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.
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</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

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Last Friday on a warm, sunny day in Melbourne the <a href="http://grimshaw-architects.com">Grimshaw</a> office undertook a site visit of the 699 Bourke Street project which topped out recently. Designed by Grimshaw on behalf of <a href="http://www.mirvac.com/">Mirvac</a>, (in their role as developer, builder, asset owner and manager) the building upon completion will become the new home of energy provider <a href="http://www.agl.com.au/about-agl">AGL</a>, consolidating its Melbourne operations to one location.

As part of the move, AGL will also adopt a new style of working, Smarter Working, which aims to enhance collaboration, allow for better use of space and resources and re-energise the workplace. An internal atria and 5 sets of internal stairs navigate AGL’s tenancy, each enabling improved vertical and visual connectivity throughout the premises.

<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/gsa002_v01c_a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="699 Bourke Street hero shot. © Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gsa002_v01c_a.jpg?itok=rLEDSSck" title="699 Bourke Street hero shot. © Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>699 Bourke Street hero shot. © Mirvac</figcaption></figure><h2>Key features</h2>

<ul>
<li>19,452sqm NLA</li>
	<li>2,595sqm floor plates</li>
	<li>Never to be built out, exceptional views to north, east and west elevations of every office floor</li>
	<li>Plus connectivity to the future south tower and integrated public realm via the 'internal street' connecting Bourke and Collins Streets</li>
	<li>100% occupiable desk space with 12m of fully glazed elevations</li>
	<li>6 star Greenstar certified design</li>
	<li>Open air roof top terrace and double height, fully glazed 'lantern' function room on the top level</li>
	<li>Over 3.5x the 6 star Greenstar requirements for end of trip facilities (including around 400 lockers, 275 bike racks and state of the art change facilities)</li>
	<li>Cogeneration, rainwater catchment, 360 solar panels, occupancy enabled lighting, provisions for electric car charging, sustainability integrated digital signage</li>
</ul>
Fitout works are due to commence later this year with a planned move by AGL during mid 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/v04e_141001.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="699 Bourke in context with the future South tower at 664 Collins Street. © 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/v04e_141001.jpg?itok=y2SM84gr" title="699 Bourke in context with the future South tower at 664 Collins Street. © Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>699 Bourke in context with the future South tower at 664 Collins Street. © Mirvac</figcaption></figure>Coupled with great weather on the day, the site provides excellent views of the CBD, Southbank, Docklands and allowed individuals an up close opportunity to appreciate the Southern Cross Station Roof. So please enjoy a selection of photos in the slide show below from a glorious Melbourne afternoon on site at 699 Bourke Street.
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Laurence Dragomir

Grimshaw office tour > 699 Bourke Street, Docklands

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After a significant delay attributed to the complexity of building sculptures on wharf structures, <a href="/developers/mab-corporation">MAB</a> have finally got the ball rolling on delivering Monument Park: one of the largest and most significant art installations to be undertaken in <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>. Construction is anticipated to commence on site at NewQuay this month following the production of the 'monuments' off-site.

Located within the wedge shaped public open space known as Conder Plaza situated between the Boyd, Conder and The Quays residential towers at NewQuay, the $2m integrated landscape art project is the result of a collaboration between renowned local artist Callum Morton, architects <a href="/architects/mcbride-charles-ryan">McBride Charles Ryan</a> and landscape architects Oculus.

It will see the activation of an otherwise windswept concrete plaza into a distinct and unique public open space, that is both visually and physically engaging as a place to dwell or transit.

<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/Monument-Park02.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Monument Park looking towards the Boyd. © MAB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Monument-Park02.jpg?itok=OuGE63zY" title="Monument Park looking towards the Boyd. © MAB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Monument Park looking towards the Boyd. © MAB</figcaption></figure>The project is envisioned as a concrete carpet in the form of an abstracted Hoddle Grid relief draped over well known Melbourne sculptures and statues which are cracked open to reveal colourful innards, with provision for trees and other greenery also appearing over time. The end goal is to create a modern day ruin of sorts.

The project - while tying a number of the NewQuay towers together at the ground plane - also has an air of familiarity about it with the yellow peril, Burke and Wills and a number of other monuments which have had transient existences. The provision of a number of trees with dense canopies and decent spread should also go some way to providing a wind buffer to Victoria Harbour and shade in summer.

<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/Monument%20Park%20Plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Monument Park Site Plan. © MAB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Monument%20Park%20Plan.jpg?itok=O-JeeBwg" title="Monument Park Site Plan. © MAB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Monument Park Site Plan. © MAB</figcaption></figure>Delivered in partnership between MAB &amp; Places Victoria, Monument Park is due for completion by years end, with ownership transferring to the City of Melbourne in 12 months time who will maintain the park thereafter.

