<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.

Joel Robinson

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

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

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

Elenberg Fraser

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The first residents within UEM Sunrise's Aurora Melbourne Central development have begun moving into the lower levels of the soon to be 85-storey mixed-use building this week.

Probuild has handed over 336 apartments out of 941 in total, with the remainder to be completed by the second half of 2019. The next key milestone for the project will be the topping out of the core, which is due to occur in coming weeks as the floor plates follow at 3-4 day cycles.

Upon completion, Aurora will also become the tallest residential tower within the Hoddle Grid at a towering 270 metres, but will be eclipsed by Eureka (297 metres) and the under construction Australia 108 (317 metres).

However, due to its elevation - 16 to 19m across the site - Aurora will appear roughly the same height as Eureka on the Melbourne skyline.

<ul></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/aurora_timelapse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Not long to go before the core tops out. Image: Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aurora_timelapse.jpg?itok=5fIuwkDz" title="Not long to go before the core tops out. Image: Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Not long to go before the core tops out. Image: Probuild</figcaption></figure>While construction work continues above, the first residents will have access to a number of common amenities on Level 9, including two swimming pools (one being a 25 metre lap pool), gym, yoga, barre and karaoke rooms.

Further resident amenities will eventually come online on Level 66 including a resident lounge, dining, function spaces and wellness rooms, while an exclusive club lounge will be located on Level 92. An exclusive resident entry and 24/7 concierge reception desk will be located within the main lobby located on the Ground floor.

The serviced apartment and the strata office components are provided with their own dedicated entries; the latter of which are incorporated into shop-fronts on both La Trobe and Little La Trobe streets.

Retail outlets will also be provided along La Trobe Street, taking advantage of an upgraded streetscape which will be sheltered via a glazed awning structure overhead. The balance of the project's 3,097 square metres of retail will be located within a retail mall with direct access to Melbourne Central Station on Level B2. 

The B1 concourse level will provide capacity for 786 Japanese inspired bike racks with servicing centre and access to Little Latrobe Street. Aurora will also include 362 car spaces within its podium levels.

<blockquote>
We’ve strategically constructed Aurora so that it can accommodate handovers in five stages.

This allows UEM Sunrise’s purchasers to move in and enjoy high-end common areas like the swimming pool and yoga room, while construction continues safely above them.

As a builder, this project has really proven our technical capabilities on an international level. We’ve developed many world first innovations in our safety systems, materials, management technologies and verified transportation initiatives.

- Luke Stambolis, Probuild’s Victorian Managing Director
</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/20180829_probuild_aurora_026_web.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Connection to Melbourne Central. Image: Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20180829_probuild_aurora_026_web.jpg?itok=aQo7Cx-Y" title="Connection to Melbourne Central. Image: Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Connection to Melbourne Central. Image: Probuild</figcaption></figure>The handover of the first apartments within Aurora caps off a big month for Probuild, <a href="/news/probuild-tops-out-at-271-spring-street">with handover of apartments at Avant and the topping out of 271 Spring Street, while major milestones have also been achieved on West Side Place</a>.
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Laurence Dragomir

Aurora Melbourne Central's first residents begin moving in

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The next entry in the <a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-designs-revealed-at-future-cities-symposium">"Southbank by Beulah"</a> design competition that Apartments.com.au will be putting under the spotlight is MAD Architects and Elenberg Fraser's "Urban Tree" proposal.

Rejecting the typical notion of the Melbourne skyscraper found within the central city, MAD and EF's design instead favours an organic design which introduces a silhouette of natural forms – mountain, tree and cloud – into a dense urban environment.

According to the architects, the Urban Tree provides a distinct and iconic scheme for the Melbourne skyline, and one which celebrates Melbourne's parks and gardens by allowing citizens to connect with nature.

The design was informed by carefully studying the tower’s site and composition, and rather than maxing out the planning envelope, instead proposes a single tower strategy to avoid over-crowding and to maintain and allow sightlines from the surrounding high-rises while also maximizing the views from the residential and hotel programs on the upper floors.

<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/06_mad_southbank-by-beulah.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The podium is envisaged as a 'mountain village'. Image: MAD Architects and Elenberg Fraser "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="583" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/06_mad_southbank-by-beulah.jpg?itok=JKAZU960" title="The podium is envisaged as a 'mountain village'. Image: MAD Architects and Elenberg Fraser " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The podium is envisaged as a 'mountain village'. Image: MAD Architects and Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The future of our cities needs to have an emotional connection between humanity and nature.

