The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

City of Melbourne

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The first tangible building that heralds the start of the Queen Victoria Market's (QVM) renewal is now at <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/property-information/planning-building-registers/Pages/town-planning-permits-register-search-results.aspx?appid=268732">advertising</a>.

Breathe Architecture has designed a new structure, which will act as a temporary market facility whilst the QVM undergoes its comprehensive overhaul. Absorbing a tract of land adjacent to Queen Street, Market Garden as it has been dubbed will cater for traders that are currently spread over airsheds A, B, C and D.

In line with a lengthy construction timeline for the overall QVM precinct redevelopment, market-goers and traders can expect Market Garden to operate for a period of five years.

<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/image35_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of the Market Garden. Image: OPENWORK Pty Ltd"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_9.jpg?itok=sUJxvCKo" title="Aerial perspective of the Market Garden. Image: OPENWORK Pty Ltd" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of the Market Garden. Image: OPENWORK Pty Ltd</figcaption></figure>The two storey modular structure will include an open air trading hall at ground level, with a market garden situated above.

Running from Victoria Street to Franklin Street, Market Garden will span 264 metres in length, and encompass 4,100sqm of ground floor trading area. The green spaces across Level 1 will add another 2,250sqm of useable area, with amphitheatre steps at the northern end of the structure for the purposes of event and gallery use.

Whilst the first floor is earmarked as an ‘urban greenhouse’, planning documents also flag the space being used conjointly as an educational facility. 

Breathe Architecture have conceived Market Garden as a lightweight structure, built primarily of steel and Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene plastic (think Southern Cross Station), with clear glass capping the 13m high form. A degree of design flair comes by way of Market Garden's flanking forms which consist of white bird netting. 

<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/tile-3-qvm-new-market-pavilion668.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Perspective view of temporary pavillion from Victoria Street. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tile-3-qvm-new-market-pavilion668.jpg?itok=3GLMF4Ye" title="Perspective view of temporary pavillion from Victoria Street. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Perspective view of temporary pavilion from Victoria Street. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Openwork Pty Ltd has chimed in with landscape concept for the project.

Existing street trees onsite will be enclosed with the Market Garden structure, supplemented by new mounded turf and rejuvenated park space at the southern end of the site. Adjacent storage containers in support of Market Garden will also see receive succulent planters atop.

Current timelines for QVM's overhaul has demolition works commencing on the existing market sheds at the turn of 2018, with Market Garden set to be operational by October of this year. Once works are completed for the QVM's $250 million overhaul, Market Garden's prefabricated design will allow it to be potentially relocated and re-used elsewhere.
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silvermb

Breathe Architecture conceive QVM's new market facility

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The City of Melbourne's Green Laneways program is entering the next phase of its implementation with the release of concept designs for four laneways which form the pilot project. The four pilot laneways were selected earlier this year to be the very first laneways of the Green Your Laneway pilot program following the <a href="/news/get-your-green-on-for-a-new-cbd-laneway-experience">initial phase of community engagement</a>.

With over two hundred laneways in the central city, totaling nearly nine hectares, the Green Your Laneway program was established to help transform the city’s laneways into leafy, green and useable spaces.

The program seeks to enhance the experience of Melbourne's laneways further, with the opportunity to transform them into the 'city's back yard.' Concepts being investigated include potential for vertical greening, trees, and places to dwell and relax.

City residents, building owners and businesses were encouraged to participate in helping to select the four laneways as part of the pilot project, to be fully funded by the City of Melbourne.

The selected laneways are Coromandel Place, Guildford Lane, Meyers Place and Katherine Place. Initial design concepts have been developed for each with further community engagement to refine the concepts.

