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 

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" dir="auto">
<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" dir="auto">
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.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

City of Melbourne

<html><body>
In order to facilitate its $250 million redevelopment of the Queen Victoria Market, the City of Melbourne is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from consortia or individual companies to deliver a mixed-use development for the Munro site on the corner of Queen and Therry Streets. EOI's for the site close on 1st September from which point an Evaluation Panel chaired by CoM's Director City Design and Projects will evaluate registrants based on a series of criteria outlined within the EOI document.

The move follows City of Melbourne purchasing the 6,329sqm site in October of last year for $76 million and their recent approval of the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal Master Plan. Development of the site is expected to include apartment towers up to 40-storeys, in addition to a 720 space customer car park, specialty retail and hospitality spaces, community facilities including a childcare centre and family hub, a mid-block link between Franklin Street and Therry Street and affordable housing.

<blockquote>
This is a rare opportunity for the private sector to partner with Council to deliver an exemplar mixed-use development with all the hallmarks of what we consider smart development: residential apartments, childcare, family services, commercial and retail uses and the latest in environmental sustainability
<cite>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle</cite>
</blockquote>

A planning scheme amendment has also been submitted to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne that would remove the discretionary 20-metre height restrictions, yet City of Melbourne will maintain ultimate control of what is built on the land, having placed restrictions on street frontage heights and setbacks to create a space that facilitates pedestrian traffic, ensures that the heritage character of the original market is retained and introduces tower separation and weather protection strategies.

<blockquote>
The relationship between the Queen Victoria Market Precinct and the surrounding city have changed over time. What was once a transitional zone between the central city and low-intensity suburbs is now an integral part of the central city and emerging City North growth area. Existing controls over the built form of new development in the precinct have become dated.

The City of Melbourne therefore commenced a process of reviewing and updating planning controls over the precinct, including a formal Planning Scheme Amendment process, to better support the precinct’s changing role.
<cite>QVM Renewal Master Plan</cite>
</blockquote>

To further support the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal, the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne have entered into a formal agreement to realign Franklin Street at the south end of the market and transfer some Crown land to the City of Melbourne. Freehold land will be created as a result of the land transfer, providing opportunities for commercial and residential development to add to the vibrancy and potential of the area.

Funds secured through the development of this land will be reinvested into the Queen Victoria Market. The realignment of Franklin Street will improve vehicular movements, deliver economic benefits and create a new route to Docklands.

<h2>Key development timing obligations</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/qvm_staging.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="QVM Renewal Precinct and Staging plan."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="414" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qvm_staging.jpg?itok=Ir9Ky7pq" title="QVM Renewal Precinct and Staging plan." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>QVM Renewal Precinct and Staging plan.</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Replace current car spaces within the existing at grade car park (A) elsewhere within the market precinct by 2019, and convert the existing car park to a high quality public space by 2022.</li>
	<li>Construct a new Queen’s Corner building within a portion of the Queen Street road reserve (B) for the Victoria Visitor Centre and new market management facilities by 2026.</li>
	<li>Construct New Franklin Street by 2019 (C).</li>
	<li>Reconfigure land parcels Including the retained Franklin Street stores (D) and portions of the Franklin Street road reserve (E) to create mixed use development sites by 2026.</li>
	<li>Enhance and renovate northern Upper Market Sheds to support trading and incorporate new market trading services and facilities by 2019 (F).</li>
	<li>Upgrade streetscapes adjoining Queen Victoria Market (Elizabeth, Peel, Queen, Therry and Victoria streets) and public transport infrastructure by 2026.</li>
	<li>Corner Queen and Therry streets (commonly known as the Munro site)</li>
</ul>
<h2>Project Planning Framework</h2>

In the associated Master Plan, the market has been divided into four quarters, each linked to each other by a market cross of public spaces within the heart of the precinct. The intent is to coordinate a suite of projects that can be developed with a degree of independence from each other, yet also complement each other and contribute to the precinct as a whole.

For each of these quarters, the Master Plan sets out the preferred vision for the future of that part of the market, priorities identified through the community and trader engagement process, and key proposals for improvements.

<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/qvm_quarters.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queen Victoria Market Renewal 'Quarters'"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="529" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qvm_quarters.jpg?itok=nE5fNOwZ" title="Queen Victoria Market Renewal 'Quarters'" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queen Victoria Market Renewal 'Quarters'</figcaption></figure>Q1 The market halls will continue to focus on food and hospitality including meat, fish and specialty food vendors. Shops facing surrounding streets will welcome visitors to the precinct with high quality retail and hospitality establishments and make the market a special destination at all times. Improvements will include modern trader facilities, storage, waste management, and other infrastructure.

Q2 The open-air heritage sheds will accommodate fixed trading with a focus on fruit and vegetables and a high quality non-food offer. New trader facilities, storage, waste management and other infrastructure will reduce servicing intrusions in public areas. The Victoria Street shops, F Shed and improvements along the Peel Street edge will shelter the sheds and activate the streets.

Q3 The area south of the old cemetery wall will accommodate changing markets and events. A new open space and enhancements to the existing sheds will create a unique indoor/outdoor facility and a new public place for City North. New trader amenities, storage and other infrastructure will support this approach. A new Queen’s Corner building will accommodate visitor and customer services. The market’s old Franklin Street stores will be re-used within a mixed use development south of New Franklin Street.