Urban Tree will feature small, green foothills that lead pedestrians up to the ‘mountain village’, with amenities along Southbank Boulevard including a children’s playground, public artwork and a water feature.

- Ma Yansong, Founder &amp; Principal Partner, MAD Architects
</blockquote>

The podium is envisaged as a ‘mountain village’, with the typical massing of a retail/mall space reduced and a more intimate human-scale introduced. 

The urban spaces are stacked vertically and landscaped with lush green walls and trees to give visitors and residents alike, the feeling that they are in nature, rather than in the middle of a dense urban environment.

The tower rises up out of the mountain village like a tree, to a maximum height of 360m - hence the Urban Tree moniker.

Clad in transparent glass, it employs an innovative Glulam timber façade structure that mimics tree roots twisting upwards, reinforcing the tower’s organic shape. Sky gardens are interspersed throughout that vertically extend the urban green up the height of the tower.

The pinnacle of the tower is ‘the cloud’ - a cantilevered structure that accommodates the public amenities for the hotel including lobby, restaurant, bar, and observation deck, and offering expansive and all-encompassing views of Melbourne.

Composed of an ETFE membrane façade, it is lightweight and features varying degrees of transparency. Towards the edges, ‘the cloud’ becomes translucent, emulating a real cloud so that it gives the sensation of air and lightness, becoming a blur as it blends into the sky.

<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/09_mad_southbank-by-beulah.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Urban Tree will be topped at its pinnacle with 'the cloud' housing public amenities. Image: MAD Architects and Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/09_mad_southbank-by-beulah.jpg?itok=sEl4y_nn" title="The Urban Tree will be topped at its pinnacle with 'the cloud' housing public amenities. Image: MAD Architects and Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Urban Tree will be topped at its pinnacle with 'the cloud' housing public amenities. Image: MAD Architects and Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>At street level, the tower maintains a cohesive design language drawing on and responding to the Southbank Boulevard transformation project.

The design team have proposed an inviting plaza landscape that integrates urban activation spaces, and revitalizes the street level in a way that encourages people to gather and linger. Conceived as a series of small, green foothills that lead pedestrians up to the ‘mountain village’, the scheme seeks to link the ground plane to the building.

MAD and EF introduce nature into the urban context, by remodelling the typical high-rises typically found in cities.

Materializing as a ‘mountain in the city’, the design establishes open connections between the interior and exterior spaces in the form of large terraces, gardens, and public art zones.

The winning design for the “Southbank by Beulah” competition will be announced on August 8th, 2018.
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Southbank by Beulah: MAD Architects & Elenberg Fraser - The Urban Tree

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With its Southbank by Beulah ‘Future Cities’ Symposium sold out to a 1,000 strong crowd, <a href="/developers/beulah">Beulah International</a> handed over the stage to the 6 competing architectural teams to reveal their design responses for the <a href="/news">118 City Road</a> site.

Working to a maximum height of 360m above street level and accommodating a GFA of in excess of 250,000 sqm, each of the teams took a unique approach to site reflecting on its position adjacent to the soon to be greened Southbank Boulevard which links the Royal Botanical Gardens to <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank's</a> promenade and the river beyond.

The teams initially pitched their respective designs for the site to Beulah International across two days at the recently installed Beulah Pavilion situated at Queensbridge Square, Southbank.

Designed by Samson Tiew from <a href="/architects/one-design-office">One Design Office</a>, the pavilion will act as an exhibition space for all of the design entries now that they have been publicly revealed.

<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/southbank_pop_up_pavilion.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Samson Tiew's pop-up pavilion for Beulah International. Image: Beulah"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="228" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_pop_up_pavilion.jpg?itok=LKHAchxh" title="Samson Tiew's pop-up pavilion for Beulah International. Image: Beulah" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Samson Tiew's pop-up pavilion for Beulah International. Image: Beulah</figcaption></figure>Below is a summary of each of the designs;

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-big-fk-the-lanescraper">BIG + FK - 'The Lanescraper'</a></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/54b6eb4e85df98fa8a5cf9a915846f0e.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Lanescraper by BIG + FKA. Images: BIG "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/54b6eb4e85df98fa8a5cf9a915846f0e.jpg?itok=PFnb8dRX" title="The Lanescraper by BIG + FKA. Images: BIG " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Lanescraper by BIG + FKA. Images: BIG</figcaption></figure>Celebrating <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's laneways</a>, 'The Lanescraper' introduces a series of laneways rising up the height of the tower providing spaces for various programmatic uses and assisting in reducing the visual mass while also providing areas of respite.