<h2>Concepts for Coromandel 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/coromandel_place.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Coromandel Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/coromandel_place.jpg?itok=ENzLJ3gQ" title="Coromandel Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Coromandel Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>
DIY Window Boxes - a simple example of laneway greening. The initiative was suggested by the building owner.</li>
	<li>
Planters with Climbers - by adding soil volumes through planter boxes, climbers and other plants can combine to green the laneways.</li>
	<li>
Greening and Screening - these walls offer the opportunity for vertical greening using climbing plants, while raised planters provide privacy screening for laneway residents.</li>
	<li>
A tree (and seat) - Adding trees into lanes can be tricky due to underground services. If achievable, these trees will be surrounded by a built-in edge that people can sit on.</li>
	<li>
A Beautiful Place to Sit - A range of options are being explored to create a very different vista for the laneway's plain back walls.</li>
	<li>
The Green Billboard - A high-tech 'green wall' installation could transform the blank brick wall.</li>
	<li>
Walkway lined with plants - Lush greenery could be added to the walkway through a long line of planter boxes.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Concepts for Guildford Lane</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/guildford_concepts.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Guildford Lane design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="345" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/guildford_concepts.jpg?itok=djBWJTFC" title="Guildford Lane design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Guildford Lane design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>
The 'Draingarden' - Using downpipes to water a climbing plant is the laneway version of a raingarden. Guildford Lane has a large number of these opportunities, permission is being sought from building owners to install these cable-based greening approaches.</li>
	<li>
Kerbside pot plants - The residents and owners in Guildford Lane have added greenery through potplants. Taking into account loading, footpaths and traffic in the lane, additional pot plants can contribute to creating a lush green space.</li>
	<li>
Communal Garden - Guildford Lane already has a great DIY approach to gardens and this recessed section of private property currently hosts a beautiful garden of pots. The area will be upgraded to a much bigger space for locals to grow their favourite plants.</li>
	<li>
A Green Entry to Guildford - The Queen Street entrance could be transformed with a new tree and climbers to cover the existing fence.</li>
	<li>
Hanging Garden - By adding overhead planter baskets and seating, this space can be transformed.</li>
	<li>
Window boxes - Planter boxes in the lane's many picturesque windows could add a flash of colour and greenery to the lane.</li>
	<li>
A Green Respite - By adding a large planter box and a seat, we can offer beautiful vertical greening as well as a place for green-thumbed locals to cultivate flowers in the lane.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Concepts for Meyers 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/meyers_place.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Meyers Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/meyers_place.jpg?itok=yZBIWe78" title="Meyers Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Meyers Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>
Tree on private property - By helping building owners plant trees on their property, the whole laneway can ultimately benefit.</li>
	<li>
Window boxes - Cascading greenery into the lane from first-floor balconies offers a relatively simple but very attractive way of greening.</li>
	<li>
Pots for traders - Pots in doorways, can add greenery to the lane without interfering with trading or pedestrian flows. A well-selected plant can also support the identity of the business within.</li>
	<li>
Trees and vertical greening - The carpark wall offers a great opportunity for greening. Climbing plants and green walls could screen the carpark. Subject to underground cables, street trees could also work in this location.</li>
	<li>
Green gallery - The recessed entry of this substation could make a great 'exhibition' spot for a rotating program of more creative greening ideas, adding an element of surprise to a normally dark and quiet location.</li>
	<li>
Green Wall - When the building owner was offered a humble creeper, they suggested the possibility jointly fund something more ambitious. If an agreement can be reached, this will be funded as a trial of the City of Melbourne's upcoming Urban Forest Fund, which is focused on working with individuals to co-fund greening above and beyond existing programs.</li>
	<li>
Flowering creeper - Plants like wisteria can grow vigorously on a single cable, given enough soil. With building owner support, eventually a healthy climber can provide impressive displays of flowers. This location could one day be a pitstop for pollinators and punters alike.</li>
	<li>
Dumpster garden - In keeping with the laneway feel, this mobile planter box can temporarily add greenery to the lane for some months or years while other planting establishes.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Concepts for Katherine 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/katherine_place.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Katherine Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/katherine_place.jpg?itok=uDI7iZWL" title="Katherine Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Katherine Place design concept. Image: Participate Melbourne website</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>
A Green Archway - The archway and each pillar could be lined with lightweight climbing plants to create a beautiful green entry. City of Melbourne will also help traders green up their shopfronts with pot plants and perhaps even some hanging plants.</li>
	<li>
The Green Heart of Katherine Place - By slightly narrowing the roadway, a number of trees can be added (subject to underground services). This vertical greening, supported with understorey planting helps add to the 'layered' look of the lane and supporting biodiversity. The existing cafe at the corner might use a few pots to add to the greenery. Together this creates a very lush look for the corner of Mercantile Lane and Katherine Place.</li>
</ul>
Additionally, as part of the Green Your Laneway program, the City of Melbourne has also developed a world-first interactive map that shows laneways that could go green, based on the amount of sunlight they receive, exposure to wind and physical characteristics. The map also shows all nominations received in the first phase of community engagement.

<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/gyl_map.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green your laneway interactive map. Image Participate Melbourne website"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="391" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gyl_map.jpg?itok=HuCpG2pp" title="Green your laneway interactive map. Image Participate Melbourne website" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green your laneway interactive map. Image Participate Melbourne website</figcaption></figure>Once design concepts are finalised for the four pilot laneways, construction is expected to commence in early 2017. In the meantime Meyers Place will be transformed into a green space on Saturday 12 November between 2pm and 4pm.

For further information about the City of Melbourne's Green Your Laneway program, visit http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/greenlaneways
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Laurence Dragomir

City of Melbourne's Green Your Laneway initiative moves forward

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A trio of apartment projects are before City of Melbourne, all seeking the right to add to the inner north's apartment stock. Lodged during September, the trio are also looking to bring a heightened design perspective to their surrounds.

First up and Piccolo Developments are seeking another statement project, with 341-347 Queensberry Street subject to a 13 storey application encompassing 59 apartments. On the back of their award-winning Upper House project, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects have been utilised once more with a similar design outcome.

<blockquote>
The composition of the building mass was conceived through a series of urban design gestures. The first conceptual gesture was based on the acknowledgement of the prominent corner position of the site. 

Punching through the facade are a series of projecting balconies that graduate in depth and width as they travel up the building.
<cite>Town Planning Report: Jackson Clements Burrows Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

On the corner of Queensberry and Peel Streets in North Melbourne, the design has taken inspiration from a handful of existing forms such as Milan's Bosco Verticale and The Bauhaus Building; a 1925 design-based building in the German city of Dessau.

