Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils signature penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

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

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

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

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

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

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

Docklands

<html><body>
Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter development, located within the Batman's Hill precinct of Melbourne's Docklands is aspiring to be a sustainable new city neighbourhood that will cater for 3,000 future residents in approximately 1,690 dwellings across three towers.

The three residential towers have been designed by Melbourne architectural firm Fender Katsalidis Architects. The first residential building, known as East Tower, will feature a wide variety of one, two and three bedroom apartments and is currently at sales. Located at 628 Flinders Street, the 40-storey development will offer views of the city and bay and will feature hanging gardens climbing the full height of the building.

The precinct has been designed with a strong environmental focus, with more than half of the 2.5 hectare site dedicated to open public spaces including Melbourne’s first elevated Skypark, a neighbourhood park, a new public square and a series of retail laneways which upon completion will connect to the existing CBD.

<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/aerial_view_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter aerial view. Image courtesy of Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aerial_view_0.jpg?itok=IoIa2LQB" title="Melbourne Quarter aerial view. Image courtesy of Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter aerial view. Image courtesy of Lendlease</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Melbourne Quarter, with its residential neighbourhood next to a thriving commercial district, offers the opportunity to live next to work, which is increasingly appealing for young professional owner occupiers and investors with a keen eye on the leasing market.
Lendlease prides itself on the high quality of its apartment designs. Melbourne Quarter’s competitively priced apartments will provide a range of one, two and three bedroom city residences, with added value in their design features, location and amenity compared to what our CBD competitors are offering. We are already receiving strong market interest for Melbourne Quarter’s East Tower.
Melbourne Quarter aspires to set leading standards as an environmentally sensitive and sustainable development, that will see all residential towers target a 5-Star Green Star rating.
<cite>Mark Menhinnitt, Managing Director for Urban Regeneration, Lendlease</cite>
</blockquote>

Apartments.com.au recently spoke to Ben Christie, Lendlease's Head of Apartments, about the residential component of the project and how Lendlease are seeking to distinguish their product in an overcrowded market.

Apartments.com.au: Could you outline the smart technologies that are being implemented across the residential towers?

Ben Christie: The ability to connect our residents to the wider community is something we've been looking to introduce and they'll able to do that via an app. It'll be a project specific app that can be accessed via an iPad or iPhone and allow residents to book the extensive communal facilities which that are in the buildings which comprise 'Club MQ'. With 'Club MQ' we're looking at setting a new benchmark with the level of amenity that we're providing and this will be available in the first tower and then the two other towers will share from that.

UM: Is the provision of a concierge/hotel style facilities designed to attract more owner-occupiers rather than investors?

BC: They tend to attract both, in my experience. Certainly we've seen a growing market for time-poor professionals that want to live in the city or close to the city and the services that our concierge will provide, will help those time poor professionals, who live busy lives with the things they need to do. Additionally it will also assist families, which are a growing demographic in apartments who are also time poor, trying to spend extra time with each other so they'll probably use services for ordering food, collecting mail, having laundry picked up and so on.

We think these buildings will attract young professionals and families, with a greater number likely to be young professionals and time-poor executives but it will also be attractive to investors because the concierge service will assist in achieving premium rentals as tenants so our assumption is that it will be attractive to tenants as well, which makes it attractive to investors.

UM: It could be argued that many other more recent residential developments employ a concierge and smart technology. What makes Melbourne Quarter different?

BC: I think what you're touching on there is right and concierge services aren't a new phenomenon. The difference here at Melbourne Quarter is the level of service that we'll be providing and the level of amenity we'll be providing at 'Club MQ' as part of the project. Customers, tenants and purchasers alike are becoming far more discerning and are demanding more of their buildings and more from the services the buildings provide, so our point of difference is that rather than just a standard concierge service we're providing a luxury concierge service in very much a hotel-style offering.

The concierge you might see historically in buildings don't go to the full extent that we feel our customers now seek. The added benefit of the service is that it acts a security service as well: we'll have two full time concierges on-site, 7 days a week.

<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/view04_mq_squre_elevated_v2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter neighbourhood square. Image courtesy Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/view04_mq_squre_elevated_v2.jpg?itok=MNdNJAQk" title="Melbourne Quarter neighbourhood square. Image courtesy Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter Neighbourhood Park. Image courtesy Lendlease</figcaption></figure>UM: What is the anticipated construction commencement for East Tower? Will the delivery of Melbourne Quarter be staged or will a common podium for the project be delivered in one hit? Is there a nominal completion date for the whole project?

BC: We're starting with Arup's tenancy as we have a commitment there but Lendlease being a mixed-use developer, we have the ability to deliver these buildings simultaneously. We have only recently received planning approval for the residential buildings but we've had a lot of strong activity in our sales process and it's been very encouraging from the market, from both investors and owner occupiers but we haven't finalised a date for the commencement of the residential towers as yet. At this stage we have a conservative completion of 2022 or around 6 years of construction, but we'd like to and are aiming to deliver it faster.

We at Lendlease have significant experience in large-scale urban regeneration projects and so we can deliver commercial, residential and retail infrastructure simultaneously and our staging plan will be such that it will be very customer focused to engage people at the ground plane both within the commercial and residential components. And that is one of the important factors when delivering these types of complex projects. Each neighbourhood could be built independently of one another but they won't be. The team have received a lot of interest from prospective tenants for the commercial buildings and the feedback thus far has been positive.