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-coop-himmelblau-architectus-the-beulah-propeller-city">COOP HIMMELB(L)AU + architectus - 'The Propeller City'</a></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/57cd5cc9f84cc869dfa9edc0747109ac.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="COOP Himmelb(l)au + Architectus' The Propeller City. Images: COOP Himmelb(l)au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/57cd5cc9f84cc869dfa9edc0747109ac.jpg?itok=peJzkIqL" title="COOP Himmelb(l)au + Architectus' The Propeller City. Images: COOP Himmelb(l)au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>COOP Himmelb(l)au + Architectus' The Propeller City. Images: COOP Himmelb(l)au</figcaption></figure>The Propeller City concept is named so because of its propeller-like element which crowns the building and can be programmed as penthouses, or potentially a restaurant or function space.

At ground level on the corner of Southbank Boulevard and City Road's the BMW Experience centre draws on COOP Himmelb(l)au's BMW Welt in Munich as an invitation for the public to enter and explore the building.

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-mad-architects-elenberg-fraser-the-urban-tree">MAD Architects + elenberg fraser - 'The Urban Tree'</a></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/03_mad_southbank-by-beulah-768x500.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Urban Tree by MAD Architects + Elenberg Fraser. Image: MAD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="378" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/03_mad_southbank-by-beulah-768x500.jpg?itok=CHg1nBaW" title="The Urban Tree by MAD Architects + Elenberg Fraser. Image: MAD Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Urban Tree by MAD Architects + Elenberg Fraser. Image: MAD Architects</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Defying the typical glass, box-like buildings of Melbourne that appear detached from the city’s historic parks and natural local terrain, MAD’s organic design introduces a silhouette of natural forms – mountain, tree, cloud – into the dense city center, offering a distinct and iconic scheme for the skyline, that reconnects citizens with nature.

The pinnacle of the design is ‘the cloud’ – a cantilevered structure that houses the public amenities for the hotel (lobby, restaurant, bar, and observation deck), and offers 360° views of Melbourne. 

- MAD Architects
</blockquote>

 

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-mvrdv-woods-bagot-the-stack">MVRDV + Woods Bagot - 'The Stack'</a></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/mvrdv_wb_sbb_media_image_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Stack by MVRDV + Woods Bagot. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mvrdv_wb_sbb_media_image_01.jpg?itok=5QAuHCCs" title="The Stack by MVRDV + Woods Bagot. Image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Stack by MVRDV + Woods Bagot. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
MVRDV and Woods Bagot have proposed a “new kind of skyscraper” for a landmark mixed-use site in Melbourne’s Southbank. The Stack is one of six invited entries in an architectural competition organised by the site’s owners Beulah International, a Melbourne-based developer known for its commitment to excellence in local design.

Eschewing Southbank’s typical model of podium and tower – a typology that has always promised but seldom delivered – the Stack is a confident prism with public interface on all sides.

- Woods Bagot
</blockquote>

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-oma-conrad-gargett-the-base">OMA + Conrad Gargett - The Base</a></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/oma_conrad_gargett.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Base by OMA + Conrad Gargett. Image: Mr.P"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="549" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/oma_conrad_gargett.jpg?itok=60TfboMU" title="The Base by OMA + Conrad Gargett. Image: Mr.P" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Base by OMA + Conrad Gargett. Image: Mr.P</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
At a height of 345m and total GFA of 255,000 m2, the project would be the largest building that OMA designed after CCTV.  

OMA’s design proposes a tower stemming from a base that acts as a 24/7 mixed-use vertical city with cultural, commercial, educational and social program elements bound together with the more generic programs of retail, food and beverage.

In this vertical city, there are highways of movement through large express escalators, shortcuts by elevators, and laneways to wander on through normal escalators, stairs, and voids.

The Base follows the outline of the site and then tapers back to a slab 100m above the city

- OMA
</blockquote>

<h2><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-un-studio-cox-architecture-the-green-spine">UN Studio + COX - 'The Green Spine'</a></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/unstudio_cox.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The Green Spine by UN Studio + COX. Image: COX "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="517" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/unstudio_cox.png?itok=jUDyOmQC" title="The Green Spine by UN Studio + COX. Image: COX " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Green Spine by UN Studio + COX. Image: COX</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Cox Architecture and UN Studio have imagined ‘The Green Spine’ for International design competition ‘Southbank by Beulah’.

The distinct design is the product of the two firms’ collaborative, conceptual thinking of future living. Characterised by twisting cascades of greenery that appear to be cut out from the tower forms, Cox Architecture and UN Studio’s submission considers nature, culture and well-being within the urban framework.

