;

“Holding a prominent position as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants and more recently occupied by Rashays, the prime site is located just 150 metres from Maroochydore Beach.&nbsp;

“With stunning ocean view potential, located in one of the Sunshine Coast’s best known iconic &nbsp;beachside communities, within steps of shops, cafes and the beach it is no surprise that there was strong interest in the site. The transaction highlights the ongoing depth of demand for well-located &nbsp;mixed-use sites across the Sunshine Coast.”&nbsp;

Colliers Sunshine Coast Managing Director Nick Dowling said the transaction reinforced the &nbsp;Sunshine Coast’s status as one of Australia’s most active development markets.&nbsp;

“The combination of strong population growth, lifestyle appeal, and infrastructure investment is &nbsp;driving demand for quality development opportunities,” Nick Dowling said. &nbsp;

“The Sunshine Coast is one of only three markets nationally to record an increase in crane numbers, &nbsp;reflecting the strength of the region’s construction pipeline.&nbsp;

“Opportunities like this are rare and continue to generate strong buyer interest in the region.”&nbsp;

The Sunshine Coast development market is booming, with several high-profile developers like Cube Developments, Gardner Vaughan Group, and RCQ, planning developments in the region.

Devcon buys Sunshine Coast’s former Sizzler site for new apartment development

Sydney House, the residential redevelopment of the landmark City Tattersall building on Pitt Street in the Sydney CBD, will officially launch to the market this month.

The $800 million development, a joint venture between&nbsp;Singapore-listed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/first-sponsor">First Sponsor</a>&nbsp;and leading Melbourne-based developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/icd-property">ICD Property</a>, will see a glass tower with 241 apartments and a 135-room hotel built above the restored heritage-listed podium.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12428 project_image_fid=312145]

The apartments will offer&nbsp;rare northeast-facing views across the sparkling Sydney Harbour and Hyde Park, all positioned above a luxury hotel with exclusive access to premium amenities and five-star lifestyle services.

Internationally acclaimed architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bvn-architecture">BVN Architecture</a>&nbsp;handled the design for the residential component and the interiors for the hotel, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">FJC Studio</a>&nbsp;focused on the heritage podium.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12428 project_image_fid=6670]

First Sponsor’s CEO, Neo Teck Pheng, together with ICD Property’s CEO, Matthew Khoo commented that the joint venture team was ecstatic to bring this extraordinary project to market as the first opportunity for those looking to secure their ultimate CBD luxury residence elevated by premium hotel amenities, including select premium services designed for effortless living.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sydney-house-194-204-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney House</a> will offer a sophisticated expression of modern CBD living, capturing panoramic vistas to Sydney’s most beloved icons, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as Hyde Park out to the North and South Heads,” Khoo said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12428 project_image_fid=312146]

Mr Neo expressed that the reinterpretation of the heritage podium levels will feature an elegant heritage bar and restaurant, along with luxurious hotel and function facilities, enhancing the experience for residents. The historical features will be reborn, ensuring that these grand, opulent spaces will once again be enjoyed, appreciated and celebrated by residents, Sydneysiders as well as interstate and international visitors alike.

Managing sales for the project, SRM Residential Partner Tim Rees said that the team has received an overwhelming response to date, largely from local downsizers and upgraders looking for the ultimate lifestyle purchase.&nbsp;

“Once completed in late 2027, Sydney House will be Sydney CBD’s newest icon blending modern architecture with historic grandeur located in one of the most prestigious enclaves of the CBD,” Rees said.&nbsp;

“Pitt Street is arguably the most significant street in all of Sydney. Just a stone’s throw from Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, Hyde Park and Darling Harbour, Sydney House offers seamless connection with the CBD and beyond. Pitt Street Mall is literally across the road and there is an abundance of dining and cultural venues in close proximity. The outlook from Sydney House will be breathtaking with views of Hyde Park and Sydney’s famous iconic landmarks on offer.

“Following the trend of other global cities such as New York, London, Paris and Tokyo, luxury inner city apartment living with access to premium hotel amenities is the new ‘trophy home’ for wealthy downsizers or empty-nesters who aren’t looking to slow down, as they want to live in the heart of the action.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12428 project_image_fid=350624]

The project boasts a prime CBD location surrounded by the city’s most premium shopping centres including David Jones and Westfield Pitt Street as well as some of Sydney's best restaurants, bars,&nbsp;pubs, theatres, museums, art galleries, and parks.