Q4 A new mixed use development will accommodate retail, hospitality and community uses complementing Queen Victoria Market. It will also include the market’s main customer car park, a new mid-block pedestrian laneway or arcade linking Franklin Street to Therry Street, and facilities to support the growing local community.

The full Master Plan is available from <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/application/files/2714/3443/1189/QVM_PRECINCT_RENEWAL_MASTER_PLAN_-_final.pdf">Participate Melbourne</a>.
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Queen Victoria Market renewal update

<html><body>
As reported by Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/on-the-bright-side-2-riverside-quay-southbank">early last year</a>, the City of Melbourne and Mirvac are working in partnership to renew Southbank's Riverside Quay area, with particular emphasis placed on Riverside Quay Place. Key elements of Mirvac's office development at 2 Riverside Quay are a new office complex built over the existing car park and a new urban space at the foot of the building.

The planning permit for this site required the development of a master plan outlining the improvements to the surrounding Mirvac-owned buildings which are Q1, Q2 and Q3 as seen below. 2 Riverside Quay (2RSQ) underlines the entire master plan, with two tower cranes currently at work for what will become the new offices of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

<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/2rsq_stage1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverside Quay Masterplan study area - Stage 01. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2rsq_stage1.jpg?itok=M8qSOlZo" title="Riverside Quay Masterplan study area - Stage 01. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverside Quay Masterplan study area - Stage 01. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall</figcaption></figure>Since April, the City of Melbourne have been undertaking community engagement in the Riverside Quay area in an attempt to ascertain who is using the area, how it is being used and what people would like to see. The feedback received during community engagement helped inform council in creating a vision for the Riverside Quay area, which has just been released for further community engagement.

The vision will then inform a master plan that will outline how the existing area could be renewed to meet the needs and values of the local community. Outlined in the vision is a place that:

<ul>
<li>Is welcoming, safe and flexible;</li>
	<li>Allows people to be proud of and invest their time in;</li>
	<li>Is quietly vibrant with different opportunities to engage and experience the place.</li>
</ul>
Key elements of the vision are described in the table extract below:

<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/rsq_vision.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverside Quay Place Key Elements. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="250" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rsq_vision.jpg?itok=6k9QwlJl" title="Riverside Quay Place Key Elements. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverside Quay Place Key Elements. Image courtesy McGregor Coxall</figcaption></figure>As part of the further refinement of Riverside Quay, Mirvac have submitted a planning amendment to their permit which would see the main entry lobby moved from the south to the east of the tower under construction in order to provide activation and a stronger interface with the new public space: pedestrian access is now provided directly from Riverside Square.

Alterations have also been made to the ground floor layout to accommodate the relocated main building lobby entry. Additionally the application also includes construction of two new canopies on the eastern façade that will project over Riverside Square.

<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/2rsq_gf_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2 Riverside Quay amended ground floor plan. © Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="364" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2rsq_gf_plan.jpg?itok=CyiaHIVp" title="2 Riverside Quay amended ground floor plan. © Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2 Riverside Quay amended ground floor plan. © Mirvac</figcaption></figure>The City of Melbourne have expressed their support of theses alterations to the development.

<blockquote>
The new lobby entry to the south eastern corner is considered a more appropriate location that will not unreasonably impact the future design of Riverside Square, which is currently undergoing Community Engagement and design process. The new lobby entry reduces travel distance to Riverside Quay, resulting in a more balanced location that engages both Riverside Square and Riverside Quay.

The reduced travel distance will also reduce the impact of any easement of other legal mechanism required to gain legal rights of access to the lobby across the park to Riverside Quay. Any encumbrances on Riverside Square are to be minimised and to this end it is considered that access to the retail/café tenancy should be relocated, so that it does not abut directly on the land.

It is considered that there is sufficient space in the north eastern corner of the site that will allow Riverside Square to remain unencumbered by the future tenancy.

<cite>City of Melbourne's Future (Planning) Committee Report</cite>
</blockquote>

It is anticipated Stage 1 of the masterplan will commence construction in Q3 2016. In the meantime, to stay up to date or get involved, visit the <a href="http://riversidequayplacerenewal.com/">Riverside Quay Place Renewal website</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/2rsq_pwc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2 Riverside Quay powering along. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="375" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2rsq_pwc.jpg?itok=XP_hpNDT" title="2 Riverside Quay powering along. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2 Riverside Quay powering along. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
</body></html>

The Riverside Quay Place Renewal project takes shape

<html><body>
Further light can now be shed on the proposed 'Queens Place' development which is expected to eventually consume a sizeable and underutilised CBD corner site. Developer 3L Alliance has found a new home within the existing 350 Queen Street office complex onsite, that will eventually be flanked by dual high-rise residential towers.

With a nominal value of $750 million, the project will see an expansive five level podium topped with two towers terminating at 246 metres in height. Having only purchased the site during late 2014, 3L Alliance instated Cox Architecture and Fender Katsalidis as joint project architects following a limited design competition.

The sheer size of the development will likely see the residential towers delivered over two stages, with the current planning application seeking approval for Towers 1 and 2, with Tower 2's building envelope subject to further detailed development plans which will be provided by the development team for assessment at a future point.

Aviation exclusion zones has seen a separate Stage 1 plan for a 206 metre tower included, although for all intents and purposes the planning application focuses almost exclusively upon the dual 246 metre design.