In a wider sense Monument Park represents another step in Docklands evolving urban realm experience, with a host of either recently completed or under construction projects directed toward providing the community with a more pleasant 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/Monument-Park03.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Monument Park looking south-east. © MAB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Monument-Park03.jpg?itok=jonvffDJ" title="Monument Park looking south-east. © MAB"></a>

<figcaption>Monument Park looking south-east. © MAB</figcaption></figure><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/Monument-Park04.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Monument Park looking towards Victoria Harbour. © MAB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Monument-Park04.jpg?itok=nd0JT2qa" title="Monument Park looking towards Victoria Harbour. © MAB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Monument Park looking towards Victoria Harbour. © MAB</figcaption></figure>Further reading about the project:

<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.newquay.com.au/monumentpark">Monument Park at NewQuay (NewQuay)</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.docklandsnews.com.au/editions/article/monumental-art-project-ready-to-start_9918/">Monumental art project ready to start (Docklands News)</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.docklandsnews.com.au/editions/article/new-art-project-for-newquay_8824/">New art project for NewQuay (Docklands News)</a></li>
</ul>
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Monument Park NewQuay

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The forthcoming 14th International Architecture Exhibition at Venice Biennale will feature 11 unrealised Australian architecture projects under the banner 'Augmented Australia 1914-2014'. Initiated during 2013, the event will see a host of <q cite="http://greenmagazine.com.au/2014-venice-architecture-biennale/">unbuilt contemporary Australian buildings to accompany ten historical unrealised designs, which will be revealed at the exhibition opening during the Vernissage and the new Australian Pavilion by <a href="/architects/denton-corker-marshall">Denton Corker Marshall</a></q>.

<a href="http://greenmagazine.com.au/2014-venice-architecture-biennale/">Green Magazine</a> also states, <q cite="http://greenmagazine.com.au/2014-venice-architecture-biennale/">Australia’s creative team for the Biennale, felix._Giles_Anderson+Goad, will bring these projects to life through three-dimensional augmented models, images, voiceovers and animations.</q>

While the RMIT's University Sports Centre (Lyons) and the Carlton United Brewery Site (<a href="/architects/arm-architecture">ARM Architecture</a>) also make the final list of unrealised contemporary Melbourne-based projects, possibly the most intriguing is Melbourne architecture firm <a href="http://tessellate.com.au/" target="_blank">Tessellate a+d</a>'s design for a Docklands Hybrid Cathedral.

<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/Hybrid%20Cathedral%20%40%20Docklands.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Insire the Docklands Hybrid Cathedral. Image © Tessellate a+d"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Hybrid%20Cathedral%20%40%20Docklands.jpg?itok=60ZS-wkA" title="Insire the Docklands Hybrid Cathedral. Image © Tessellate a+d" width="580"></a>

The architect on Hybrid Cathedral:

<blockquote>
The Cathedral is a study into how the economics of housing, aged care and a business hotel can fund the creation of a new cathedral for the recently established Melbourne Docklands, while also funding the church’s ongoing social work.

Sited upon a man-made rise re-establishing Batman’s Hill, which was demolished in the 1860s, the cathedral reveals itself externally through the spiritually significant east and west façades while the north and south façades reference the detailing of apartment buildings in the local context.

The design is derived from a set of mathematical equations which within their parameters have the ability to mediate between the sacred geometry of past cathedrals and the diverse and disparate functions that inhabit this new one’s skin.

The cathedral’s structure and geometry can be distilled and communicated by a few lines within an equation. By being of the world of numbers, it can be internationally communicated without prejudice. It can then be easily recreated, altered, added to, subtracted from and influenced by whoever comes in contact with it, therefore breaking down or adding to the ownership and authorship of the design.
<cite><a href="http://tessellate.com.au/2014-venice-architecture-biennale/">Tessellate a+d: 2014 Venice Biennale </a></cite>
</blockquote>

<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/Image4hc.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hybrid Cathedral. Image © Tessellate a+d"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="254" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image4hc.jpg?itok=Y4Q3wRtP" title="Hybrid Cathedral. Image © Tessellate a+d" width="580"></a>

Going by the lead image where 750 Collins Street was at construction, it seems the concept was devised early on in <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a> existence. What makes the Hybrid Cathedral intriguing is that it represented at the time (and still does) a theme completely foreign to the suburb on the CBD's doorstep. Apartments, parks and offices dominate the Docklands vista, with little by way of a mould-breaking structures that offer a completely different experience.

Drawing a parallel, the Sydney Opera House surely would have been considered quirky, unique and even uncomfortable within its surrounds when completed. I'm not comparing Hybrid Cathedral to the Opera House by way of looks, fame and recognition but by way of providing a unique and recognisable drawcard. Many readers would say the much vaunted yet never delivered landmark structure at Central Pier nearby was the opportunity that slipped by and fair enough.