- COX Architecture
</blockquote>

The Southbank by Beulah designs will be exhibited at the Beulah Pavilion until August 1, located in front of the Red Stair Amphitheatre in Southbank.

The winning design for the “Southbank by Beulah” competition will be announced on August 8th, 2018.

Editor's note 06/08/2018: Links have been added to each individual entry as they are published on the site. Click on the heading of each to open the corresponding article.
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Southbank by Beulah designs revealed at Future Cities Symposium

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Melbourne's hotel stronghold is poised to gain another addition as developer BPM pushes to gain approval for a project across 130-134 Little Collins Street.

Already heavy with existing hotels, the Little Collins Street / Exhibition Street axis stands to gain a 300-room NEXT Hotel which is currently under construction, in addition to BPM's intended tower. Entering planning late last year, the Little Collins Street project is the latest for BPM which has veered away from residential developments to focus on the current strong demand for hotel space within Melbourne's CBD.

BPM is looking to sell 9-11 Exploration Lane, having installed builder Maxcon to deliver the 100-metre tower. Upon its completion which is slated for late next year, the Elenberg Fraser-designed tower will stand 34 metres and occupy a miniscule 168 square metre site.

Also on BPM's for sale list is 33 King Street which includes 241 hotel rooms over 30 levels. It too is the design of Elenberg Fraser.

<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/image55_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="130-134 Little Collins Street. Image: BPM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="997" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image55_11.jpg?itok=kkm2WsDb" title="130-134 Little Collins Street. Image: BPM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>130-134 Little Collins Street. Image: BPM</figcaption></figure>130-134 Little Collins Street's planning tilt follows on from Elenberg Fraser working on early design for then landowner Uniting Church of Australia.

During late 2016 <a href="https://www.victas.uca.org.au/UCA%20Resources/Property/Documents/130%20LC%20information%20sheet%20051217.pdf">BPM was installed by the Uniting Church</a> as its preferred Joint Venture partner, with the duo then creating an "alternate development concept plan to ensure the most favourable planning outcome for the site." The revised scheme resulted in residential apartments being replaced by a purely residential hotel development. 

According to the Uniting Church, "prior to the commencement of construction, the development partner, or a third party will enter into a contract of sale to purchase the accommodation hotel which will de-risk the project."

Uniting Church, in turn, will use the proceeds of the sale to support the operations of the wider church.

<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/image54_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Greenery envisaged for Little Collins Street frontage. Image: BPM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image54_8.jpg?itok=OK9vhnPr" title="Greenery envisaged for Little Collins Street frontage. Image: BPM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Greenery envisaged for Little Collins Street frontage. Image: BPM</figcaption></figure>130-134 Little Collins Street sits alongside Citadines on Bourke Melbourne and is diagonally opposite the aforementioned NEXT Hotel on former Little Collins Street forecourt of what was Nauru House. Builder Multiplex now has the NEXT Hotel jump form above ground with an expected completion date for the 29-storey tower slated for next year.

Existing hotels in the south-east pocket of Melbourne's CBD include Stamford Plaza Melbourne, QT Melbourne, Sheraton Melbourne, Rydges Melbourne, Mantra Exhibition and Sofitel Melbourne.

Urban.com.au's Project Database shows 15 separate active hotel developments within Melbourne's CBD. Thousands of new hotel rooms and suites are set for the CBD despite the healthy number of completed hotel developments in recent years.
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silvermb

Little Collins Street's hotel precinct poised for another addition

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One of the latest planning applications to be advertised via City of Boroondara underlines the growing ambitions of Balwyn-based developer Melstone.

352-358 Canterbury Road is Melstone's latest endeavour, having enlisted Elenberg Fraser to deliver a design that will capitalise upon Melstone's confidence in Melbourne's local apartment market. The Surrey Hills project intends to replace a permit for a more modest Neil Architecture-designed scheme of 29 predominantly townhouse dwellings.

Conversely Melstone hopes to yield 42 apartments across the 5 level proposal which has a development cost of $20 million. Asked by Apartments.com.au, Melstone says the Surrey Hills project will squarely be aimed at local downsizers and owner occupiers.