Laurence, it is interesting when you ask about the decoupling of residential to commercial. Certainly, the residential buildings are focused somewhat to Flinders Street and the commercial buildings are somewhat focused to Collins Street and then we have an extensive laneway with a lot of retail offering which links the two, so they are intertwined.

One of the reasons, I'd like to add is that Melbourne Quarter will be home to 3,000 residents when it's complete and a lot of those residents could easily be people that work at Melbourne Quarter as well. With a lot of our mixed-use projects around the world we find that people like to live near where they work so often we attract young professionals that work at Arup or any other tenant we might secure who also live in one of the residential buildings.

It provides a very efficient lifestyle, it works for the investors, it works for the tenants. Imagine you were working at Arup, you're going home to your apartment in Melbourne Quarter and you can order your dinner when you leave the office and it's there when you get home. There's some great things you could do with our concierge service.

<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/view14_flinders_entrance_lobby_final.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Flinders Street entrance lobby. Image courtesy Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/view14_flinders_entrance_lobby_final.jpg?itok=vfkDGSRW" title="Flinders Street entrance lobby. Image courtesy Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Flinders Street entrance lobby. Image courtesy Lendlease</figcaption></figure><h2>Club MQ</h2>

Lendlease has provided Apartments.com.au with a summary of the facilities available to all residents as part of Club MQ, including:

<ul>
<li>Hotel-style grand arrival entrance to Club MQ (off Flinders Street), with undercover drop-off and concierge service.</li>
	<li>Secondary pedestrian lobby to the Club MQ and apartments off the precinct Neighbourhood Park (access via the new laneway connecting Collins and Flinders Streets).</li>
	<li>Swimming Pool (25 metres in length).</li>
	<li>Spa and change room amenity.</li>
	<li>Steam room.</li>
	<li>Sauna facilities.</li>
	<li>All-purpose gym.</li>
	<li>Multipurpose function/yoga room.</li>
	<li>Residents library and lounge.</li>
	<li>Theatrette for 20 people.</li>
	<li>Three internal private dining areas featuring outdoor terraces and BBQ amenity.</li>
	<li>Access to other precinct amenities includes Melbourne Quarter’s Skypark, Melbourne Square, Neighbourhood Park and a diverse retail offering within the Melbourne Quarter precinct.</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/club_mq_gym.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Club MQ facilities. Image courtesy Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="484" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/club_mq_gym.jpg?itok=RquEx_kJ" title="Club MQ facilities. Image courtesy Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Club MQ facilities. Image courtesy Lendlease</figcaption></figure>While the residential component is at sales and marketing, Lendlease aren't wasting anytime getting on with the rest of the development. Arup's 3-storey office tenancy within the One Melbourne Quarter building is currently under construction, delivering a new sky park above Collins Street with a second 27-storey commercial building at 681-701 Collins Street, recently submitted for planning consideration with an end value of $550 million.

The delivery of the $2 billion Melbourne Quarter project is anticipated to generate approximately 15,000 construction jobs over the life of the project. On completion, its commercial offices are expected to be home to around 10,000 workers.

<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/view_27_skyrooms_from_collins_st.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The 27-storey office tower at 681-701 Collins Street. Image courtesy Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1137" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/view_27_skyrooms_from_collins_st.jpg?itok=PjgOfqLb" title="The 27-storey office tower at 681-701 Collins Street. Image courtesy Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter Tower from Collins Street. Image courtesy Lendlease</figcaption></figure>
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Laurence Dragomir

Lendlease forges ahead with Melbourne Quarter

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One of 2016's largest projects is set to continue the high density infill between Yarra's Edge and the emerging Fishermans Bend Precinct.

Created by MGS Architects, the dual residential tower scheme's most striking feature is its multi-colured facade which is designed as a contemporary interpretation of the nearby shipping yards. Located at 13-33 Hartley Street on the perimeter of Docklands, the site is hard up against the West Gate Freeway and adjacent to the recently sold development site at <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">85-93 Lorimer Street</a>.

13-33 Hartley Street will also enjoy frontage to the park which forms part of the permit approved 85-93 Lorimer Street, which was designed by Elenberg Fraser.

Kew-based entity Claric Ninety Nine Pty Ltd is the proponent behind the Hartley Street development.

<h2>13-33 Hartley Street Docklands application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image21_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As rendered from Yarra's Edge. Image: MGS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_8.jpg?itok=bLZCMO4G" title="As rendered from Yarra's Edge. Image: MGS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>As rendered from Yarra's Edge. Image: MGS Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 6,713sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 37 and 40 level residential towers with the taller at 131.3 metres</li>
	<li>612 apartments: 202 x 1BR, 370 x 2BR, 26 x 3BR, 14 x 4BR</li>
	<li>3 retail tenancies totaling 255sqm and 700sqm of 'community' space</li>
	<li>Provision for 424 vehicles, 370 resident bicycles, 71 visitor bicycle spaces and 58 motorcycle spaces</li>
	<li>1,507sqm of communal facilities, including a lap pool, gym, yoga/kids play area, meeting room, cinema room, lounge areas and library</li>
	<li>Plot ratio: 12.29:1</li>
	<li>Gross Floor Area: 82,568sqm</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $200 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Acknowledging one's surrounds</h2>

<blockquote>
The Port of Melbourne is Australia’s largest container terminal and has a very significant impact on the local landscape. Viewed from above neatly arranged rows of colourful containers from all parts of the world animate an otherwise dull industrial port.