Ultimately I see Hybrid Cathedral as a design like no other, and therein lies the appeal and want for Docklands to sport a design of its pedigree.
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silvermb

A cathedral for all time

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Docklands and the term 'showpiece' have yet to become close friends, at least within our context. The suburb's newest venue, Library by the Dock, will go some way to correcting that assertion as the venue prepares for its opening on Saturday 31st May.

Conceived by <a href="http://claredesign.com.au/" target="_blank">Clare Design</a>, documented by Hayball, Library at the Dock is a welcome contrast to Victoria Harbour's existing architecture and is designed as a multi-purpose centre consisting of library, community hub, 120 seat performance space and research/education space. To mark the opening, City of Melbourne and Places Victoria have devised a day of celebrations, including activities highlighting Melbourne's status as a UNESCO City of Literature.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_5997.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The point at which most visitors will view the new Docklands facility"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5997.jpg?itok=ESlN5CPW" title="The point at which most visitors will view the new Docklands facility" width="580"></a>

<blockquote>
Docklands' next generation Library at the Dock will open its doors on Saturday 31 May with the inaugural Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Oration, presented by acclaimed author, Arnold Zable. The Oration will celebrate Melbourne’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature and mark the opening of Docklands’ spectacular new community hub at the intersection of Bourke and Collins streets.

Activities and programs throughout the open day will showcase the library’s special places and spaces – including the recording studio, performance space, children’s library and the digital, music and entertainment collections. Acting Lord Mayor, Cr Susan Riley said the opening event was the culmination of three years’ work from a unique tri-partnership of Lend Lease, Places Victoria and the City of Melbourne.

“Library at the Dock is the most modern public library, in the most spectacular setting, in Australia,” Cr Riley said. “The Library at the Dock will be a place of inspiration for generations to come. For the creative and the literary, for students and for families, this building will provide Docklands with a civic heart. “Globally Melbourne is recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature and this exciting new facility will enrich the culture of our city and the community of Docklands.”
<cite><a href="http://www.places.vic.gov.au/news-and-publications/media-releases/docklands-next-generation-library-to-open-its-doors2">Docklands' next generation library to open its doors - Places Victoria</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_5990.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Open space the order of the day"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5990.jpg?itok=6WtpH31E" title="Open space the order of the day" width="580"></a>

If talking about first impressions, Library at the Dock garners positive outcomes with the earthy feel, contrast and small-scale intimacy of the area working quite well. Whether by design or fault, the aqua reflections to the dark under canopy brings a shimmering, dynamic quality to the northern facade as well.

Library at the Dock distinguishes itself within the existing paved context quite well, by way of timber decking stretching from the edge of Victoria Harbour through to Collins Street/North Wharf Road to the south. While the architecture of Victoria Harbour can be hit-and-miss, the open spaces are generally excellent and Library at the Dock's associated park is no exception. It is functional, well sized and looks great.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_5991.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The finishing touches"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5991.jpg?itok=MQxDq-wG" title="The finishing touches" width="580"></a>

With additional community facilities to the west of Library at the Dock either planned or seeking approval, the area is envisaged as the thriving heart of Victoria Harbour. If these additions are to the standard of Library at the Dock, there will be plenty more positives to talk about down at Docklands soon enough.
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Talking up Docklands' newest showpiece

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Lend Lease have circulated an April newsletter for their forthcoming <a href="http://www.batmanshillcollinsstreet.com.au/">Batman's Hill</a> development which outlines plans for the two commercial buildings that will front Melbourne's premier locale: Collins Street. Included within the newsletter are images of the dual commercial buildings that as of last week were submitted to State planning body DTPLI for assessment.

Upon first glance last week - and up to this point - little has changed in my opinion of these two proposed buildings.

<h2>Why 695 Collins Street disappoints</h2>

<ul>
<li>In isolation the design has little architectural flair, befitting of a suburban office park rather than a Collins Street address. The duplicated design offers a sheer wall effect with little visual permeability to what lies behind.</li>
	<li>700 Collins Street directly opposite and AXA at 750 Collins Street nearby are prime examples of simplistic, uninviting early Docklands designs which have been roundly criticised. A decade later and 695 Collins displays little design progression.</li>
	<li>Lend Lease trumpet Sydney's Barangaroo as a "Once in a 200 year opportunity to create a bold new place to live, work and visit." If 695 Collins Street is a precursor to a 'bold' Batman's Hill precinct, we have a problem.</li>
	<li>Street level finishes at this point are lacking style and substance. What seem to be odd-sized, composite panel-clad boxes lining Collins Street; they look cheap although in fairness are infinitely more active than the monstrosity that is <a href="http://www.750collinsstreet.com.au/sites/750collins/files/1332_35.jpg">750 Collins Street</a>.</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/llbh4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative Collins Street perspective. Image © Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="720" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/llbh4.jpg?itok=HuHyg4qa" title="Indicative Collins Street perspective. Image © Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative Collins Street perspective. Image © Lend Lease</figcaption></figure>With a half deck covering Wurundjeri Way as envisaged below, poor old Bunjil, the 25 metre eaglehawk and Docklands sentinel will be relocated. Relocated between Towers C3 and C4 and for the most, lost out of view. I can't help but think the abbreviated deck over Wurundjeri Way has compressed the layout of the commercial buildings leading to maximising the available development envelope - in other words boxy designs fronting Collins Street with little if any setbacks.