<h2>350 Queen Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image60a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="350 Queen Street aspects. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="398" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60a.jpg?itok=YdSZwfYA" title="350 Queen Street aspects. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>350 Queen Street aspects. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Planning application lodged April 2015</li>
	<li>Site area: 7,295sqm with existing 20L office complex retained, other structures to be demolished</li>
	<li>Application seeks full approval for Stage 1 and envelope approval for Stage 2</li>
	<li>Dual 79 level residential towers at 246.23 metres envisaged, with secondary Stage1 design of 206 metres included (non-OLS incursion)</li>
	<li>Total GFA sought: 176,217sqm</li>
	<li>554 car parking &amp; 603 bicycle spaces (154 bay commercial car park included within basement)</li>
	<li>1,925sqm of retail space and 120-space child care facility</li>
	<li>Strata offices suites between 174sqm and 647sqm</li>
	<li>Stage 1 apartment total: 864</li>
	<li>Amenities: Pools/spas, gym, saunas, home theatre, kitchen/lounge, yoga studio, karaoke area</li>
</ul>
<h2>COX and FK on 350 Queen Street</h2>

<blockquote>
‘Queens Place’ is a compelling opportunity to re-engage the site at 350 Queen St into the precinct. Using a finer grain of public connections and amenity paired with taller elements of urbane city proportions; the site is redefined to offer Melbourne’s CBD an activated, connected and enlivened precinct.

The design process has given rise to a concept that enriches the ground plane with new connections and an enhanced public realm within the Queen Victoria Market Precinct. In the podium, a variety of uses such as retail, childcare and commercial suites provide activation to the critical ‘first 25m’.

Atop the podium are positioned two towers, shaped and sculpted by design drivers from within and around the site. They step as they ascend, forming a dynamic pairing on Melbourne’s continuously evolving skyline. At both the ground plane and in the sky, this development has real potential to enliven and enrich the liveability and character of Melbourne’s CBD.
<cite>Cox Architecture and Fender Katsalidis, architectural report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Overs and unders: OLS / PANS-OPS a consideration</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image57_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="OLS Diagram. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="303" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image57_2.jpg?itok=f5I03ufG" title="OLS Diagram. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>OLS Diagram. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA</figcaption></figure><a href="/news/aviation-impact-on-building-development-in-the-melbourne-cbd">Obstacle Limitation Surface</a> (OLS) exclusion zones have been taken into account within the 350 Queen Street planning documents. OLS is essentially a series of height limits for objects surrounding a particular aerodrome, with Essendon Airport the major consideration.

As the preferred 246 metre outcome would breach the OLS ceiling of 228.5 metres, an alternative scheme of 206 metres has been included within the planning documents for comparisons sake (and for approval should the 246 metre version fail). While various CBD towers already penetrate the OLS ceiling, including the nearby Aurora Melbourne Central, they do not penetrate the more rigid PAN-OPS ceiling.

350 Queen Street is no exception in this regard with the development team citing constructability and PAN-OPS limitations as halting their advance skyward.

<h2>The first 25</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/image59_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression from Queen and A'Beckett. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image59_0.jpg?itok=1hA3XQuO" title="Artist's impression from Queen and A'Beckett. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression from Queen and A'Beckett. Image courtesy COX &amp; FKA</figcaption></figure>Numerous references have been made to 'The first 25 metres' within the planning documents, alluding to the weight placed upon creating a dynamic podium structure.

<blockquote>
The importance of the first 25m to the human experience at ground level and contribution to the City’s fabric is crucial. Queens Place makes a clear separation between tower and podium, providing a highly detailed vibrant base and a calm simple tower above.

Rather than treat the public space as the space left over from the development, the design team approached the task from the opposite direction, designing the public realm first responding to existing conditions, through site connections and solar access and then placed the buildings around this space.
<cite>Cox Architecture and Fender Katsalidis, architectural report</cite>
</blockquote>

The result is a highly articulated podium both externally and internally, with a large covered central plaza included at the heart of the project. Transparent glazing wraps ground level frontages while site entry points are discerned with distinctive bamboo plantings which supplements hanging greenery over the podium structure.

The curved podium is veiled with operable, contoured timber louvres which respond to prevailing weather conditions.

<h2>Two towers</h2>

Both Melbourne City Council and the The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning have been consulted with regard to the size and nature of the proposed development. Based upon the joint discussions a twin tower outcome was considered most appropriate for 350 Queen Street.

Setbacks and tower separation has been considered, with a distance of between 15 and 33 metres representing the void between both buildings while a boundary setback of at least 4.5 metres are present above the podium.

The towers present in a clean and simple form, and this has been continued over the plant levels atop each structure. Described as a 'visual flourish' within the architecture report, the crown of each tower has been integrated into the tower form and will be glazed in bronze finishes thus providing a focal point from many surrounding angles.

<h2>350 Queen Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: 3L Alliance Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architecture, Urban Context Report: Cox Architects and Fender Katsalidis Architects</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Project Manager: Gallagher Jeffs</li>
	<li>Aviation Report: Airport Consultancy Group Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscaping: Rush\Wright Associates</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment: Mel Consultants</li>
	<li>Heritage Assessment: prepared by Lovell Chen</li>
	<li>Sustainability, Lifts and Services: Aurecon</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Geotechnical Report: Golder Associates</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: McKenzie Group</li>
	<li>Structural Report: WSP Group</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Bosco Johnson</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

silvermb

3L Alliance pushes for twin 246 metre towers at 350 Queen Street

<html><body>
Cast your eyes over the northern reaches of Melbourne's CBD and a not-too-subtle marker is taking its place. Brady Group's Vision has motored past the 150 metre mark on its way to 226 metres and in doing so is acting as a vanguard project of sorts for the rash of new residential towers set to redefine this section of Melbourne.

