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>

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Docklands

<html><body>
Today's article centres on the fifth building in <a href="http://www.walkercorp.com.au/">Walker Corporation's</a> <a href="http://www.collinssquare.com.au/">Collins Square</a> development at Docklands, otherwise known as site 4E. The 27-storey tower designed by <a href="http://www.woodsbagot.com/">Woods Bagot</a> is the result of a limited design competition and may well inject a further 34,700sqm of commercial office space into the precinct, leaving only V1 from the original Village Docklands scheme as the sole residential building.

<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/tower5_wb_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Tower 5 Hero shot. © Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tower5_wb_0.png?itok=MgsWSxnw" title="Tower 5 Hero shot. © Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tower 5 - competition hero shot. © Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Tower 5 would become the final building to be approved as part of the Collins Square Development Plan, and marks a strong departure in form of the previous towers which were far more rectilinear in nature. It does however continue the trend of the Collins Square towers not employing a traditional podium/tower typology, instead being expressed as a sheer volume rising up on the corner.

The development plan previously allowed provision for a 20-storey tower however the increased height is considered appropriate due to its prominent location in the context of Docklands.

Similar to their design for NAB's office building at 700 Bourke Street, Woods Bagot have once again introduced a 'fissure' running the height of the tower, acting to reduce the visual mass and bulk of the tower while providing a point of difference from the other towers at Collins Square. Located on the corner of McCrae Street and Batmans Hill drive, Tower 5 provides a visual marker and entry into Collins Square from the south.

<blockquote>
Building 5 in particular requires special attention as the branding, marketing (Collins Square) and site constraints means that as the 5th building on the site, it is isolated.
While it will have a presence from the South and visible from Wurundjeri Way the connection to Collins Square will be lost unless an icon or series of markers are established to promote movement and identification to this building.
<cite>Woods Bagot</cite>
</blockquote>

The ground floor sees a wrap of four retail tenancies to Batman's Hill Drive and McCrae Street with the lobby located to the north-west corner off Batman's Hill Drive. A fifth retail tenancy on Walker Laneway and Georgiana Street takes the total retail area to 472sqm. End-of-trip facilities and ancillary plant and service program are located beyond with vehicular access provided from Georgiana 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/cs_t5_ground.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tower 5 ground floor plan. © Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="419" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cs_t5_ground.jpg?itok=Z1fy3qz_" title="Tower 5 ground floor plan. © Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tower 5 ground floor plan. © Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>An art wall is proposed Walker Laneway which will separate Tower's 5 &amp; 4 and provide a pedestrian connection from Batman's Hill Drive through to Brentani Way - this is illustrated 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/t5-walker_laneway.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Walker Laneway looking east from Batman's Hill Drive. © Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="398" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/t5-walker_laneway.jpg?itok=m8GoisVE" title="Walker Laneway looking east from Batman's Hill Drive. © Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Walker Laneway looking east from Batman's Hill Drive. © Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><h2>Experience</h2>

<blockquote>
The external architectural expression from Building 1 and 2 has been used internally into the “street” and creates a sober backdrop to the internal retail space which provides colour and movement. The retailers in the deeper sections of the ground floor podium will expect way finding icons to draw customers to their tenancies or investors risk these spaces becoming vacant.
Our strategy is to link the lower level and upper level lobbies, to create a contiguous pedestrian experience. The termination of the main axis from Collins St is a strong architectural gesture, linking the roof of the pedestrian spaces to the external envelope of Tower 5. The dynamic surface of the roof twists down to form the façade of the podium, which then rises up to become the façade and form of Tower 5.
The notion of a signature building facing Flinders Street that has a Collins Street address requires an idea that is evident and simple. Our design proposal uses a strong visual connection and new pedestrian access, seamlessly connecting Tower 5 to the main entry on Collins Street.
<cite>Woods Bagot</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/retail.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Retail experience. © Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/retail.jpg?itok=TegP5ddg" title="Retail experience. © Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Retail experience. © Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Tower 5 is generally supported by the Future Committee (Planning) so approval from DTPLI seems like a mere formality. Construction will commence upon pre-commitment from an anchor tenant as is generally the case.

<h2>Project details</h2>

<ul>
<li>Number of Floors: 27</li>
<li>Height: 111m to top of plant</li>
<li>GFA / NLA: 67,970 / 34,700sqm</li>
<li>Car Spaces: 242 spaces</li>
<li>Bicycle Spaces: 154 (118 employee and 36 visitor)</li>
<li>Developer: Walker Corporation</li>
<li>Architect: Woods Bagot</li>
<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

And then there were five > Tower 5 Collins Square

<html><body>
The Herald Sun ran a story on Wednesday titled <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/melbourne-docklands-10-ideas-to-fix-postcode-3008/story-fnkd6ppg-1227105693657">Melbourne Docklands: 10 ideas to fix postcode 3008</a>. The basic premise being that the precinct is somehow broken and requires 'fixing.'

