A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

Joel Robinson

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Elizabeth Street

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Heavyweight GPT is progressing with plans for a substantial overhaul of the lobby of its Melbourne Central Tower. 

Designed by COX Architecture, the $35m upgrade would re-instate the corner of Elizabeth and Little Lonsdale Streets as one of the primary points of access into the building, removing interventions introduced during upgrades to the centre over a decade ago.

The upgrade will dramatically change the Elizabeth Street streetscape and how people move in and around the site, while also retaining and celebrating the 90's architecture, characterised by the space frame canopy.

<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/mct-render-5-tmb.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Central's reconfigured retail laneway. Image: Scharp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mct-render-5-tmb.jpg?itok=7VlTMeKY" title="Melbourne Central's reconfigured retail laneway. Image: Scharp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Central's reconfigured retail laneway. Image: Scharp</figcaption></figure>Included as part of the works are the following key elements:

<ul>
<li>The realignment of the entry, and the creation of new retail opportunities and a 'third space' to refresh and reset.</li>
	<li>Interactive media &amp; LED walls streaming live content and multimedia artwork, as part of the welcome experience for visitors.</li>
	<li>An amphitheatre designed for collaboration, the exchange of business ideas, or a space to enjoy a morning coffee.</li>
	<li>A flexible working hub that is envisaged as a dynamic place to meet with connections to the amphitheatre and supplemented by business facilities.</li>
	<li>Providing an expanded and consolidated premium retail offering catering to new retail operators, in addition to a high-quality lobby barista on-site at the Tower.</li>
</ul>
The existing 65,000 sqm tower - designed by the late Kisho Kurokawa in association with Bates Smart - was completed in 1991, and currently accommodates major tenants including ME Bank and NBN Co, who account for approximately 40% of the office space.

GPT is also seeking a pre-commitment for an office tower at 300 Lonsdale Street, estimated to be worth around $100m.

The 13-storey development has been designed by Woods Bagot to provide 26,000 sqm NLA of A Grade office space, to be built above the existing Melbourne Central retail centre.

Whether the design as illustrated in the renders below is still current hasn't been confirmed, they at least provide a good indication of the location and breadth of development expected.

<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/300lonsdale.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="300 Lonsdale Street awaiting a pre-commitment. Images: Point Polaris + Equity DM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/300lonsdale.jpg?itok=vfO9uwNd" title="300 Lonsdale Street awaiting a pre-commitment. Images: Point Polaris + Equity DM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>300 Lonsdale Street awaiting a pre-commitment. Images: Point Polaris + Equity DM</figcaption></figure>Combined, these projects would form the basis of a projected $200m capital works program that GPT are embarking on at its retail and commercial asset.

The lobby upgrade represents a growing trend among owners seeking to refresh existing commercial assets in response to the latest and emerging trends within workplace design and a competitive commercial office market.

Additionally, the new wave of CBD commercial office developments such as 477 Collins Street, 80 Collins Street, Collins Arch and 405 Bourke Street is putting further pressure on existing stock to remain relevant.

Other commercial buildings set for major upgrades to their lobbies and foyers include 100 Queen Street (upon ANZ 's relocation to Docklands next year), 35 Collins Street, 459 Collins Street and 530 Collins Street to name a few.

<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/18_collins-place-banner.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="35 Collins Street lobby upgrade. Image: Armitage Jones"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/18_collins-place-banner.jpg?itok=evy05jOr" title="35 Collins Street lobby upgrade. Image: Armitage Jones" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>35 Collins Street lobby upgrade. Image: Armitage Jones</figcaption></figure>There is an increasing focus on maximising street presence and retail opportunities, improving the arrival and welcome experience, and providing quality end-of-trip and business facilities.

Works are due to commence on the Melbourne Central Tower lobby upgrade this year with completion slated for 2019.

Lead Image: Scharp
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Laurence Dragomir

It's Back to the Future for Melbourne Central Tower's lobby upgrade

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After a brief stint during summer, the City of Melbourne's Elizabeth Street pop-up park will close on 24 March to allow for private development works at Riverview House with the Council postponing the permanent upgrade of the area to create new public space, now due to commence in 2019.

The upgrade will more than double the amount of pedestrian space in the street. We will also create a better space for people with new bluestone paving, street furniture, lighting and trees.