<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/image86_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Wide pan view of 352-358 Canterbury Road. Image: Melstone"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="280" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image86_6.jpg?itok=AvNG0ezA" title="Wide pan view of 352-358 Canterbury Road. Image: Melstone" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wide pan view of 352-358 Canterbury Road. Image: Melstone</figcaption></figure>352-358 Canterbury Road has been positioned to become the area's premier apartment development, as described by urban planning agency proUrban:

<blockquote>
The proposed development presents an elegant, mid-rise, mixed-use building of architectural excellence on an underutilised inner-urban landholding. The building proposes to reinforce an emerging character of mid-rise buildings, as emphasised within planning policy and evidenced through recent planning approvals in the area for buildings of increased scale.
</blockquote>

As a result the Surrey Hills proposal's apartment split sees 4 single, 25 double and 13 triple bedroom apartments.

Surrey Hills though is not the only apartment development on Melstone's agenda. A display suite sits at the ready at 33-35 Ringwood Street, after the DKO Architecture-designed application gained approval during April.

<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/image87_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="33-35 Ringwood Street. Image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image87_3.jpg?itok=kURsXIkk" title="33-35 Ringwood Street. Image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>33-35 Ringwood Street. Image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>The Ringwood development is a seven storey mixed use project consisting of a basement car park, ground floor retail spaces and apartments above. Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/ringwoods-has-600-apartments-under-construction-as-a-new-project-nears-launch">recently highlighted</a> the currently robust Ringwood apartment market, with 600 apartments now under construction.

Melstone expect 33-35 Ringwood Street to launch in coming months, and will be aimed at capitalise upon the underlying demand for apartments in the suburb.

Melstone's largest project was a Box Hill apartment development which they successfully sold during 2017 with a permit in place. 16-22 Wellington Road includes approximately 130 apartments over 14 levels in another design conceived by Elenberg Fraser.

The Box Hill project entered planning during early 2016 under the guidance of Melstone and found approval late in the same year.

Melstone's rise to prominence is reflective of many Melbourne developers who began with small-scale apartment or townhouse pursuits and have progressed to more robust developments, mirroring the growing appetite for apartments across wider Melbourne.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image84_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Box Hill's 16-22 Wellington Road. Image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="539" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_10.jpg?itok=rBSxb3Jn" title="Box Hill's 16-22 Wellington Road. Image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Box Hill's 16-22 Wellington Road. Image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>
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Melstone moves on Melbourne's eastern suburbs

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Against a backdrop of planning uncertainty, delayed projects and legal wrangling, Singapore-based developer Chip Eng Seng Corporation is pushing through with Fishermans Bend's first tower launch for the year.

Having taken the sprawling near 6,000 square metre site off fellow developer BPM's hands, Chip Eng Seng Corporation is utilising local development arm CEL Australia (CES Gladstone) to push on with the marketing of the project's first stage.

The site transaction was completed during 2016 at a price of $52 million and included approval for 742 residential apartments over three towers. 

The project's inception began during 2014 with a then Hayball-designed scheme heading to planning. Post initial approval Elenberg Fraser was enlisted to tweak the tri-towered design into what will is being released for sale.

<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/image195_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Towers in succession. Image: CES Gladstone"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image195_0.jpg?itok=AawIcrIc" title="Towers in succession. Image: CES Gladstone" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Towers in succession. Image: CES Gladstone</figcaption></figure>222 new apartments are included across FIFTEEN85's initial release which is the westernmost cobalt blue tower of the trio. According to marketing material, the overall design has been influenced by American glass artist Josiah McElheny's works, with transparency a feature.

The development's podium levels are laden with greenery, tying the project in with the adjoining 8,000 square metre Montague Park which is currently under construction.

Internally FIFTEEN85 will include a residents lounge, podium top outdoor terrace, gym, dining area plus a range of one, two and three bedroom apartments.

<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/image198_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="FIFTEEN85 perspectives. Image: CES Gladstone"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image198_0.jpg?itok=27hfn6pw" title="FIFTEEN85 perspectives. Image: CES Gladstone" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>FIFTEEN85 perspectives. Image: CES Gladstone</figcaption></figure>FIFTEEN85 will join a trio of other apartment projects now at sales within Fishermans Bend. Ruiyi Australia's <a href="/buildings/south-15-thistlethwaite-street-south-melbourne">South</a> and Portal Properties' <a href="/new-apartments/171-183-ferrars-street-south-melbourne">Vivid</a> both have long-running sales campaigns whilst SPEC Property's <a href="/buildings/lilix-51-59-thistlethwaite-street-south-melbourne">Lilix</a> is currently being offered via channel sales.

Third Street's <a href="/buildings/pm-port-melbourne-320-plummer-street-port-melbourne">PM Port Melbourne</a> is the remaining active project and has been awarded to Hutchinson Builders. It is the only project headed for construction in the urban renewal area, which would have had arguably far more projects at sales but for the extensive planning review of the precinct which is expected to tip into next year.

