Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

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Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

Joel Robinson

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

By the time S&amp;S Projects began planning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia</a>, the developer already had three Rainbow Bay projects from which to draw.

Flow, Awaken and Esprit had given <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a> experience developing in the southern Gold Coast enclave, as well as buyer feedback that could be carried into its fourth project, a boutique collection of 38 residences at 271 Boundary Street.

“We have experienced a lot of success in this location and as this was our fourth building we had taken all of the learnings and buyer feedback from previous projects to arrive at a design and apartment mix that we believe had captured all of that experience and remained a true S&amp;S Project in its design and amenity,” the developer said.

That experience has translated into a collection of two, three, four and five-bedroom residences including two penthouses positioned on an elevated corner in Rainbow Bay, where the site opens to multiple coastal view corridors and the area's distinctive north-facing bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284542]

S&amp;S Projects says the Boundary Street site took years to assemble, having previously comprised six units, a house and a duplex. The developer worked individually with the existing owners to bring the properties together after an earlier attempt to sell the site had been complicated by the number of parties involved.

“We are constantly looking for properties that meet our brand standards of location, views, and sites that are rare with unique aspects that we can develop to maximise the lifestyle of residents who live in our buildings,” S&amp;S Projects said.

The Boundary Street site gave <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a> a different set of conditions to work with.&nbsp;

“Our design brief was to design a building that took advantage of its unique elevated corner siting offering a range of spectacular view corridor opportunities,” Cottee Parker said.

“The design had to reinforce the strong brand pillars of S&amp;S which are quality, luxury and superior resident amenity.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284543]

Cottee Parker responded with a sculptural floorplate and strong horizontal banding, with continuous balconies and landscaped planters wrapping the building. Operable screens along the balcony edges allow residents to manage light and shade while creating an additional layer of pattern across the facade.

The tower rises above a heavily landscaped podium incorporating the entry lobby and recreational level, while the broader architectural expression takes cues from Rainbow Bay's coastal environment through its organic forms and light material palette.

Cottee Parker says the design has also been developed to complement S&amp;S Projects’ three previous Rainbow Bay developments while retaining its own architectural identity.

Inside, the residences continue that coastal response through two interior schemes centred on warm timbers and neutral tones, alongside patterned natural stone and fluted detailing.

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors connect open-plan living areas to wraparound balconies, while natural stone is used across benchtops, splashbacks and bathroom walls. Specifications also include light-washed timber flooring, gas fireplaces, integrated bar and wine fridges, freestanding stone baths and 100 per cent wool carpet.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284559]

Cottee Parker Director Sandra Brown said the intention was to create an architectural response closely connected to its surroundings.

“Imagine architecture that breathes with the rhythm of nature, where every curve and line flows seamlessly – creating spaces that dance with the elements, where sunlight kisses every surface and the gentle sea breeze fills every space,” Brown said.

The lessons S&amp;S Projects carried into Radia also extend to its resident amenity, with a substantial collection of shared facilities planned for just 38 residences.

A dedicated Residents Club will include a lap pool and spa, gymnasium, ice bath, sauna, steam room and hot rocks sauna. A residents' lounge, private dining room, outdoor dining and barbecue area and business centre are also planned, along with storage and dedicated surfboard and beach lockers.

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the facilities were also designed around the project's Rainbow Bay setting.

“Each amenity is designed to capitalise on the lifestyle of Rainbow Bay, ensuring residents can enjoy the relaxed coastal experience the enclave is famous for,” Gedoun said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284555]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> says purchasers to date have predominantly included local downsizers, interstate lifestyle investors and families, alongside a strong contingent of repeat S&amp;S purchasers.&nbsp;

According to the project sales team, feedback has centred on the natural stone and joinery, generous floorplans, natural light and the ability for residences to capture views in multiple directions. The completed Flow, Awaken and Esprit developments have also provided prospective purchasers with an existing reference point for S&amp;S Projects' delivery in Rainbow Bay.

There has also been interest from high-profile surfers and people connected to the surf community, with the elevated building providing outlooks towards several of the area's recognised surf breaks.

Radia continues S&amp;S Projects' concentration of development in a tightly held part of the southern Gold Coast, close to Rainbow Bay Beach, Snapper Rocks, Duranbah Beach, Greenmount Beach and the Tweed River. The neighbourhood also includes a growing collection of hospitality venues, while Coolangatta Airport provides connections beyond the southern Gold Coast.