With a host of new proposals joining the ranks of late, now presents as an opportune time to provide an overview of these residential towers that promise to remodel the northern areas of the CBD beyond recognition.

<h2>The current drop</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/image43_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A host of projects are early into their construction cycle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_0.jpg?itok=hXuuDiC-" title="A host of projects are early into their construction cycle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A host of projects are early into their construction cycle</figcaption></figure>Clockwise above are <a href="/buildings/eporo-tower-279-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Eporo</a>, <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Light House</a>, <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">EQ Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a> and <a href="/buildings/empire-melbourne-398-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Empire</a>, the most advanced of which has risen two levels above ground. Joining these projects in the early stages of construction are <a href="/new-apartments/the-trillium-36-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Trillium</a> and <a href="/buildings/la-trobe-tower-323-la-trobe-street-melbourne">La Trobe Tower</a>.

Near on 3,100 apartments are contained within the above seven projects, demonstrating the sheer pace at which this section of the CBD is evolving into a high-rise residential hub. With Vision, <a href="/buildings/the-carlson-321-la-trobe-street-melbourne">The Carlson</a> and part of <a href="/buildings/fulton-lane-151-franklin-street-melbourne">Fulton Lane</a> also under construction, the number of apartments under construction is inflated by a further 1,460.​

It's a staggering number, yet such is the volume of upcoming projects north of La Trobe Street and south of Victoria Street that it can easily be surpassed by those projects in waiting.

<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="400" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" msallowfullscreen="msallowfullscreen" oallowfullscreen="oallowfullscreen" src="https://charts.datawrapper.de/abxpa/index.html" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>Incoming</h2>

A master sales agent has been assigned to <a href="/buildings/swanston-central-168-victoria-street-carlton">8 Bouverie Street</a>, with its sales campaign imminent. Snapped up by Hengyi, the project is set to follow the current project Light House, albeit with a greater apartment yield exceeding 1,000 dwellings; the final numbers for the project will be revealed shortly.

Also pushing up the development chain are two separate projects for student accommodation provider Scape Student Living. <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">212-222 La Trobe Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">393 Swanston Street</a> between them are capable of providing in excess of 1,500 dwellings and have a completion date spread over 2018-2019. These are joined by the approved 377 La Trobe Street scheme which would essentially sit between the two nominated projects above, although its delivery timeframe is unknown.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Side by side and set for reshape the La Trobe Street landscape"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="223" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_2.jpg?itok=VkDr756g" title="Side by side and set for reshape the La Trobe Street landscape" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Side by side and set for reshape the La Trobe Street landscape</figcaption></figure>Also maintaining a 2019 completion timeline is <a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> which is due to begin site demolition at present while <a href="/buildings/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin Street</a> remains the only major approved development in the CBD's northern precinct without publicly known development plans. The 200 metre plus golden tower is value at approximately $200 million and would carry 551 apartments and 144 serviced apartments.

Looming is <a href="/buildings/conservatory-9-23-mackenzie-street-melbourne">Conservatory</a> with in excess of 450 apartments; it will be UEM Sunrise's next Melbourne venture post the sales success of Aurora Melbourne Central.

The projects at planning are equally as imposing with four towers in excess of 200 metres on the radar. Headlining the show is <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">Queens Place</a> with 1,700 dwellings over two hulking towers, the tallest of which is 267 metres. Nearby 293 - 303 La Trobe Street Melbourne is shaping up for a slender residential tower with 370 dwellings over what is the Duke of Kent hotel.

Most recently submitted for assessment is <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">478 Elizabeth Street</a> with a 68 storey mixed-use development envisaged. 399 apartments and 196 hotel suites would constitute the development's yield.

<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/ldo_cbd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="497" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ldo_cbd.jpg?itok=EAaBuHpN" title="Image © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Laurence Dragomir</figcaption></figure>Perhaps the most poignant indicator as the the rapid change and sheer volume of projects sweeping through the northern parts of the CBD is the render created by Laurence Dragomir above. Barely a year old the image depicts six of the tallest proposals with Aurora Melbourne Central being the only project not at construction.

If nothing else the dynamism of this pocket of the CBD provides impetus for an updated Apartments.com.au render.
</body></html>

Northern lights: the incredible rate of change in Melbourne's northern CBD

<html><body>
It seems almost counterintuitive that a venue slated for inclusion on Australia’s National Heritage List is due for a mass redevelopment. That's the case though with last week's announcement that Queen Victoria Market (QVM) is to be nominated by Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt for the prestigious inclusion.

The announcement was music to the ears of Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, who has become the public face of QVM's forthcoming redevelopment. On the potential National Heritage Listing Lord Mayor Robert Doyle stated:

<blockquote>
Today’s announcement is a major milestone for the QVM renewal project on the path that will protect and preserve the market for future generations. If QVM qualifies, there is scope to then add it to the ‘Tentative List’ to be considered for UNESCO World Heritage listing.