Over the course of its life as Australia's largest urban renewal project Docklands has copped its fair share of criticism, some justified but most unwarranted. I'll comment on and retort where necessary the ideas posed by the Herald Sun article.

<blockquote>
1. Turn the concrete into an urban beach. Danish urban consultants floated this idea in a major report, suggesting the beach could include a sailing school, kayak rentals, diving spots and beach volleyball courts. Sounds like fun.
</blockquote>

The concept of an urban beach would probably be best suited to an area of Harbour Esplanade and was investigated in earlier schemes for the site. More recently Lend Lease's masterplan renders have suggested an enclosed public swimming pool pontoon could be built in front of Library at the Dock.

<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/ll2_vicharbour_med.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A pontoon swimming pool at Victoria Harbour? © Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="398" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ll2_vicharbour_med.jpg?itok=MdWgBa44" title="A pontoon swimming pool at Victoria Harbour? © Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A pontoon swimming pool at Victoria Harbour? © Lend Lease</figcaption></figure>A sailing school seems like a no brainer considering the maritime history and activity around Victoria Harbour and along the Yarra. The Docklands Family Services and Boating Hub will go some way to addressing that with a community boating hub on the ground floor, which will be home to the Docklands Yacht Club, the Victorian Dragon Boat Association and the Melbourne Outrigger Canoe club.

<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/boatinghub_lge_cropped.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Docklands Family Services and Boating Hub. © Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/boatinghub_lge_cropped.jpg?itok=dLVA6vIf" title="Docklands Family Services and Boating Hub. © Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Docklands Family Services and Boating Hub. © Lend Lease</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
2. Build a dome over it. The biggest Docklands gripe is always the wind, which whips fiercely off the water. So a giant dome — just like in The Simpsons Movie — could mean Melburnians could be blown away by the Docklands precinct, just not literally.
</blockquote>

Purely a tongue in cheek idea that will probably also result in one big greenhouse being created. More (mature) trees with greater foliage density would go someway to alleviating the issue.

<blockquote>
3. Embrace the area’s waterfront heritage. Recreating freight sheds by the harbour has been floated before, and could help strengthen the area’s culture, offering a home to food and craft markets.
</blockquote>

This idea gets a big tick from me particularly if it were to result in a much more diverse and rich material palette for the area which extended beyond glazing, steel and concrete. Rebuilding the sheds along Harbour Esplanade could be fraught with danger as they were originally demolished to open the area up to the water; the last thing needed is to create a physical and visual barrier to the water.

Instead the skeletal structure could be reinstated with smaller pods within. Melbourne also currently lacks a maritime museum and has lacked one since the construction of the Convention Centre.

<blockquote>
4. Set up a university campus. It’s the most obvious way to attract young people to the area, who would not only bring a bit of life to Docklands, but would encourage hipster cafes, cosy bars and boutique shops to open.
</blockquote>

Another tick from me. A university down there would mean scores of students coming and going throughout the course of the day not just office workers on lunch breaks.

You need only look at the top end of Swanston Street during a weekday to see how busy Melbourne Central and the State Library can get. There are few sites left but at one stage Digital Harbour was mooted to include a series of buildings for the University of Melbourne, back when it was first announced in 2000.

<blockquote>
5. Find more quality open space. This is an obvious one, and something town planners are constantly working on, but more peaceful parks and gardens are needed in between the high-rise towers that dominate Docklands.
</blockquote>

This is a good one, because while Docklands has open space it could be argued that it lacks 'quality' open space. The City of Melbourne has gone to some lengths to try and address this via the <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/PrecinctsandSuburbs/Docklands/Pages/DocklandsPublicRealmPlan.aspx">Public Realm Plan</a>.

The obvious area is of course Harbour Esplanade but a number of other pocket plans are planned at NewQuay, Batmans Hill, Yarra's Edge and Victoria Harbour in addition to the planned park at Seafarers Rest on North Wharf.

<blockquote>
6. More CBD-style laneways. Hidden little streets are central to Melbourne’s charm but Docklands doesn’t offer much in the way of laneway living. In turn, this might inspire street art to give the precinct some colour and life.
</blockquote>

Easier said than done. Melbourne's laneways have evolved over time to become one of the elements synonymous with present day Melbourne. Contrived Laneways don't work and successful laneways take time to establish.