Hutchinson Builders is now delivering Radia, continuing the project from early works privately funded by S&amp;S Projects. The $250 million development is expected to reach completion in the third quarter of 2027.

“With our history in Rainbow Bay, we have been fortunate to be heavily involved in how the development landscape has unfolded and this project slides into the property landscape comfortably and will feel like it was always there,” the developer said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140491]

How three Rainbow Bay projects shaped S&S Projects' fourth, Radia

Nearly 40 years after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sheida-group">The Sheida Group</a> began working on the northern Gold Coast, the family-owned developer is continuing its involvement in Hope Island with Marina Point Apartments, where apartment scale has been a central part of the development.

Across the 235-apartment waterfront community, the developer has prioritised larger floorplans, substantial open space and marina access, responding to a purchaser base that has predominantly comprised local owner-occupiers and downsizers moving from larger homes.

"Having already delivered Anchorage nearby, we also understood this particular market and how people live here," developer Rick Sheida said.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marina-point-apartments-hope-island-66-view-line-terrace-hope-island-qld-4212">Marina Point&nbsp;Apartments</a> gave us the opportunity to build on those lessons and create the next evolution of our work in Hope Island."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136992 project_image_fid=293151]

The Sheida Group acquired the Marina Point land around 2018. Its appeal, Sheida says, went beyond having a waterfront address.

"What attracted us was not simply that the site was waterfront, but the way it meets the water," he said.

"It sits at the junction of broad waterways, creating long sightlines, changing views and a sense of movement throughout the day. Its shape also allowed us to orient the buildings outward, improve privacy between residences and make better use of natural light and breezes."

The buildings have subsequently been positioned around the perimeter of the site, allowing most apartments to take in water views while others look across the resort amenity or hinterland. Once all four buildings are complete, approximately one hectare of the site is expected to remain as open space.

The waterfront also provides the potential for up to 50 marina berths, with berths ranging from 15 to 24 metres and options designed to accommodate wider vessels including catamarans. Access from the marina to the Gold Coast Seaway is bridge-free.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136992 project_image_fid=293149]

The developer says purchasers to date have predominantly been owner-occupiers and downsizers from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marina-point-apartments-hope-island-66-view-line-terrace-hope-island-qld-4212">Hope Island</a> and elsewhere on the Gold Coast, generally aged between 45 and 70. Many have sold larger family homes or properties requiring significant upkeep.

That purchaser profile informed a design brief centred on retaining the space and functionality of a larger home within an apartment format.

"Many of our buyers are coming from large, well-appointed homes in Sanctuary Cove and the surrounding area," the project team said.

"They are accustomed to generous spaces and thoughtful design, so it was important that the apartments delivered the same sense of comfort and functionality.

"Every room needed to feel well proportioned, every space needed a clear purpose and nothing could feel compromised."

Residences range from 139 sqm through to 319 sqm penthouses, with two car spaces provided to apartments and three to penthouses. Minimum 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, entertainer's kitchens with butler's pantries, substantial storage and balconies ranging from 18 sqm to 37 sqm further reflect the emphasis on space.

One purchaser from Sanctuary Cove has taken the concept further, combining two of Marina Point's largest apartments to create a 552 sqm residence with raked ceilings reaching up to 4.5 metres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136992 project_image_fid=293155]

With Building 1 now complete, the developer is also seeing its original design assumptions tested against purchaser feedback.

Three completed display residences allow prospective purchasers to compare apartment sizes, layouts, finishes and outlooks in person. The sales team says one of the most consistent responses has been to the scale of the apartments, with visitors describing them as feeling more like homes than conventional apartments.

The first stage of resident amenity is also operational, including a 25-metre heated lap pool, Technogym-equipped gym, infrared sauna, golf simulator and yoga room. Future facilities are set to include a resort-style pool and spa, waterfront barbecue area and a residents' lounge with a library, fireplace, pool table, kitchen and bar.

Rather than treating the four buildings independently, the design brief called for a complete waterfront neighbourhood, balancing private residences with landscaping, open space, marina access and shared amenity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136992 project_image_fid=293152]

For Sheida, Marina Point Apartments is ultimately an extension of the developer's longer-term involvement in Hope Island and its view of how the suburb is evolving.

"We were equally interested in the long-term future of Hope Island," he said.