The other aspect to note is that the C4 office tower that was expected to reach as high as 160 metres and now looks to be no more than 12 levels in height according to the above image. This pocket of Docklands is littered with boxy 10-15 level commercial buildings - one more to join the party!

<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/llbh5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Batman's Hill site overview. Image © Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="693" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/llbh5.jpg?itok=7Rp6_CJ4" title="Batman's Hill site overview. Image © Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Batman's Hill site overview. Image © Lend Lease</figcaption></figure>Not impressed with my assertion that 695 Collins Street as seen above is a hapless, ill conceived design? Ponder the following two designs.

Below left sees the Grocon/Mirvac/Hassell Studio concept for Batman's Hill. Aside from a signature high-rise that would define the precinct within Melbourne's skyline, Hassell's scheme carries far more open space by way of a larger deck over Wurundjeri Way and built form which is articulate yet uncluttered.

The other image below highlights ARM's ostentatious Collins Street frontage as part of their precinct design; unique, eye-catching and worthy of the address!

<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/bhprop6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © Hassell Studio and ARM Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="271" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bhprop6.jpg?itok=UQb7zrHG" title="Images © Hassell Studio and ARM Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images © Hassell Studio and ARM Architecture</figcaption></figure>In other words, both examples and their Collins Street frontage are precisely what Docklands requires and a polar opposite to what has been proposed.

By some miracle should the Lend Lease scheme shown above not be the intended design for 695 Collins Street, I'll be the first one to say the joke's on me. Otherwise the joke's on anyone expecting a quality outcome for an area that truly needs it!
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Batman's Hill leaves much to be desired

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This afternoon we delve into the Apartments.com.au archives and take a look back at the evolution of <a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>' Stadium Precinct over the better part of a decade. Through various newspaper clippings and renders, we ponder what may have been for the precinct that envelopes Etihad Stadium.

<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/Stadium%20village.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Stadium Village Article. © Herald Sun 14 November 2000."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="810" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Stadium%20village.jpg?itok=iwhjWPyb" title="Stadium Village Article. © Herald Sun 14 November 2000." width="580"></a>

It all began when I recently decided to trawl through old newspaper clippings I had accumulated over the course of 15 years. The above article appeared near 14 years ago at a time when Colonial Stadium was marking it's first full year of operation and <a href="/new-apartments/essendon-vic-3040">Essendon</a> had claimed a record equaling 16th flag. The strategy sought a hive of activity at the interface between city and harbour, at all hours of the day.

Remarkably (or depressingly) we are only beginning see the early framework for a precinct, which after a number of false starts is finally beginning to come together in a manner not too dissimilar to the image depicted above.

<h2>South-West Stadium Precinct (SWSP) / Victoria Point</h2>

<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/Victoria_Point_reduced.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Point Article. © Herald Sun "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="799" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Victoria_Point_reduced.jpg?itok=ykDw1DId" title="Victoria Point Article. © Herald Sun " width="580"></a>

Delivered by Devine, Victoria Point has stayed true to form, being built more-or-less as depicted in the articles above, with a further level of refinement. In addition to the 42-storey apartment tower the site also features Quest Serviced apartments along Bourke Street and a 9-storey office building along Harbour Esplanade that is home to Bendigo Bank.

<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/vic_point_8_fauxwindow.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria Point. © Australian Aluminium Finishing"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="434" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vic_point_8_fauxwindow.jpg?itok=4HVh9OA5" title="Victoria Point. © Australian Aluminium Finishing" width="580"></a>

<h2>South-East Stadium Precinct (SESP) / Bourke Junction / NAB @ 700 Bourke / Medibank @ 720 Bourke</h2>

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.theage.com.au/news/Business/Outrigger-drops-anchor-at-Docklands/2005/04/06/1112489558726">Outrigger proposal circa 2005</a>:

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/outrigger_combo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Outrigger Docklands. Circa 2005."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/outrigger_combo.jpg?itok=Zw43jWJX" title="Outrigger Docklands. Circa 2005." width="580"></a>

Proposed to be 35-storeys and over 100m in height, Outrigger's first foray into Melbourne would have delivered a new 350 hotel rooms with 17 floors of apartments above. Conceived jointly between Outrigger and RIA Property Group, the <a href="/architects/peddle-thorp-architects">Peddle Thorp</a>-designed project fell through leading to Vic Urban running another Expressions of Interest campaign which resulted in...

