Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Elenberg Fraser

<html><body>
It looks to be one of those instances where a single image says it all.

In this case the lead image above illustrates the rapid change engulfing the northern stretch of <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's CBD</a>. During a recent visit to Hickory Group's topping out ceremony for <a href="/buildings/la-trobe-tower-323-la-trobe-street-melbourne">La Trobe Tower</a>, the scale of this change became patently evident.

Given abundant coverage to date on Apartments.com.au, towering individual planning applications and rendered city models fail to adequately convey the emergence of a new crop of tall Melbourne towers. The above image for instance would be greatly augmented should the 210 metre <a href="/buildings/uno-melbourne-117-abeckett-street-melbourne">111 A'Beckett Street</a> rise in the foreground; essentially block out three of the new crop of towers which all weigh in above the 200 metre mark: Vision, <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a> and <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Light House</a>.

Assuming that we're currently at a nominal half-way point in the construction of this rash of new residential towers across the north of Melbourne's CBD, what observations can be made at this time?

<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/img_8244_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Welcome to the new Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8244_0.jpg?itok=2sMDbtcB" title="Welcome to the new Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Welcome to the new Melbourne</figcaption></figure>On a more intimate level, the street character of Elizabeth Street in particular has been drastically altered.

Minimal setbacks have given the eastern site of Elizabeth an imposing presence from street level; some will argue it as a welcomed change representing Melbourne's progression, while others will note that Elizabeth Street is becoming a cold and uninviting public place. Much will depend upon how readily these new towers interact with the streetscape upon their respective completions.

A previously rundown streetscape or an uninviting wall of towers, for those who value urban design it could be argued neither is a particularly palatable outcome.

<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/img_8245.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lighthouse on show"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8245.jpg?itok=neLmdL4H" title="Lighthouse on show" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lighthouse on show</figcaption></figure>On a larger scale though, these new towers have definitely brought a fresh design dynamic to Melbourne's skyline, with <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a> the primary firm responsible.

The architecture practice can lay claim to seven current towers in the northern stretch of Melbourne's CBD; five are at construction with the shortest being the 172 metre <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">Avant</a>. Colour and form are coming to the fore, with Light House above a prime example of Elenberg Fraser's progressive design dynamic.

Perhaps though the most stylish tower on the rise anywhere in Melbourne is <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">EQ Tower</a>. It's pinkish-purple facade and inverse flowing lines are particularly attractive and it has rapidly emerged as a beacon of design prowess, owing to its many unique characteristics.

<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/img_8229.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="EQ Tower"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8229.jpg?itok=My0-ANw-" title="EQ Tower" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>EQ Tower</figcaption></figure>With many towers under construction now taking on their own unique characteristics, here is an overview of the current status of all major towers within Melbourne's northern CBD zone:

<h2>Planning and approved</h2>

<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">386 William</a>, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">183 A'Beckett</a>, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Scape La Trobe</a>, <a href="/buildings/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/441-451-elizabeth-street-melbourne">441 Elizabeth</a>, <a href="/developments/greater-dandenong-vic">102 Franklin</a>, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">478 Elizabeth</a>, <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">111 A'Beckett</a>

<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/97_franklin_talls.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="97 Franklin Street as rendered into the new Melbourne skyline."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="428" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/97_franklin_talls.jpg?itok=Mr2k9-IG" title="97 Franklin Street as rendered into the new Melbourne skyline." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>97 Franklin Street as rendered into the new Melbourne skyline.</figcaption></figure><h2>Sales</h2>

<a href="/buildings/wills-place-17-wills-street-melbourne">Wills Place</a>, <a href="/buildings/queens-place-157-a-beckett-street-and-370-queen-street-melbourne">Queens Place</a>, <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">303 La Trobe</a>

<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/image69_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="303 La Trobe has joined Queens Place at project sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image69_4.jpg?itok=tge5ePVc" title="303 La Trobe has joined Queens Place at project sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>303 La Trobe has joined Queens Place at project sales</figcaption></figure><h2>Early phase construction</h2>

<a href="/new-apartments/iglu-229-franklin-street-melbourne">229 Franklin</a>, <a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a>, <a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">Scape Swanston</a>, <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">Avant</a>

<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/image66_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora Melbourne Central on the rise. Image: Adrian"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="391" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image66_3.jpg?itok=_fhDPQ01" title="Aurora Melbourne Central on the rise. Image: Adrian" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora Melbourne Central on the rise. Image: Adrian</figcaption></figure><h2>Mid construction</h2>

<a href="/buildings/empire-melbourne-398-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Empire</a>, <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Light House</a>, <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a>, <a href="/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">EQ Tower</a>

<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/image65_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Empire and Light House have progressed rapidly"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image65_0.jpg?itok=bK2WonaE" title="Empire and Light House have progressed rapidly" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Empire and Light House have progressed rapidly</figcaption></figure><h2>Topped out</h2>

<a href="/buildings/la-trobe-tower-323-la-trobe-street-melbourne">La Trobe Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/eporo-tower-279-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Eporo Tower</a>

<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/img_8228.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A recent shot of La Trobe Tower"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8228.jpg?itok=8ck0dVB4" title="A recent shot of La Trobe Tower" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A recent shot of La Trobe Tower</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

The changing face of Melbourne's northern CBD

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It's not often you return from an overseas trip to be greeted with a letter from City of Yarra pertaining to a Planning Application for a significant development down the street.