"Its position between Brisbane and the central Gold Coast gives residents access to both, while improving transport connections are making the northern Gold Coast increasingly attractive as a permanent place to live."

Hope Island Marketplace is 1.3 kilometres from Marina Point, while Sanctuary Cove and Paradise Point are within six kilometres. Links Hope Island, The Pines and The Palms golf courses are also nearby, and the new Hope Island train station is under construction around five kilometres from the development.

Building 2 is under construction, with completion scheduled for 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136992]

Marina Point Apartments continues The Sheida Group's 40-year Hope Island story

Cox Architecture

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Another of Melbourne's batch of sizeable apartment projects is closer to reality, with a construction tender now open for <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">Queens Place</a> Tower 1. The tender process was initiated mid July with developer 3L Alliance expecting construction to begin toward the end of the year or early next year.

Queens Place is currently 81% sold. Consisting of dual residential towers spanning 246 metres in height, Queens Place is a joint design between firms Cox Architecture and Fender Katsalidis Architects, with Hecker Guthrie handling the interiors.

Fronting La Trobe Street and Queen Street, the $1 billion dollar project covers a 7,295sqm site and will include the retention of KTS House at 350 Queen Street, in addition to roughly 1,700 apartments spread over two towers.

<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/qppodium.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An elevated perspective of the podium. Image: 3L Alliance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qppodium.jpg?itok=B0UpdEyG" title="An elevated perspective of the podium. Image: 3L Alliance" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An elevated perspective of the podium. Image: 3L Alliance</figcaption></figure>The sheer size of both site and project has facilitated a design that includes a mass of services at ground level.

Shaping as a prime example of a vertical master-planned community, Queens Place joins the likes of West Side Place and Southbank's approved 93-119 Kavanagh Street in bringing a gamut of uses throughout its lower levels.

Queens Place will include a criss-cross network at ground level of public spaces, including a laneway running from La Trobe Street to A'Beckett Street.·A central public plaza will be surrounded by a supermarket, medical clinic, crèche, professional office space and shared facilities for a farmers market, outdoor cinema and/or art exhibitions.

Across its lower levels, Queens Place has been designed by the development team to enhance the way in which pedestrians interact with their surroundings. Currently the site is dominated by a single level car park that was built as an infill development a little over a decade ago.

<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/qplobby.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queens Place's lobby. Image: 3L Alliance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/qplobby.jpg?itok=21PI8o6C" title="Queens Place's lobby. Image: 3L Alliance" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Queens Place's lobby. Image: 3L Alliance</figcaption></figure>The twin-tower project is arguably a genuine master-planned community, albeit a vertical one.

Queens Place will sit in stark contrast to many of the contemporary apartment projects appearing through the northern reaches of Melbourne's CBD, which are located on smaller single tower sites, lacking the size capacity to incorporate extensive public features. City of Melbourne's Munro site shapes as the next project that will have a highly interactive and permeable public podium interface, with a 200 plus metre residential tower tipped to sit above.

On a wider note, Queens Place's construction start will likely coincide with those of <a href="/new-apartments/union-tower-296-300-little-lonsdale-street-melbourne">Union Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/399-little-lonsdale-street-melbourne">399 Little Lonsdale Street</a> and Iglu's student accommodation project at <a href="/new-apartments/iglu-229-franklin-street-melbourne">229 Franklin Street</a>, providing the northern CBD with its next wave of construction activity.
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silvermb

Construction beckons for Queens Place

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At a point where City of Melbourne are grappling with <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/shapesouthbank">multiple projects</a> aimed toward beautifying Southbank, a current planning application at the behest of private Malaysian developer PJD Property intends to create a new park and surrounding open spaces far superior to anything currently found within postcode 3006.

Plans have been touched upon in recent months for 93-119 Kavanagh Street which many readers would currently identify as a sprawling open air car park adjoining CityLink that covers the best part of a city block or approximately 21,000sqm.

In addition to six intended high-rise towers for the site, project lead Cox Architecture and design partner Rush Wright Landscape Architects have added considerable green spaces into the project master plan. These spaces are expected to not only service the project which has been dubbed Kavanagh Park but also create a green space network throughout Southbank by linking with adjoining sites.

To the north of Kavanagh Park lies the Boyd Community Hub site which is due for a new high-rise residential tower and new public park while to the south lies ancillary green CityLink land.