Residents will be able to access the newly opened Sydney Metro Gadigal Station, located within a block from Sydney House. This station provides connectivity to Martin Place (one min), Barangaroo (three mins) and North Sydney (11 mins) as well as Chatswood and Macquarie University through to Castle Hill and Norwest. With services every four minutes during peak times, the Sydney Metro provides the ultimate convenience with 21 stations from Tallawong to Sydenham.

One of Sydney’s leading residential construction companies, particularly in premium off the plan luxury residences, Richard Crookes Constructions, will complete the project in late 2027.&nbsp;

Price guides at Sydney House include one-bedroom apartments from $1.5 million, two-bedroom apartments from $2.3 million and three-bedroom apartments from $5 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=12428]

Set to bring next level luxury to Sydney CBD’s prestige property market

Buyers set for first chance at Sydney House, Sydney CBD's newest landmark tower development

Joint venture partners&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/amalgamated-property-group">Amalgamated Property Group</a>&nbsp;(APG)&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/base-developments">Base Developments</a>&nbsp;have kicked off construction&nbsp;on its second Gold Coast apartment tower, Affinity Broadbeach, which is due for completion in early 2028.

More than 50 per cent of the 180 two- and three-bedroom apartments have sold, with buyers particularly impressed by&nbsp;the spacious and functional floor plans, close proximity to the beach, premium inclusions, and expansive resort-style amenities.

APG has just released a new limited collection of three-bedroom skyhomes with three living rooms and four bathrooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107690 project_image_fid=323744]

Graham Potts, Principal and Founding Director Amalgamated Property Group, said the strong demand for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/affinity-broadbeach-40-46-chelsea-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Affinity Broadbeach</a> highlights a genuine need for affordable luxury residential developments on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

“It’s exciting to see construction kick off on this sought-after project which is set to create a new benchmark in luxe coastal living on the Gold Coast," Potts said.

"Buyers are attracted by the seamless blend of convenience and elegance that Affinity offers, together with the knowledge that our 20-years of industry experience ensures we continue to deliver homes to the same high standards our reputation has been built on."

Capital Construction Queensland, the inhouse construction arm of APG, is handling the building. Potts says having the internal build capability provides buyers with confidence in delivering a high-quality building, referencing Amaya Broadbeach which is nearing completion nearby.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107690 project_image_fid=323199]

Carly Cottam, CEO of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/motiv">MOTIV</a> Group which is selling Affinity, says there's a clear undersupply of property across Southeast Queensland and an even greater shortage of well-designed, spacious residences.

"That’s why Affinity has attracted such strong demand," Cottam says.

"Every detail, from the intricate finishes to the intelligent spatial planning, has been crafted for the discerning owner-occupier. Beyond the residences, the amenity is designed as a true extension of the home."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107690 project_image_fid=6678]

Affinity’s superior amenities are resonating with buyers who are impressed by the range on offer, from the expansive outdoor heated pool, to the state-of-the-art gym, steam and sauna facilities, outdoor entertaining terraces, and a business centre.

"The offering reflects exactly what buyers are seeking when right-sizing or upgrading - spacious residences complemented by curated residential amenity, all within moments of the beach and vibrant retail and dining precincts,” Cottam added.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107690 project_image_fid=6676]

Dennis Milin, Principal of Base Developments and Milin Builders, and Director of Capital Constructions Queensland, said the team is excited to deliver another collection of premium homes in the heart of Broadbeach.

"With more than three decades of proven success in construction and development, our award-winning portfolio across the ACT and NSW speaks for itself, now further demonstrated by the strong progress at Amaya Broadbeach on First Avenue in Queensland,"&nbsp;Milin said.

“In partnership with a highly regarded team of designers, engineers and trades, and supported by our experienced Gold Coast construction professionals, we remain committed to delivering projects defined by quality, timeless design and uncompromising standards."

Early works at Affinity are already advancing, with guide walls for shoring and bulk excavation underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107690 project_image_fid=323196]

With a proven track record in large premium projects, APG has been developing residential and commercial property across Australia for more than 20 years. APG and Base Developments are the same duo behind the successful Amaya Broadbeach, currently under construction on First Avenue and due for completion in early 2026, as well as a number of other successful joint developments in Canberra, including Botanical in Turner, Kiara in Narrabundah, Ivy in Woden, and the three-tower Oaks precinct in Phillip.