Piccolo Developments intends to split the dwelling numbers between 36 single bedroom and 23 dual bedroom apartments.

<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/image1pic.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Piccolo's next landmark development. Planning image: JCB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="430" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1pic.jpg?itok=ithvqwve" title="Piccolo's next landmark development. Planning image: JCB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Piccolo's next landmark development. Planning image: JCB</figcaption></figure>Plus Architecture are on the radar once more with an angular design effort for 419-421 Spencer Street, West Melbourne. Located within an emerging high-rise precinct, the proposal is of a larger nature and seeks approval for 181 apartments, with internals ranging from 48sqm to 111sqm.

On the corner of Spencer Street and Batman Street, and created for Yarrabank Developments Pty Ltd, the 22 level tower's design is described as follows: 

<blockquote>
The building is split into three to create building separation from the heritage component thus distinguishing it from the tower beside and above. The towers peel away from the heritage building increasing separation, and celebrates the bakery chimneys that line the lobby entrance. This also gives the apartments above the heritage a better view beyond the parapets. 

The two parts of the tower are differentiated in size, form and material. One side facing west, is smaller, angular and brick, which reflects the smaller scale of west Melbourne and its industrial lineage. The other, larger smooth and glazed faces towards the city. This site is therefore a culmination of contradictory relationships between fast and slow, active and inactive, big and small, old and new.

The design response seeks to make best use of and contribute to these context features and fit respectfully within the urban fabric. 
<cite>Plus Architecture : Design Response</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/image9_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spencer Street will see additional development. Planning image: Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_10.jpg?itok=SPmNdNVK" title="Spencer Street will see additional development. Planning image: Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spencer Street will see additional development. Planning image: Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Finally an existing approved development scheme has gone back to planning as Fridcorp seeks to increase the yield of its development site at 3-15 Shiel Street, North Melbourne.

Total apartments within the scheme have essentially doubled to 124, with a mix of one and two bedroom options planned. Consequently, the overall size of the project has increased, with Elenberg Fraser conceiving a 12 storey building which is similar is size to a number of surrounding projects which have been approved.

<blockquote>
The building has also been designed with reference to ‘Artemis’ - the goddess of the hunt and wilderness. Artemis’ character and fables form the basis of a holistic design narrative which is carried through the architecture, lighting installations and landscape architecture.

The bronze colouring and earthy tones contained in the depictions of Artemis in the design concept inspire the materiality of the architectural expression, and also references the red brick and industrial elements commonly found in the area. 
<cite>Meinhardt: Town Planning Submission</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/image15_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new look for Shiel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_7.jpg?itok=gnCc4jO1" title="A new look for Shiel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new look for Shiel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>
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City of Melbourne field three high quality development applications

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With little fanfare, six notable planning applications have been given the OK via City of Melbourne over recent weeks.

From mid July through to last week, one after the other are now free to proceed at the whim of the developer. And for three of the six a start to construction is precisely what is at the forefront of the developer's thinking.

The most recent approval is that of 269-271 Spring Street, otherwise known as the new home of Australian Unity. Approved last week, the brisk planning process which barely latest three months saw a mildly compromised design outcome for the tower, which is located above sensitive heritage buildings.

Early expectations had the tower operational by some point during 2018.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1474011971626.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spring Street will gain a new addition"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="804" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1474011971626.jpg?itok=dykwJbFH" title="Spring Street will gain a new addition" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spring Street will gain a new addition</figcaption></figure>Also hitting the ground running is 205-223 Pelham Street, with demolition on the Carlton site almost complete. GSA Group will now push the student accommodation project through to immediate construction, after its approval during July.

The DKO Architecture designed building will carry 244 beds over 13 levels, with 152sqm of retail at street level. An early development cost for the project was a nominal $32.5 million.

Also subject to a recent construction tender, 5-17 Flemington Road was given the nod by City of Melbourne last month. Purchased by Singapore-based Centurion Corporation for $60 million during 2013, the current RMIT Village which provides student accommodation will be greatly expanded under the freshly agreed to permit.

Created by Hobart-based firms Architects Designhaus and Jones Moore Architecture, 147 additional beds will soon be added to the Flemington Road frontage.

<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/image2_5_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The first of Besgate Group's Melbourne projects to receive the green light"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_5_0.jpg?itok=68TrmiDQ" title="The first of Besgate Group's Melbourne projects to receive the green light" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The first of Besgate Group's Melbourne projects on Swanston Street</figcaption></figure>September has provided Besgate Group will good news; the first of the developer's three current Melbourne apartment projects is clear to proceed. Designed by Jackson Clements Borrows, 558-566 Swanston Street initially sought 179 apartments over 17 levels when it first entered planning during late 2015.

Besgate Group's remaining projects are with the State Government owing to their size; the duo are either side of 200 metres in height and yet to be approved.