Planners <a href="https://urbis.com.au/">Urbis</a> on behalf of <a href="http://www.bamfa.com.au/">Bamfa Properties</a> has submitted a combined planning permit application and planning scheme amendment to pave the way forward for a significant mixed-use scheme. A 12-storey and 10-storey building with associated 3-storey podia at 462-482 Swan Street is proposed adjacent to Burnley Station on an approximately 4,658sqm site.

The <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/">Elenberg Fraser</a> designed scheme replaces five Edwardian cottages and a series of light industrial buildings.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/site_plan_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site Plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/site_plan_0.jpg?itok=bCD0BOSx" title="Site Plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site Plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Overall the site has a 80 metre frontage to Swan Street/Burnley Station and a 57 metre frontage along the Burnley Street service road. The site is currently zoned as Commercial 2 with the amendment seeking a change of use to Commercial 1, befitting the site's role as a gateway to Burnley Station and the Burnley Station Village.

A change in use to Commercial 1 would also help to facilitate a complementary mix of commercial, entertainment, community and residential uses which encourage activity and supports improvements of the public realm.

The applicants argue that the nature of the site, being on a prominent corner adjacent to two key transport corridors lends itself to the building which is argued is in keeping with recommendations of the Swan Street Structure Plan (March 2012).

<blockquote>
The Swan Street Structure Plan envisages this site to be the gateway of the Burnley Precinct and an appropriate located for a mixed use high density development.
<cite>Urbis Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

The design employs strong curvilinear forms to both podium and L-shaped tower elements, with bronze glazing and planter boxes a feature of the development's primary facades. These combined with vertical timber shading screens provide the building with warmth.

At street level clear gazing allows for visual connection from street to retail tenancies within, while silver glazing provides a counterpoint and contrasting feature to rear facades.

A supermarket with frontage to Swan Street is most prominent, with three smaller tenancies rounding out the retail mix.

Apartment typologies within 462-482 Swan Street range from 96 x 1 bedroom apartments of 45-49sqm; 20 x 1 bedroom+ apartments of 50-59sqm and 127 x 2 bedroom+ apartments of 60-79sqm.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ground_floor.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level retail plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ground_floor.jpg?itok=O6e2bAmF" title="Ground level retail plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level retail plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Car and bicycle parking is limited to lower basement up to level 02 with a wrap of active use (residential or commercial) to the two primary facades of the podium. A shared rooftop garden sits atop level 3 of the podium providing all apartments with some degree of outlook, either to the street or internal rooftop garden area.

<h2>462-482 Swan Street application summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>8-10 storey east tower and 10-12 storey west tower</li>
	<li>Maximum height of 40.95 metres</li>
	<li>243 apartments</li>
	<li>3-storey podia</li>
	<li>3,175sqm supermarket at ground level</li>
	<li>Smaller retail tenancies of between 71-84sqm, totalling 227sqm</li>
	<li>Three office tenancies to first floor, 60-250sqm in size</li>
	<li>366sqm gymnasium and 348sqm swimming pool</li>
	<li>445 carparking spaces and 339 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Eight bike spaces to Swan Street (four bike share) and eight bike spaces to Burnley Street</li>
	<li>New pedestrian plaza created along Bumley Street and streetscape improvements (including widening) to Swan Street.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Comment</h2>

As a resident who lives within 200 metres of the proposed development, I support the aspirations of the development. The project presents an opportunity to create a cohesive and coherent streetscape which at present is compromised by the light industrial properties along both Swan and Burnley Streets.

Additionally the development has the potential to act as a catalyst for further streetscape improvements and development to Swan Street west of Burnley Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/street_level.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level activation to Swan Street and Burnley Street respectively. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="173" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/street_level.jpg?itok=D44y4369" title="Street level activation to Swan Street and Burnley Street respectively. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level activation to Swan Street and Burnley Street respectively. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>In terms of heritage sensitivities, no overlay applies to any of the existing structures which comprise the development site, and the overall benefits to both the passengers accessing Burnley Station and surrounding residents via provision of a supermarket and retail activation to Burnley far outweigh the loss of the Edwardian dwellings.

The site is well serviced both via Burnley Station and the number 75 tram which operates along Swan Street. Further, the eight bicycle spaces proposed to both Burnley and Swan Street - four of which are bike share - reinforce Swan Street as a critical cycling route as well as the site's connectivity to the Yarra City Trail.

<h2>462-482 Swan Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Bamfa Properties</li>
	<li>Architect: Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>Planner: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>ESD: Sustainability</li>
	<li>Landscape Concept: ERM</li>
	<li>Wind: Vicpac Engineers &amp; Scientists</li>
	<li>Acoustics: Acoustic Logic</li>
</ul>
 
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Laurence Dragomir

Swan Street sizes up: 462-482 Swan Street, Richmond

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Box Hill is booming - no surprise there.

Yet Box Hill's most recent project to be advertised has raised an interesting question - has the heart of the suburb become a victim of its own rapid high-density success via a lack of foresight?

The question has been prompted by the emergence of 16-22 Wellington Street which is yet another residential tower seeking its place in Box Hill. The difference arises with project architect Elenberg Fraser's treatment of the design's ground level which provides both extensive greenery and some built form relief by way of a cavernous plaza at ground level.

This in turn prompted a scan of the Apartments.com.au Project Database to see how many of Box Hill's 30 apartment project listings have included any greenery and/or built form relief to ground level. 

39 Harrow Street and Chloe provide limited greenery to their facades by way of planter boxes, whilst only 109 Carrington Road has its built form set back from the main frontage.