<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/image84_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The urban park as envisaged from Kavanagh Street. Image courtesy Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_2.jpg?itok=dEEgBtie" title="The urban park as envisaged from Kavanagh Street. Image courtesy Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The urban park as envisaged from Kavanagh Street. Image courtesy Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure>The Kavanagh Park master plan identifies the need to "plug widely observed gaps in the more localised existing provisions of open space, local services and amenities in Southbank." As a guide the development team have referenced the design brief for the adjoining Boyd site in order to gauge the size and functionality of open spaces included within the Kavanagh Park site.

In addition to the new park and greatly enhanced public realm network Cox Architecture have identified active podiums, laneways and liveable streets as key CBD attributes which they have incorporated into Kavanagh Park.

<h2>Kavanagh Park key landscape design principles</h2>

A landscape master plan has been devised as part of the proposed development, with key design approaches identified. They include:

<ul>
<li>Creation of a public landscape network - with generous pedestrian spaces - which keys into Kavanagh Street as a wide, green east west corridor within Southbank, linking local community infrastructure.</li>
	<li>Landscape character - a blend of “civic with some neighbourhood eccentricity (not corporate)" to make permanent public amenity at ground level and landscape levels over structure.</li>
	<li>Use of natural durable materials, detailing, lighting and inbuilt furniture which ages gracefully.</li>
	<li>Installation of large canopy trees and water - signature elements for intimate scale pocket parks and a new city park space.</li>
	<li>Landscape design for flexibility of use and diversity of residents - families, community events, BBQs.</li>
	<li>Establishment of urban forest canopy - equivalence between podium and tree scale - and botanic diversity supporting different ecological values.</li>
	<li>Public spaces which are safe, well lit, activated with a diversity of building programme with passive surveillance 24/7.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image58_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An overview of the precinct. Image courtesy Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image58_1.jpg?itok=fWVQM-s5" title="An overview of the precinct. Image courtesy Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An overview of the precinct. Image courtesy Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The most recent demographic data on Southbank’s population, received from City of Melbourne provides a picture of the makeup of households in the Southbank area. This research has informed our approach to an open space brief for the site, the potential residential and employment makeup and the different groups who may use the public spaces.

This data shows there is a need to balance the mix of open space offered within the Southbank precinct and across neighbouring park developments. The landscape design should focus on the role of open space for “backyard” functions in an area with 94% of dwellings being apartments.
<cite>Kavanagh Park master plan</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Parkland first to arrive</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/image64_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The main park will be delivered immediately. Image courtesy Cox Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image64_4.jpg?itok=PK_7d6d9" title="The main park will be delivered immediately. Image courtesy Cox Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The main park will be delivered immediately. Image courtesy Cox Architecture</figcaption></figure>While the overall project is expected to be rolled out over six stages and possibly see additional parties join PJD Property in developing the substantial towers, the public park will be delivered immediately upon the master plan receiving approval according to planning documents.

Stage One will see the main park fronting Kavanagh Street, a supermarket, food hall, further retail, child care centre and gym delivered. According to the master plan creating the park and associated community facilities "upfront is a rare and positive outcome for the Southbank community as it fills the currently recognised gaps in services and activity for current residents."
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Southbank set to gain a new park

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It's not just apartment developments which are presently enjoying heightened levels of construction. A large number of education-driven projects are also under construction throughout Melbourne, with Apartments.com.au nominating five of the more significant builds below.

Impressively one builder has collected four of the highlighted five, with Kane Constructions currently enjoying a rich vein of projects in the sector; the combined value of Kane Construction's four projects on the go is in excess of $100 million.

In terms of location the five nominated projects are skewed toward Melbourne's inner suburbs and follow on from two recently completed projects of a similar nature, namely <a href="http://www.architectus.com.au/en/projects/mandeville-centre-loreto-mandeville-hall">The Mandeville Centre</a> and the architecturally intriguing McBride Charles Ryan-designed <a href="http://www.mcbridecharlesryan.com.au/#/projects/pegs-middle-girls-school/">PEGS Middle Girls School</a>.

Here are five education-based projects currently under construction.

<h2>Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science</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/morrison_street1_view_low_resolution.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science's Morrison Street aspect. Image courtesy Scotch College"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/morrison_street1_view_low_resolution.jpeg?itok=DESPVgFp" title="The Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science's Morrison Street aspect. Image courtesy Scotch College" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science's Morrison Street aspect. Image courtesy Scotch College</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Location: Hawthorn</li>
	<li>Builder: Kane Constructions</li>
	<li>Value: $30 million</li>
	<li>Client: Scotch College</li>
	<li>Architects: Cox Architecture</li>
	<li>Development team members: Taylor Thomson Whitting &amp; Norman Disney Young</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Our conversational teaching approach is most powerful and effective in facilities designed to encourage student and teacher interactions. Each level of the new centre will be a unique learning landscape bringing together formal teaching labs, staff offices and facilities and a central learning hub.