Bourke Junction. Designed by <a href="/architects/hassell-studio">Hassell</a> and <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> for project partners <a href="/developers/cbus-property">CBUS Property</a>, <a href="/developers/ispt">ISPT</a> and EPC Partners the three tower complex would have become the new home for <a href="http://www.suncorp.com.au/">Suncorp Metway</a> and <a href="https://www.mebank.com.au/">ME Bank</a>, along with a Saville Hotel.

<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/Bourke%20Junction_HUN_reduced.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bourke Junction. © Herald Sun 8 April 2008."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="685" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Bourke%20Junction_HUN_reduced.jpg?itok=UBOXlaKj" title="Bourke Junction. © Herald Sun 8 April 2008." width="580"></a>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Bourke%20Junction_AGE_reduced.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bourke Junction. © The Age 8 April 2008."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="464" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Bourke%20Junction_AGE_reduced.jpg?itok=u5VC4kv7" title="Bourke Junction. © The Age 8 April 2008." width="580"></a>

Following the Global Financial Crisis, the project was shelved and ISPT sold its share to CBUS. 720 Bourke was redesigned in an attempt to lure an anchor tenant but ultimately required further reconfiguring and refinement.

The project was eventually rebranded as 700 Bourke leading to a second Docklands address for NAB, whilst Medibank has since joined with their new HQ @ 720 Bourke Street - forming a dynamic duo of sorts.

<img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="185" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Bourke%20Junction%20%2B%20700%26%20720%20bourke.jpg?itok=eQw5Ym_Y" title="What was to be and what is there today." width="580">

<h2>North-East Stadium Precinct (NESP) / Lacrosse + M Docklands</h2>

At one stage NESP was to be the site of a 19-storey, $70m glazed office building. Not all that interesting except that each facade would act as a 40m x 40m screen for motion projections.

Proposed by Pan Urban there was once talk of the Bureau of Meteorology anchoring the development and projecting live feeds of the weather radar - handy for our southern capital.

<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/pan%20urban%2070mill%2019L%2040mx40m.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pan Urban NESP proposal. © Pan Urban"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="227" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/pan%20urban%2070mill%2019L%2040mx40m.jpg?itok=ISHMrEZl" title="Pan Urban NESP proposal. © Pan Urban" width="580"></a>

The development would ultimately become the Elenberg Fraser designed Lacrosse (Stages 1 &amp; 2). To date only Stage 1 has been delivered (by Charter Hall) with Stage 2 now being developed by <a href="/developers/capital-alliance-investment-group">Capital Alliance</a> and known as <a href="/buildings/m-docklands-679-la-trobe-street-docklands">M Docklands</a>.

<img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="203" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Lacrosse%2BM%20Docklands.jpg?itok=somKnLgS" title="Lacrosse Docklands + M Docklands. © Elenberg Fraser" width="580">

<h2>North-West Stadium Precinct (NWSP) / Docklands Gateway / Channel 7 / Salta</h2>

Once owned entirely by Channel 7, the site save for C7's digital broadcast centre is now under the control of <a href="/developers/salta-properties">Salta</a> having seen a host of development proposals including:

<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/Channel%207_reduced.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Channel 7 HQ / Docklands Gateway."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="250" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Channel%207_reduced.jpg?itok=LKqImgxU" title="Channel 7 HQ / Docklands Gateway." width="580"></a>

Pacific Harbour's squat 12,000sqm campus proposal (below left) came and went, as did a Woods Bagot-designed office complex known as 360 Degrees. Salta currently have approval in place for a commercial development of this <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Kataslidis</a> designed apartment building:

<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/Image76.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © Merchant Pacific and FK Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="308" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image76.jpg?itok=H-io71c-" title="Images © Merchant Pacific and FK Architects" width="580"></a>

<h2>North Stadium Precinct / 685 LaTrobe Street</h2>

Originally forming part of the NWSP parcel, this <a href="http://www.685latrobe.com.au/">37,000sqm proposal</a> by <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> is targeting a 5 star Green Star &amp; NABERS Energy rating. Joint venture partners Charter Hall and <a href="/developers/premier-capital-developments">Premier Capital Developments</a> are currently seeking a pre-commitment from an anchor tenant before commencing construction with <a href="/builders/watpac">Watpac</a> the preferred head contractor.