It is this colour and texture that the building design references in the balcony balustrade treatment of the apartments at the upper and lower floors. Larger apartments are located at these floors where balconies are cantilevered in patterns and varied in colour to evoke the Port’s container landscape

The great Australian painter Jeffrey Smart was known for his stylised depictions of urban landscapes. He had a particular fascination with roads and road signs which he rendered with a stark reality and precision.

We have treated the car parking podium of the building as a canvas for an over scaled road sign. In this case the sign however is not read as a flat painted surface but as a series of projecting screens that morph into view on approach. The signage is directional and changes in accordance with the location of the observer.
<cite>Urban context report, MGS Architects</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/image47_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A nod to Jeffrey Smart. Planning image: MGS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_3.jpg?itok=qs0DcvXo" title="A nod to Jeffrey Smart. Planning image: MGS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A nod to Jeffrey Smart. Planning image: MGS Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Ins and Outs</h2>

Single bedroom dwellings range in size between 48-59sqm, with dual bedroom apartments spread over 67-125sqm. While three bedrooms range between 120-167sqm, MGS Architects have included 14 four bedroom apartments; somewhat of an oddity when considering the wider Melbourne apartment landscape.

These four bedroom apartments have an area of some 200sqm.

Every apartment is provided with a balcony that is located directly off the living area, with south facing dwellings afforded winter gardens that span the full width of the dwelling. It is worth noting that according to the submitted documents, 'Saddle Back’ bedrooms occurs in 2 of 12 apartments per typical floor on the west tower and in 2 of 9 apartments per typical floor on the east tower.

'Saddle Back’ apartments are a point of contention in the current Melbourne planning climate owing to the lack of direct access to natural light.

As part of the intended development, 912sqm of the site area will be seeded to infrastructure needs, with open space accounting for another 1,826sqm.

<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/image48_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Setbacks and ground level interface. Planning image: MGS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="209" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_5.jpg?itok=mf8QXFgm" title="Setbacks and ground level interface. Planning image: MGS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Setbacks and ground level interface. Planning image: MGS Architects</figcaption></figure>When combining 13-33 Hartley Street's 612 apartments with those of 85-93 Lorimer Street and Mirvac's upcoming <a href="/buildings/voyager-docklands-103-south-wharf-drive-docklands-vic-3008">Voyager Tower</a>, there exists the potential for a further 1,868 apartments to be pumped into the sliver of Docklands land south of the Yarra River.

Potential future development sites that fall within this section of Docklands will be largely confined to a tract of land west of Hartley Street; beyond that adjoining areas fall under Fishermans Bend and its differing planning controls.

<h2>13-33 Hartley Street Docklands development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Claric Ninety-Nine Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect and Urban Context Analysis: MGA Architects</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Roberts Day</li>
	<li>Buffer Constraint Assessment: GHD</li>
	<li>Traffic and Transport Assessment: Cardno</li>
	<li>Acoustic Report,: Renzo Tonin &amp; Associates</li>
	<li>Wind Report: Cermak, Peterka, Petersen</li>
	<li>Social and Community Infrastructure Assessment: ASR Research</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Environmentally Sustainable Design: IrwinConsult.</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

MGS create the shipping container skyscrapers

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The shifting of Melbourne's CBD closer toward Docklands continues apace, according to Cromwell Property Group, who have announced a new long term lease on Collins Street.
Open Universities Australia will move into <a href="https://www.cromwell.com.au/property-portfolio/victoria/226/700-collins-street" target="_blank">700 Collins Street</a> in January 2017 on an 8-year lease and will occupy 2,682 sqm.
Cromwell purchased the building in 2004, and the 100 percent occupancy rate was achieved after securing the building's two major tenants to long term lease agreements.
The Bureau of Meteorology has executed a new lease for a further 10 years of their 15,500 sqm space. 
Melbourne train operator Metro has consolidated its space in the building, taking another 2,500 sqm that will see it occupy over 10,000 sqm for the next decade.
The high demand for the area makes the 2004 investment a real success for Cromwell, said Damian Horton, Cromwell’s Head of Property.
“As Melbourne CBD is shifting further westward along Collins Street and closer to Docklands, Cromwell’s investment has proven to be forward thinking. We were among the first to invest in what is now called ‘mid-point’, a highly sought after area,” Mr Horton said. 
“It’s an investment true to our philosophy. We try to carefully evaluate the potential of each of our properties to see where the demand will be and 700 Collins Street is proof of the effectiveness of this approach. 
“It also validates our strategy to actively manage our assets to enhance their value, and make sure that our tenants want to stay, and in doing so, keeping the turnover as low as possible.” 
The A-Grade, 17-level office tower is located at the gateway to the Docklands Precinct at the western end of the Melbourne CBD.
The building, which was refurbished last year, offers 33,848 sqm of modern office space and retail areas, and a three-level carpark accommodating 304 cars.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Cromwell’s bet on changing Melbourne CBD proves successful

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With a number of significant projects wrapping up construction within Docklands and the end of the financial year imminent, the half way point of 2017 seems like a good time to take a closer look a the state of affairs within Docklands.