The new Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science will be the showcase of environmental sustainability on the campus. We will be targeting a Green Star rating to validate the environmental credentials of the building, placing Scotch College at the leading edge of sustainable teaching environments.
<cite>engagingcuriousminds.net.au</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>The Artemis Project</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/pph_ko.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Artemis Project. Image courtesy MGG"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/pph_ko.jpg?itok=eUZZTYxd" title="The Artemis Project. Image courtesy MGG" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Artemis Project. Image courtesy MGG</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Location: South Yarra</li>
	<li>Builder: Kane Constructions</li>
	<li>Value: $23 million</li>
	<li>Client: Melbourne Girls Grammar</li>
	<li>Architects: BVN</li>
	<li>Development team members: Taylor Thomson Whitting, Umow Lai, WT Partnership &amp; Case Meallin &amp; Associates</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Kane Constructions has been appointed preferred contractor for the Artemis project at Melbourne Girls Grammar. The Artemis Project comprises the construction of a health and wellbeing centre located on the Senior School campus at Anderson Street South Yarra.

The new facility includes an indoor pool, indoor multipurpose courts, gymnasium, break out spaces and extensive landscaping. Works will be completed ahead of the 2017 school year.
<cite>Kane Constructions</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Southern Gateway Building</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/trinity_college_web_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Gateway Building. Image courtesy Kane Constructions"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/trinity_college_web_1.jpg?itok=tRaNXt3F" title="The Gateway Building. Image courtesy Kane Constructions" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Gateway Building. Image courtesy Kane Constructions</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Location: Parkville</li>
	<li>Builder: Cane Constructions</li>
	<li>Value: $24 million</li>
	<li>Client: Trinity College University of Melbourne</li>
	<li>Architects: McIldowie Partners</li>
	<li>Development team members: Trevor Main &amp; Associates, VanDeMeer and Waterman AHW</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
This landmark building will exemplify the commitment that the University of Melbourne and Trinity College share in furthering the education of all our students.

Construction of the building represents the long-term realisation of this important academic centre that all of our students deserve. The College anticipates that this academic centre will be ready for use in the 2016 academic year.
<cite>Trinity College</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>PLC Performing Arts Centre</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/767-plc-perf-arts-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="PLC Performing Arts Centre. Image courtesy Root Projects Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="345" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/767-plc-perf-arts-2.jpg?itok=zEU0WXac" title="PLC Performing Arts Centre. Image courtesy Root Projects Australia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>PLC Performing Arts Centre. Image courtesy Root Projects Australia</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Location: Burwood</li>
	<li>Builder: Kane Constructions</li>
	<li>Client: Presbyterian Ladies College</li>
	<li>Architects: Cox Architecture</li>
	<li>Development team members: Wood &amp; Grieve, Wilde &amp; Woolard and Root Projects Australia</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
The project brings together the key education functions at PLC in a performance environment. Within a gross floor area of 6,500 square metres it includes: a 550 seat auditorium tailored to the specific needs of the school’s noted music program; the music school including two major performance studios and 12 rehearsal studios; a ‘black box’ studio for both drama classes and performances.
<cite>Root Projects Australia</cite>
</blockquote>

PLC's Performing Arts Centre is expected to be completed during mid 2017.

<h2>The Commons</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/ma-edu-st_michaels_the_commons_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Commons is well into construction. Image courtesy Architectus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ma-edu-st_michaels_the_commons_01.jpg?itok=dCl7XhQP" title="The Commons is well into construction. Image courtesy Architectus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Commons is well into construction. Image courtesy Architectus</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Location: St Kilda</li>
	<li>Builder: Contract Control</li>
	<li>Value: $15.4 million</li>
	<li>Client: St Michael’s Grammar School</li>
	<li>Architects: Architectus</li>
	<li>Development team members: Gallagher Jeffs</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Rising over three levels the Commons includes spaces for Knowledge, Science, Food Technology and School Café within an urban context of adjacent apartments, townhouses and individual residences amid a busy road. The street facade is composed as a working green wall that enables a new type of interaction with landscape for students in a site that yearns for green space as well as promoting a ‘learn from life’ approach to Science.
<cite>Architectus</cite>
</blockquote>