<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/685LExt_Hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="685 LaTrobe Street. © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="487" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/685LExt_Hero.jpg?itok=tUHK4Bje" title="685 LaTrobe Street. © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

15 years later, Stadium Precinct still marches on. Whether the end product is capable of becoming the hive of activity during all hours remains to be seen.
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Days of Future Past: Stadium Precinct

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Strata office suites in a prominent building in Melbourne's Docklands have been listed for sale. 
The strata units are situated on levels one and two of the Site one building, at 757 Bourke Street - considered to be the heart of the Dockland's financial business district. Site one is an office, retail and residential complex comprising a total of about 1,435 square metres of fully air-conditioned office space split over two levels.
Marketing the suites are Ray White Commercial's Queensland associate director Chris Heydon and Blair Main Director of TM Realty Docklands.
“Each office is fully carpeted with plaster walls, suspended ceilings, heating and cooling, and data and electrical points throughout", said Mr Heydon.
The offices range in size from about 30 square metres to 65 square metres.
The tenancy mix in building consists of professionals ranging from lawyers, marketers, engineers and recruiters as well as some of Australia’s major sporting organisations. 
Each floor had two kitchenettes, shower facilities and male and female amenities.
“Office tenants will also enjoy access to the Trevor Main Business Centre on level one which consists of a reception area as well as four state of the art meeting/board rooms”, added Mr Heydon. 
The ground floor tenancies of the building included an IGA supermarket, Degani Bakery Café, Booji Café, La Tadka Restaurant and the Nixon Hotel Bar and Restaurant.
Nearby is also some of the country's biggest companies - the National Australia Bank, KPMG, Lion Nathan, March Mercer, and the Commonwealth Bank and many more. 
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kjiminez-eaYKfU7qd2

Strata offices in Docklands listed

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Following a great deal of procrastinating over the last few weeks, I have the pleasure of finally presenting part two of my What to do with Waterfront City? duology; a case of better late than never, one could argue. If you would, please cast your mind back to two months ago or alternatively <a href="/expert-insights/buying/what-to-do-with-waterfront-city-part-one">refresh your memory</a> with part one.

Today's piece focuses on the sites to the perimeter of the precinct that have been built to a low-density and feature only a single program: Costco and Medibank Ice House. Where part one investigated an approach to the public realm aspects of the precinct, part two looks at the commercial aspects.

Rather than being explicit about exactly what should be built or done with the precinct, the idea is to be a little more implicit: encouraging a level of discourse through some pretty pictures I put together.

<h2>Costco and Residential towers</h2>

When Costco opened the doors to their new warehouse in the heart of Vancouver in 2009, Costco's regional marketing manager for Western Canada, Robin Ross described it as "the most unique Costco in the world." Part of the Spectrum project, the Costco on Expo Boulevard anchors a residential development of four highrises, built on the edge of Yaletown making it the first Costco to be built in the heart of a city.

<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/Costco%20Vancouver_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Costco%20Vancouver_0.jpg?itok=m5qxjbwo"></a>

When Australia's first Costco was built in Melbourne's Docklands, all we got was a shed, albeit one with more character than most.

<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/Costco_Photo_04_PH.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Costco Docklands. © NH Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Costco_Photo_04_PH.jpg?itok=nlBeWVq3" title="Costco Docklands. © NH Architecture"></a>

Designed by <a href="http://www.nharchitecture.net/">NH Architecture</a>, I've always considered it to be missed opportunity to deliver a quality mixed-use project that marks the gateway into Docklands but also provides a crucial interface with the precinct and the adjacent future development at E-Gate.

<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/costco-RENDERS.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Revamped Costco with residential towers above. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/costco-RENDERS.jpg?itok=S6K5SHyo" title="Revamped Costco with residential towers above. © Laurence Dragomir"></a>

Through a redressing of the exterior of the Costco warehouse and the introduction of residential towers (two vs Vancouver's four) that employ a warm palette of timber and feature rooftop gardens, a visually static building suddenly becomes more lively on the outside and provides a stronger edge to the precinct.

A sinuous podium structure housing Costco, allows for the creation of pocket parks providing a buffer to the road network adjacent. The separation between the towers allows visual privacy but also views beyond from the Melbourne Star Wheel, framing views to and from. Visually a higher density mixed-use development provides a cue for the imminent E-Gate regeneration project and a gateway landmark of sorts into Docklands.

<h2>Medibank Ice House and New Hotel</h2>

Few will probably recall but at one point in time it was proposed that the two ice rinks which form Medibank Ice House were to be built above the multi-storey car park at Waterfront City, effectively killing two birds with one stone. Unfortunately, this never proceeded to construction and we are now left with two problems. With the multi-storey car park being dealt with in part one, the attention shifts to Ice House.

<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/icehouse%20Hotel_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ice House Hotel. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/icehouse%20Hotel_1.jpg?itok=DDDxhloi" title="Ice House Hotel. © Laurence Dragomir"></a>

As a means of funneling people through Harbour Town, why not build a hotel above the existing rink, utilising the pockets and strips of land around the perimeter to introduce lift cores and support columns. The foyer would be part of an expanded entry off Pearl River Road.