Probuild and Hickory have all but wrapped up external construction on their respective builds Marina Tower and Banksia along the NewQuay promenade with just the internal fit-outs to be completed.

Their completion will leave the just begun Elm and Stone as the sole building within NewQuay under construction. It will eventually be followed by a Six Degrees-designed 20-storey building carrying 172 apartments to be located on Lot 5 at 375-381 Docklands Drive.

<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/newquay_june17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As Marina Tower and Banksia wind down, Elm and Stone gets underway. Images Mark Baljak and Redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="202" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/newquay_june17.jpg?itok=bDTM5FY-" title="As Marina Tower and Banksia wind down, Elm and Stone gets underway. Images Mark Baljak and Redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>As Marina Tower and Banksia wind down, Elm and Stone gets underway. Images Mark Baljak and Redden</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The design is intended to build from the successful aspect of the CBD including diversity in the façade designs, access to natural light and ventilation and the incorporation of public spaces, arcades and lanes. We hope this will be an exemplar for human scale development in Docklands.
<cite>Six Degrees Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

With that in mind, let's take a look at what is currently under construction in Docklands.

<h2>311 Spencer Street</h2>

Currently awaiting Ministerial approval for the proposed new headquarters of Victoria Police at 311 Spencer Street, site works have commenced in preparation for full scale construction of the 171 metre high tower once approval is granted.

<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/red_311sp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site works are slowly getting underway. Image: Redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/red_311sp.jpg?itok=cpj3f6AT" title="Site works are slowly getting underway. Image: Redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site works are slowly getting underway. Image: Redden</figcaption></figure><h2>839 Collins Street</h2>

Work is progressing on the new offices of ANZ along the banks of the Yarra at Victoria Harbour. Designed by DCM, the 21-storey office tower is about to begin its ascent out of the ground with the erection of dual tower cranes and the formation of the core pit.

<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/839_collins_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The core pit is being formed and two cranes have now been installed on site. Image: Glennwilson at OzScrapers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/839_collins_street.jpg?itok=fr9o0K34" title="The core pit is being formed and two cranes have now been installed on site. Image: Glennwilson at OzScrapers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The core pit is being formed and two cranes have now been installed on site. Image: Glennwilson at OzScrapers</figcaption></figure><h2>No. 1 Collins Wharf</h2>

The first stage of the Collins Wharf sub precinct which extends all the way along the remaining undeveloped tract of Victoria Harbour peninsula, is making steady progress with the core box now ready to begin its rise to an eventual height of 90 metres.

<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/gw_915c.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site progress at No 1 Collins Wharf, Victoria Harbour. Image: Redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gw_915c.jpg?itok=gG88LJOz" title="Site progress at No 1 Collins Wharf, Victoria Harbour. Image: Redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site progress at No 1 Collins Wharf, Victoria Harbour. Image: Redden</figcaption></figure><h2>Tower 5 Collins Square</h2>

With the tower going momentarily on hold following completion of the 'podium' structure while Walker Corporation scoured for tenants in the building, it's now very much full steam ahead with the last puzzle in the Collins Square jigsaw set to be completed next year.

<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/t5cs.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The final tower at Collins Square is making up for lost time. Image: Redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/t5cs.jpg?itok=HgPiC5gJ" title="The final tower at Collins Square is making up for lost time. Image: Redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The final tower at Collins Square is making up for lost time. Image: Redden</figcaption></figure><h2>One Melbourne Quarter</h2>

And finally, the first stage of Melbourne Quarter is quickly rising above Collins Street and upon completion will become the new home of global consulting firm Arup and will include a publically accessible skygarden hovering over Collins Street. Two other commercial towers will round out the commercial neighbourhood to Collins Street while the first of three residential towers which comprise the Flinders Street neighbourhood are yet to begin construction.

<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/june_pic.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One Melbourne Quarter Construction progress. Image: Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/june_pic.jpg?itok=UasUIJYe" title="One Melbourne Quarter Construction progress. Image: Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One Melbourne Quarter Construction progress. Image: Lendlease</figcaption></figure> 

 

Other projects which should commence in the next six months include Salta's build-to-rent development at 695 LaTrobe Street which includes and Indigo Hotel and Mirvac's Voyager residential tower at Yarra's Edge.


As mentioned in an article a few weeks ago, we'll continue to test hosting parts of the Apartments.com.au model on the site to complement other content, such as a construction update in this instance.

<figure><div class="sketchfab-embed-wrapper"><iframe allowfullscreen="" allowvr="" frameborder="0" height="480" mozallowfullscreen="true" onmousewheel="" src="https://sketchfab.com/models/069f9f80fdb04cababdf53701efadbc6/embed" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="640"></iframe></div>

<figcaption><a href="https://sketchfab.com/models/069f9f80fdb04cababdf53701efadbc6?utm_medium=embed&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_campaign=share-popup">Melbourne Docklands</a> by <a href="https://sketchfab.com/urbmelb?utm_medium=embed&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_campaign=share-popup">Urban.com.au</a> on <a href="https://sketchfab.com?utm_medium=embed&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_campagin=share-popup">Sketchfab</a></figcaption></figure>
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Docklands construction update June 2017 (with 3D)

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Following on from last week's Docklands construction update on <a href="/news/docklands-update-june-2016-newquay-and-harbour-town">NewQuay and Harbour Town</a>, is an update on the Victoria Harbour precinct being delivered by Lend Lease. Construction has been constant on the peninsula site, just as one project is finishes another begins.