The changing planning goal posts has prompted Third Street to <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/fishermans-bend-developer-sues-minister-over-massive-apartment-project-20180419-p4zal5">initiate legal proceedings</a> in order to push through two additional projects.

Planning uncertainty has seen developments such as FIFTEEN85 advance as planned whilst others have effectively been scrapped.
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FIFTEEN85 is Fishermans Bend's first major launch of 2018

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The owners of the site with a permit to build the 55 Clarke Street project have put the site up for sale through Colliers International.

<a href="/news/51-65-clarke-street-shapes-as-a-southbank-tower-with-a-twist">In 2016 when we profiled the project</a>, the 1,787 square metre site originally had a proposal for 73 levels that included 112 hotel suites and 512 apartments across all three main apartment configurations.

Developer Newcity Group also engaged Ellenberg Fraser to design a tower that also included 120 car spaces and 327 bike spaces.

Fast forward and the project that was eventually approved was chopped down to 69 levels that included 565 apartments, 653 square metres of office space and a further 462 square metres of retail space.

Approval for the project occurred prior to the new floor-space ratios that are now governing new proposals on land which has a Capital City Zone in Central Melbourne with marketing material for the sale of the site with a permit referencing the 'unrepeatable' 30:1 FSR.

<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zz7JzUpRRAR2">The site</a> sits one block back from City Road and has three frontages to Clarke, Hancock and Catherine Streets in Southbank.  Its nearest neighbours include recent developments such as Salvo's Platinum, 283 City Road and the 2013-era Habitat at 58 Clarke Street.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Conveniently located in one of Melbourne’s most proven apartment market’s 55 Clarke Street features an approved planning permit to deliver one of Melbourne’s most impressive towers.

At 69 levels, the Elenberg Fraser design comprising a range of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments featuring spectacular views over Port Philip Bay, Melbourne CBD and Albert Park Lake.

With a prime position located in between Melbourne CBD, and South Melbourne 55 Clarke Street will afford its future residents easy access to public transport, retail amenity, along with the arts and sporting precincts providing a dynamic and exciting lifestyle in the world’s most liveable city. 
<a href="http://www.colliers.com.au/206929/"><cite>Colliers International</cite></a>
</blockquote>

Trent Hobart, Bryson Cameron and Jun Lai of Colliers International have been appointed to sell 55 Clarke Street.

"55 Clarke Street represents an exceptional development site for connected inner city living, located in the middle of the South Melbourne lifestyle precinct, the Melbourne CBD and Crown Casino entertainment complex and the Melbourne Arts precincts, in what is considered the ultimate location for connected living,” Trent Hobart, Residential Director at Colliers International, said.

Bryson Cameron added “there is over $7 billion worth of private and public infrastructure investment within Southbank's future supply pipeline through to 2021. This includes a combination of commercial and mixed-use projects adding to the public amenity and fuelling local employment." 

The sale of 55 Clarke Street is by expression of interest which closes at 2pm on June 13th.

<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/55_clarke.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The 55 Clarke Street project render from the street - image: Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="425" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/55_clarke.png?itok=xXGYYG8c" title="The 55 Clarke Street project render from the street - image: Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 55 Clarke Street project render from the street - image: Colliers</figcaption></figure>
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Alastair Taylor

A Southbank super site goes to market

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Today marks the official commencement of construction across the Kinnears site in Footscray.

After years of laying dormant, developer R&amp;F Property Australia will turn the sod on the multiphased project which is valued at $750 million. Christened Live City, the development will see various aspects of the 1908 former Kinnears Ropeworks building retained or amalgamated into numerous residential buildings slated for the site.

Ultimately the urban regeneration project may include as many as 1,450 apartments plus retail, commercial office space and multiple publicly accessible areas.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image59_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Live City's initial construction stage. Image: R&amp;F Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="912" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image59_4.jpg?itok=xU9llV2X" title="Live City's initial construction stage. Image: R&amp;F Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Live City's initial construction stage. Image: R&amp;F Property</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The development comes with a vision to create a sustainable hub that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding local neighbourhood, along with increased housing and amenity for Melbourne’s inner west.

We want to create lively communities that have good transport connections, shops, cafes and access to employment and education facilities.
<cite>R&amp;F Property Australia Vice President Thomas Chiu</cite>
</blockquote>

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the entire project is to be delivered over the next 6-8 years and includes six separate precincts.