They also generally connect areas of great activity and interest which are usually busy and popular to begin with.

<blockquote>
7. Open a cat cafe. Melbourne’s first cat cafe opened near Queen Victoria Market earlier this year, so maybe it’s time it got some competition. A Docklands version could help people escape the wind with coffee and cake in a cosy cat-filled lounge.
</blockquote>

Another novelty idea rather than something which would have a profoundly positive impact on the Docklands experience. Docklands has enough cafes but they're not all 'good' cafes. Quality over quantity.

<blockquote>
8. Start up Free Beer Fridays. Probably the only thing better than a rooftop bar is a pub by the water. Fremantle has got the Little Creatures brewery — they’ve got the right idea — and while some good watering holes are open in Docklands, free beer would definitely entice more punters.
</blockquote>

This idea would certainly have the endorsement of Apartments.com.au. Something akin to the 4 Pines in Manly wouldn't go astray either. Again it all comes down to quality, no point offering free beer if it tastes like... you get the picture.

<blockquote>
9. Set up an outdoor cinema. Moonlight Cinema in the Royal Botanic Gardens is a special summer spot, so why not recreate it in Docklands? (It might just need the dome built over it to keep out the wind.)
</blockquote>

Again another idea that could be implemented down at Harbour Esplanade in a central location, but Mirvac did set up something similar last summer down at Point Park so it's something that each precinct could potentially offer. If a Docklands Moonlight Cinema were to happen similar to the one at the Royal Botanic Gardens ie. during summer wind wouldn't be as big of an issue. This could also be combated with trees.

<blockquote>
10. Build a ferry terminal. The Docklands precinct isn’t a place many Melburnians just stumble upon, but a ferry terminal would attract people to the area, providing easy access to and from Melbourne’s other waterfront destinations.
</blockquote>

The end of Central Pier seems like the perfect location for this to happen. It could possibly be coupled up with some other form of programme into a mixed use building. If the ferries were part of Melbourne's public transport system and allowed the use of myki I think it would be quite a popular mode of transport. I'd catch a ferry from Fed Square to Docklands and vice versa, particularly when you get <a href="/news/cruising-on-the-edge">views like this</a>.

Let us know your thoughts on what you think Docklands lacks or requires to improve the experience. Don't bother with 'demolish it and start again' or 'they should have blah blah blah from the beginning.'
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Melbourne Docklands: 10 ideas to fix postcode 3008

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The next installment of Lend Lease's Victoria Harbour precinct appears to be near with a clutch of images online prior to the project heading through the necessary channels. Eagle-eyed Apartments.com.au member Nicholas Harrison unearthed the images of 889 Collins Street which have appeared on a handful of Chinese property websites.

It must be said Apartments.com.au's grasp of Chinese is not exactly up to scratch so we're not inferring the apartments are for sale, but the preliminary images do nonetheless appear on numerous websites catering toward Chinese apartment buyers. I'd hazard a guess and say it's likely interest is being garnered for the forthcoming project.

<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/image68.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images sourced via off-shore websites"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="182" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image68.jpg?itok=Z7OpCc3V" title="Images sourced via off-shore websites" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images sourced via off-shore websites</figcaption></figure>Perched on the southern bank of Victoria Harbour, images indicate 889 Collins Street consists of two residential towers on the vicinity of 31 and 25 levels. Both towers sit atop a large, active podium which looks to front both Collins Street and Corporation Road.

Given both towers seem to be of a residential nature, the project can expect in excess of 400 apartments if the adjoining <a href="/buildings/888-collins-street-docklands">888 Collins Street</a> is any example. To 889 Collins Street's east lies a number of as yet unrealised commercial buildings, namely <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">875 Collins Street</a> and <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">839 Collins Street</a> while a vast tract of land stretches west from the intended site to Bolte Bridge.

<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/image62vh.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="888 Collins Street render courtesy Woods Bagot &amp; all three sites in view"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="251" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image62vh.jpg?itok=H1VOPMjk" title="888 Collins Street render courtesy Woods Bagot &amp; all three sites in view" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>888 Collins Street render courtesy Woods Bagot &amp; all three sites in view</figcaption></figure>Directly opposite the expected 889 Collins Street sits Lend Lease's two current builds, namely <a href="/buildings/888-collins-street-docklands">888 Collins Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/concavo-8-waterside-place-docklands">Concavo</a>. After securing excellent presales, the Woods Bagot-designed 888 Collins Street is in its construction infancy while Concavo seen above is now beyond half its eventual height.