Another residential project to find favour is 684-688 Elizabeth Street, with a planning permit granted during August. The SJB Architects-designed tower is now capable of adding 120 apartments to the growing stock along a stretch of Elizabeth Street directly north of the CBD.

Rounding out the six is Epworth HealthCare's freshly stamped plans for an overhaul and expansion of the Freemasons Hospital. With a nominal development cost of $55 million, the project first entered planning during December of last year.

A joint design between Silver Thomas Hanley and John Wardle Architects, the expansion revolves around a new facility dubbed the Grey Street Centre which will accommodate spaces for education/training, day procedure and theatre rooms and medical consulting suites. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image9_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Epworth East Melbourne's newly approved wing"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="370" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_15.jpg?itok=coVFoa0M" title="Epworth East Melbourne's newly approved wing" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Epworth East Melbourne's newly approved wing</figcaption></figure>
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City of Melbourne approves six major projects

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All Victorians, except those residing within the boundary of the City of Greater Geelong, will head to the polls to elect their next council on Saturday 22nd October and the City of Melbourne is certainly getting busy before caretaker modes kicks off this week on the 21st of September.

On Monday morning the council announced it 'proposes to enter into a commercial arrangement with Cairo Melbourne Pty Ltd for a residential and commercial development to be built on a portion of the former JH Boyd School in Southbank'.

<blockquote>
The new agreement reinforces our commitment to transform the former school site into a key civic centre and provide much needed open space for Southbank residents, workers and visitors.

Retail shops will be located on the ground level with 200 residential apartments in the floors above.

Twenty per cent of the development, 46 apartments, will be affordable housing. The apartments will comply with liveable housing guidelines which mean they will be safe, comfortable and easy to access for people of all ages and abilities.
<cite>Robert Doyle, Lord Mayor of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

Cairo Melbourne Pty Ltd has agreed to pay $15.5 million for the cost of the land sale and the proposed sale will be considered by Council before the end of 2016, a City of Melbourne media release states.

<h2>Last Future Melbourne committee meeting before caretaker period</h2>

According to the <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/pages/future-melbourne-committee-20-september-2016.aspx">agenda posted on the council's website</a>, the last Future Melbourne committee meeting to be held before the caretaker period will see multiple items discussed at the meeting on the 20th of September.

71-87 City Road, Southbank has a <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/754/13549/sep16-fmc2-agenda-item-6.1.pdf">recommendation</a> that council not support the application based on height and setbacks '[do] not provide an appropriate transition to adjoining areas, dominates the urban form, does not consider the equitable development potential of adjoining lots'.

488-494 La Trobe Street, West Melbourne carries a <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/754/13551/sep16-fmc2-agenda-item-6.3.pdf">recommendation</a> that council support the proposal subject to a height reduction that deletes one podium and one tower level. The site saw a proposal for a 98m residential building in late 2014 which was subsequently knocked back by council and VCAT upheld the council's decision.

Lend Lease have submitted an application to alter the Victoria Harbour Development Plan (2010) that would see a reduction in commercial uses (retail and/or office space) and an increase in residential uses in Collins Wharf - the last remaining undeveloped portion of Victoria Harbour. The <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/754/13552/sep16-fmc2-agenda-item-6.4.pdf">report to the committee</a> notes that Lend Lease has included an additional 5,000 square metres of public realm under the proposed 'Victoria Harbour Collins Wharf Development Plan (2015)'.

383 La Trobe Street, Melbourne has a <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/754/13553/sep16-fmc2-agenda-item-6.5new.pdf">recommendation</a> that council support the 70-level, mixed-use residential &amp; hotel proposal.

The last Future Melbourne committee meeting will also decide on a proposal that is 100% within the purview of City of Melbourne: 271 Spring Street, Melbourne. The <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/754/13550/sep16-fmc2-agenda-item-6.2.pdf">recommendation</a> is that council provides a 'Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit' for the proposal that has <a href="/news/key-sticking-points-hammered-out-as-ispt-seeks-approval-for-its-spring-street-tower">drawn the ire of some in the Urban.com.au community</a>.

The September 20th meeting agenda also carries an item titled "Better Apartments Draft Design Standards Submission" yet at the time of writing, the document had not been uploaded to the council's website.
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Alastair Taylor

City of Melbourne gets busy as caretaker mode kicks in this week

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City of Melbourne (CoM) have ramped up their push to create additional public open space in two key locations. Announcements were made last week regarding a significant stretch of Southbank and Carlton's University Square.

Both intended developments are now available for viewing and comment via <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/">Participate Melbourne</a>, Council's online platform which allows the community to better understand and contribute to the decisions that shape the inner city.

First up, Southbank's dearth of ground level cohesion and activation will in part be addressed with CoM releasing further information and initial plans regarding the intended transformation of Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street, with the aim of creating a swathe of open space. This will be achieved by shifting traffic patterns and partially closing Southbank Boulevard.

As a result, 2.5 hectares of public open space is set to be created along the southern side of Southbank Boulevard, starting from the Melbourne Recital Centre and continuing to the banks of the Yarra River.