Urban.com.au noted that builder LU Simon was <a href="/news/kinnears-and-victoria-square-add-to-footscrays-construction-upswing">onsite as of late February</a> for enabling works, with construction proper now set to commence. Expected within the first stage of Live City which accounts for the western portion of the massive 33,393 square metre site are 208 apartments across three buildings.

LU Simon's aspect of the build reaches 15 levels, with future buildings across the site ranging between eight and eighteen storeys. Currently, demolition works are in progress elsewhere across the site, gradually removing the structure that formerly housed the rope manufacturer. 

<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/live_city_3_preview_0.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial overview of the development in its entirety. Image: R&amp;F Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/live_city_3_preview_0.jpeg?itok=qXXBxyqI" title="Aerial overview of the development in its entirety. Image: R&amp;F Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial overview of the Footscray development in its entirety. Image: R&amp;F Property</figcaption></figure>Post purchasing the Kinnears site from AXF Group during 2016 for a <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/residential/richard-gu-nets-60m-for-footscray-development-site-20140722-jjllw">reported $60 million</a>, <a href="/buildings/live-city-124-188-ballarat-road-footscray">Live City</a> represents R&amp;F Property Australia’s first Melbourne project. Between site purchase and construction commencement R&amp;F Property Australia went through the planning process which included consultation with Maribyrnong City Council and Heritage Victoria in order for all parties to be satisfied with heritage aspects of the development.

Live City's commencement will see it be delivered in unison with another upcoming R&amp;F Property Australia project, in Brisbane's West End.

Earlier this month the developer confirmed intentions for the $500 million mixed-use precinct which spans 1.6 hectares. Expected to accommodate in excess of 1,000 apartments and a new public realm to the Brisbane River under the approved masterplan, R&amp;F Property Australia are chasing adjustments to the masterplan which includes a public plaza and retail/restaurant spaces.

<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/image56_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brisbane's West End development. Image: R&amp;F Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image56_6.jpg?itok=iQOTdWGi" title="Brisbane's West End development. Image: R&amp;F Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brisbane's West End development. Image: R&amp;F Property</figcaption></figure>Both the Kinnears and West End projects are in addition to Brisbane 1, which is R&amp;F Property Australia’s maiden Australian development. Hutchinson Builders are in charge of the build which will deliver 744 apartments across 3 towers and which has a 2020 targeted completion date.

R&amp;F Property Australia's penchant for large-scale projects will see their current apartment pipeline across the three Melbourne and Brisbane developments swell beyond 3,000 apartments, with further land holdings in both cities likely to bolster that figure further in years to come.
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Live City Footscray begins construction, pushing R&F's current apartment pipeline beyond 3,000

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<a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill residents</a> and visitors alike may soon have the chance to access a publicly accessible space atop a new mixed-use tower on Station Street.

No stranger to residential development with a string of recent residential builds completed, Station Street may soon sport a new design highlight with the prospective public space rolled into the development championed by Austone International Pty Ltd and Australia Dingjiu Group Pty Ltd.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the proposal accounts for a trio of low-rise buildings across 702-706 Station Street. As part of the intended development, a dedicated and separate public elevator will shuttle visitors from the landscaped ground level foyer to the dual level rooftop 'lookout park'.

The incorporation of the communal sky garden is one of a number of design changes and enhancements since the application for development first landed with Whitehorse City Council during 2016. Initially seeking a higher outcome, the tower has been scaled back to 15 levels, which is itself taller than surrounding buildings.

702-706 Station Street was sold during mid-2015 for $5.7 million, and now forms part of the wider development footprint. The amalgamated site spans 1,350 square metres and has a frontage of 29 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/image157_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Part of the amalgamated development site. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image157_1.jpg?itok=HvP61IQg" title="Part of the amalgamated development site. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Part of the amalgamated development site. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>A cafe, sky deck, dining area, green space, ampitheatre and playground feature at the tower's peak. All told the stepped terrace design spans 586 square metres and will be accessed via a dedicated lift fronting Paynes Lane, which itself will be overhauled as part of the development.

Paynes Lane's transformation is expected to include new paving, art installations, a green wall, planters and additional bicycle parking.

Elevated public park aside, a handful of additional design features have been rolled into the development. Future residents can expect to see a gym, karaoke lounge and massage parlour across level 2, with dual retail spaces accounting for the Station Street ground level frontage.

1,746 square metres of leasable office space is also included within the tower that reaches 56 metres, and which sits above a 5 level basement accommodating 98 vehicle bays and 74 bicycle racks.