With designs from Bates Smart (Conveso &amp; Concavo), Hayball (Docklands Library and adjoining Community Hub) and Woods Bagot (888 Collins Street) jostling for honours around the Collins and Bourke intersection, 889 Collins Street represents a breath of fresh air for Victoria Harbour in that a new architect enters the fray with their first Melbourne project. Sydney-based <a href="http://koichitakada.com/">Koichi Takada Architects</a> are nominated as the firm behind 889 Collins Street.

If the existing Koichi Takada designs below prove to be an apt reference, 889 Collins Street promises to hold its own in both quality and location.

<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/image63_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="248" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_1.jpg?itok=3F032jdX" title="Image © Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

889 Collins Street next for Lend Lease's  Victoria Harbour?

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Docklands has been a substantial project, delivering strong results over the 2013/2014 financial year, according to Planning Minister Matthew Guy.
More than $9 billion has been invested in the area to date. For every $1 million of public funds that has been spent on the area, $50 million of private investment has been made.
Currently, more than $1 billion of construction is underway.
Other projects, however, are also on Places Victoria’s radar. This includes urban renewal areas across Melbourne.
Over the past financial year, they opened the new City of Greater Dandenong municipal building. They realised the sale of non-core greenfield landholdings and had a strong trading year at the LOGIS eco-industrial estate in Dandenong.
“LOGIS, which is a partnership between Places Victoria and Melbourne Water, has set a  new benchmark for industrial land values in Dandenong and is an excellent  example of the value that can be achieved from strong government agency  partnerships,” Guy said.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

$1 billion in construction underway in Docklands

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Last month the City of Melbourne's Future Melbourne committee resolved to provide conditional support for Lend Lease's C1 &amp; C2 commercial development at Batman's Hill within Docklands. Located at 695 Collins Street between Media House and Collins Square, the development consists of two mid scale commercial buildings of 11 and 12-storeys respectively. The two buildings are separated by a north-south pedestrian thoroughfare to be called Market Place Lane linking Collins Street with future stages of the development.

While generally supporting the proposal as a crucial physical and visual link between Docklands and the CBD, City of Melbourne's greatest concerns generally relate to the buildings' appearance and impact. In particular Council's urban design department were critical of the horizontal emphasis and uniformity of the design, which they argue produces the visual effect of a singular homogenous building mass.

This homogenous building mass it's argued would create a barrier and a less inviting pedestrian experience for visitors into the City Room space - a community space which is proposed to be constructed as part of the later stages of the development plan.

<blockquote>
The same material, colour, line and character of the above-ground levels of both buildings, and the horizontal emphasis of line within them, makes for an apparent effect of one super-long building, not two, and buildings without any visual depth and variety that would be necessary to enable two buildings to be composed in a similar way.

The effect is that these buildings do not afford the richness, appeal and porosity that good city buildings do.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

The report to Future Melbourne goes on to express disappointment that while these concerns were communicated in pre-application meetings they were ultimately not addressed in the lodged documentation. Suggested changes to the detailed design of the facades in order to provide greater definition and articulation between the upper levels of the two buildings was the asked for solution.

<h2>South core artwork</h2>

One interesting aspect of the design is the potential for large-scale artworks on the southern exposed cores of both buildings.

<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/c1_c2_south_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="C1 &amp; C2 South Elevation. © Denton Corker Marshall"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/c1_c2_south_elevation.png?itok=-FNHCNB_" title="C1 &amp; C2 South Elevation. © Denton Corker Marshall" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>C1 &amp; C2 South Elevation. © Denton Corker Marshall</figcaption></figure>As the elevation above illustrates the opportunity exists for a high degree of visual interest on an otherwise monotonous and large surface area; but one that nonetheless requires a thoughtful rather than token design response. No detail for this mooted artwork has been submitted so the exact nature of what and how remains to be seen.

<blockquote>
The proposal to utilise artwork as an acceptable initial way of treating the blank and highly visible southern walls is a big expectation, and risk, despite the expected delivery of future-stage buildings that are likely to shield the artwork from longer views from without the site.

The artwork will have to be well curated and executed, to work with the scale of context and building, and to be effective (meaningful) to both the first-time visitor and to the everyday occupier/ passer-by.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Comment</h2>

The City of Melbourne's views on the development are generally in keeping with those <a href="/expert-insights/buying/batmans-hill-leaves-much-to-be-desired">previously expressed on Urban.com.au</a>. The scale of both buildings although lower than what was originally indicated in the development plan (which allowed for 90m) in my view is a better outcome from a street level perspective. Theoretically this results in a more inviting pedestrian environment, not just to Collins Street but to the internal public spaces to the south via greater solar access.