QVM has traded continually as a market since 1878 and predates Melbourne’s only current UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens. In the last 30 years alone, half the city has been rebuilt or redeveloped, but for 143 years QVM has been a constant in the story of our society and economy, a story which will continue well into the future.

We’re planning an appropriate and respectful acknowledgement of the market’s history as our city’s first cemetery and as a site that is significant to Melbourne’s Indigenous people, including the Wurundjeri.
<cite>​Lord Mayor Robert Doyle</cite>
</blockquote>

And it's QVM's long and varied history that will make its redevelopment all the more interesting. How will "Appropriate and respectful acknowledgement" translate into a modern facility catering for the immediate area's booming population and the needs of Melburnians at large?

QVM has in days gone by served as a cemetery, where as many as 10,000 people were buried onsite from 1837 to 1917. A small section of the cemetery was approved for the purposes of a market during 1859 and has flourished ever since to become the last surviving market in the municipality.

According to City of Melbourne, QVM provides significant architectural attributes worthy of recognition via the following structures:

<ul>
<li>The two storey and single level shops on Victoria Street and Elizabeth Street have intact timber shopfronts. The Dairy Produce Hall arch between the two groups of shops on Elizabeth Street is unusual, and the facade of the Meat Market is a design by noted architect William Salway.</li>
	<li>The Dairy Produce Hall is in a restrained stripped classical style, with an interior that is notable for the intact stall fronts timber surrounds and marble counters. F Shed and the cemetery wall demonstrate an innovative approach to the division of market and cemetery functions.</li>
	<li>The market buildings comprise the Meat Market (1869), Sheds A-F (1878), Sheds H and I (1878), Sheds K and L (1923), Elizabeth Street Stores, Victoria Street Shops (1887, 1891, and 1923), Dairy Produce Hall (1928), Franklin Street Stores (1929-1930), M Shed (1936), John Batman Memorial (1881) and the site of the Old Melbourne Cemetery (1837-1917) (Source: Victorian Heritage Register).</li>
</ul>
<h2>QVM's social character</h2>

<blockquote>
QVM was a place apart from the city proper, separate from the business and commercial activity of the growing city. It was removed from the ornate facades of city buildings in the main thoroughfares, where buildings were on show and at times were ostentatious, especially during the boom years of the 1880s.

The market, by contrast, represented the back door of the city, characterised by its mess and smell and noise.

QVM also served as an interface of society; a meeting ground; an unstructured social place, unlike other places in the city where rules and codes of conduct applied; like parks and gardens the market was a liminal space between order and disorder in the city, a place of encounter. Situated on a marginal site at the edge of the city, the market attracted the marginalised of society: the poor, the homeless, the hungry.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

Still a popular meeting place (albeit under different circumstances) and gaining additional popularity by way of expanded night market activities, QVM's pending redevelopment master plan is at a <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/projects/queenvictoriamarket">final draft stage</a>, with said master plan due to be reviewed for approval by the Future Melbourne Committee on July 28th.

According to the master plan all land designated to QVM has been divided into four quarters, interlinked by a market cross that will act as the precinct's main thoroughfare. The differing quarters will reflect the unique characteristics and purpose of each area within the new QVM, while still respecting the grand history of the institution.

Further details on QVM's redevelopment that will flow in coming months will be dissected on Apartments.com.au as they are made public.

Lead image courtesy Museum Victoria.
</body></html>

Queen Victoria Market considered for national heritage listing

<html><body>
The issue of air rights has been given heightened media attention in recent times, principally due to Yarra House within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct where developer Michael Yates <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/residential/yarra-house-to-rise-with-views-secured-20131015-jgwls">purchased apartments in the adjoining low-rise building</a>. This in turn secures the right to veto any future development, thus protecting Yarra House's views.

Air rights and appropriate development is also at the crux of a dispute headed to VCAT, where Albert Road-based Evolve Development is seeking to amend an already approved scheme for 25-27 Coventry Street, so as to expand the tower's built form above the neighbouring property. Having purchased the Southbank site with approval in place for a 22 level residential building, Evolve Development have subsequently secured air rights above the adjoining 21-23 Coventry Street.

<blockquote>
Our client has also purchased the air rights of the eastern adjoining property and a subdivision permit obtained to amalgamate this land. It is noted that the permit contained Condition 1 (f), which required the built form to be set back from the eastern boundary at least 4.5 metres from the eastern boundary at Level 5 and above. This requirement was due to Council's concerns in relation to the proposed development restricting the future development potential of the adjoining land, in particular any restrictions on east facing apartments in any future development of that land.
<cite>SJB Planning document to VCAT excerpt, April 2015</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/image166.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Air right over part 21-23 Coventry Street. Image courtesy SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image166.jpg?itok=i-1vNYzD" title="Air right over part 21-23 Coventry Street. Image courtesy SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Air right over part 21-23 Coventry Street. Image courtesy SJB</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The purchase of the air rights over 21-23 Coventry Street has resulted in an expansion of the built form to the east from Level 5 upwards. This has had consequential effects on the layout of apartments at these levels. Particularly, the apartments located in the south east quadrant of the building from Level 5 to Level 20 have been reoriented to ensure appropriate setbacks from the properties to the south and west and to ensure adequate daylight access to all habitable rooms.