Coupled with existing recent builds and Box Hill's built form environment begins to look somewhat generic.

<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/image33bh.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plaza and laneway format. Planning image: Rush \ Wright Associates"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="499" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33bh.jpg?itok=QaghiP2i" title="Plaza and laneway format. Planning image: Rush \ Wright Associates" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Plaza and laneway format. Planning image: Rush \ Wright Associates</figcaption></figure>Which in turn is why 16-22 Wellington Road stands out as a prospective Box Hill development. Elenberg Fraser along with landscape architects Rush \ Wright Associates have conceived something Box Hill has failed to deliver thus far - an intreresting, purposeful and green ground level activation to a tower.

<blockquote>
The proposal incorporates an important public realm initiative in the form of a public, north-facing plaza space/forecourt fronting Wellington Road and the adjacent pedestrian laneway linking to Spring Street. The plaza space is approximately 245 sqm in area.

This space...occupies approximately 41% of the Wellington Road frontage, and approximately 40% of the laneway frontage. Approximately 50% of the space is located below the building form above, but the triple-height space is 8.5m high (clearance), and is oriented north and west, so is expected to provide substantial spatial volume and natural light.

The plaza space is positioned and designed to align with movement flows between the two nearby easy-west pedestrian laneways, along pedestrians moving east-to-west to move across this part of the site, and to spend time in the space. 
<cite>Urban Design Review: SJB Urban</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/image32_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered activation of 16 Wellington Street's laneway. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_5.jpg?itok=zknTZ0ET" title="Rendered activation of 16 Wellington Street's laneway. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered activation of 16 Wellington Street's laneway. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Has enough been done to encourage benchmarks which would result in designs such as 16-22 Wellington Street becoming the standard? Without having intimate knowledge of City of Whitehorse's planning controls one can only base opinions on what is reality; and reality shows that the vast majority of completed and pending developments in Box Hill have a lack of street level nous.

The sample images below clearly illustrate that.

Whilst many of Box Hill current streets are graced with greenery and a decent level of variation, the sweeping change of higher density development should not come at the cost of public realm. 

Hats off to Elenberg Fraser for creating a standout project for what it brings to the public realm.

<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/image35_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A sample of Box Hill's built form"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="478" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image35_5.jpg?itok=YYBIO42t" title="A sample of Box Hill's built form" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A sample of Box Hill's built form</figcaption></figure>
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Some relief from an otherwise boxy outcome

<html><body>
Fridcorp and Elenberg Fraser's third joint project within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct looks set to produce arguably the area's most interesting building.

Interesting in that plans currently on display for 627 Chapel Street show a residential tower set above a street interface that shapes as being something unique to the area.

In a recent chat with Apartments.com.au, Fridcorp founder and Director Paul Fridman outlined 627 Chapel Street's intentions of becoming a worthy conduit by way of meaningfully linking Chapel Street with the ever expanding residential population of Claremont Street and South Yarra Station beyond.

The tower itself has been inspired by the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, resulting in a sculptural building form layered with greenery that is expected to accommodate in excess of 450 dwellings.

<h2>627 Chapel Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image5ef.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The undulating form of 627 Chapel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="446" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5ef.jpg?itok=syv69bh7" title="The undulating form of 627 Chapel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The undulating form of 627 Chapel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged June 2015 with a revision dated June 2016</li>
	<li>1,529sqm site, currently inhabited by a commercial building</li>
	<li>Proposed 42 level tower at 133m</li>
	<li>454 apartments: 147 x 1BR, 301 x 2BR, 6 x 3BR</li>
	<li>3 retail tenancies at a combined 297sqm</li>
	<li>Public room: 292sqm</li>
	<li>8 level basements for 286 vehicles and 130 bicycles</li>
	<li>Amenities: private dining and lounge, a sky bar and observatory, a meditative sky garden and a gymnasium incorporating a swimming pool</li>
</ul>
The glazed and balustraded finishes applied to 627 Chapel Street are contrasted by slithers of greenery. The scattered nature of each level's courtyards are tied together via vertical green gardens which accentuate the rippling nature of the design.

Residences are reinforced by three separate common areas over differing levels. Levels 1 and 16 host various amenities while level 40 hosts a north-facing private dining room.

<h2>The 'Public Room'</h2>

Coinciding with the application's semi-covered Public Plaza is the intended beautification of Daly Street. Elenberg Fraser and landscape architects 360 Degrees have taken a holistic approach to the tower's settings, resulting in a space dubbed the 'Public Room'.

<blockquote>
The public room will become an active meeting place for pedestrians travelling up/down Chapel Street and through Forrest Hill to South Yarra Station. It will become a centre for public interaction.

A public art piece will mark Chapel Street's connection through to the Forrest Hill Precinct. This marker will enhance pedestrian corridors and position the Forrest Hill gateway as a primary thoroughfare through South Yarra, directing traffic to the future prospects at South Yarra Station.
<cite>Elenberg Fraser: Urban Context 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/image4ef.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Chapel Street perspective. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4ef.jpg?itok=4Df1BtwA" title="The Chapel Street perspective. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Chapel Street perspective. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Should 627 Chapel Street get the green light, both it and 16-22 Claremont Street will frame the Daly Street passage that leads to the heart of the Forrest Hill Precinct.

With Malaysian outfit Salcon Berhad revealed as the new purchaser of 16-22 Claremont Street last week, the prospect of South Yarra's two most ground level-inclusive developments rising in close proximity to one another is a very real possibility. While 627 Chapel Street sports the 'Public Room', 16-22 Claremont Street's best public asset will be a large through passage dubbed 'Claremont Plaza' as seen below.