<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/elizabeth-street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Elizabeth Street South upon completion. Image : City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elizabeth-street.jpg?itok=z3lSGk-n" title="Artist's impression of Elizabeth Street South upon completion. Image : City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Elizabeth Street South upon completion. Image : City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>The design for the new public space at Elizabeth Street South involves five key components:

<ul>
<li>Removal of Southbound traffic</li>
	<li>Provision of a new pedestrian area</li>
	<li>Retention of trams and terminus</li>
	<li>Upgrade of western footpath</li>
	<li>Northbound traffic retained </li>
</ul>
Construction works at 276 Flinders Street, fronting this section of Elizabeth Street, are due to commence in the next month, limiting Council's ability to build upgrade the street immediately.

The decision to postpone construction of the permanent public space is based primarily on maintaining pedestrian safety around construction activities at 276 Flinders Street and preventing damage to new public space infrastructure that would likely result from construction vehicles accessing the area.

<ul></ul>
The development at 276 Flinders Street comprises the construction of a 4,600 sqm tower building on the northern part of the podium due for completion by the end of the year. 

Designed by Baldasso Cortese who have been involved in the revistilisation of Riverview House since 2001, the new 5-storey office building will be built utilising lightweight steel and timber construction and accessed via a bridge-link from the existing tower lobby.  

<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/riverview.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverview House's second tower is set to commence construction. Image: Baldasso Cortese"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="403" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/riverview.jpg?itok=t-Z8TDQK" title="Riverview House's second tower is set to commence construction. Image: Baldasso Cortese" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverview House's second tower is set to commence construction. Image: Baldasso Cortese</figcaption></figure>​​​​​​​Lead Image: City of Melbourne

 
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Elizabeth Street pop up to close as development works commence on Riverview House

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The City of Melbourne is looking to accelerate plans for improvements to Elizabeth Street between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane. As part of its actions for 2016-17, Council aims to consult with relevant stakeholders on the Draft Elizabeth Street Strategic Opportunities Plan, in addition to investigating and producing design options for improvements to the southern end of Elizabeth Street.

Despite being one of the most important entry points into the city and the retail core, this section of Elizabeth Street is characterised by poor urban design, an absence of trees, soft and hard landscape and constrained footpaths which results in a compromised pedestrian experience. Additionally the current state of the tram turnaround area and shelters detracts from the visual and historical significance of Flinders Street Station.

Traffic analysis undertaken by Council indicates that there are very low motor vehicle volumes in this section of Elizabeth Street, particularly southbound. According to Council the majority of vehicles which currently travel south on this section of Elizabeth Street can use alternate routes to reach their intended destination.

In contrast, pedestrian volumes are high and growing exponentially, driven in part by growth in public transport patronage.

<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/flinders-st-071111025.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elizabeth Street's current state. Image: Culture Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flinders-st-071111025.jpg?itok=jTtOqqjD" title="Elizabeth Street's current state. Image: Culture Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elizabeth Street's current state. Image: Culture Victoria</figcaption></figure>These numbers suggest that there exists an opportunity for Council to reallocate space currently used for the southbound vehicle carriageway and parking to provide a more generous space for pedestrians on the east side. City of Melbourne is considering a range of design improvement possibilities that extend from street lighting, tree planting, landscaping and furniture placement that need to be considered in line with best practice Safer by Design considerations.

Streetscape improvements in the area are intended to provide a number of benefits to the city including an improved pedestrian experience, improved amenity and presentation of this historically and culturally significant part of Melbourne.

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) is required to replace some tram tracks in the southern end of Elizabeth Street and plans to do this in early 2017. Council officers are working with PTV to better understand the opportunities to take advantage of the track works to improve the surrounding area as a fully coordinated approach.

Council proposes a program of targeted stakeholder consultation to be undertaken from 3 to 31 August 2016. The aim is to understand all the issues pertinent to formulating a design outcome for the area.

Issues are likely to include loading and deliveries, property access, stormwater management, the condition of subsurface infrastructure, bicycle access plus accessible tram boarding and alighting.

The outcomes of the consultation along with a recommendation for the next steps on the project are expected to be presented to the Future Melbourne Committee following the 2016 Council elections. This would include implications for the remainder of Elizabeth Street to inform the Draft Elizabeth Street Strategic Opportunities Plan.

<h2>Stage one: Targeted stakeholder engagement</h2>

The feedback from stage one will help the City of Melbourne develop achievable design options for Elizabeth Street South which have broad support from key stakeholders. Additionally, it will assist in developing an optimal phase two engagement process into which the wider community can have input.