APG is currently building The Eastbourne, 349 homes, a premium office building, and a retail and dining precinct at ANZAC Park East.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107690]

Amalgamated Property Group and Base kick off construction at Affinity Broadbeach

Chadstone

Aultun Group&rsquo;s latest Melbourne development, Collins &amp; Bates, is a collection of 98 one, two and three-bedroom residences across two individually styled buildings.

Designed by Point Architecture and C&amp;C Interiors, each apartment encapsulates elegance, style and timeless design.

The project features open-plan living spaces, monsoon showers, ample storage and leafy courtyards, offering an ideal setting to entertain or unwind in the home&rsquo;s various living spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3950]

With one-bedroom apartments priced from $420,000 and three-bedroom apartments priced from $1,000,000, Chadstone will suit the needs of first home buyers, investors and downsizers alike.

Flooded with natural light from over-sized windows and calming green nature, Collins &amp; Bates makes each home a private sanctuary in the premium Melbourne suburb of Chadstone.

Still unsure? Urban takes a look at four reasons why buying in Melbourne&#39;s Chadstone area could be a smart move.

1. Chadstone is seeing a recovery trend

As Australian dwelling markets saw an accelerating recovery trend through the December quarter, CoreLogic expects that the incidence of profit-making sales may increase in Melbourne over the coming months.

While investor resales may come under some pressure in the inner-city Melbourne market as a result of lower rental asking prices, the current record low mortgage rates appear to be an offsetting factor.

2. It&rsquo;s Australia&rsquo;s fashion capital

<a href="/buildings/collins-bates-19-25-collins-street-chadstone"><img alt="" height="563" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shutterstock_1393312640.jpg" width="1000" /></a>

The revered suburb of Chadstone is Australia&rsquo;s premier retail destination and luxury fashion capital. In close location to Chadstone Shopping Centre, the area provides unmatched access to endless retail options from designer boutiques to apartment stores.

Following the Centre&rsquo;s $660 million refurbishment in 2016, Chadstone is all you need to get your fashion fix.

3. The lush, green setting

Chadstone&rsquo;s various offerings aren&rsquo;t just limited to its premier retail and entertaining facets, but its lesser-known parklands offer residents the chance to unwind from city living. North of the suburb, Gardiners Creek provides a leafy setting unearthing natural serenity.

Whether you&rsquo;re looking for recreation areas and playing fields or scenic cycling trails, Melbourne has you covered, with trails following through Malvern Valley Golf Course all the way to the Yarra River.

4. Chadstone is a culinary destination

<a href="/buildings/collins-bates-19-25-collins-street-chadstone"><img alt="" height="1302" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/lifestyle2.jpg" width="1850" /></a>

Melbournians love their food, wine and beer, and Chadstone&rsquo;s vibrant eateries provide all three. Not too far afield are some of Melbourne&rsquo;s most distinctive and beloved urban villages, with an array of restaurants from every cuisine.

Collins & Bates makes each home a private sanctuary in the premium Melbourne suburb of Chadstone

max.kwok_55688

Find out the top reasons why buying in Melbourne's Chadstone precinct could be a smart move

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These three and four bedroom townhouses offer contemporary living with stylish interiors and meticulously landscaped gardens. You'll love coming home to your new Churchill Townhouse, fully equipped with everything you need in one of Melbourne's most desired pockets of the south-east. Nestled in an exclusive area of Melbourne's established south-eastern corridor, Churchill Townhouses are only 20km from the city centre. With an abundance of local amenities, including world-class shopping experiences, you'll feel right at home.

Learn, work and play in a community that continues to offer its residents 5-star living and an endless list of amenities accommodating every member of the family.

A further benefit to the location of Churchill Townhouses is that they are positioned within a sea of educational options. You'll be spoiled by your choice at Churchill, with Monash University, Wesley College, Ashwood Secondary and Mount Waverley Heights all just moments away.