At the moment construction is centred largely to the west with a series of large scale residential buildings at various stages of their construction programmes. The built form of the precinct will continue to edge ever closer to the Bolte Bridge as the final stage known as Collins Wharf gets underway.

The current projects below will between them provide over 1500 apartments within the precinct.

<h2>The Residences</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/theresidencesvh.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="186" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/theresidencesvh.jpg?itok=ikHAEUj5" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Residences at Victoria Harbour</figcaption></figure>Located behind Forte, the boutique development known as 'The Residences' comprises six luxury freehold terrace homes nestled within the heart of Victoria Harbour, and located on Geographe Street. The materiality of the individual homes reflects the materials of the surrounding context, with Melbourne bluestone grounding the houses in the active laneways and parkland and the timber screens softening the façade and introducing a natural element.

The project is progressing with the townhouses reaching their full height and installation of the timber screens commencing.

<h2>888 Collins Street</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/888_collins_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="88 Collins Street progress."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/888_collins_street.jpg?itok=ke4DjLXl" title="88 Collins Street progress." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>88 Collins Street progress.</figcaption></figure>888 Collins Street, which commands the corner site where Bourke and Collins Street converge at the waterfront has topped out with facade installation across both buildings now complete. Testing of the LED lighting display on the shorter building continues and retail fitout to Bourke Street is yet to commence.

Along with the Concavo building, 888 Collins Street completes the Bourke Street streetscape.

<h2>839-889 Collins Street</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/839-889_collins_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="839-889 Collins Street progressing well"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/839-889_collins_street.jpg?itok=JPh56OLo" title="839-889 Collins Street progressing well" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>839-889 Collins Street progressing well</figcaption></figure>Four towers consisting of two sets of twins sit atop massive podia with frontages to the Yarra River and Collins Street is progressing well with facade installation commencing on the western half of the project and the tower floorplates beginning to rise. The podiums feature a combination of timber and brick spandrels providing the project with a historical and site specific contextual response, referencing the maritime history of the Docklands.

The project has a whopping 1,070 apartments.

<h2>No.1 Collins Wharf</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/collins_wharf_site.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No.1 Collins Wharf. Photo courtesy of Redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_wharf_site.jpg?itok=AmRSUiRA" title="No.1 Collins Wharf. Photo courtesy of Redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No.1 Collins Wharf. Photo courtesy of Redden</figcaption></figure>1 Collins Wharf is the latest Victoria Harbour project to reach sales with early works progressing in preparing for construction. Given Lend Lease's record it's a fair assumption that 1 Collins Wharf may well keep rolling into construction, adding another 321 apartments to the area.

<h2>Who's next?</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/imagepreview_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new hotel for Victoria Harbour?"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/imagepreview_2.jpg?itok=hqxRzWHc" title="A new hotel for Victoria Harbour?" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new hotel for Victoria Harbour?</figcaption></figure>Seen above is one of a number of concept images for the remaining land parcel at 839 Collins Street. While the possibility of a boutique hotel remains, recent talk has shifted toward another commercial complex for the site, quite possibly in order to expand the presence of ANZ which maintains its headquarters next door.

Whatever its final use, 839 Collins Street shapes as the next project for Victoria Harbour.
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Docklands update June 2016: Victoria Harbour

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Before I jet off to Europe next week I thought being a pleasant winter's day, I would do one final construction update focusing on NewQuay + Harbour Town and Victoria Harbour, the two most active precincts within Docklands in terms of construction activity. Part one will focus on the former including projects under construction in addition to upcoming developments within both.

<h2>NewQuay</h2>

Beginning at NewQuay Central, the area which once formed the gateway into the former Waterfront City precinct is awash with activity as three projects yielding five towers and a new park are at various stages of construction. The furthest advanced of these projects are Aqui and Promenade. The dual towers are being delivered by Hickory for MAB and topped out last month with the installation of the silver and gold glazing progressing at a steady pace.

<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/aquipromenade.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aqui and Promenade, NewQuay."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aquipromenade.jpg?itok=RrsF1fU_" title="Aqui and Promenade, NewQuay." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aqui and Promenade, NewQuay.</figcaption></figure>MAB's other project in the area - Banksia - has seen Hickory take control of the site and commence site works to deliver the tower and just as importantly, a new park. The best vantage point to get an appreciation of the site and observe the construction is the upper level of the low-rise buildings along the waterfront.

<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/banksia_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Banksia site, with Marina Tower in the background."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="439" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/banksia_0.jpg?itok=wWXXjhhc" title="Banksia site, with Marina Tower in the background." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Banksia site, with Marina Tower in the background.</figcaption></figure>Appearing in the background of the Banksia photos is Hiap Hoe's Marina Tower and Four Points Sheraton hotel being built by Probuild. The tallest of the NewQuay towers, the 43-storey hotel has commenced its skyward ascent with its distinct 'dancing' forms are yet to fully reveal themselves.