To assist with these activities, materials explaining the rationale for the project and the existing site conditions will be produced.

The purpose of the stage one engagement is to help share with the community council's intention to proceed with the road discontinuance in addition to:

<ul>
<li>Explaining the site’s complexities, constraints and opportunities.</li>
	<li>Collecting stakeholder insights and information.</li>
	<li>Understanding and addressing any concerns raised.</li>
	<li>Investigating further the site conditions/constraints.</li>
	<li>Maximising the City of Melbourne’s ability to collaborate to ensure the best possible outcome for the site.</li>
</ul>
A report detailing the outcomes of the stage one engagement will be prepared and presented to Future Melbourne Committee in late 2016.

<h2>Stage two: Broad community engagement</h2>

A series of design options will be developed following stage one and the broader community will be engaged to provide feedback on these in early 2017. This will provide input to assist with the finalisation of the new streetscape design for Elizabeth Street South.

<h2>Comment</h2>

This isn't the first time someone has suggested improvements to this section of Elizabeth Street. Gilbert Rochecouste, founder and managing director of Village Well, and widely recognised as the man who turned Melbourne's neglected and decrepit laneways into a globally renowned attraction has previously suggested tearing up Elizabeth Street, and incorporating and revitalising the hidden waterway under it that runs down to the Yarra River, known as Williams Creek.

<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/station_snip.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Elizabeth Street reimagined. Image courtesy of Thad Patradoon via The Age, March 5 2015"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/station_snip.png?itok=fkm_0VzJ" title="Elizabeth Street reimagined. Image courtesy of Thad Patradoon via The Age, March 5 2015" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elizabeth Street reimagined. Image courtesy of Thad Patradoon via The Age, March 5 2015</figcaption></figure>While his concept extended beyond the boundaries of the current study area, the idea of removing vehicular traffic in both directions and perhaps through to perhaps Collins Street may have some merit and it would be good to know that Council has at least considered every possibility and opportunity.

While certainly ambitious it certainly would represent the next stage in Melbourne's evolution: replacing defunct or underutilised infrastructure with landscape and public spaces. Similar improvements have previously been foreshadowed for Southbank Boulevard, City Road and Stage 2 of the Sandridge Bridge transforming it into a High Line style linear park: yet none of these is yet to see the light of day.

This area of Elizabeth Street provides the bookend to the Queen Victoria Market Precinct and both carry significant cultural and historical importance to Melbourne. High quality pedestrian environments and spaces at these particular key locations are critical for they have been long neglected and provide the doorsteps to two Melbourne icons and are also important interchange nodes for public transport patrons.

I'd love to hear readers thoughts.
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City of Melbourne gets ball rolling on Elizabeth Street South

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It's been a long time coming (15 months in fact!) but finally here's part two of <a href="/news/addressing-elizabeth-street-melbourne-central-part-one">my earlier piece</a> on addressing Melbourne Central's corner to Elizabeth Street.

The introduction of more stringent controls via Amendment C270 - the successor to Amendment C262's interim planning controls - has impacted on my earlier concept. With the new controls in place the maximum height possible falls into line with the rest of the retail core outlined in DD02.

For the corner of Elizabeth Street and La Trobe Street that means a maximum height of 40 metres or the height of the podium as initially proposed in part one.

<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/mc_diagram_crop.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Existing condition vs potential 40 metre podium diagram"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="267" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mc_diagram_crop.png?itok=J1Qztkg8" title="Existing condition vs Potential 40 metre podium diagram" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Existing condition vs Potential 40 metre podium diagram</figcaption></figure>Despite there no longer being the ability to develop another tower of height on the site, there would still be opportunity to redevelop the corner and maximise its potential through a new podium building which would allow access to the Melbourne Central tower and through again to the Station.

A new north facing internal courtyard to La Trobe Street with trees and softscaping would provide a sunny but sheltered area for workers and visitors to sit during lunch, with new commercial office space above generating additional rental income for owners GPT and further adding value to the centre.

The internal courtyard is a slight nod to the old Melbourne Central entry at the Swanston Street end, but would also tie into the existing arcades and new bisecting arcades at street level. These arcades are visible in the axonometric below which also illustrates how few of the vast array of high-rise developments provide a podium or rooftop area, due largely to the constraints of their respective sites and poor setback from other developments.