The articulation of each individual building as dual volumes of varied height is a good method for reducing the visual mass of a building, however when the same strategy is employed across two buildings which are treated the same way in terms of materials and finishes - it fails to achieve the desired result. A juxtoposition of vertical elements across one building versus horizontal on another may better achieve this.

Primary to this however is the argument as to whether the present scheme goes far enough in terms of design excellence for such a prominent site which boasts a Collins Street frontage. It will be interesting to see whether the City of Melbourne's recommendations are taken on board and how these manifest into a quality design solution, if at all.

Focusing on the southern cores I have looked at some potential applications beyond static artwork. A green wall for instance would help soften and enliven the interface with a public space:

<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/c1_c2_south_elevation_v1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Mock-up of green wall installation to southern cores."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/c1_c2_south_elevation_v1.png?itok=YeEvgCK7" title="Mock-up of green wall installation to southern cores." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mock-up of green wall installation to southern cores.</figcaption></figure>There is also potential for a strong graphic element focusing on the site's history and association with Melbourne founder John Batman:

<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/c1_c2_south_elevation_v2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Mock-up of John Batman and Batman's Hill historical artwork."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/c1_c2_south_elevation_v2.png?itok=gEzn8NC5" title="Mock-up of John Batman and Batman's Hill historical artwork." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mock-up of John Batman and Batman's Hill historical artwork.</figcaption></figure>Let us know what you think is the best strategy for the cores in the comments below.

<h2>Project details</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Lend Lease</li>
	<li>Architect: Denton Corker Marshall</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
<thead><tr>
<th>Aspect</th>
			<th>C1</th>
			<th>C2</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Building Heights</td>
			<td>55.1m</td>
			<td>51.9m</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Setbacks</td>
			<td>None to Collins Street or Aurora Lane</td>
			<td>None to Collins Street and a 12m setback to the eastern site boundary</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>GFA</td>
			<td>20,297m²</td>
			<td>19,079m²</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Car Spaces</td>
			<td>73</td>
			<td>33</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bicycle Spaces</td>
			<td>95</td>
			<td>0</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Staging</td>
			<td colspan="2" rowspan="1">Building C1 and associated public realms will be delivered first, followed by C2 and associated public realms.</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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The Long and the Short of it: C1 & C2 Batman's Hill

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Editor's note: all images and information included below were extracted from a pre-application submission lodged in March 2013.

The subject of today's article is a proposal for a residential tower on a prominent Docklands site. Acquired by <a href="http://www.salta.com.au/">Salta Properties</a> back in December 2008, the site sits on the corner of Harbour Esplanade and provides an opportunity for a major contribution to the Esplanade and as an entry statement for Docklands.

Engaging <a href="http://www.fkaustralia.com/">Fender Katsalidis</a> during 2010, the team initially produced a 36-storey mixed-use scheme that had a number of features recognizable in previous FKA-designed projects. A glazed residential tower with a tiered envelope that sat upon a commercial wrap around a carpark podium - providing a bookend to Victoria Point to the south. The proposal was lodged and was to be Salta's signature Docklands project but ultimately never saw the light of day.

An article from The Age briefly touching on the proposal can be seen 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/695_article.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Commercial property article. © Fairfax"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="640" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/695_article.png?itok=a-Is2WGY" title="Commercial property article. © Fairfax" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Commercial property article. © Fairfax</figcaption></figure>Fast forward three years and a shorter design has been put on the table that has significantly deviated from the language of the previous proposal. Expressed as a series of staggered volumes the new scheme looks to limit the amount of overshadowing across the Etihad Stadium playing turf. Changes between the two designs are described below:

<h2>Previous vs Current Scheme</h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th>Aspect</th>
			<th class="rtecenter">Previous</th>
			<th class="rtecenter">Current</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Height</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">124.3m</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">Stepped from 78.05m</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>No. floors</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">36 storeys</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">Stepped from 23 storeys</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Apartments</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">336</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">Approx. 303</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Parking</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">338</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">Approx. 309</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commercial</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">3,896m2</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">Approx. 2,114m2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Retail</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">598m2</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">Approx. 674m2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>GFA</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">49,669m2</td>
			<td class="rtecenter">Approx. 41,941m2</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The submission focuses heavily on the merits of the proposal's ground plane condition with retail tenancies located to the north and south, interspersed with lobbies for the commercial and residential components. Featuring strong vertical timber column and blade elements, the design provides a contrast to the otherwise concrete and glazed structure.

Vehicular entries to the car park and loading dock are located along the eastern boundary while a public thoroughfare separates the proposal from the existing Channel 7 digital broadcast centre.