Contract Control are well advanced in delivering The Commons which is scheduled to be completed at the turn of 2016. This follows on from Contract Control's recently completed project <a href="http://www.architectus.com.au/en/projects/mandeville-centre-loreto-mandeville-hall">The Mandeville Centre</a> which also featured Architectus as project design lead. Completed on behalf of Loreto Mandeville Hall, the education facility carried a development value of $12 million.
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Five noteworthy education projects flying under the radar

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

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Purchased in late 2013 by Malaysian developer <a href="http://www.uemsunrise.com/UEMSunrise/Home">UEM Sunrise</a> in conjunction with <a href="/news/the-answer-224-252-la-trobe-street-melbourne">224-252 LaTrobe Street</a>, the site at 9-23 Mackenzie Street was part of an invited design competition that encompassed two sites and three teams of architects. A rare opportunity to compete for the rights to design two signature towers at the top end of the CBD, <a href="http://www.coxarchitecture.com.au/">Cox Architecture</a> were successful in securing design services following a process, which according to UEM Sunrise was "indicative of a desire from both the developer and the Architect to ensure that design excellence is integral to this development."

Occupying the site of an at-grade parking lot, the project would complete the block that also includes the Elenberg Fraser-designed 33 Mackenzie Street. Together the two sites once formed a much larger 4,000sqm development site once owned by Drapac who upon receiving approval for a 84m Peddle Thorp-designed office block promptly put the site on the market in 2008, before carving it up into two.

<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/9-23_mackenzie_st_overall.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The tower topped with conservatory. © COX"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1168" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/9-23_mackenzie_st_overall.jpg?itok=-XAADNz-" title="The tower topped with conservatory. © COX" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The tower topped with conservatory. © COX</figcaption></figure><h2>Project summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>37 levels &amp; 124 metres in height</li>
	<li>473 apartments</li>
	<li>Total Gross Floor Area 44,484 sqm</li>
	<li>123 car spaces within the 8 level above ground podium</li>
	<li>392 sqm of retail space and ground level cafe</li>
	<li>Key communal amenities in the form of a ground level lounge, podium garden terrace, city view roof terrace and Conservatory terrace located at its apex</li>
</ul>
<h2>The podium and the public realm</h2>

Adhering to the podium and tower typology sought by the Melbourne Planning Scheme, the development's 7-storey podium responds to its north facing outlook via a re-imagining of the verandah vernacular. Accommodating a wrap of apartments as the podium form transitions from rectilinear to curvilinear, this has resulted in the provision of an active edge to the Mackenzie Street frontage above ground level.

An inflection in the geometry of the podium aids in delineating the main entry point. Frontages to Bell Place are largely dedicated to ancillary activities with the exception of the cafe located at the corner with Mackenzie 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/podium_ground_plane.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium &amp; ground plane strategy. © COX"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="190" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/podium_ground_plane.jpg?itok=S-_PlGhw" title="Podium &amp; ground plane strategy. © COX" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podium &amp; ground plane strategy. © COX</figcaption></figure><h2>Tower form and facade</h2>

The tower form and configuration were achieved based on the following drivers:

<blockquote>
<ol>
<li>A tower plan that is responsive to its context and directs views through a curved facade to its east and west.</li>
	<li>A slender north and south facade which minimises visual obstruction and allows other buildings exposure to sunlight from the north.</li>
	<li>Articulation of the elliptical form to create vertical expression in the mass in particular to the address to Mackenzie Street and the axis of Drummond Street.</li>
	<li>A tower plan in an elliptical form to maximise the view amenity to Carlton Gardens and to reduce direct overlooking of existing and proposed apartments.</li>
	<li>The elliptical form has beneficial wind effects at street level as it encourages horizontal wind movement rather than creating downdrafts that a bluff faced rectilinear response would create.</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>

The curvilinear tower form is expressed as a series of seven bands articulated with vertical perforated white screens that extend over 4 floors of the building at right angles. These culminate in a sloping bladed structure housing the conservatory terrace at its summit.

A variety of glazing types are employed over the facade ranging from a silver grey to a silver blue grey frit. Combined these elements form an “environmental skin” that provides partial protection from wind, rain and sun. This skin extends beyond the balcony line in an effort to provide a comfortable and quality outdoor environment allowing for a seamless interior-exterior experience.