While the novelty of short-stay accommodation above an ice rink may not be everyone's cup of tea, the views back towards Docklands and the city would be quite something. Direct and easy access to CityLink via Footscray Road would also be one of the benefits of locating a hotel there.

Time permitting a conclusion piece - that considers the remaining undeveloped pockets of land adjacent to Harbour Town complex and the airspace above - may appear later down the track. Until then, I leave you with one final image to finish on looking down at the sites in question.

<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/Wfc2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ice House Hotel looking over WFC. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Wfc2.jpg?itok=KRDyF6Qh" title="Ice House Hotel looking over WFC. © Laurence Dragomir"></a>
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What to do with Waterfront City? (Part Two)

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Recently news filtered through that Sydney-based <a href="http://www.ashemorgan.com.au/">AsheMorgan</a> had <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/docklands-sale-citys-biggest-in-seven-years/story-fn9656lz-1226857431660#">acquired Harbour Town and the Medibank Ice House Ice complex</a> within Waterfront City from <a href="http://www.ingrealestate.com.au/">ING Real Estate</a>. The $150m sale of the 40,000sqm centre follows the disposal of the Melbourne Star observation wheel to its Japanese builders and the sale of Waterfront City's only water fronted parcel to <a href="http://www.mab.com.au/">MAB</a> who are developing <a href="http://www.newquaypromenade.com.au/home">NewQuay Promenade</a>.

These asset disposals seem a clear sign that ING Real Estate are looking to slowly but surely exit the precinct and absolve themselves of any further responsibility within the area. They currently retain ownership (for the time being at least) of the the Costco building, the multi-level car park and an adjacent undeveloped tract of land. The question which must now be posed is - "where to now for the trouble plagued precinct?"

From the moment of its conception, Waterfront City has struggled with an identity crisis of sorts; it's part entertainment precinct and part shopping precinct with no real unifying theme. Bearing that in mind today's piece constitutes the first part of a series of articles looking at ways of improving the look and usability of the precinct.

<h2>Rebranding/Change of name</h2>

With the single stretch of water frontage now controlled by MAB (see render below) it would appear an opportune time to reconsider the precinct's name and branding strategy in addition to erasing the negativity associated with the precinct.

<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/NewQuay%20Promenade.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="NewQuay Promenade. © MAB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/NewQuay%20Promenade.jpg?itok=V-VRoDDs" title="NewQuay Promenade. © MAB" width="580"></a>

Now this is probably best left to the marketing types but let's just go with something like North Dock. I'll be honest I didn't expend a whole lot of mental power in conceiving the name but I think it's not half bad. Feel free to suggest your own.

<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/northdock.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="North Dock."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="171" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/northdock.jpg?itok=2fnpsA8C" title="North Dock." width="580"></a>

<h2>Improving the first impression</h2>

When entering Harbour Town either after disembarking from a tram or crossing Docklands Drive, visitors to the precinct are confronted with a bland and sterile entry point defined by cheap finishes over what should be a gateway building. Introducing a green wall to soften the harshness of the facade and employing an operable timber screen both for resident privacy and visual interest would do wonders for a comparatively small outlay.

Signage identifying the precinct awaits within the central median strip, with new greenery also helping to remould first impressions for visitors crossing Docklands Drive from NewQuay Promenade.

<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/WFC%20Gateway_EDIT_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Refurbished entry to Harbour Town © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/WFC%20Gateway_EDIT_0.jpg?itok=pyn9W4Xx" title="Refurbished entry to Harbour Town © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a>

<h2>Taking a cue from Merchant Street</h2>

Over at Victoria Harbour Lend Lease are in the process of <a href="http://www.victoriaharbour.com.au/news-and-events/news-and-events/news-degrees-of-change" target="_blank">upgrading Merchant Street</a> and have enlisted the help of renowned hospitality architects Six Degrees.

<blockquote>
"Changing things up is also part of Six Degrees’ approach to the project more broadly. Its aim is to achieve the mixture of venues and shopfronts you would see in any high street in Melbourne or, indeed, in any high street anywhere in the world. “In your usual high street … you’ve got evolution of 100 years – you’ve got all sorts of canopies, verandas, free-standing cantilevers and so on,” says Healy.

“We want to bring in that idea of variety and diversity. This is important at the level of scale. We needed to introduce a finer grain, so we decided to ‘chop’ and make tenancies into two and three … but we are trying to make it somewhat architecturally consistent per tenancy.”
</blockquote>

<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/MerchantStreetOverview.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Merchant Street revamp. © Six Degrees"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="191" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/MerchantStreetOverview.jpg?itok=wLqVDh6M" title="Merchant Street revamp. © Six Degrees" width="580"></a>

While Merchant Street presents a much smaller challenge than any overhaul of Harbour Town, a similar strategy could be employed incrementally with a variety of architects and designers chosen. The focus on a greater mixture of uses, architecture styles and in particular activating the upper level concourse should be at the forefront when trying to lift/design the current venue out of the doldrums.