<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_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank is set for major change at ground level. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image6_10.jpg?itok=fbYeVJWE" title="Southbank is set for major change at ground level. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank is set for major change at ground level. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Lawn areas, new trees, children's play spaces, improved pedestrian connectivity and at least one kilometre of new bike lanes are slated as part of the $16 million overhaul, with traffic still accepted along Southbank Boulevard. Dodds Street is also earmarked to become a public space as part of the development, with the aim of creating performing and events spaces.

<blockquote>
We know that backyards in the inner city are shrinking and more people are living in apartment blocks. In Southbank, 96 per cent of residents live in high-rise apartments with little access to outdoor space.

Our plan to transform the boulevard will ensure that nearby residents and workers are able to enjoy more open spaces for recreation, to meet each other and for public gatherings and relaxation.
<cite>Arron Wood, Chair of the City of Melbourne’s Environment Portfolio</cite>
</blockquote>

With works intended to begin during 2017, feedback for the proposal can now be given via the project's <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/southbankboulevard#overview">Participate Melbourne webpage</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/university-square-overall-concept.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A remodelled University Square. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/university-square-overall-concept.jpg?itok=q-KNCCs-" title="A remodelled University Square. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A remodelled University Square. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>North of the CBD and University Square fronting Pelham Street and Grattan Street is set for change with CoM releasing details of a draft master plan for the overhaul as seen above.

In conjunction with the State Government and University of Melbourne, the square will be transformed with a decidedly more green slant. Expected in the redevelopment of University Square are 253 additional trees, 8,700sqm of expanded public open space, a water terrace, biodiversity corridor and public art installations.

All three parties have agreed to jointly fund the project which will also service the new Parkville rail station upon its completion. During previous community engagement sessions, the vast majority of respondents nominated closing Barry Street and narrowing Leicester Street in order to increase open space by up to 40 per cent.

<blockquote>
With an average age of 25, Carlton has the highest student population in Melbourne. The expanded square will provide more spaces to cater for residents, students and visitors. This includes offering more active spaces with barbecues, solar-powered charging stations, Wi-Fi, permanent chess boards and movable seats.
<cite>Arron Wood, Chair of the City of Melbourne’s Environment Portfolio</cite>
</blockquote>

University Square's <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/universitysquare">full master plan</a> will be available on Participate Melbourne from today.

<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/university-square-plaza.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A remodelled University Square. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/university-square-plaza.jpg?itok=BHsL71Fo" title="A remodelled University Square. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A remodelled University Square. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>
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CoM's open space agenda receives a boost with plans unveiled for two projects

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The City of Melbourne is looking to accelerate plans for improvements to Elizabeth Street between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane. As part of its actions for 2016-17, Council aims to consult with relevant stakeholders on the Draft Elizabeth Street Strategic Opportunities Plan, in addition to investigating and producing design options for improvements to the southern end of Elizabeth Street.

Despite being one of the most important entry points into the city and the retail core, this section of Elizabeth Street is characterised by poor urban design, an absence of trees, soft and hard landscape and constrained footpaths which results in a compromised pedestrian experience. Additionally the current state of the tram turnaround area and shelters detracts from the visual and historical significance of Flinders Street Station.

Traffic analysis undertaken by Council indicates that there are very low motor vehicle volumes in this section of Elizabeth Street, particularly southbound. According to Council the majority of vehicles which currently travel south on this section of Elizabeth Street can use alternate routes to reach their intended destination.

In contrast, pedestrian volumes are high and growing exponentially, driven in part by growth in public transport patronage.

<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/flinders-st-071111025.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elizabeth Street's current state. Image: Culture Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flinders-st-071111025.jpg?itok=jTtOqqjD" title="Elizabeth Street's current state. Image: Culture Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elizabeth Street's current state. Image: Culture Victoria</figcaption></figure>These numbers suggest that there exists an opportunity for Council to reallocate space currently used for the southbound vehicle carriageway and parking to provide a more generous space for pedestrians on the east side. City of Melbourne is considering a range of design improvement possibilities that extend from street lighting, tree planting, landscaping and furniture placement that need to be considered in line with best practice Safer by Design considerations.

Streetscape improvements in the area are intended to provide a number of benefits to the city including an improved pedestrian experience, improved amenity and presentation of this historically and culturally significant part of Melbourne.

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) is required to replace some tram tracks in the southern end of Elizabeth Street and plans to do this in early 2017. Council officers are working with PTV to better understand the opportunities to take advantage of the track works to improve the surrounding area as a fully coordinated approach.

Council proposes a program of targeted stakeholder consultation to be undertaken from 3 to 31 August 2016. The aim is to understand all the issues pertinent to formulating a design outcome for the area.

Issues are likely to include loading and deliveries, property access, stormwater management, the condition of subsurface infrastructure, bicycle access plus accessible tram boarding and alighting.

The outcomes of the consultation along with a recommendation for the next steps on the project are expected to be presented to the Future Melbourne Committee following the 2016 Council elections. This would include implications for the remainder of Elizabeth Street to inform the Draft Elizabeth Street Strategic Opportunities Plan.