In terms of apartments 702-706 Station Street looks to add another 99 dwellings to Box Hill's already hefty apartment pipeline. These 99 dwellings are split between 53 single bedroom and 46 dual bedroom apartments.

The application is currently at advertising, with a planning result likely in the second half of this 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/image159_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Blue area denotes the public rooftop space. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="332" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image159_2.jpg?itok=EWItrWxU" title="Blue area denotes the public rooftop space. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Blue area denotes the public rooftop space. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>
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Box Hill's latest tower proposal incorporates a public rooftop park

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UEM Sunrise along with head contractor Hickory Group recently celebrated the ‘topping out’ of Conservatory at a ceremony marking the event.

The $330 million residential building designed by COX Architecture is located on MacKenzie Street and upon practical completion will become UEM Sunrise’s first completed project in Australia since its entry into the Melbourne market during 2013.

Conservatory will also include a display comprising 477 pieces of significant artefacts discovered during the archaeological excavation stage early in the project's life, which will be available for public viewing from late September 2018.

<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/conservatory_redden.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="UEM Sunrise's Conservatory recently topped out. 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/conservatory_redden.jpg?itok=aHcrXXGG" title="UEM Sunrise's Conservatory recently topped out. Image: redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>UEM Sunrise's Conservatory recently topped out. Image: Forum member redden</figcaption></figure>The artefacts will be located in glass cases in the foyer of the building, which can be visible from Bell Place. UEM Sunrise has worked closely with Heritage Victoria and the appointed archaeological consultant to identify these artefacts, which include:

<ul>
<li>
Hidden Loot – a small revolver and bullets, together with a small leather wallet and beaded necklace, were found hidden in the Mistletoe Hotel cellar, signifying the colourful lifestyle of the hotel occupants.</li>
	<li>
Necessities – everyday items that were used by patrons at the Mistletoe Hotel to service the population boom, such as a clay pipe, ceramic egg cups, silverware, a clay pipe, fob watch, inkwells, bone handle carving knives and perfume bottles.</li>
	<li>
Gold – items from the Early Gold Rush era owned by wealthy patrons, such as a gold nugget pin.</li>
	<li>
Glasswares – a number of cognac and champagne bottles used at the hotel signify a time of extravagance.</li>
</ul>
The first stage of Conservatory apartments will be handed over to purchasers from late September 2018.

UEM Sunrise's other significant Melbourne project, Aurora Melbourne Central is racing along to its eventual height of 267m with Probuild at the helm. The core of the Elenberg Fraser designed goliath is currently sitting at level 68, just below the 200 metre mark with the first stage of apartments set to be handed over to their respective purchasers later this year.

Upon completion, Aurora will become the tallest tower within the bounds of the Hoddle Grid, eclipsed only by Southbank's Eureka Tower (297m), Australia 108 (317m) and Crown's One Queensbridge Street (323m).

<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/aurora_mc_adrian.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora Melbourne Central is approaching 200m. Image: Forum member Adrian"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="785" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aurora_mc_adrian.png?itok=F2jfVY0x" title="Aurora Melbourne Central is approaching 200m. Image: Forum member Adrian" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora Melbourne Central is approaching 200 metres. Image: forum member Adrian</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Hickory is very proud to be delivering a high quality, landmark project in Melbourne such as Conservatory. It will no doubt be an amazing place to live and for the owners of these luxury apartments, Hickory will help maintain the quality for years to come, not unlike the servicing of a new luxury car.

As a first in the industry, we will be on hand to ensure that owners protect their most valuable asset and keep their apartments operating efficiently into the future.

- Michael Argyrou, Managing Director of Hickory
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Conservatory marks an important piece of history for UEM Sunrise – it’s the next step for us in fulfilling our promise of delivering quality, luxury projects in Australia, with Aurora Melbourne Central set to be handed over to purchasers from Q3 2018 onwards and site works of <a href="/new-apartments/the-mayfair-412-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Mayfair</a> commencing this year.

Conservatory is an integral part of Melbourne’s history, too. Before construction began, we engaged an archaeological consultant for an archaeological excavation of the site. They uncovered over 250,000 artefacts, dating back to the early gold rush in the 1800s when the site was the Mistletoe Hotel.

Fittingly, these items reflect an opulent time when Melbourne’s population was bourgeoning, and settlement started to take shape.

Conservatory similarly represents a new era of population growth and will service Melbournians with luxury accommodation options, boasting views over the Carlton Gardens and lavish amenities such as a rooftop jacuzzi, private cinema and golf simulator

-  Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib, UEM Sunrise Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer
</blockquote>
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