The introduction of maritime materials and architecture on the remaining undeveloped roof tops is a possibility - topped with gabled roofs perhaps mimicking the existing Central Pier sheds and similar to what is proposed at Wharf Precinct within Victoria Harbour

<h2>(Car) Park²</h2>

Visible from the Melbourne Star and once proposed to house the Docklands Ice Centre atop, the Waterfront City multi-level car park is presently a wasted site. With previous proposals for an apartment complex along it's western elevation yet to see the light of day, I believe it's worth considering some alternative uses for the site, in particular the expansive rooftop.

A perfect place for a park, maybe? And why not throw in a community 'greenhouse' on top as well?

<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/waterfront%20city%20park.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rejuvenated Car Park and park with 'greenhouse' on top. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="299" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/waterfront%20city%20park.jpg?itok=SwAru233" title="Rejuvenated Car Park and park with 'greenhouse' on top. © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/waterfront%20city%20park%20%2B%20greenhouse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Car Park rooftop. © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/waterfront%20city%20park%20%2B%20greenhouse.jpg?itok=EQ_aaHD5" title="Car Park rooftop. © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a>

What do you think should be done to improve Waterfront City? Or what would you like to see?

Leave your comments below and stay tuned for part two focusing on the Medibank Ice House and Costco, to follow soon.
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What to do with Waterfront City? (Part One)

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I recall over a decade ago venturing into Docklands with camera, thinking what wondrous experience could those in charge create over time - how times change.
Peddle Thorp recently released a swag of new designs on show for the first time via their website. One of which is a concept for the Docklands Aquatic Centre which sees an integrated facility located between Etihad Stadium and Victoria Harbour.
As a stand alone concept, the sinuous facility looks great although when in situ one thought sprung to mind. Does Docklands really need another large, isolated structure that has little by way of interaction with passers-by? Etihad Stadium, parts of Yarra's Edge and AXA's 750 Collins Street amongst others already take that mantle, serving as Dockland's Achilles heel.
<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/Image20_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concept for the Docklands Aquatic Centre. Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="274" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image20_0.jpg?itok=9BG0QAiH" title="Concept for the Docklands Aquatic Centre. Image © Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>
Naturally the question becomes, what does Docklands really need? This question is asked in respect to advancing the precinct in the eyes of the common person who for lack of interest or experience, tend to dismiss the area out of hand.
Up until recently I would have thought community facilities were a must, yet they tend to serve the wants and needs of a vocal, local population - and fair enough. The most recent planning application for Lend Lease's Victoria Harbour is a Boating and Family Services Hub, seen below. Designed by Hayball, this odd duo will meld under the same roof providing services such as consulting rooms, workstations, playgrounds, function areas and boat storage/rigging spaces.
As part of Victoria Harbour's civic precinct, two more development lots have been set aside for human services buildings. These are all great initiatives located in one pocket of Docklands but they won't generate markedly increased foot traffic through the precinct.
<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/Image24_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Boating and family services complex. Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image24_1.jpg?itok=fOsYBser" title="Boating and family services complex. Image © Hayball" width="580"></a>
What does Docklands really need? Intimacy... pure and simple.
When so many of Docklands' buildings are large, independent and isolated, the result is a rather sterile, disconnected experience. The intimacy of the CBD's laneway network is a success because the average person is confronted with sensory overload. Sights, smells and constantly changing shop fronts stimulate and entice, coaxing the average person into an enjoyable experience. The generic aluminium-framed, street level glazed facades of Docklands simply disappoint.
It's no coincidence that NewQuay's waterfront and Lend Lease's Merchant Street area are the most frequented as the pedestrian experience is dynamic, green (Merchant Street at least) and interesting. Some may say Harbour Town Docklands pursues the model of intimacy and diversity. Yes it tries to, but it also succeeds at being cheap, isolated and dare I say gimmicky - no authenticity there.
<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/100-Things-To-Do-Before-You-Die-79-Melbourne-Laneways-Featured-Image.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Australian Traveller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/100-Things-To-Do-Before-You-Die-79-Melbourne-Laneways-Featured-Image.jpg?itok=8wuVpx89" title="Image © Australian Traveller" width="580"></a>
Can Docklands generate intimacy? Mmmmm... no.
So much has been spoken about what could and should be done to enhance the Docklands experience, nothing tangible has eventuated. The cost to retrofit massive swathes of inactive street frontage is prohibitive and I just can't help but feel Docklands will retain the feel of a large suburban office park at the foot of the CBD.
The solution - aside from demolishing a few buildings and starting over, better luck with Fishermans Bend!
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