<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/marina_tower_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Marina Tower and Four Points Sheraton Docklands."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/marina_tower_0.jpg?itok=oL963Ska" title="Marina Tower and Four Points Sheraton Docklands." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Marina Tower and Four Points Sheraton Docklands.</figcaption></figure>NewQuay's latest apartment offering hot off the heels of Banksia is Elm &amp; Stone, which is currently selling. The twin tower project designed by DKO Architecture is located along Docklands Drive and has seen a slight redesign to it's primary facades.

The glazed bronze facades remain, providing a contrast to the white framed buildings. Planter boxes are also provided for residents on balconies to create a cascade of green down the facade.

Elm &amp; Stone features a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom split-level lofts and apartments as well as rooftop communal garden atop the podium in addition to other resident facilities.

<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/elmstone.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elm &amp; Stone currently selling. Image courtesy of MAB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="239" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elmstone.jpg?itok=Z3XJqeBs" title="Elm &amp; Stone currently selling. Image courtesy of MAB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elm &amp; Stone currently selling. Image courtesy of MAB</figcaption></figure>During my walk I also noticed that The Arkley building had received a coat of blue paint to the edges of its balconies. This presents the first visible sign of maintenance on the original NewQuay towers with some now 14 years old!

<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/thearkley.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Arkley recieves a highlight of blue paint."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="554" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/thearkley.jpg?itok=z6D1KSJS" title="The Arkley recieves a highlight of blue paint." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Arkley receives a highlight of blue paint.</figcaption></figure><h2>Harbour Town</h2>

Harbour Town Melbourne is currently in the midst of a substantial overhaul by owners Ashe Morgan. These works have included the installation of new ETFE canopies designed by The Buchan Group in addition to hardscape works and removal of redundant escalators and bridges.

Awnings have also been removed and the shells of the shopfronts peeled back and painted white. But it won't end there.

Harbour Town will also see the construction of a new 8-cinema Hoyts on the site of what was previously the temporary home of the Winter Wonderland as illustrated in the rendering 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/harbour_town_hoyts.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Harbour Town Melbourne's new 8-cinema Hoyts complex. Image courtesy of Hoyts."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/harbour_town_hoyts.jpg?itok=rLVGMzsM" title="Harbour Town Melbourne's new 8-cinema Hoyts complex. Image courtesy of Hoyts." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Harbour Town Melbourne's new 8-cinema Hoyts complex. Image courtesy of Hoyts.</figcaption></figure>The Hoyts complex will effectively provide a bookend to the Harbour Town area and link back to the existing centre.

Further works to be undertaken also include the provision of a supermarket and extension to Harbour Town's gateway building along Docklands Drive.This extension will extend over the street and provide a somewhat more sophisticated front door to the centre.

At this stage no further works are proposed to the facade of the residential apartments above, however the second of the canopies will also extend through to Docklands Drive complimenting the new entry experience from Docklands Drive.

<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/harbour_town_entry.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Harbour Town Melbourne gateway extension. Image courtesy Harbour Town."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/harbour_town_entry.jpg?itok=0XlLZUWt" title="Harbour Town Melbourne gateway extension. Image courtesy Harbour Town." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Harbour Town Melbourne gateway extension. Image courtesy Harbour Town.</figcaption></figure>Other projects in the area include Capital Alliance's 26-38 Pearl River Road and 3-43 Waterfront Way. Both sites abut Harbour Town and were acquired by Capital Alliance in December 2014. Both are currently at planning with the latter on its way to VCAT.
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Docklands update June 2016: Newquay and Harbour Town

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Docklands based not-for-profit organisation Good Cycles has been running a crowd funding campaign to raise $40,000 for a Bike Community on Harbour Esplanade. Ending on June 27th the campaign has so far generated $24,936.60 in pledges. The initiative has already received support from The Lord Mayor's Charitable Fund and the Bank of Melbourne in addition to Places Victoria's pledge to match every dollar pledged up to $20,000.

<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/edc02202203b4b3db7896b4f184c99a4-good_cycles.jpg.556x330_q85.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Docklands Community Bike Hub. Image courtesy Good Cycles"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/edc02202203b4b3db7896b4f184c99a4-good_cycles.jpg.556x330_q85.jpg?itok=46neJX1q" title="Docklands Community Bike Hub. Image courtesy Good Cycles" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Docklands Community Bike Hub. Image courtesy Good Cycles</figcaption></figure>To be completed in August pending the success of the crowd funding campaign, the new hub will operate as a small bike shop and service centre, while also providing another facility for Good Cycles to conduct a range of social programs. It will be located on Harbour Esplanade just south of the Hortus cafe near the NAB building and just like Hortus, the converted shipping container by artist George Rose, will be a semi-permanent fixture on the waterfront.

The Docklands Community Bike Hub seeks to build on Good Cycles' goal of enriching lives through bicycles by providing a bike workshop, service centre and cycling hub beside the Capital City Trail on the water Docklands. The Community Bike Hub will service the thousands of daily bike commuters using the Harbour Esplanade bike paths and provide a further facility for participants in Good Cycle's social programs to gain invaluable, hands-on industry experience.

The Bike Hub is designed to be a centre for all things cycling: somewhere to meet, learn, share stories and develop a love for bicycle. The Docklands Community Bike Hub's establishment will have an immediate impact on Good Cycles social programs allowing them to transition more of their participants through to employment in the industry.