Modern aesthetics expand across the living area, with a combination of contemporary interiors featuring Tasmanian Oak hardwood floors, square set cornices as well as bi-fold doors opening onto a large alfresco and landscaped garden. These 2-storey townhouses provide a perfect balance between living and sleeping quarters. The kitchen, dining and laundry areas are all on the ground floor, followed by 3 well-sized bedrooms on the first floor. Pending on which plan you choose, you'll also be provided with either a guest room or study on the ground floor. Each townhouse features a 2-car garage as well as adequate space for all of your storage needs.

Churchill Townhouses are only 20km from the city centre. With an abundance of local amenities, including world-class shopping experiences, you'll feel right at home.

Urban's three favourite things about Churchill Townhouses, Chadstone:

Spacious townhouses with landscaped gardens.

Located within moments of Chadstone Shopping Centre.

Surrounded by leading schools and parklands.
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urban.com.au

You’ll love coming home to your new Churchill Townhouse, in the heart of Chadstone. Subject - Only 20km from the city centre.

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The first stage of Chadstone’s $660 million redevelopment was unveiled yesterday.
The redevelopment includes the Southern Hemisphere's first LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.
The development will also feature 100 new retailers, two new dining precincts, a Hoyts digital cinema complex and a Tesla Motors dealership.
The development has been under construction for more than two years and is set to be completed in mid-2017. 
Principal Andrew Mackenzie said the journey has been unlike any other he has experienced in his career.
“Buchan began work on Stage 1 of Chadstone’s redevelopment in the early 1980’s, and today we witness the extent of its incredible evolution as Stage 40 comes to life.  It has been truly remarkable watching the centre’s growth over the years and we are extremely proud to have played a leading role in the Chadstone story.
A 7000 square metre grid shell roof covers the atrium, and si 30 metres above the ground.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Chadstone reveals first stage of $660m revamp

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Legoland is due to open in mid-2017 at Chadstone shopping mall.
The Chadstone Lego centre will make be the first discovery centre in southern hemisphere for Lego, part of a global network of Lego Discovery Centres operated by British group Merlin Entertainment, including nine in North America, four in Europe and two in Japan.
"It could become Australia's version of the New York's FAO Schwarz," said Zelman Ainsworth, head of Melbourne retail leasing at property group CBRE said of the iconic, but recently closed New York toy store.
Merlin's chief new openings officer John Jakobsen told Fairfax Media the discovery centre concept has been a huge success worldwide, offering a family day out of shopping and dining.
Australia and Asia are very important development areas for Merlin with the group's Sydney attractions including Madame Tussauds and Sydney Aquarium.
Lego will take 2800 square metres, designed to entertain three-to-10 year olds for up to three hours.
Legoland was described in January by Forbes' Fast Company publication as "the Apple of toys". 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Legoland to open at Chadstone shopping mall

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Like it or loathe it, Chadstone Shopping Centre is about to enter another expansionary phase which will further solidify its position as Australia's largest. Beyond the planned push to over 215,000 square metres of leasable space, the headline construction note within the upcoming phase will be the delivery of premium office tower fronting Dandenong Road.

With near 16,000 square metres of office space expected, the soon to be under construction commercial building will in due course be joined by an additional tower containing 190 hotel suites. Both towers were covered in a <a href="/news/chadstones-twin-towers-sharpen-up" target="_blank">previous Urban.com.au article</a>.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image3_10_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hotel and commercial towers side by side. Image © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3_10_0.jpg?itok=ZGbjPIn5" title="Hotel and commercial towers side by side. Image © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

The office tower is included within Stage 38 and according to website <a href="http://www.estimateone.com/" target="_blank">EstimateOne</a> also includes the following:

Early Works

<ul>
<li>Bulk excavation and site retention of the new car park located under the office tower</li>
	<li>Underpinning of the existing Myer car park</li>
</ul>
Stage One Works (Separable Portions apply)

<ul>
<li>New Myer car park deck</li>
	<li>Pedestrian link</li>
	<li>New bus interchange</li>
	<li>Road works to Eastern Road</li>
	<li>New signage gantries to Eastern Road</li>
	<li>Road works to Princes Highway</li>
	<li>Commercial in-ground carparking and ramping</li>
	<li>Office tower excluding tenant fitout</li>
	<li>Landscaping</li>
	<li>Screeding over future site for Hotel</li>
</ul>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image10_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © chadstoneshopping.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_10.jpg?itok=1Yt7GCoI" title="Image © chadstoneshopping.com.au" width="580"></a>

In addition, Stage 40 which centres around an expanded retail offering is also out to construction tender. According to the <a href="http://www.chadstoneshopping.com.au/chadstonedevelopment/chadstone_capital.htm" target="_blank">official website</a>, "The new development proposal represents an investment of over $500 million by its owners, creating significant employment throughout the economy for the broader community (2,700 direct jobs during construction and 2,200 ongoing)."