<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/mc-aerial.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial of a redeveloped Elizabeth/La Trobe corner building for Melbourne Central"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="258" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mc-aerial.png?itok=kaxLZwun" title="Aerial of a redeveloped Elizabeth/La Trobe corner building for Melbourne Central" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial of a redeveloped Elizabeth/La Trobe corner building for Melbourne Central</figcaption></figure>To reduce impact on station operations and to ensure an efficient and speedy construction process, the use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) would be employed. Timber construction is lightweight compared to concrete and can be erected fairly quickly relative to the form and pour process.

The timber structure would provide a contrast to the otherwise robust and impermeable exterior of the existing shopping centre, but would also act as a bookend to the timber used on the facade of the Swanston Street/La Trobe intersection frontage.

Planter boxes could be integrated into the timber structure, and a green roof for workers is in the spirit of the CIty of Melbourne's Urban Forest Strategy. 

<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/mc-03_final.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Looking towards the intersection of La Trobe and Elizabeth Streets"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="301" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mc-03_final.png?itok=M9GPXAgX" title="Looking towards the intersection of La Trobe and Elizabeth Streets" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Looking towards the intersection of La Trobe and Elizabeth Streets</figcaption></figure>Whether or not this is the best outcome for the site is debatable, but the intent of building up the street wall and providing a stronger built form to anchor the corner is not without merit as is the potential to reorganise the circulation to and from the station and the office building.

Another site that could potentially accommodate increased commercial development and streetscape improvements is Collins Place which will be the subject of a future article.
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Addressing Elizabeth Street: Melbourne Central (part two)

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11 years after the ARM designed refurbishment works for centre owners GPT / Lend Lease were completed, the landscape of the northern quadrant of the Melbourne CBD has changed significantly. Cranes and construction currently dominate the northern reaches of Elizabeth Street as a number of skyscrapers begin their skyward ascent.

<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/north_cbd.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Forest of towers to come"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="350" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/north_cbd.png?itok=vOsxWI9P" title="Forest of towers to come" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Forest of towers to come</figcaption></figure>One element of the refurbished Melbourne Central that bothered me when it reopened and continues to do so is the Elizabeth / La Trobe Street corner. This has always been a prominent corner site but has become even moreso as the city evolves. I consider it to be an underwhelming entry to the centre and station environment below and believe it could offer more.

With that in mind, I've done a quick study at what a reconfigured corner might look like, taking into account the C262 planning controls.

Following a quick analysis of the site area and applying a plot ratio of 24:1 as per the interim controls we are left with 262,940sqm which can be developed. This is illustrated in the diagram below.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mc_diagrams.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Site area and plot ratio diagram"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="153" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mc_diagrams.png?itok=IperSpDM" title="Site area and plot ratio diagram" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site area and plot ratio diagram</figcaption></figure>Any additional high-rise development of considerable size on the Melbourne Central site should be located away from Swanston and closer to Elizabeth Street. Doing so reduces the potential for overshadowing to the State Library forecourt.

Additionally locating it along the northern edge allows for generous exposure to natural daylight to apartments. Adding apartments to the mix of programme also further develops the concept of Melbourne Central as a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) which forms part of a much broader discussion relating to what shopping centres are and the potential for what they could be.

I believe they can work harder and function as more than just retail destinations but thriving neighbourhoods in their own right.

In investigating the concept of the potential for a residential tower on the site I was interested in the opportunities it may present in also helping to facilitate an improved street condition and corner address for the centre. As the suite of diagrams below illustrates, the first move was to provide a 40 metre high podium for the existing Melbourne Central Office Tower and the new residential tower.

I wanted to retain the internal laneway condition and further develop it so it slices through the full height of the podium and would have various uses interfacing with it.

<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/mc_diagrams_02.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Process diagram"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mc_diagrams_02.png?itok=N34lKmdZ" title="Process diagram" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Process diagram</figcaption></figure>The rationale behind the tower foot print and core location was to draw on the geometry of the office tower to maximise northern exposure, minimise southern outlook. Further to this, due to the floorplate geometry, views are directed away from the office tower and vice-versa. Locating the core to the south ensures no overlooking from the office tower into any apartments.