Beyond this the Bike Hub is all about cycling, promoting its benefits, bringing the community together and getting more people riding. Bikes can address many of the most pressing issues that the broader community are currently confronting: obesity, mental-health, social isolation, youth and long term unemployment and sustainability.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kBV9sd9MEGg" width="100%"></iframe>

The Hub will also go some way to further activating Harbour Esplanade in the short to medium term in tandem with Hortus, while the master plan for the area is further developed and eventually implemented. Harbour Esplanade is one of the busiest bike routes in Melbourne and will continue to be as Docklands' population grows, its waterfront develops and further bike paths are added to its current network.

<h2>About Good Cycles</h2>

Good Cycles is a Docklands based organisation that operates a retail bike store, a large bicycle servicing center. They are also a social enterprise and a registered charity – all the revenue from their commercial enterprise goes to supporting social programs focused on finding employment pathways, both within and outside the bike industry, for those experiencing significant disadvantage.

Good Cycles also runs workshops in bicycle repair and maintenance and helps deliver bike-based programs for local governments and community organisations.They currently have a large workshop service centre and retail store at 750 Collins Street.

To find out more and to pledge please visit: https://letsact.com.au/projects/the-harbour-esplanade-community-bike-hub/

To learn more about Good Cycles and the work they do please visit: http://www.goodcycles.org/
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Docklands Community Bike Hub hopes to add to the social fabric of Docklands

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Submitted to town planning last year Lend Lease's new 29-storey, $106 million residential development will comprise 321 apartments, 290 car parks, 312 bike spaces and 68 square metres of ground floor retail space.

Designed by Bates Smart, the 90 metre tower was considered by Council's Future Melbourne(Planning) Committee which resolved to support the proposal. With frontages to Collins Street, the proposed Bourke Dock public space and the Yarra, Council have urged Lend Lease to increase the amount of retail space to these key interfaces.

<blockquote>
The predominantly residential building (one ground floor retail tenancy) is contrary to the Development Plan which contemplated human services/mixed use at its interface with Bourke Dock; retail along Collins Street and commercial uses along the Yarra River interface.

The wintergarden on the shorter Collins Street/Buluk Park alignment is inactive. These departures from the use create a solely residential building with portions of inactive frontages to the public realm, rather than a mixed use building.
<cite>Future Committee Report</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/collins_wharf_location.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No.1 Collins Wharf in context. Image courtesy Aspect + Oculus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_wharf_location.jpg?itok=yCu2M_Fz" title="No.1 Collins Wharf in context. Image courtesy Aspect + Oculus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No.1 Collins Wharf in context. Image courtesy Aspect + Oculus</figcaption></figure>Located within the Victoria Harbour Precinct at the junction of Bourke and Collins Streets, No.1 Collins Wharf marks the first stage of Wharf Quarter and acts as the gateway to the Collins Wharf precinct of the peninsula. Comprising five residential towers accommodating approximately 1,500 dwellings and a number of parks and boutique offices, Collins Wharf will be built atop a finger wharf extending out into Victoria Harbour and the Yarra River.

After the best part of 15 years at construction, Collins Wharf forms the final stage of Lend Lease's Victoria Harbour 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/collinswharf.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Collins Wharf. Image courtesy of Collins Wharf Development Plan."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collinswharf.jpg?itok=csmck9ih" title="Artist's impression of Collins Wharf. Image courtesy of Collins Wharf Development Plan." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Collins Wharf. Image courtesy of Collins Wharf Development Plan.</figcaption></figure>The 24-storey (72 metre) tower sits atop a 5-storey (18 metre) high podium which contains parking and a wrap of apartments - traditional and SOHO - to key interfaces across all levels. The ground floor accommodates resident lobby and facilities plus a 68m2 retail tenancy.

The large podium is expressed as smaller elements within, reading as a number of taller townhouses rather than a slab of a building. The podium is generally constructed to all site boundaries, with the exception of an approximately four metre setback from the north (Collins Street), increasing to approximately 5.7 metres at level three and 11.3 metres at level four. 

The tower is a tall slender form which has generous setbacks to the north and south and also from the future development site to to the west. It breaks through the podium, interrupting the rhythm of the podium and addressing Bourke Dock while creating a sense of entry into the building. This design move was criticised by Council's urban design team:

<blockquote>
The Collins Street building alignment does not make a positive address on the short Collins Street / Buluk Park alignment by not being built on the boundary and not being orientated to the street and Buluk Park. The tower form meets at the junction of Collins Street and Bourke Dock, resulting in an oblique alignment.

The tower will appear as a side “end” of a tower, not a front “face”, and does not positively address Collins Street and Buluk Park.
</blockquote>

No.1 Collins Wharf is expressed as two slender, sleek rectilinear volumes offset from one another with a strong vertical articulation that is juxtaposed with occasional expression of horizontal terraces and recessed balconies. Each of these volumes also has setbacks, occurring at levels 12 and 16 respectively resulting in a somewhat animated tower form that appears as two volumes in motion both vertically and horizontally with the east facade, creating "a measurable backdrop to the civic space of Buluk Park and announces the start of the Collins Wharf 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/image20_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="No.1 Collins Wharf hero perspective. Image courtesy Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_4.jpg?itok=ZWHZY6hg" title="No.1 Collins Wharf hero perspective. Image courtesy Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>No.1 Collins Wharf hero perspective. Image courtesy Lend Lease</figcaption></figure>In addition to No.1 Collins Wharf, a 5.5 metre wide public promenade separated from the southern edge of the building by a 5.7 metre wide passage of water is proposed. To be known as Yarra Walk, the promenade would be a shared zone for cyclists and pedestrians and also provide access for small service vehicles. 