On a wider note, 627 Chapel Street is the sixth residential development currently in play facing Chapel Street within the Forrest Hill Precinct. Of the six, both it and 671 Chapel Street are the two projects yet to receive planning approval.

<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/image8_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bookending Daly Street. Images: Elenberg Fraser &amp; Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="212" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_8.jpg?itok=ftocQwWM" title="Bookending Daly Street. Images: Elenberg Fraser &amp; Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bookending Daly Street. Images: Elenberg Fraser &amp; Colliers</figcaption></figure><h2>627 Chapel Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Fridcorp</li>
	<li>Architects: Elenberg Fraser Architects</li>
	<li>Town planning: Meinhardt</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineers: One Mile Grid</li>
	<li>ESD report &amp; services: Murchie Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste management plan: Leigh Desig</li>
	<li>Wind analysis: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape plan: 360 Degrees</li>
	<li>Land survey: Bosco Jonson</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Webber Design</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Street to stalk, 627 Chapel Street walks the walk!

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Approval is being sought for a mixed use Southbank skyscraper that will assume the form of a flower. Designed by Elenberg Fraser, 51-65 Clarke Street would surpass the 200 metre mark in a pocket of Southbank nestled alongside the West Gate Freeway.

Developer Newcity Group has also sought to add a unique feature to the project; a dedicated business and cultural exchange centre atop the tower that would seek to strengthen ties between Melbourne and southern China's economic powerhouse city of Guangzhou.

Documents within the planning application also indicate that the project would create thousands of construction jobs over the life of the project and 140 ongoing jobs linked to the hotel element within the tower.

The plans for 51-65 Clarke Street follows on from the site's successful sale during 2014, where <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/cbd-site-snapped-up-for-304m/news-story/d7a0f65128861186f3ecab846e6bddd5">CBRE City Sales were able to secure the vendor $30.4 million</a> for the tri-fronted development plot.

<h2>51-65 Clarke Street planning 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/image2sbef.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="51-65 Clarke Street as seen within the project Town Planning Report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="800" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2sbef.jpg?itok=pCCbqTxq" title="51-65 Clarke Street as seen within the project Town Planning Report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>51-65 Clarke Street as seen within the project Town Planning Report</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 1,787 square metres</li>
	<li>Current use: three storey commercial building</li>
	<li>Proposed 73 level tower at 245.05 RL to top of architectural feature</li>
	<li>112 hotel suites</li>
	<li>512 apartments: 166 x 1BR, 318 x 2BR, 28 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Business Hub: 1,042 square metres</li>
	<li>Level 8 &amp; 54 facilities and amenities</li>
	<li>Retail and function centre: 1,541 square metres</li>
	<li>120 car parking spaces and 327 bicycle spaces</li>
</ul>
<h2>Newcity for an old relationship</h2>

Newcity Development (One) Pty Ltd is behind the proposal, one of many Chinese-backed developers that have descended upon Melbourne in recent years.

According to the application's Town Planning Report, "The Newcity Group and more relevantly Cao Zhiwei, the Chairman of ‘Newcity Group’ is a member of the political advisory body of Guangzhou. This development, and in particular the exchange hub is seen as a significant step in establishing a destination and beacon for commerce between Guangzhou and Melbourne."

Thus far the following businesses have been noted as providing support for the intended business and cultural exchange:

<ul>
<li>The People’s Government of Guangzhou Municipality</li>
	<li>Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Guangzhou Committee</li>
	<li>Guangzhou Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries</li>
	<li>Guangzhou University</li>
	<li>Guangzhou Real Estate Association</li>
	<li>Department of Culture Guangzhou Municipality</li>
	<li>Guangzhou Women’s Federation</li>
</ul>
<h2>Seeking exemption</h2>

The site is subject to Design and Development Overlay Schedule 10 (DDO10), which was introduced into the Melbourne Planning Scheme during September 2015 as part of the broader C262 amendments implemented by Minister Wynne.

As initially submitted, the Elenberg Fraser design complied to podium height, street setback and tower setback requirements, although a plot ratio of 35:1 results. Above the discretionary desired plot ratio of 24:1, the development team has in turn requested a variation to allow the tower to proceed as planned.

It is worth noting that the development team sought and was granted an extension of time request for the submission during February 2016; what results from subsequent projects refinements remains to be seen.

<h2>Shaping Southbank</h2>

51-65 Clarke Street's form which is based upon the shape of a Bombax Ceiba Flower is the latest of a number of shapely Southbank talls to create headlines of late.

Last week it was widely reported that Crown Limited and Schiavello have formally submitted a proposal for their 1 Queensbridge Street tower. <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/james-packer-proposes-australias-tallest-building-at-crown-in-melbourne-20160511-gosg43#ixzz48Nj5iVTC">According to Fairfax</a>, the tower would hold 306,666 of Gross Floor Area and maintain a plot ratio of 57:1.

<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/image5clarke.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="54-56 Clarke Street markeying material. Image: CBRE City Sales"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5clarke.jpg?itok=Gs8Nm91w" title="54-56 Clarke Street markeying material. Image: CBRE City Sales" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>54-56 Clarke Street markeying material. Image: CBRE City Sales</figcaption></figure>Also in the news is the flowing 54-56 Clarke Street project created by BKK Architects which has been placed on the market with planning approval in tow.