The tower would rise 160 metres above the 40 metre podium with a tapered roof form which creates a series of terraces to the east but also ensures no overshadowing of the State Library forecourt. The angle of the slope matches that of the Melbourne Central Office tower drawing on the form and geometry - a shared DNA.

The podium would be expressed as two elements of a consistent and coherent volume but would be articulated differently, reflecting the difference in programme but also the two different conditions that they interface with.

Atop this podium is green open space shared by both towers and the centre. The office tower would be reconfigured so that further food and beverage would spill out onto this space. The loss of office space would be replaced within the podium which would increase the overall floor area of the tower.

Stay tuned as I'll be looking to <a href="/news/addressing-elizabeth-street-melbourne-central-part-two">develop this a bit more</a> in the coming weeks beyond just some simple massing and into something resembling an architectural proposition.
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Addressing Elizabeth Street: Melbourne Central (part one)

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For the past three years the big planning story in central Melbourne has been the plethora of large skyscraper projects, with the majority of these towers located on either side of Elizabeth Street to the north of La Trobe Street.

Up until this point much has been made of the proposals however the majority are now construction sites.

Indeed many of the proposals have attracted sufficient sales in order for the developer to be confident enough to swagger on in to a bank manager's office and obtain construction finance.

The following is a roundup of the latest construction photos of CBD North taken and subsequently posted in the construction forum threads by various Apartments.com.au members. See each forum thread for more construction images.

<h2>EQ Tower</h2>

Developer: ICD Property, Architect: Elenberg Fraser, Builder: Brookfield Multiplex. 202 metres high, 63 floors and 632 dwellings. (<a href="/news">Forum Thread</a>)

The tower has progressed well above its podium and facade-watchers are being treated to a splash of purple.

<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/ebf6a2e0ee942ce938cb32bf33c7eda7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="EQ Tower construction progress. Image © Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ebf6a2e0ee942ce938cb32bf33c7eda7.jpg?itok=LBfNMOjK" title="EQ Tower construction progress. Image © Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>EQ Tower construction progress. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure><h2>Aurora Melbourne Central</h2>

Developer: UEM Sunrise, Architect: Elenberg Fraser, Builder: Probuild. 267 metres, 88 floors, 941 dwellings. (<a href="/news">Forum Thread</a>)

Demolition of the poorly articulated car park which fronted La Trobe Street is near completion, with initial piling now underway.

<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/2390e29c45cc7d89409b44f640ee46e0.jg_.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora Melbourne Central construction progress. Image © UM member Adrian"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2390e29c45cc7d89409b44f640ee46e0.jg_.jpg?itok=KpzOwIGA" title="Aurora Melbourne Central construction progress. Image © UM member Adrian" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora Melbourne Central construction progress. Image courtesy Adrian Raiola</figcaption></figure><h2>Empire Melbourne</h2>

Developer: Mammoth Empire, Architect: Hayball, Builder: Probuild. 198 metres, 62 floors and 474 dwellings. (<a href="/news">Forum Thread</a>)

Similar to its sister tower MY80 directly opposite, Empire Melbourne's lack of a pronounced podium already gives it an enormous presence on the corner of Elizabeth and A'Beckett Streets.

<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/5344c6aa41a150aedc30e94c2dc514c6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Empire Melbourne construction progress. Image © Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/5344c6aa41a150aedc30e94c2dc514c6.jpg?itok=KyhSRmlc" title="Empire Melbourne construction progress. Image © Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Empire Melbourne construction progress. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure><h2>Vision Apartments</h2>

Developer: Brady, Architect: Peddle Thorp, Builder: Brady Constructions. 226 metres, 72 floors and 524 dwellings. (<a href="/news">Forum Thread</a>)

Vision's jump form was recently dismantled with a handful of floors still to be formed and poured.

<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/picture4_196_zpsgumha7uj.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vision Apartments construction progress. Image © UM member GlennWilson"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/picture4_196_zpsgumha7uj.jpg?itok=RZy1FrYd" title="Vision Apartments construction progress. Image © UM member GlennWilson" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Vision Apartments construction progress. Image courtesy <a href="http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=130248157&amp;postcount=1114">GlennWilson</a></figcaption></figure><h2>Avant</h2>

Developer: Aspial - World Class Land, Architect: Elenberg Fraser, Builder: Probuild. 167 metres, 57 floors and 463 dwellings. (<a href="/news">Forum Thread</a>)

Site clearing and preparation continues with another splash of pinkish purple over the tower's facade set to appear over the next two years.