<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/ground_plane.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered ground plane. © FKA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ground_plane.png?itok=mEOOM01D" title="Rendered ground plane. © FKA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered ground plane. © FKA</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

One suspects that Salta will most likely follow the lead of <a href="https://charterhall.com.au/">Charter Hall</a> and <a href="http://premiercapitaldevelopments.com.au/">Flagship Property Holdings</a> and look to offload the site. At time of writing the site next door at 685 La Trobe Street is currently under contract.

The potential for a far more ambitious scheme would be most welcome for a site that demands something special. I'm of the opinion that an amalgamation of the two sites would offer the best outcome for the site and allow for a more successful interface and relationship between potentially multiple buildings.

If the scheme as detailed above is to proceed then I believe a further level of design refinement is required.
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The 4 Step > 695-699 La Trobe Street

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Last week I was afforded the privilege of cruising down the Yarra River as part of Mirvac's media launch for their <a href="/news/yarras-edge-forges-ahead">Wharf's Entrance development at Yarra's Edge</a>. As usual I had my trusty camera in tow and decided to capture parts the vista from a different perspective: on the water.

Please enjoy the visual essay below on a superb late winter Melbourne day.
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Cruising on the edge

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First covered by Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/the-edge-of-tomorrow-160-186-lorimer-street-docklands">some months ago</a>, Mirvac officially launched their Wharf's Entrance development yesterday by way of a river cruise down the Yarra to the site with Yarra's Edge.

Under a glorious Melbourne day, Mirvac shared its vision for the precinct and touched on the experiences and insights gained from earlier stages within the Yarra's Edge precinct.

<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/dpp_0800_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cruising down the Yarra courtesy of Mirvac."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dpp_0800_0.jpg?itok=pJcuo6pe" title="Cruising down the Yarra courtesy of Mirvac." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cruising down the Yarra courtesy of Mirvac.</figcaption></figure>Wharf’s Entrance, so-named in reference to the precinct’s previous history of transporting cargo into Melbourne, represents the western-most land parcel within the precinct and an entry point into Melbourne for those arriving from the mouth of the Yarra. Stage 1 of Wharf's Entrance comprises a 30-storey tower - named Forge - consisting of 228 apartments, as well as 11 luxury riverfront homes known as Wharf Residences and seven home offices named Cargo on the four hectare site.

Separating tower and water is a low-rise health and wellbeing facility to be known as the Wharf Club which is highlighted by a traversable inclined grass roof and Wharf’s Landing, a 2,000sqm green open space. Office spaces at ground level of the flexible, modular Cargo homes are intended to activate the ground plane during the day.

<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/promenade.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An extended promenade. Image courtesy Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="240" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/promenade.jpg?itok=E3Y8DVZU" title="An extended promenade. Image courtesy Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An extended promenade. Image courtesy Mirvac</figcaption></figure>Mirvac Group Executive Residential John Carfi said Wharf’s Entrance would cap off a highly successful precinct that had experienced almost sell-out success across its seven existing towers.

<blockquote>
Wharf’s Entrance is the final piece of the puzzle at Yarra’s Edge and will cement the precinct as Melbourne’s premier waterfront living community. What we have created over the past 15 years is a neighbourhood of 2500 people that values great design and embraces a lifestyle by the water, much like the world’s greatest cities do.

We have not been surprised by the demand for aspirational homes and apartments located on the water at Yarra’s Edge – where else in this city can you live just a few minutes walk from the CBD and enjoy the tranquillity of waterside living in a luxury location?
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/otag7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Forge in context. Image courtesy Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/otag7.jpg?itok=PJ4XhwzN" title="Forge in context. Image courtesy Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Forge in context. Image courtesy Mirvac</figcaption></figure>Overall there are 29 different apartment types according to Mirvac Design director Michael Wiener, the design team were given a brief to "design something different" in reference to previous stages of Yarra's Edge.

Employing concrete, steel and glass and like the previous towers, Forge is designed to reflect the waters of the Yarra whilst also maximising view lines.

Asked what sets Wharf's Entrance apart from the completed precinct works, the response was set around a differentiated materials palette which draws on the site's heritage and riverfront context. The mix of corten, zinc, timber and textured brick will offer a more tactile quality to what has been previously developed not only at Yarra's Edge but Docklands in general.

<blockquote>
The goal had been to create a precinct with a distinct design difference to what had come before, but that still played into the architecture of the Yarra’s Edge precinct. At the heart of the design was a desire to create an edge to a precinct that would foster a strong sense of community and draw people to this stunning area on the water’s edge.