Evolve No.21 Pty Ltd now seeks permission to pursue an amended development strategy which incorporates the air rights over 21-23 Coventry Street to the east and which better reflects current inner urban housing market trends.
<cite>SJB Planning document to VCAT excerpt, April 2015</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>25-27 Coventry Street, Southbank amendment highlights</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/image168.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A comparison between approved and proposed. Images courtesy SJB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image168.jpg?itok=8l3s_v4t" title="A comparison between approved and proposed. Images courtesy SJB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A comparison between approved and proposed. Images courtesy SJB</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>21 level residential tower at 70 metres in height</li>
	<li>252 apartments - 99 * studio, 105 * 1BR, 48 * 2BR</li>
	<li>177 car parking spaces and 80 bicycle spaces within a three level basement</li>
	<li>279sqm commercial/restaurant space with 50 person capacity</li>
	<li>Meeting room and library included within the development</li>
	<li>1,147sqm site area</li>
</ul>
The reworked SJB Architects design seeks to bump up apartments numbers by an additional 72 over the initial scheme which was given the nod via City of Melbourne during 2013. This is principally achieved by increasing studio dwellings from 8 to 99 within the amended proposal, at the cost of two bedroom dwellings which decrease by 20.

While the design still adheres to the DDO60 height limit, the external look has been drastically altered with the addition of balconies to the eastern facade. It's argued within the documents that the balconies which overhang the adjoining 21-23 Coventry street will aid in the retention of both on-site and off-site amenity.

Evolve Development currently have the project listed on their website as valued at $140 million and holding a completion date of 2017. It's fair to assume both these figures will change.

<h2>North, south, east and west</h2>

<blockquote>
The building form varies on each of its four elevations, relating to the immediate neighbouring conditions, whilst the use of varied colours and materiality presents a continuity and connection to the surroundings.

The north elevation presents an elegant tower on a setback podium with expressed columns that lightly anchor the elevation to the ground. Laneway access provided at the rear of the site along Wells Lane ensures flexibility and street activation of Coventry Street by way of tenancy and residential lobby interface. Street canopies, individually expressed between columns, break up the podium providing a human scale in the current streetscape rhythm while providing protection from the elements.

The tower is expressed in distinctive elements to provide visual interest and articulation. A recessed floor plan is incorporated at level 5 to distinguish the podium from the tower above. This break in the facade is introduced to respond to the height of the parapet of 312 St Kilda Road to the east, and the fagade composition of 35-37 Coventry Street to the west. The western elevation incorporates an angled setback to individual apartments facing south-west to protect the amenity of existing residents to the south and future neighbours to the west.

The south elevation is set back in response to the proximity of the residential tower at 6-8 Dorcas Street to the south.
<cite>SJB Planning</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Join the club</h2>

25-27 Coventry Street would join Evolve Development's initial Southbank project, <a href="http://www.evolvedevelopment.com.au/completed-projects.php#guilfoyle">The Guilfoyle</a> at 39 Coventry Street. LU Simon Builders completed the $190 million tower during 2013, which holds 353 apartments spanning 21 levels. SJB Architects were also responsible for the design of The Guilfoyle.

Currently fellow developer VIMG have sold in excess of 70% of Coventry Haus located at 33 Coventry Street, which will see the project head to construction shortly. Designed by Jackson Clement Borrows, the tower began life considerably shorter but was expanded upon VIMG's purchase of the site to the maximum allowable height.

<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/141029-33-coventry-photomontage-dusk-edit-3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Coventry Haus at 23 levels. Image courtesy JCB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="899" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/141029-33-coventry-photomontage-dusk-edit-3.jpg?itok=2ZAoQ8ld" title="Coventry Haus at 23 levels. Image courtesy JCB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Coventry Haus at 23 levels. Image courtesy JCB</figcaption></figure>The 'secondary' Southbank apartment market has proven popular in recent years with a string of apartment tower completions falling between Coventry and Dorcas, as witnessed by Sunday Apartments, Elm and the aforementioned Guilfoyle.

Waiting in the wings are the approved <a href="/buildings/kings-domain-southbank-68-dorcas-street-southbank">68-70 Dorcas Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/the-evermore-southbank-58-66-dorcas-street-southbank">58-66 Dorcas Street</a> and potentially 25-27 Coventry Street which between them would pump a further 1000 apartments into the tail end of Southbank.
</body></html>

Air rights, share rights: 25-27 Coventry Street, Southbank

<html><body>
During March the City of Melbourne undertook Phase 3 of the community engagement process seeking feedback on the draft master plan that was released in February for the pending Queen Victoria Market redevelopment. Approximately 4,400 people participated in the engagement process and a further 1,120 surveys were completed by a diverse cross section of interested parties comprising market traders, local residents, local workers, customers, visitors and stakeholders.

This third round of engagement followed the earlier two phases conducted in November 2013 and April-May 2014 respectively, which helped to inform and develop the draft master plan.

<blockquote>
The Draft Master Plan outlined a variety of proposals to revitalise the market precinct with a strong focus placed on improving the trader, customer and community experience. The Draft Master Plan divided QVM into four distinct quarters, each linked by a market cross of public spaces within the precinct.