<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/9-23_mackenzie_st.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As seen from LaTrobe Street. © COX"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/9-23_mackenzie_st.jpg?itok=fOUYL3D-" title="As seen from LaTrobe Street. © COX" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>As seen from LaTrobe Street. © COX</figcaption></figure><h2>Conclusion</h2>

The proposed development provides a welcome contrast to the solid and robust nature of neighbouring 33 Mackenzie Street. Height aside the two towers couldn't be anymore different, yet there is a sense of familiarity about both designs; two varying answers to the same question. By different architects.

I leave you with an Elenberg Fraser scheme that accompanied the sales campaign for the site.

<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/9-23_mackenzie_street_ef.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elenberg Fraser scheme for 9-23 Mackenzie Street. © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="755" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/9-23_mackenzie_street_ef.jpg?itok=D6L9HMaP" title="Elenberg Fraser scheme for 9-23 Mackenzie Street. © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elenberg Fraser scheme for 9-23 Mackenzie Street. © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: UEM Sunrise</li>
	<li>Project Architects: Cox Architecture</li>
	<li>Town Planner: Contour Consultants</li>
	<li>Development Managers: Sinclair Brook Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineers: Cardno</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Bosco Jonson</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: Lovell Chen</li>
	<li>ESD Consultants: Umow Lai</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
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Laurence Dragomir

Mack to the Future > 9-23 Mackenzie Street 

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What do you do when you're a Malaysian Government-backed property developer intent on breaking into the hotly contested Melbourne apartment scene? Why you go big...really big with two grandiose towers!
Not content with dipping their toes into local waters, <a href="http://www.uemsunrise.com/UEMSunrise/Home" target="_blank">UEM Sunrise</a> will rather perform the mother of all bombs as it seeks to implement itself firmly at the pointy end of Melbourne's apartment development scene. As has been well documented the wholly owned <a href="http://www.uem.com.my/" target="_blank">UEM Group</a> subsidiary purchased two prime CBD sites late last year with grand intentions.
Asked of the two projects which are expected to go to public sales late 2014, UEM Sunrise Chief operating officer Raymond Cheah stated "Both projects will change the landscape of Melbourne city," Let's have a closer look at the two designs in question:
9-23 McKenzie Street
<ul>
<li>
		Site size - 2,030 sqm</li>
	<li>
		Site purchased for $22.5 million or $11,084 per sqm</li>
	<li>
		Height - 35 floors and approximately 120 metres</li>
	<li>
		388 Apartments</li>
	<li>
		Design - Cox Architecture</li>
	<li>
		one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments</li>
	<li>
		preliminary priced between A$400,000 to A$600,000 each</li>
</ul>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Bdk94HhCEAEpRzw.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="McKenzie Street at tweeted by project architect Cox"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1395" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Bdk94HhCEAEpRzw.jpg?itok=eC18hVW_" title="McKenzie Street at tweeted by project architect Cox" width="580"></a>
224-252 La Trobe Street
<ul>
<li>
		Site area - 3,197 sqm</li>
	<li>
		Site purchased for $43.15 million or $13,497 per sqm</li>
	<li>
		Height - 82 floors and 265 metres</li>
	<li>
		1343 dwellings</li>
	<li>
		Design - Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>
		one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments + serviced apartments</li>
	<li>
		preliminary price from AA$450,000 and A$650,000 each</li>
</ul>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image23_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Raymond Cheah and the La Trobe Street project"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image23_2.jpg?itok=007WqZQD" title="Raymond Cheah and the La Trobe Street project" width="580"></a>
Both designs are a-typical in shape, owing to the developers intent in delivering a product that makes a design statement, and in the case of 224-252 La Trobe Street, a monolithic statement at that.
According to Cheah, "We decided on Melbourne first as there is high population growth rate, with 1,750 people moving to the city every week. The occupancy rate for apartments in Melbourne is about 97 per cent. The student population is also growing, helped by major universities set up in the city. We expect a lot of Malaysians investing in our two projects".
Watch for a review of the respective planning applications in coming weeks.
&gt;&gt; Content in part sourced from <a href="http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php" target="_blank">Malaysia Chronicle</a> and <a href="http://www.businesstoday.net.my/" target="_blank">Business Today</a>.
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