The materials and shapes bring in the wharfside elements of the area while celebrating the biggest character in the story at Yarra’s Edge – the water. The architecture at Wharf’s Entrance embraces organic forms, which is obvious in the sculptural and curving façade of Forge. The colour palette references the reflection of the water, with silver steel, metal and concrete complemented by wharfside elements in brickwork, zinc, copper and timber.
<cite>Mirvac Design director Michael Wiener</cite>
</blockquote>

John Carfi spoke of the increasing mix of people living and visiting Yarra's Edge "Who come to Yarra’s Edge to stroll the promenade, take in the views of the water and city and enjoy the parks and recreation facilities on offer." Mirvac expect Wharf's Entrance will exacerbate this trend with construction expected to commence next year, with all stages of Wharf's Entrance completed within a seven year time frame.
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Yarra's Edge Forges Ahead

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It's as Melbourne as the MCG, meat pies and cold days in summer. It's wind whipping through <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/lack-of-soul-has-docklands-tenant-ready-to-leave-20110927-1kvgz">Docklands</a>.

When there is even a breath of wind about, Docklands is like one of those cool machines that <a href="http://www.indoorskydiveaustralia.com.au/">simulates sky diving</a>. OK, maybe that is a little over the top, but you get what I mean. I understand that it was a windy place prior to development, but I do not think that is an excuse.

The people of Melbourne deserve better and what is worse <a href="http://www.places.vic.gov.au/our-projects/fishermans-bend">Fishermans Bend</a> could potentially end up in the same situation. Fishermans Bend is not wholly owned and managed by one vendor (like Docklands was/is); as developments take form in Melbourne's newest enclave the wind effects are modelled only on the current proposals, not the precinct as a whole.

Meaning it is quite likely that by the time new developments are designed, they could create wind problems for established developments. If you are a retailer, it is possible you will get the worst end of the stick in this situation; people may just stop visiting your establishment and sadly you will have no leg to stand on in terms of recourse.

There are two elements that I believe need to be addressed here:

<ol>
<li>How do we model and masterplan in a way that holistically addresses the microclimate of a precinct?</li>
	<li>How do we provide developers and authorities with an objective platform to accurately assess wind comfort?</li>
</ol>
The first factor is not an easy one to solve; my thought was to study masterplan scenarios to find out the best way to deal with excessive wind concerns. The result being to provide guidelines for building mass and orientation per site.

But there are problems with this when it comes to expectations that land owners have on the return or value of their asset. Put simply, it requires land owners and developers to work collaboratively together for the good of the precinct. This is possible, but knowing how adversarial property development can be, it is not immediately probable. It could, however, be done if it is undertaken early enough so land owners are not given any expectations prior to specific rezoning.

As for the second issue, I believe there is some ambiguity when it comes to wind criteria for comfort. For the safety criteria it is easy to agree between developer, architect and planning authority; it is either safe for humans or not. But when it comes to comfort, consensus among project stakeholders becomes difficult because there is a much higher level of subjectivity.

How many times a year will it be too windy? Will it only be windy on those icy days in winter, in which case no one wants to be outside sipping a latte anyway. How do you know people will not be comfortable? Can't they just wear a coat? All these types of discussions take place and what results is only a few design concessions are made to relieve wind issues.

It is the ambiguity in the criteria that is the root cause. Having said that, the criteria, developed back in the 70's is a brilliant piece of work. Pioneering for its day! But we know more about wind and its effects now and have much more data to draw from. The old criteria can be built upon to create a new criteria that addresses development, not just in Docklands, Fishermans Bend or Melbourne, but all over Australia.

So where does this leave us? To develop a new criteria needs research as the want and need exists in understanding more detail about the human response to wind. Temperature has an effect on comfort as does the season. For example , in winter we just accept that it is going to be uncomfortable outside so wind as much less of an effect. When it is chilly, even a breath of wind can make it unbearable.

A new criteria could be developed to take these things into consideration. I am interested in what everyone thinks about the wind and higher density living, especially those that live in and around the Melbourne CBD.

Craig Skipsey is a consultant at Global Wind Technology Services: an Apartments.com.au Industry Hub member.

Lead image courtesy Chris Mitchell (Flickr).
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cskipsey

It's as Melbourne as the MCG: it's wind at Docklands

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<blockquote>
The first decade of Docklands was about buildings. The focus has now shifted to delivering the facilities that are the building blocks of a thriving community.
<cite>Gregory Anderson, CEO of Places Victoria.</cite>
</blockquote>

Located on the Collins Street Wharf along the Victoria Harbour waterfront, the Docklands Family Services &amp; Boating Hub (DFSBH) is the second community facility to be delivered through a unique tripartite model between Places Victoria, Lend Lease and the City of Melbourne - the other being the adjacent <a href="/news/talking-up-docklands-newest-showpiece">Library at the Dock</a>. Together these two buildings will form the civic heart of Victoria Harbour and combined with Buluk Park will provide over 8,000 square metres of public space.