<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/fb303eb294c9a03c2b237c3d38c3485e.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Avant site preparation progress. Image © Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fb303eb294c9a03c2b237c3d38c3485e.jpg?itok=3ZNRzKQZ" title="Avant site preparation progress. Image © Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Avant site preparation progress. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure><h2>Victoria One</h2>

Developer: Golden Age Group, Architect: Elenberg Fraser, Builder Probuild. 241 metres, 75 floors and 629 dwellings. (<a href="/news">Forum Thread</a>)

Victoria One's core has raced ahead and the first of the floorplates made their debut in November/December.

<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/bfbd49510a2c00ca2c1b7cb4d487722a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Victoria One construction progress. Image © Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bfbd49510a2c00ca2c1b7cb4d487722a.jpg?itok=xU9SX6XO" title="Victoria One construction progress. Image © Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Victoria One construction progress. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure><h2>Light House</h2>

Developer: Hengyi Australia, Architect: Elenberg Fraser, Builder: Brookfield Multiplex. 218 metres, 69 floors and 607 dwellings. (<a href="/news">Forum Thread</a>)

Although it will eventually be 23 metres shorter than its neighbour, Victoria One, across the road, it's going to be an interesting 'race' on either side of Franklin Street with Light House aided by a recently installed second tower crane.

<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/315f5af437393ab2729b0ceeeeef00da.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Light House construction progress. Image © Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/315f5af437393ab2729b0ceeeeef00da.jpg?itok=Q9AAt1L-" title="Light House construction progress. Image © Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Light House construction progress. Image © Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
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Alastair Taylor

Proposals no more, the top end of Elizabeth Street is now a story of mass construction

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The second attempt by Goodyear Properties to raise a tower from a high-profile Elizabeth Street site has hit a stumbling block with a Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee asserting the proposal should be objected to, with multiple concerns cited. Published online in recent days, the report acts as a basis to which City of Melbourne will take a formal stance on the proposal, which holds frontage to both Elizabeth Street and Franklin Street.

While the current application is marginally shorter than the previous Peddle Thorp design, apartment yield has risen sharply from 306 to 445 dwellings. The design too has taken an about turn with a green glazing and mesh facades replacing a punctured white precast edifice which defined the initial proposal.

While the Minister for Planning is the responsible authority for determining the application, Richard Wynne's public determination that more weight be placed in City of Melbourne's assessment of a given project may point toward another disappointing outcome for Goodyear Properties.

<h2>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/image64_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression from Elizabeth Street. Image courtesy Peddle Thorpe"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="417" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image64_1.jpg?itok=3ypo6LYF" title="Artist's impression from Elizabeth Street. Image courtesy Peddle Thorpe" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression from Elizabeth Street. Image courtesy Peddle Thorpe</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Planning application submitted September 2014</li>
	<li>Full site includes 441-451 Elizabeth Street and 139-141 Franklin Street</li>
	<li>Development site a consolidation of five allotments over three titles</li>
	<li>Proposed 49 level residential tower at 156.44 metres</li>
	<li>​445 apartments: 173*1BR / 260 * 2BR / 12*3BR</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 45,010.7sqm</li>
	<li>Six retail spaces at ground level between 37sqm and 216sqm</li>
	<li>​127 car parking spaces</li>
	<li>Communal area and terrace included within the project</li>
	<li>1850's Royal Saxon Hotel and Menzies International buildings retained</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image66_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Royal Saxon Hotel circa 1965. Image source SLV Picture Collection"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image66_0.jpg?itok=rTMhUtc0" title="Royal Saxon Hotel circa 1965. Image source SLV Picture Collection" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Royal Saxon Hotel circa 1965. Image source SLV Picture Collection</figcaption></figure><h2>The Royal Saxon retained</h2>

Where the initial planning application sought to facade the Royal Saxon Hotel, the revised scheme would see the contemporary build detached from the original hotel’s form and volume according to the associated heritage impact statement. In contrast to the initial plans, the revised tower has maintained a greater setback to the Elizabeth Street frontage, while both original and new structures would retain separate footprints.

<blockquote>
The project will retain the original building and proposes demolition of the later annexes and rear yard wall only. New development will be up to the north and west boundaries, and will jut at high level over the hotel’s west end. The rear section of 138-141 Franklin Street will be demolished, a front section of building to a depth of 6 metres will be retained including the bluestone and brick facade and the much re-worked east boundary to the laneway.