At 240 metres 54-56 Clarke Street shadows 51-65 Clarke Street for height, with both future towers opposite one another.

<h2>51-65 Clarke Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Newcity Group (Newcity Development (One) Pty Ltd)</li>
	<li>Architectural plans: Elenberg Fraser Architects</li>
	<li>Urban Context Report: Elenberg Fraser Architects</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering Assessment: One Mile Grid Traffic Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Wastech</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: Norman Disney and Young</li>
	<li>Economic Investment Impact Analysis: ShineWing</li>
	<li>Landscape and Masterplan: Aspect Landscape Architects</li>
	<li>Environmental Wind Assessment: MEL</li>
</ul>
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51-65 Clarke Street shapes as a Southbank tower with a twist

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Minister for Planning Richard Wynne will be required to make a call on one of the CBD's taller proposals after Melbourne City Council chose to reject the scheme.

Lodged during mid 2015 prior to amended planning rules being implemented, proponents for 478-488 Elizabeth Street are seeking approval for a skyscraper that hopes to slot in between two of Melbourne's tallest residential buildings. Melbourne City Council chose last week to show no support for the tower based in part upon inadequate setbacks and equitable development rights for the adjoining site.

Elenberg Fraser have designed the tower for a development team comprising entities L1-2013 Pty Ltd, L2-2013 Pty Ltd and G2-2013 Pty Ltd, with private apartments set above the lower curvaceous levels which have been reserved for a hotel operator in order to manage 198 guest suites.

<h2>478-488 Elizabeth Street planning 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/image28_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As rendered with under construction towers surrounding the proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="815" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_2.jpg?itok=mUobRTGh" title="As rendered with under construction towers surrounding the proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>As rendered with under construction towers surrounding the proposal. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>1,168sqm site currently utilised as a showroom and office</li>
	<li>Proposed 68 level tower at 208.4 metres in height</li>
	<li>Included are 198 hotel suites</li>
	<li>383 apartments: 149 x 1BR, 222 x 2BR, 12 x 3BR</li>
	<li>88 vehicle and 243 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>193sqm cafe at ground level</li>
	<li>Hotel and residential amenities over three levels</li>
	<li>GFA: 44,628sqm</li>
	<li>Estimated project value: $140 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>From the ground up</h2>

A cafe and dual purpose lobbies front Elizabeth Street whilst hotel and residential facilities account for much of the remainder of the podium structure; included within the podium is an all-day restaurant, function spaces and 1,036sqm of communal facilities over level 6 featuring an outdoor terrace.

Hotel suites absorb the initial ten floors above the podium where the tower form is at its widest and concave in shape.

Thereafter nine floors are dedicated to low-rise residential units where the towers form transitions to an altogether more typical rectangular shape. Subsequent floors are dedicated to high-rise apartments whilst the crown is slated for four levels of penthouse living.

Externally the tower begins with a solid complexion at ground level which progressively morphs into a translucent mid section and eventually a glazed crown. Accordingly terrazzo panels are dominant lower levels, rolling into translucent and then silver facade panes. Stainless steel and bronze perforated metal sheeting are also present over the exterior.

<h2>A setback setback</h2>

Below are passages taken from the Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee which was tabled last week. Key points of discontent with 478-488 Elizabeth Street from Melbourne City Council's perspective include:

<ul>
<li>The appropriateness of the built form including front, side and rear setbacks</li>
	<li>The proposed tower setback to Elizabeth Street is between 1.6 metres and 4.5 metres. This will result in a dominant built form that overwhelms the street and will compound the undesirable outcome of the nearby towers with limited/no setback to Elizabeth Street..</li>
	<li>The proposal relies upon the neighbouring undeveloped sites to achieve an acceptable tower separation. In the absence of acquired air/light rights over these properties, the tower should provide greater setbacks on its own site in order to guarantee ongoing acceptable internal amenity and to ensure that it does not restrict the development potential of neighbouring sites.</li>
	<li>The proposed rear setback will have a negative impact on the laneway and the existing amenity and development potential of the site to the east.</li>
</ul>
Last week's report also notes that similar issues were raised during a pre-application meeting between the development team and DELWP, yet the development team seem to have a degree of confidence in the tower passing through planning given there has been no fundamental change to the design since its submission.

<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/image40_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Existing and proposed built form conditions. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_3.jpg?itok=IZUkvoZH" title="Existing and proposed built form conditions. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Existing and proposed built form conditions. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

The development team could argue that their proposal is the shortest of three substantial towers on this particular block and that they employ similar if not greater setbacks than either 452 Elizabeth Street or 500 Elizabeth Street; two buildings which in theory were judged under the same planning criteria as 478-488 Elizabeth Street and could therefore act as a precedent.

Melbourne City Council on the other hand have been consistent in recent years regarding their opposition to developments with what they deem as maintaining inadequate setbacks. That similar issues were raised by both DELWP and Melbourne City Council points towards fundamental inadequacies with the design of 478-488 Elizabeth Street.

Six and half on the face of it… and an interesting decision looming for this particular planning application.