It is connected to the rest of the city by the grid of surrounding city streets. The intent is to coordinate a suite of projects that can be developed with a degree of independence from each other, while complementing each other and contributing to the precinct as a whole. It also enables targeted consultation and stakeholder input, in-depth investigations, exploration of options, and detailed resolution of proposals that can be delivered in stages.
<cite>City of Melbourne Draft Master Plan</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/qvm_masterplan_draft.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="QVM Draft Master Plan © City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="394" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qvm_masterplan_draft.jpg?itok=LGN93Ze2" title="QVM Draft Master Plan © City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>QVM Draft Master Plan. Image © City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The engagement process elicited a range of feedback on the draft master plan an overview of the key findings is summarized below:

<ul>
<li>
Opening Hours: the majority of both the traders and the public participants are supportive of the concept to enhance the market as a destination that provides a changeable range of offers.</li>
	<li>
Use of open space: both the traders and the public showed a preference for programmed markets and events in the new open space proposed for Q3 – Quarter Three.</li>
	<li>
Access: while traders said that improved car parking would improve access to the market, public participants said that improved pedestrian amenity and safety would make it easier for them to access the market.</li>
	<li>
Heritage: both the traders and the public participants said that they preferred artwork, signage or landscape features as ways to celebrate the market’s history.</li>
	<li>
Market Cross: the most common suggestion by traders and public participants for Market Cross was public seating.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Next steps</h2>

Next month the final draft of the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Master Plan will be released for final community feedback before being presented to council for adoption in June. From July onwards the master plan will begin to be implemented with detailed scoping and the preparation of concepts and options for each quarter. Running parallel to this is the City of Melbourne's settlement of the Munro site.

By December a strategy will have been developed to implement the master plan with renewal works set to commence during 2016. Beyond this a series of key milestones are proposed with August 2019 seeing the removal of the existing roundabout and delivery of New Franklin Street, with existing car parking relocated elsewhere within the precinct, likely to be the Munro site.

By August 2022 it is envisaged that the new open space will have been developed over the existing car park with the final stage - the development site to the south of New Franklin Street to be developed by August 2026. These timelines are subject to change based on input and the desires and aspirations of the private sector to deliver the project in stages over a 10 year period, or in a much more constricted timeframe.

For more information see the City of Melbourne's <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/files/5714/2536/6863/QVMPR__Draft_Master_Plan_FINAL.pdf">Draft Master Plan</a> for the Queen Victoria Market Renewal and the <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/files/3514/3020/3155/QVM_Phase_3_Community_Engagement_Report.pdf">Phase 3 Engagement Report</a>.
</body></html>

Queen Victoria Market Renewal: Phase 3 Engagement Report 

<html><body>
City of Melbourne have initiated a third installment of the <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/projects/placesforpeople/">Places for People</a> study. The study seeks resident, worker, student and visitor feedback on a variety of issues and experiences that relate to everyday life in the heart of Melbourne.

According to the study website, the key aim of Places for People is to gain a greater understanding of how people are using the city. The feedback collected will in turn allow City of Melbourne to work towards the realisation of liveable neighbourhoods, where local goods, services and infrastructure meet people’s daily needs and can be accessed by foot.

First initiated during 1994, the Places for People study sought to understand how public space was utilised throughout the city. Subsequent study periods have been expanded in their research criteria.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image10_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="City of Melbourne is seeking feedback"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="97" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_0.jpg?itok=jmg1tfWz" title="City of Melbourne is seeking feedback" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>City of Melbourne is seeking feedback</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Every 10 years we have put Melbourne under the microscope to observe how public space shapes people’s experience of the city. This investigation and resulting analysis helps us plan for the next decade and beyond.

In this third study we want to hear directly from members of the community about how well their neighbourhood is meeting their daily needs. This will help us better understand the neighbourhoods we have and plan for the neighbourhoods we need. We want to zoom in and hear about how people actually access daily requirements, from fresh food and groceries to education, recreation and community services.
<cite>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle</cite>
</blockquote>

The 2015 version of Places for People will focus on both quantitative and qualitative methods of enquiry. While quantitative research examines the use and built form of Melbourne’s public spaces, and for the most has been completed, the other key probe is qualitative research.

This involves gathering data on "How people perceive Melbourne as their city, and more specifically, how they use and experience their local neighbourhoods." Initial qualitative research was conducted during Melbourne Knowledge Week 2014 with the current open period seeking to further enhance/validate gathered data.

The 2015 Places for People study has expanded to include Docklands for the first time. The first two Places for People studies helped influence urban design across the city and the reshaping of key public spaces and the 2015 version will aid with future planning and urban design considerations.

<blockquote>
Our city is growing at a rapid pace and it’s critical that we take a snapshot of our current urban life to observe and analyse how the city is functioning. Places for People 2015 will provide the city with a better understanding of people’s daily reality and will inform our future thinking and planning to make Melbourne the best city it can be.
<cite>Lord Mayor Robert Doyle</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/image11_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A defined City of Melbourne "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11_0.jpg?itok=OKk2zSCc" title="A defined City of Melbourne " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A defined City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Places for People is now open and will continue until April 26th. Nine physical pop-up locations are available across City of Melbourne, with online submissions also available via <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/projects/placesforpeople/">Places for People</a>.

Analysis of the data will follow with findings to be progressively released beyond July of this year.

Lead image courtesy tomsimpson.tv.
</body></html>

Making the City of Melbourne a better place for people

<html><body>
The City of Melbourne's Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee last Tuesday met to consider the planning application for Mirvac's 40-storey office complex at 477 Collins Street. Council resolved to notify the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) of its support for the <a href="http://grimshaw-architects.com/">Grimshaw</a>-designed tower - subject to proposed modifications to the loading/unloading arrangements and the Flinders Lane podium façade treatment - to be addressed via recommended conditions on the planning permit:

<blockquote>
The proposed built form including building height and setbacks are appropriate in this context. The proposed setbacks are adequate for an office development and will provide sufficient separation from adjoining properties, Flinders Lane and to the exiting heritage buildings facing Collins Street.