<h2>Stage one: Targeted stakeholder engagement</h2>

The feedback from stage one will help the City of Melbourne develop achievable design options for Elizabeth Street South which have broad support from key stakeholders. Additionally, it will assist in developing an optimal phase two engagement process into which the wider community can have input.

To assist with these activities, materials explaining the rationale for the project and the existing site conditions will be produced.

The purpose of the stage one engagement is to help share with the community council's intention to proceed with the road discontinuance in addition to:

<ul>
<li>Explaining the site’s complexities, constraints and opportunities.</li>
	<li>Collecting stakeholder insights and information.</li>
	<li>Understanding and addressing any concerns raised.</li>
	<li>Investigating further the site conditions/constraints.</li>
	<li>Maximising the City of Melbourne’s ability to collaborate to ensure the best possible outcome for the site.</li>
</ul>
A report detailing the outcomes of the stage one engagement will be prepared and presented to Future Melbourne Committee in late 2016.

<h2>Stage two: Broad community engagement</h2>

A series of design options will be developed following stage one and the broader community will be engaged to provide feedback on these in early 2017. This will provide input to assist with the finalisation of the new streetscape design for Elizabeth Street South.

<h2>Comment</h2>

This isn't the first time someone has suggested improvements to this section of Elizabeth Street. Gilbert Rochecouste, founder and managing director of Village Well, and widely recognised as the man who turned Melbourne's neglected and decrepit laneways into a globally renowned attraction has previously suggested tearing up Elizabeth Street, and incorporating and revitalising the hidden waterway under it that runs down to the Yarra River, known as Williams Creek.

<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/station_snip.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Elizabeth Street reimagined. Image courtesy of Thad Patradoon via The Age, March 5 2015"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/station_snip.png?itok=fkm_0VzJ" title="Elizabeth Street reimagined. Image courtesy of Thad Patradoon via The Age, March 5 2015" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elizabeth Street reimagined. Image courtesy of Thad Patradoon via The Age, March 5 2015</figcaption></figure>While his concept extended beyond the boundaries of the current study area, the idea of removing vehicular traffic in both directions and perhaps through to perhaps Collins Street may have some merit and it would be good to know that Council has at least considered every possibility and opportunity.

While certainly ambitious it certainly would represent the next stage in Melbourne's evolution: replacing defunct or underutilised infrastructure with landscape and public spaces. Similar improvements have previously been foreshadowed for Southbank Boulevard, City Road and Stage 2 of the Sandridge Bridge transforming it into a High Line style linear park: yet none of these is yet to see the light of day.

This area of Elizabeth Street provides the bookend to the Queen Victoria Market Precinct and both carry significant cultural and historical importance to Melbourne. High quality pedestrian environments and spaces at these particular key locations are critical for they have been long neglected and provide the doorsteps to two Melbourne icons and are also important interchange nodes for public transport patrons.

I'd love to hear readers thoughts.
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City of Melbourne gets ball rolling on Elizabeth Street South

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It has been more than a lively week in terms of development as news continues to filter through on a swag of large inner city projects.

Earlier in the week The State Government announced in excess of $2 billion in planning applications had been approved. 460 Collins, 447 Collins, 280 Queen Street, 334-344 City Road and 4 Hopkins Street were all given the green light, amounting to in excess of 2000 apartments, 300 plus serviced apartments, hotel and office accommodation.

Further to the above, three separate projects have also had further information come to light this week:

<h2>303 La Trobe 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/image38_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="303 La Trobe Street. Image: iaumeca.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1056" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_3.jpg?itok=eiVY0jO8" title="303 La Trobe Street. Image: iaumeca.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>303 La Trobe Street. Image: iaumeca.com</figcaption></figure>Earlier this week Apartments.com.au mused that the <a href="/news/figtrees-melbourne-foray-293-303-la-trobe-street-melbourne">initial proposal for the former Duke of Ken</a>t was dead and buried. Indeed the proposed 66 level, 213 metre tower is no more, but in its place has arrived another design at roughly 60 levels.

And further, the project has gone to early sales, featuring on Chinese-based property websites. Singaporean firm Figtree Asia was behind the initial development application and barring any off-market transactions still shapes as the driving force behind the project. The 503sqm site was secured by Figtree during 2014 for $14.08 million.

At 60 levels and near on 200 metres the project simply dubbed 303 La Trobe looks likely to become the tallest of all recent towers fronting La Trobe Street between Elizabeth Street and Queen Street.

<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/image39_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Intended ground level and marketing material. Image: iaumeca.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="216" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_3.jpg?itok=ASBC6a67" title="Intended ground level and marketing material. Image: iaumeca.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Intended ground level and marketing material. Image: iaumeca.com</figcaption></figure><h2>640 Bourke Street</h2>

First outlined on Apartments.com.au during March 2015 as part of <a href="/news/besgate-group-readies-their-surge-into-the-melbourne-apartment-market">Besgate Group's push into Melbourne</a>, 640 Bourke Street has met with opposition from City of Melbourne planners.