<h2>478-488 Elizabeth Street project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: L1-2013 Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>Town Planning &amp; Landscape Architect: Urbis</li>
	<li>EDS Consultant: ARK Resources</li>
	<li>Wind &amp; Acoustic Engineer: ViPAC</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Bosco Jonson</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: PLP</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Services Engineer: Murchie</li>
	<li>3D Visualisation: Pointilism</li>
</ul>
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Room for one more? 478-488 Elizabeth Street in the spotlight

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A groundbreaking ceremony yesterday officially kicked off proceedings for works on <a href="/buildings/aurora-melbourne-central-224-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Aurora Melbourne Central</a> which will in time become the tallest building within the CBD. Developer <a href="/developers/uem-sunrise">UEM Sunrise's</a> CEO and COO Commercial were in attendance, as were representatives from the project's architects <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a>, head contractor <a href="/builders/probuild">Probuild</a> and project manager PDS Group.

Hosted on level 5 of the soon to be demolished car park structure onsite, the event celebrated construction officially commencing on the 92 level tower with an associated upgrade to Melbourne Central train station attached.

The near sold out project will also rejuvenate the laneway running between La Trobe Street and Little La Trobe Street, with new retail spaces on the cards. A new station entrance will link Little La Trobe Street with Melbourne Central train station which is expected to see movements through the station grow to 21.5 million per annum by 2031 according to Public Transport Victoria.

<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/group_photo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The official turning of the first sod, albeit in a car park"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="383" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/group_photo.jpg?itok=VOslly1s" title="The official turning of the first sod, albeit in a car park" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The official turning of the first sod, albeit in the car park</figcaption></figure><h2>UEM Sunrise delighted with their flagship project</h2>

<blockquote>
Today marks an important milestone for us as we are here to celebrate the official ground breaking for Aurora Melbourne Central. From the beginning our intention has always been to develop a premium project for Melbourne that will certainly make a statement.

As our flagship development in Melbourne we believe it will create a new focal point for the Central Business District with enhanced access and connectivity to Melbourne Central Station from La Trobe Street with new escalators and lifts creating a new direct underground connection.

We’re proud to have sold 941 apartments with 95% sales achieved worldwide within two months, making it our most successful development yet.
<cite>Anwar Syarhin Abdul Ajib, CEO and Managing Director, UEM Sunrise</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/image10_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora's latest rendering depicting the giant tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="521" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_3.jpg?itok=YL6ePOPT" title="Aurora's latest rendering depicting the giant tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora's latest rendering depicting the giant tower in situ. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>Callum Fraser on Aurora's design</h2>

<blockquote>
1000 apartments that sit atop a train station represents a good model for high density urban development.

The tower’s design is based on the national flower of Malaysia – the hibiscus with the tower unfolding from the hibiscus’s organic form, imbuing and celebrating a cultural understanding in a design that is unashamedly modern. The curved geometry responds to its context by opening up views of the city and its stepped form creates a unique silhouette on Melbourne’s skyline.

The project seeks to activate and invigorate the north of the CBD, adding to its urban fabric and taking advantage of proximity to RMIT, the markets and the ability to connect directly to Melbourne Central as a shopping and transport hub. It wasn’t so long ago that the CBD used to stop at La Trobe Street.
<cite>Callum Fraser, Director, Elenberg Fraser</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Probuild: from the subway to the sky</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/21930478040_f50e06be90_b.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Onsite demolition works are underway. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/21930478040_f50e06be90_b.jpg?itok=-OqT4PZJ" title="Onsite demolition works are underway. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Onsite demolition works are underway. Image courtesy Oh Yes Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Probuild’s Group Managing Director Simon Gray was on hand, providing an overview of the pre-planning required to bring Aurora Melbourne Central to fruition. Months of detailed analysis and planning were required to merely arrive at this point given the complexities involved with building the tallest and most significant development within the CBD.

During Aurora Melbourne Central's 48 month construction program thousands workers will be employed on the project, with 500 on site during its peak. 3,600 concrete trucks will filter through the site over life of the build, while 20 lifts and a 1,487 step stair well will service the building upon completion.

The largest apartment tower build undertaken by Probuild to date, Aurora’s shape presents a “unique challenge.” Designed to sway up to 500mm in gusty conditions, the exterior will also feature 2.1 kilometres of coloured LED lighting.

Probuild will deliver the tower over stages; the first of which is due toward the end of 2017, with full completion expected in the third quarter of 2019.
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The CBD's tallest building officially begins construction

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The first steps have been taken in order to facilitate one of Melbourne's largest apartment developments. Guangzhou-based real estate giant R&amp;F Properties has initiated a permit application for the redevelopment of the Kinnears Footscray site (via their Australian subsidiary R &amp; F Estate Pty Ltd), with the intent of delivering multiple apartment towers.

Lodged during September, 124-188 Ballarat Road Footscray seeks both limited demolition and adaptation of existing heritage buildings spread over the site, with the earliest structures identified as dating back to 1909.

R&amp;F Properties purchased Kinnears Footscray last year for $60 million after fellow developer AXF Group chose to move the asset on. This follows a 2012 Maribyrnong City Council and Ministerial planning scheme amendment for the site, which essentially paved the way for a residential and mixed-use development of up to 1400 dwellings.

<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/image7kinn.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Staging for the Kinnears redevelopment. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="374" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7kinn.jpg?itok=knuEbk3V" title="Staging for the Kinnears redevelopment. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Staging for the Kinnears redevelopment. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>While all new builds onsite will be subject to building specific future planning applications, the current request if approved in its current form will essentially act as a masterplan by way of determining what can and cannot be demolished. Heritage consultancy Lovell Chen prepared a heritage impact statement as part of the submission, with excerpts below:

<blockquote>
The Kinnears Ropeworks site is included on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) and is designated as a heritage place (H2067). The complex is of historical, social, scientific (technological) and architectural significance to the state of Victoria and is a landmark in the local area and Melbourne’s western suburbs.