The existing Shed 4 which occupies a portion of the site will be partially demolished to allow for construction of the new facility before being completely demolished as future buildings are proposed.

<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/dfsbh_siteplan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Location of new Family Services &amp; Boating Hub building. © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="399" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dfsbh_siteplan.jpg?itok=di-QQ3VC" title="Location of new Family Services &amp; Boating Hub building. © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Location of new Family Services &amp; Boating Hub building. © Hayball</figcaption></figure>Designed by Hayball, the two-storey building draws on the the vernacular of the existing marine buildings of the wharves at Docklands in terms of both scale and materiality. The Collins Street frontage features an undercover pedestrian walkway at ground level with framed glazed windows to allow views into the boating activities and through to the water.

On the eastern side, addressing Buluk Park, the building's roof extends beyond the building line to from a veranda. Materials and finishes proposed externally including feature timber blades, in-situ concrete, folded metal, exterior grade plywood, steel balustrades, and large glazed elements in the form of tilt doors to the north.

The ground floor Boating Hub is planned to accommodate Docklands’ current boating clubs - Victorian Dragon Boat Association, Docklands Yacht Club and Melbourne Outrigger Canoe Club in an approximately 712sqm open plan arrangement, consisting boating storage and associated office and amenities. The layout provides flexibility in the configuration of storage for water craft and equipment and also features a double height space for the provision of masted yachts allowing for views from the upper level.

Access into the building is via a double height common lobby accessed from the corner of Sailmaker Way and Collins 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/dfsbh_gf_plan.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground Floor Plan showing boating activities. © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="391" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dfsbh_gf_plan.png?itok=ISkjcyL-" title="Ground Floor Plan showing boating activities. © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground Floor Plan showing boating activities. © Hayball</figcaption></figure>The Family Services Centre to be located on the first floor and comprises a 229sqm multi-purpose/function space to accommodate approximately 120 people, a 540sqm family services hub comprising a reception area, consulting rooms, play-group room, program room and outdoor playground.

The function space is open plan and provides direct access to a 30sqm viewing terrace. Amenities are located centrally within the plan and serve both the function space and the family services hub.

<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/dfsbh_ff_plan.png" rel="gallery-all" title="First Floor Plan illustrating programmatic arrangements of Family Services centre. © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dfsbh_ff_plan.png?itok=AY7NQpID" title="First Floor Plan illustrating programmatic arrangements of Family Services centre. © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>First Floor Plan illustrating programmatic arrangements of Family Services centre. © Hayball</figcaption></figure>Additionally the interim public realm design response includes a number of improvements proposed to the public realm over two stages:

<ul>
<li>The completion of Sailmaker Way to the eastern building line in bluestone pavement.</li>
	<li>The construction of the Collins Street footpath up to and adjacent to the entrance of the building.</li>
	<li>The construction of timber edge and seating to the edge of the Promenade.</li>
	<li>The provision of street lighting and bins on the northern side of Collins Street in accordance with City of Melbourne’s standards for Docklands.</li>
	<li>The construction of Collins Street within the bounds of the subject site including the construction of the bluestone pavements and car park bays to the north and south side of Collins Street.</li>
	<li>The provision of street furniture including lighting, bins, seats and bike hoops along Collins Street in accordance with City of Melbourne’s standards for Docklands.</li>
	<li>The provision of street trees along the south side of Collins Street.</li>
</ul>
Buildings such as the DFSBH and Library at the Dock are critical community infrastructure projects as they provide the waterfront with a much more human scale experience whilst also ensuring that larger public spaces such as Buluk Park are afforded access to adequate sunlight and remain desirable spaces to visit and engage. The injection of a diverse programme which differ from the largely retail focused tenancies at ground level add a further dimension to the docks.

The inspired choices of materials and building forms which respond to the waterfront context and built history of the area provide a softer and warmer contrast to the glazed concrete and steel office and residential towers. Further community focused buildings are planned for the waterfront along the northern edge of the peninsula.

The $8.5m facility is due to get underway in October with an anticipated completion date of September 2015.

<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/2719868_1_o.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Docklands Family Services &amp; Boating Hub from Collins Street. © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2719868_1_o.jpg?itok=aOom8x8E" title="Docklands Family Services &amp; Boating Hub from Collins Street. © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Docklands Family Services &amp; Boating Hub from Collins Street. © Hayball</figcaption></figure>
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