Furthermore, the development has been designed to avoid any overshadowing of the south bank of the Yarra River and will fall with existing shadows over the north bank of the Yarra River.
<cite>Future Melbourne Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/477_collins_street_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Amended elevations. © Grimshaw"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="292" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/477_collins_street_0.jpg?itok=LhSomIlC" title="Amended elevations. © Grimshaw" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Amended elevations. © Grimshaw</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The existing commercial car park presents a very poor interface to Flinders Lane and whilst the development is an improvement through the introduction of active uses at ground and mezzanine levels, when viewed from Flinders Lane it presents as a car park partially screened by vertical twisting steel louvers. Additional activation/visual interest should be introduced into the façade to increase interest and provide an integrated design that is consistent with the preferred built form direction.

This can be achieved by introducing a casing of active uses (dwelling, office, etc.) or an active façade treatment such as a green wall or art.
<cite>Future Melbourne Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

The current plans propose ground level glazed shop front-type facades to provide improved permeability: rising to a height of two storeys, bookended by two glazed staircases which provide glimpses of visual activity. The car park levels were proposed to be visually concealed via a screen consisting of vertical perforated metal blades which would also animate an otherwise static facade and provide visual interest.

The development would join a host of other skyscrapers either under construction or on the horizon in the immediate area, namely <a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">Collins House</a>, <a href="/buildings/568-collins-street-melbourne">568 Collins Street</a>, 567 Collins Street, and the taller <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">555 Collins Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">447 Collins Street</a> developments which are both seeking exemptions from overshadowing Southbank. 477 Collins would become the tallest commercial tower to be built in the west end of Melbourne's CBD in the 2000's.

<h2>477 Collins Street Recap</h2>

<ul>
<li>Office Leasable Floor Area: approx. 54,123sqm</li>
	<li>Retail Leasable Floor Area: 2461sqm</li>
	<li>​Building height: 165m, 40-storeys</li>
	<li>​Podium height 28.5m (to Flinders Street)</li>
	<li>Front, side and rear setbacks North – 16.8 metres South - 4.5 metres (levels 15- 25), 19.94 metres (levels 26-37) and 28 metres (levels 38-40) East – 4.2 metres West – 4.8 metres</li>
	<li>Gross floor area (GFA) 98,239sqm</li>
	<li>​Car parking spaces: 409 commercial spaces</li>
	<li>Bicycle facilities and spaces: 464 employee spaces, 81 visitor spaces, 34 showers</li>
</ul>
With support from council under its belt, final approval from Planning Minister Richard Wynne shouldn't be too far off.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Mirvac</li>
	<li>Architect: Grimshaw</li>
	<li>Planning Consultant: Urbis</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: Lovell Chen</li>
	<li>Structural Consultant: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Services, Traffic &amp; ESD Consultant: ARUP</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

477 Collins Street gains unanimous support from City of Melbourne

<html><body>
The City of Melbourne has kicked off the process of building a structure plan for the Lorimer precinct and will begin by holding community information sessions in March.

The first event is set to be held within the Library at the Dock on March 11th from 6pm and the second to be held at Geotech Engineering in Port Melbourne on the 19th of March.

Lorimer is the sole Fishermans Bend precinct which falls within the City of Melbourne municipal boundary with the other three - Montague, Wirraway and Sandridge - located within the City of Port Phillip.

The Participate Melbourne website is carrying the July 2014 Fishermans Bend strategic framework plan released by the previous Victorian Government and likewise a timeline also paints a picture of the 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/fish_bend_street_network.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Street Network from the July 2014 Fishermans Bend strategic framework document"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="377" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fish_bend_street_network.png?itok=UYKBHjBQ" title="Street Network from the July 2014 Fishermans Bend strategic framework document" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street Network from the July 2014 Fishermans Bend strategic framework document</figcaption></figure>From early April after the initial community feedback phase ends, a draft structure plan will be developed and presented to the council's Future Melbourne committee by mid 2015.

A second round of community engagement is expected to occur thereafter with a review and preparation for the final Lorimer Structure plan to be considered by the Future Melbourne committee in early 2016.

To view the supporting documentation, feedback form and other relevant links, see the <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/projects/lorimer/">Participate Melbourne website</a>.

<h2>Port Phillip development proposal tracker</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/copp_fish_bend_mpa_proposals.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Screenshot from City of Port Phillip Fishermans Bend proposal map"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/copp_fish_bend_mpa_proposals.png?itok=OIINXcWu" title="Screenshot from City of Port Phillip Fishermans Bend proposal map" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Screenshot from City of Port Phillip Fishermans Bend proposal map</figcaption></figure>City of Port Phillip's Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area website looks to be regularly updating maps of proposals within their municipality. The maps are conveniently broken down by responsible authority: the council itself or the Metropolitan Planning Authority.

The site is definitely <a href="http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/fishermans-bend.htm">one for the bookmarks!</a>

Lead image credit: <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/projects/lorimer/">Participate Melbourne</a>.
</body></html>

City of Melbourne

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

City of Melbourne

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News