The current project proposes substantial development and urban renewal on the registered site.

From a heritage perspective, key actions include the retention, conservation and adaptation of a substantial complex of heritage buildings (the heritage core); and the retention of the distinct heritage street wall facades on Ballarat Road and Farnsworth Street and their incorporation into new build and the reinforcement of key internal laneways within the site.

Other buildings are proposed to be demolished and large areas of the site are to be redeveloped for residential use with some associated retail and community facilities.
<cite>Lovell Chen: Heritage impact statement</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/image12kinn.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Concept image as seen from Ballarat Road. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12kinn.jpg?itok=cEiRQbCc" title="Concept image as seen from Ballarat Road. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Concept image as seen from Ballarat Road. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Elenberg Fraser have been engaged by the developer and provided preliminary design input and imagery as part of the submission. The site staging plan calls for four development stages, each including the refurbishment of heritage buildings alongside the delivery of new residential buildings.

At least eight residential buildings are expected over the Kinnears site, ranging in height from five levels through to 18 levels with all new buildings set back from existing heritage facades. Tract Consultants have devised a preliminary landscape plan for the precinct which includes new access roads and a number of laneways and plazas, including the George Kinnear Plaza named after the founder of the business.

Owing to the size of the overall site, the intended development is expected to take over five years to deliver.

<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/image20knn.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Old and new structures as envisaged by Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="232" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20knn.jpg?itok=LPOYfnEN" title="Old and new structures as envisaged by Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Old and new structures as envisaged by Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>
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R&F Properties advance plans for Kinnears Footscray redevelopment

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Vastly experienced Singaporean developer Tong Eng Group is seeking approval for a multi-coloured high-rise residential tower in the CBD's burgeoning north end. Operating for in excess of 50 years, the firm has selected 111-125 A’Beckett Street as their first project on Australian shores.

Purchased during early 2015, the 1,725sqm site in question is subject to a 65 level residential planning application which would retain the facade of the current heritage building onsite. Designed by Elenberg Fraser, 111-125 A’Beckett Street is set to be defined by its bow-tie shape and multi-coloured exterior.

The Melbourne site also marks Tong Eng Group's first venture abroad, with the developer also citing Sydney as a likely point of expansion.

<h2>111-125 A’Beckett Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image132_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="716" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image132_0.jpg?itok=-NRYfrrN" title="Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged: June 2015</li>
	<li>Current site use: City Triumph Motorcycles within the Commonwealth Motors building</li>
	<li>Proposed 65 level tower at 210 metres (226.38m AHD)</li>
	<li>632 apartments: 252 x 1BR, 378 x 2BR, 2 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Five retail tenancies: 1,351sqm of space available over three levels</li>
	<li>130 car parking spaces and 310 bike parking spaces above ground</li>
	<li>1,940sqm of residential amenities over levels 8 and 32</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 61,429sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Heritage 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/image136.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design indicators and the intended tower podium. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="440" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image136.jpg?itok=HWA7qo_q" title="Design indicators and the intended tower podium. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Design indicators and the intended tower podium. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>The existing B-grade listed Commonwealth Motors building facade will be retained for the most, with all bar 12 metres of the eastern aspect to remain. The demolished area will be rebuilt to match its current appearance during construction, which includes reinstating existing windows.

<blockquote>
The podium is a key design element in the link between the street level and the vertical tower above. Taking design elements from the heritage building below, the podium attempts to articulate the strong horizontal movements and reappropriate them as balustrades, mullions and spandrels, whilst introducing a secondary vertical element through hanging greenery.

The inspiration for the design of these elements was taken from pre-war automobiles and motorbikes, linking the heritage of the heritage showroom and reimagining it as a 21st century decoration. They are imagined as metal prefabricated units which for a part of the curtain wall façade.
<cite>Elenberg Fraser: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

Between one and three metres of the existing interiors are slated to be retained, although DELWP have encouraged the development team to increase the amount retained given the large setback the tower employs from A'Beckett Street.

<h2>All that shimmers</h2>

With the tower's form constant, Elenberg Fraser have incorporated colour to bring a dynamism to the project's overall appearance.

<blockquote>
The materiality of the tower is articulated as a glass façade, utilising a slightly tinted performance glazing system. The slightly tinted glass reflects the tones of the surrounding context at the various heights of the building, facilitating a subtle and elegant shift in building appearance at various levels.
<cite>Elenberg Fraser: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

The base exterior would see a neutral/silver reflective glazing with a gradual vertical transition to a multi-coloured tinted performance glazing. An inverse outcome is applied to the tower's spandrels which would see slices of colour through the main silver facade over lower levels, eventually reverting to silver as the performance glazing takes effect over the higher levels of the tower.

<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/image133.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tower form and relevant setbacks. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image133.jpg?itok=S_Duu09h" title="Tower form and relevant setbacks. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tower form and relevant setbacks. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>The concave 'bow-tie' floorplate was deemed by the development team to be the most appropriate. Internal amenity is bolstered with sight lines capable of being diverted away from the neighbouring EQ Tower while also providing an optimal outcome when wind tested.

With no saddleback configurations, internal apartment sizes are slated to begin from 50sqm for 1 bedroom apartments, 60sqm for 2 bedroom (1 bathroom), 74sqm for 2 bedroom (2 bedroom) and 106sqm for 3 bedroom options; these figures include wintergardens or balconies.