Currently six major builders are in the running, although Probuild may have the upper hand given they have delivered a variety of expansion projects for the centre over a 15 year period.
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silvermb

Chadstone Capital moves to construction

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... and that's the problem.
Melbourne was very good at locating shopping centres away from rail lines and stations when they were first proposed, and we're paying for it now.  Well at least, the good 'burghers of Chadstone, who live opposite or in the immediate vicinity of the shopping centre that bears the same name, are.
In our <a href="http://urbanmelbourne.info/development/2013/04/16/chadstones-twin-towers-sharpen-up#content">piece</a> yesterday on the updated proposals for a Hotel and Office at Chadstone Shopping Centre, Mark posted images from Atomic 3D and Bates Smart that act as a perfect example of  how utterly auto-centric these “activity” centres are. Have a look at the Dandenong Road vista – shopping centres have always been internally focused and Chadstone is no exception – however the new proposal has solidified this internal mentality by only providing a barely windowed facade at ground level, completely cut off from the footpath.
There’s absolutely zero active frontage and it's dominated by vehicular access paths.  Some effort in opening the proposed section of the site to Dandenong Road may have been been a good sign of things to come; nevertheless we're stuck with the ode to auto-centric suburbia that Chadstone and other centres are synonymous with.
Sure, Dandenong Road is a major arterial and not the most pedestrian friendly environment comes to mind of but Chadstone could do so much better.  If we accept shopping centres are going to become legitimate multi-use activity centres in the decades to come, we must correct the past mistakes of not integrating them with high capacity mass public transport routes, reject dumb design that turns its back on the street and start opening them up to their surrounds.
Chadstone’s public transport is currently riding on the back of the humble bus.  At present the best train + bus option is to take a train to Oakleigh and then swap to the 802, 900 or 902, or walk from Hughesdale Station.  The buses are timetabled for 9 minutes between Oakleigh and Chadstone SC, but as we all know that is susceptible to Warrigal Road and Middle Road traffic. PTV’s site states there’s a 4-5 combined frequency across the aforementioned routes - excellent service compared to other routes around the metropolitan area.
It is interesting to see the bus bay has been placed closer to the Dandenong Road entry for Chadstone in yesterday’s piece by Mark.  Buses – from Oakleigh – will be able to avoid all the Monash FWY-bound traffic on Middle Road and turn left at Dandenong Road from Warrigal Rd and then right turn almost directly into the bus station.  This should improve reliability and potentially shave a minute or two off the timetable.
But going by how quickly Chadstone expands and its popularity citywide – good marketing will do that – at what point do we say: enough is enough, bite the bullet and start providing alternative high-capacity access?
As I alluded to a few weeks ago, one of the biggest elephants in the room with regards to the Rowville Rail Study was the ignoring of Chadstone and more recently with the release of the PTV Heavy Rail plan, the Rowville line is completely dependent on the Metro Tunnel.
Rowville study Mark II (as the first one outlined further investigation must be carried out on the city side of Huntingdale) should focus on studying the benefits of removing the Rowville line’s dependency on the Metro Tunnel and as an alternative, study how the Burnley group of lines could work in Rowville’s favour.
We now know that PTV sees the eventual quadruplication of Burnley to Camberwell, but before we get to that – lets look at how Rowville can assume the operation of Alamein with a terminus at Camberwell – at least for the first stage.
We know that there is some spectre of hope for a Rowville rail line eventually, so lets take that for granted. 
From Huntingdale another track pair could be built alongside the existing corridor to Oakleigh, with a 1-2km tunnel built from Oakleigh underneath Dandenong Road and adjacent to Chadstone SC to the old Outer Circle Rail alignment just south of Waverley Road.  From there a line could transition to an elevated structure with a station at East Malvern, and then traverse the Monash Freeway and Gardiner’s Creek valley (where the old trestle bridge from the outer ciricle line did 100 years ago) and then use the old alignment to south of Alamein.
The existing Alamein line would require grade separation at Riversdale Rd and Prospect Hill Rd offering an opportunity to delete Willison Station as Willison and Riversdale stations are 300m from one another. Entries to the newly grade separated Riversdale station located to the south of Riversdale road could eaasily cater for the loss of Willison and reposition the new Riversdale station to cater for both catchments.  Click <a href="https://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?msid=211205020527797360410.0004da78fe6cb979be7b7&amp;msa=0&amp;ll=-37.876208,145.082788&amp;spn=0.054538,0.132093" target="_blank">here</a> to see full map.
<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/chad_line_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/chad_line_1.jpg?itok=PBMS-dXu" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
PTV similarly wouldn't need to create expensive and longer stations on the Rowville line - as the Alamein and Camberwell-City sections are not mooted to get the same upgrades as the Dandenong corridor.  And as a start, off-peak 10 minute services moving to 7-8 minutes in peak would interface with all the activity centres and the 3 primary lines this Camberwell-Rowville shuttle would intersect.
Creating this line will not only provide a one-stop rail journey for the East and South East of Melbourne to Chadstone, it will start linking the region’s other activity centres (Monash/Mulgrave, Camberwell and Glenferrie), provide numerous more non-car Public Transport options for those who live or work in the east and also add heavy rail network redundancy to all Eastern and South Eastern lines.  
Rowville Mark II needs to look at how linking Alamein and Oakleigh via Chadstone could impact the economic case for the Rowville rail line and it should similarly probe Gandel/CFS on their thoughts on potentially going into a PPP - i.e Gandel/CFS pay for the Chadstone station allowing them to fully integrate it into the centre in return for being allowed to expand the use of the land - residential apartments and more commercial above the shopping centre below.
It’s clear that Gandel and CFS have their eyes on diversifying the land use at Chadstone Shopping Centre, and in order to make it work let's integrate it so as to start linking even more eastern suburbs activity centres at the same time.
 