Valued at $234 million and proposed at a height of 273.3 metres to Bourke Street, the RotheLowman creation would also maintain a 173.4 metre height to Little Bourke Street. Overall 640 Bourke Street would, if approved, consist of 980 dwellings, 1,101sqm of leasable commercial space, 330sqm of retail space, a 942sqm child care centre and art gallery.

According to City of Melbourne planners, "the Council objects to the proposed development as it is an overdevelopment of the site by way of inadequate setbacks and inappropriate height to Little Bourke Street, plot ratio and the extent of demolition of heritage fabric."

<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/image42_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="640 Bourke Street. Image: ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image42_0.jpg?itok=VXITBJQ_" title="640 Bourke Street. Image: ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>640 Bourke Street. Image: ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>Height, setbacks, massing, plot ratio, heritage and the amenity of apartments are cited as key points within the <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-council/committees-meetings/meeting-archive/MeetingAgendaItemAttachments/743/13387/JUL16%20FMC1%20AGENDA%20ITEM%206.6%20640%20Bourke%20Street,%20Melbourne.pdf">planning report</a>, with a Bourke Street plot ratio of 35:1.

Two versions of the tower were proposed, one which adheres to the Obstacle Limitation Surface height of 215.147 metres and the taller version outlined above. City of Melbourne planners state within the report that the tower should be height limited to the 215 metre outcome.

<h2>38 Freshwater 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/image46_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="38 Freashwater Place as approved. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_5.jpg?itok=6Ki1H_Fm" title="38 Freashwater Place as approved. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>38 Freashwater Place as approved. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>The Metier 3-designed 38 Freshwater Place has gone back to planning, seeking amendments to what is one of Melbourne largest approved skyscrapers.

At 273 metres the project was put to market by M&amp;L Hospitality Group and consequently found a new buyer earlier in 2016. Set over a 3,096sqm site the mixed-use tower which has approval for both apartments and a hotel, netted M&amp;L Hospitality Group a <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/michael-kum-to-sell-38-freshwater-place-20160204-gmlbpa">reported $60 million upon its sale</a>.

While the new owners have yet to be revealed, the movement of the project back to planning indicates that 38 Freshwater Place will be rejigged in its layout, and also hints toward the project becoming a reality in the medium term.
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News on three further skyscrapers rounds out an eventful week

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In welcome news that will go some way to placating Southbank residents and pedestrians, Melbourne City Council last week endorsed a seven-year capital works plan that will transform City Road.

Long considered an afterthought, Southbank's street level activation has lagged behind the rapid rate of development within the suburb, with City Road the prime example. After seeking public feedback and releasing a <a href="/news/city-of-melbourne-releases-draft-city-road-master-plan">City Road master plan during 2015</a>, Council has paved the way for $38.5 million in funding to flow into City Road's barren landscape.

Both City of Melbourne and VicRoads have been involved in the process to date, with the statutory body in full support of City Road's overhaul. Detailed design will begin in the latter stages of this year, with individual projects to be considered by Council as part of its annual budget and planning processes.

<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/city_connector_montage_low-res.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A revamped City Road beckons. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="128" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/city_connector_montage_low-res.jpg?itok=baBbSdhl" title="A revamped City Road beckons. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A revamped City Road beckons. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Highlights of Council’s plan for City Road's overhaul include:

<ul>
<li>Improved intersections and pedestrians crossings</li>
	<li>Upgraded footpaths</li>
	<li>New street furniture street furniture</li>
	<li>A new bicycle route through Southbank catering to the growing number of people riding to and from the area for work and recreation</li>
	<li>Extensive tree planting and better water management including permeable paving to reduce flooding and runoff to the Yarra</li>
	<li>Transformation of unused spaces in and around the Kings Way Undercroft to provide more usable community space</li>
</ul>
<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
The City Road Master Plan delivers $38.5 million in funding for capital works projects that will better connect Southbank to the city’s Arts Precinct, the Yarra River and our much-loved gardens.

This Master Plan recognises that Southbank is one of the highest-density and fastest changing areas in Australia, but that City Road must evolve with it. The City of Melbourne recognises that now is the time to invest in the transformation of City Road to meet the community’s requirements now and into the future.
<cite>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We’ve consulted with the community about their experiences and expectations of City Road, and I believe our plans reflect the community’s needs into the future.

'he master plan, with its focus on encouraging more people to walk, cycle and take public transport, is consistent with Council’s Transport Strategy 2012.
<cite>Councillor Cathy Oke, Portfolio Chair for Transport</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/boyd_street_montage_low-res.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A refashioned City Road with the Boyd Community Hub. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/boyd_street_montage_low-res.jpg?itok=ZXMaUsb4" title="A refashioned City Road with the Boyd Community Hub. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A refashioned City Road with the Boyd Community Hub. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Whilst City Road's pending facelift comes as welcome news, Southbank Residents Association are actively lobbying City of Melbourne in order to create a park on what was the site of the failed Regent Square apartment development behind the Boyd Community Hub at 207 City Road.

According to Southbank Residents Association President Tony Penna, City of Melbourne recently revoked the permit for the 250-apartment development backed by Mackie Group. It's expected that Council will this week consider the fate of the site, with one option being retendering the plot with future development in mind.