<h2>DELWP showing support</h2>

Notes subsequent to the project's submission as seen by Apartments.com.au show that the Urban Design Unit within DELWP are generally supportive of the proposed tower. Subject to a number of design refinements and issues regarding possible tower crane penetration of the OLS ceiling, 111-125 A’Beckett Street looks to be well along the path to becoming reality.

<h2>111-125 A’Beckett Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Feature Alpha Investments Pty Ltd (Tong Eng Group)</li>
	<li>Architect: Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>Project Manager: Sinclair Brook</li>
	<li>Town Planner: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: Traffix</li>
	<li>Waste Management Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Landscape Consultant: Tract</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: McKenzie Group</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant and Services Engineer: Murchie</li>
	<li>Structural and Civil Engineer: WSP</li>
	<li>Services Engineer Murchie</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Bosco Jonson</li>
	<li>Quantity Surveyor: WT Partnership</li>
	<li>Wind Engineer: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Heritage: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Acoustic Engineer: Renzo Tonin</li>
	<li>Fire Engineer: Omnii Fire Engineers</li>
</ul>
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Tong Eng Group's dazzling 210 metre entry into the Australian market

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White-hot developer GURNER has continued Footscray's apartment march by gaining approval for a twin tower development capable of accommodating between 350-380 apartments. Estimated at over $200 million in value, <a href="/buildings/liberty-one-1-warde-street-footscray">1 Warde Street</a> is another joint effort between GURNER and the irrepressible Elenberg Fraser.

Submitted for assessment during July 2012, the project which sits within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct has been subject to a very lengthy approvals process which has seen the initial design consisting of 19 and 26 level buildings adjusted to carry dual 25 level towers. Consequently the apartment yield has increased from an initial 311 to as many as 380 within the approved version, with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments expected.

With such a long lead in time prior to approval GURNER has stated they expect to reflect the low cost of site purchase (relative to today's robust market) via highly competitive apartment pricing at the time of the project's release.

<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/image1warde.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial and approved schemes. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser &amp; GURNER"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="367" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1warde.jpg?itok=W1LnwV_K" title="Initial and approved schemes. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser &amp; GURNER" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Initial and approved 1 Warde Street designs. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser &amp; GURNER</figcaption></figure>Dubbed Romeo and Juliet on GURNER's website, 1 Warde Street will hold 4,000sqm's of retail space at ground level, in part servicing the wider Joseph Road Precinct precinct which is expected to see thousands of apartments constructed.

<h2>Tim Gurner's take</h2>

<blockquote>
The site was purchased over four years ago when prices were siting below long-term averages so we are now able to pass this on to purchasers by delivering a project that will rival our crowning ‘FV’ project in Brisbane at prices that sit under market rates, ensuring our clients enjoy long term capital gains.

This regeneration precinct in Footscray is the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into a former industrial precinct and create a thriving residential, retail and cultural hub within five kilometres of the CBD. People who buy into the early stages of new precincts such as this one, tend to do incredibly well as they buy against the market trends and then see a large upswing when the precinct really starts to take shape.

We saw it with Port Melbourne and Richmond’s former industrial precincts which have now been transformed into luxury apartment pockets so I believe Joseph Road will be another example where people will kick themselves down the track if they don’t get in early.

Having just received planning approval from the State Government we will now move into the early design stages and we hope to bring this project to market in early 2016. We are excited to bring this project to the market as soon as possible; I’m happy to see there are other developers already in the market there as the activity will help put this precinct on the map.

There has been talk that this precinct may become over populated with new developments however we see it no differently to opening an Italian restaurant or cafe on Lygon Street - as long as you ensure you are delivering the best possible coffee or product in the market at a competitive price, it is sure to be a success.
<cite>Tim Gurner</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>On a wider note</h2>

1 Warde Street is the latest development to enter the GURNER stable, which includes <a href="/buildings/107-cambridge-street-collingwood">107 Cambridge Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/28-stanley-street-collingwood">28 Stanley Street</a> (both of which have sold out prior to construction) and the recently announced apartment conversion of 57 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. In addition <a href="/buildings/74-eastern-road-south-melbourne">74 Eastern Road</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/278-282-kings-way-south-melbourne">278-282 Kings Way</a> shape as forthcoming projects.

With sales of 1 Warde Street expected to hit sales at the beginning of 2016, the interceding period will see GURNER and Elenberg Fraser embark upon an expanded design process prior to the project's launch. Incidentally Warde Street also caps off a successful fortnight for Elenberg Fraser, with planning approval also secured for two additional projects. <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">85-93 Lorimer Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/avant-60-abeckett-street-melbourne">Avant</a> within Melbourne's CBD are also the handy work of the Queen Street-based architecture practice.

<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/img_3578.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Joseph Road Precinct set to rise"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="257" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3578.jpg?itok=M-t40ddz" title="Joseph Road Precinct set to rise" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Joseph Road Precinct set to rise</figcaption></figure>The approval of 1 Warde Street is also another shot of momentum for Joseph Road Precinct, with 2015 a year of excel for the designated urban renewal area. In addition to GURNER's Warde Street approval, AZX Group's <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a> has sold strongly, with a construction tender now open on the first phase of the 968-apartment project.

Joining the above two developments is <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">The Tannery</a> which is slated for a construction start as of late 2015 while directly opposite Joseph street Precinct another large project is on the verge of commencing sales. The Riverside located at <a href="/buildings/the-riverside-1-moreland-street-footscray">1 Moreland Street</a> is set to carry in excess of 200 apartments, with an onsite display suite nearing completion.​
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