 
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Alastair Taylor

All roads lead to Chadstone

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During 2011 Chadstone Shopping Centre owners Gandel Group and CFS Retail Property Trust disclosed their intentions to expand Chadstone with the addition of two towers facing Princes Highway. The initial scheme called for towers up to 14 levels, though as time passed the proposals were refined to the point where by mid last year visualisation firm <a href="http://www.atomic3d.com.au/" target="_blank">Atomic 3D</a> carried the render below on their website.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image9_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Chadstone Corporate © Atomic 3D"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9_2.jpg?itok=chOAxFls" title="Chadstone Corporate © Atomic 3D" typeof="Image"></a>
Gaining approval from both Stonnington City Council and Planning Minister Guy late last year, the scheme has been further refined with project architects Bates Smart adding more visual character to the project.
When realised, the western hotel tower will hold 190 rooms over 10 levels plus ground floor facilities reaching an overall height of 44 metres whilst rooms will range in size between 28sqm and 32sqm. The eastern office building will hold 15,788sqm of lettable space over nine dedicated ofice levels plus ground floor facilites and reach a height of 45.3 metres.
Whilst the office tower seems for the most unchanged, both the podium structure and hotel have gained a new look. The hotel's facade will be a mixture of double glazed glass broken by vertical bands of white alternating ceramic frit.
Further the glassed podium is now covered by a vertical blade screen as seen below. A new semi-enclosed elevated glass pedestrian walk will also be constructed linking the new buildings to the existing shopping centre.
<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_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5_6.jpg?itok=kQLlVHKo" typeof="Image"></a>
While endorsed plans indicate 507 additional car parking spaces will be added via three levels under the towers, a Herald Sun article from last year suggests that upon completion car <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/m-expansion-of-chadstone-shopping-centre-approved-despite-traffic-fears/story-e6frf7kx-1226513984649" target="_blank">parking spaces will near 11000</a> throughout the whole complex.
I'm all for a developments such as this which intensifies an already highly used activity node and centralises large scale development, but the question remains - Is Chadstone too car dependant and are current public transport links sufficient enough to turn a suburban shopping centre into a true activity centre?
Alastair will address Chadstone's transport issues tomorrow, but for today find below more images from both <a href="http://www.atomic3d.com.au/" target="_blank">Atomic 3D</a> and Bates Smart of Chadstone's foray info the commercial and hotel markets.
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