<h2>By the numbers</h2>

<ul>
<li>Total number of dwellings: 321 in townhouse style dwellings, apartments and SOHO’s
	<ul>
<li>One bedroom: 90</li>
		<li>Two bedroom: 201</li>
		<li>Three bedroom: 30</li>
	</ul>
</li>
	<li>Ground level retail: 68m2 Leasable Floor Area</li>
	<li>Overall Building Height: 90.22m / Podium Height: 18.53m</li>
	<li>North (Collins Street): 13.5m / South (Yarra River): 21.5m / West (Dock Lane East): 13.3m / East: varying, increasing as the building height increases</li>
	<li>GFA: 44,119m2</li>
	<li>Car parking spaces: 290 / Motorcycle spaces: 16</li>
	<li>Bicycle spaces: Total 312 / resident bicycles overbonnet: 201 / resident bicycles communal: 85 / visitor bicycles: 26</li>
</ul>
While 1 Collins Wharf is now selling, the entire Collins Wharf development is expected to be completed within 10 years.
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The beginning of the end: No.1 Collins Wharf

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Burgeoning developer AZX Group's Melbourne presence continues to evolve with their latest project before State planning officers subject to recent revisions. The last parcel of land to be offered for sale surrounding Etihad Stadium, 685 La Trobe Street's reworked April 2016 plans show heavily activated frontages with two residential towers set above.

After securing the vacant site for a <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/azx-buys-docklands-site-20150728-gimakw">reported $31.1 million</a>, AZX Group are pursuing 629 apartments for the 4,411sqm site with Peddle Thorp Architects entrusted with the design.

AZX Group are expecting that the revised residential towers will replace an approved office scheme for the site. Designed by Bates Smart for then owner Charter Hall, the facility was to have offered <a href="http://www.flagshipgroup.com.au/projects/another-development/">35,000sqm of office accommodation in a project valued at $220 million.</a>

<h2>685 La Trobe Street development summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image17_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="685 La Trobe Street's northern elevation. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_4.jpg?itok=O1SHsSMk" title="685 La Trobe Street's northern elevation. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>685 La Trobe Street's northern elevation. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Vacant site of 4,411sqm</li>
	<li>Dual towers with the taller at 74.5 metres</li>
	<li>629 apartments in total</li>
	<li>Tower 1: 140 x 1BR, 176 x 2BR, 3 x BR</li>
	<li>Tower 2: 59 x 1BR, 247 x 2BR, 4 x 3B </li>
	<li>Total retail NSA: 1,035sqm</li>
	<li>Provision for 373 bicycle bays and 103 car parking bays</li>
	<li>Project GFA: 62,614sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Public interface</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image18_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concourse level. Planning image: Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="448" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image18_8.jpg?itok=mlvMciP8" title="Concourse level. Planning image: Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concourse level. Planning image: Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>685 La Trobe Street is heavily activated with retail to three frontages over multiple levels, owing to the sloping nature of the site and Etihad Stadium's elevated concourse. 

Services to the development will for the most be confined to the westerly aspect which fronts a service lane, whilst an obligatory art installation will wrap the south-west corner of the development. In total 9 retail spaces wrap the development; a far stronger level of activation than a handful of neighbouring project that front Etihad Stadium.

The space separating both towers is expected to be finished with paving and areas of lawn which is a far cry from the barren concourse that currently surrounds Etihad Stadium.

685 La Trobe Street 's emphasis on interacting with its surrounds follows on from the <a href="http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-04-29/ambitious-plan-underway-to-upgrade-etihad-stadium">AFL's mooted plans to redevelop Etihad Stadium</a>'s environs should it gain control of the stadium earlier than the slated 2025 date. 

Incidentally the neighbouring site controlled by local developer Salta Properties has also headed back to planning post receiving approval for 383 apartments within a single tower. A new design for the prime corner site is expected.

<h2>AZX growing at pace</h2>

The developer has five apartment projects in play with a sixth looming in the shape of the balance of the former CUB site in Carlton, for which initial sketches show a very substantial tower in the works.

685 La Trobe Street's 600 plus apartments aside,our additional residential projects would swell the developer's pipeline by roughly 1,500 dwellings. The initial stage of <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a> within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct is under construction, leaving Bello on North Melbourne's Courtney Street as the project most likely to launch next.

AZX Group are very much indicative of the wave of Asian-backed property developers that have descended upon Melbourne in recent years.
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AZX Group's Docklands development rounds out the Stadium Precinct

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Local Melbourne investor JAK Investment Group has paid $3,810,000 for 14 office suites at 425 Docklands Drive, Docklands.
The units were originally developed by ING in 2005 as part of the Waterfront City precinct.
The office suites are currently fully leased to a range of small and medium businesses. 
The deal was brokered by Lemon Baxter director Paul O’Sullivan.
Harbourtown Shopping Centre, adjacent to the precinct, was recently acquired by Ashe Morgan Capital for $140,000,000 and is being repositioned as a shopping and entertainment drawcard. Harbourtown has recently announced the commitment of a new Hoyts Cinema Complex and Early Learning Centre.
</div>
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