Tony Penna offered Apartments.com.au the following thoughts on the best use of 207 City Road:

<blockquote>
The developers failure to develop this site in the time required is an opportunistic windfall to this Council (who inherited the Regent Square development plan) and also the residents.

The City of Melbourne (CoM) have their own target of 20sqm/resident of open space; Southbank barely scrapes in with 2.5sqm.

Our current population of around 15,000 is estimated to be around 25,000 in the not too distant future. In the absence of any realistic plan to provide open space for a growing population, this is a prime opportunity for the CoM to contribute to their open space strategy on land they already own.

This densely populated residential block doesn’t have access to green open space within reasonable walking distance (as defined in the CoM open space strategy) but moreover it would share the block with the community centre, thereby making this an absolutely ideal location.
</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/image4rsqu.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The failed Regent Square proposal. Image: regentsquare.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="503" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4rsqu.jpg?itok=Pc0gu-69" title="The failed Regent Square proposal. Image: regentsquare.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The failed Regent Square proposal. Image: regentsquare.com.au</figcaption></figure>
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City Road set for a green overhaul, but will 207 City Road follow suit?

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Melbourne Heritage Action is less than impressed that a proposed student accommodation tower located at 42-50 La Trobe Street has been given the nod by City of Melbourne councillors, further eroding the limited heritage value that this particular stretch of La Trobe Street has managed to cling to.

Indeed, City of Melbourne resolved to issue a Notice of Decision to Grant Permit last Thursday evening for the project. In its most recent form which saw it land before City of Melbourne during April, 9 objectors were noted against the development which has a nominal value of $75 million.

Brisbane-based Blue Sky Funds is championing the project which would further add to the strong number of student accommodation projects currently in the Melbourne pipeline.

<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/13254940_1086649714714922_3072816795073643707_o.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Heritage Action's take on the project"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="278" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/13254940_1086649714714922_3072816795073643707_o.jpg?itok=9fLqRJhL" title="Melbourne Heritage Action's take on the project" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Heritage Action's take on the project</figcaption></figure>Melbourne Heritage Action's response to the decision was blunt:

<blockquote>
It’s arguably Melbourne City Council’s most shameful heritage failure in recent memory.

Councillors have variously sat on their own hands, ignored the advice of their own heritage experts, and ignored the pleas of their own constituents in allowing the demolition of the former Burton’s Livery building at 50 La Trobe Street, a gorgeous, recognised, C-graded 1868 Victorian former carriageworks, in a relatively unique (for the CBD) Italianate style.

The building was left unprotected when in 2011, Council decided to ignore the advice of THEIR OWN HERITAGE EXPERTS in allowing the demolition of its twin building at 40 La Trobe St for an apartment tower, and ignoring contemporaneous recommendations to protect the rest of the streetscape.
<cite><a href="https://melbourneheritage.org.au/2016/05/28/council-ignores-own-experts-and-constituents-burtons-livery-to-be-demolished/">Melbourne Heritage Action</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<a href="/news/melbournes-development-march-claims-another-victim">Appearing first on Urban.com.au</a> during 2015, 42-50 La Trobe Street was in the hands of DELWP. Subsequent redesigns to the project landed it below the 25,000sqm threshold, placing the project solely with City of Melbourne for the approvals process.

<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/image214_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hayball's depiction of a new La Trobe Street frontage"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="323" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image214_1.jpg?itok=P3Sjh1ow" title="Hayball's depiction of a new La Trobe Street frontage" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hayball's depiction of a new La Trobe Street frontage</figcaption></figure>With a number of levels removed, the current scheme sees a tower of equal height to the nearby Conservatory apartment development; both will terminate at approximately 130 metres. 42-50 La Trobe Street is designed to accommodate 783 student beds in a number of configurations over 43 levels, with extensive amenities in tow.

Perhaps most salient to the article is the revamped ground level which is set to replace the 1868-era structure currently onsite.

Architects Hayball have sought to connect La Trobe Street with Bell Place which runs along the northern border of the site. The bluestone-paved laneway will be lined with active retail frontages and extensive external seating, catering for both students and the expanding population in the immediate area.

<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/img_4220.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ADCO's Deakin Burwood student accommodation build"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4220.jpg?itok=A3rciLxN" title="ADCO's Deakin Burwood student accommodation build" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ADCO's Deakin Burwood student accommodation build</figcaption></figure>The apparent approval of 42-50 La Trobe Street adds to the already robust student accommodation development sector which is experiencing heightened activity at the moment.

On the back of recent completions at RMIT Bundoora, VUT Footscray and Monash Clayton, further builds are in progress within Melbourne's CBD and at Deakin Burwood. Additionally, GSA Group are at the tail end of the construction tender process for 205-223 Pelham Street which is set to commence shortly.

Most recently South Africa-based Redefine <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/south-africans-buy-carlton-car-park-to-set-up-student-housing-20160404-gny1fz">secured 16-32 Leicester Street</a> on the doorstep of the CBD with intentions of bowling over the multi-level car park for another 700-bed student housing development.
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