The main physical affects will be the building repair, maintenance, and reconstruction of original detail which is integral to understanding the building’s age, appearance and use. The former hotel will be restored to an earlier known appearance. The condition and external envelope will be consolidated and improved from its current state.

The interior spaces and rooms may be opened up to a resemblance of the original cellular composition. The upper level fitouts shall be stripped out revealing anew the hotel’s original planning and internal arrangement.

<cite>Michael Taylor Architecture &amp; Heritage</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Recommendations to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</h2>

Council's report on the planning application urges that City of Melbourne object to the proposal in its current form. Citing a number of inherent and undesirable planning outcomes with the proposal, the report is best summed by the below excerpts:

<blockquote>
The proposal is a gross overdevelopment of the site that fails to respond to the policy provisions of the Melbourne Planning Scheme. It will overwhelm the existing heritage buildings on the site and represents a significant departure from the height controls set out under the DDO. The proposal provides for poor internal amenity and will significantly inhibit the development potential of adjoining sites.

Further, if the development were approved in its current form it would set an unacceptable precedent for development in this area that could conceivably be replicated on adjoining sites.
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee, 14 April 2015</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Comment</h2>

The site in question is of a size and orientation that doesn't lend itself to being a particularly easy design to deliver, nonetheless there's something very awkward about the proposal.

Peddle Thorp has persisted in a particular architectural 'language' which sees perforated mesh screens shrouding the exterior. First used on <a href="http://www.lasgroup.com.au/residential-mixed-use/completed/guild-apartments-152-sturt-street-southbank">The Guild</a> and more recently The Vic (seen below), the finish may well be excellent for sun shading and privacy, but does little for design intrigue or activation over 441-451 Elizabeth Street's lower levels.

The solid elements running the height of the tower also detract from a design, but then again this proposal wouldn't be the first to employ such a trait. Compared to other recent Peddle Thorp designs 441-451 Elizabeth Street is middle of the road at best.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image68_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed and existing. Images courtesy Buildcorp Commercial"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image68_3.jpg?itok=ZguSAxdo" title="Proposed and existing. Images courtesy Buildcorp Commercial" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposed and existing. Images courtesy Buildcorp Commercial</figcaption></figure>On a positive note the revised plans would see a new east west pedestrian laneway running along the southern boundary of the site. This laneway would link with the under construction Fulton Lane, providing a direct connection to Elizabeth Street.

<h2>Application team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Goodyear Properties Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect / Urban Context Report / Town Planning: Peddle Thorp</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>​Traffic Engineer: TTM Consulting</li>
	<li>Heritage: Michael Taylor Architecture &amp; Heritage</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

Planning Application: 441-451 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

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I like many others was surprised and impressed when Hengyi Australia announced recently that it had reached sales of 75% for its Light House project on Elizabeth Street. I had also incorrectly made the assumption that the majority of sales to date were to offshore investors, and that Hengyi Australia was merely another of the throng of Asian property developers keen to absorb robust demand for Melbourne apartments.

Following a recent chat with Hengyi's Head of Marketing &amp; Business Development, Stephen Speer, an new impression was born of a Chinese-backed, yet distinctly Melbourne-based developer intent on achieving great things within the local context.

<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_5957.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The William nearing construction completion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/IMG_5957.jpg?itok=GqlXcUW4" title="The William nearing construction completion" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>The William nearing construction completion</figcaption></figure>Hengyi's initial Bruce Henderson-designed project at 199 William Street is well into construction as seen above, with remaining apartments on offer for sale exclusively within the local market. The rebirthed office complex which will include a Wyndham Hotel upon completion is scheduled to open its doors within months, and Apartments.com.au may just be first through the door to have a look around.

Light House is the flagship project for Hengyi Australia. The size, eye-catching design and methodology behind Light House at 450 Elizabeth Street have ensured the projects success and ingratiated Hengyi to many locally.

<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/lhd02.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lhd02.jpg?itok=_d7QKptv" width="580"></a>
<figcaption> </figcaption></figure>Once the initial partnership was forged with co-developer Sixth Grange, the numbers for Light House were adjusted resulting in a taller proposal which gained approval from Planning Minister Matthew Guy. Thereafter a local retail sales campaign was launched in unison with five investor roadshows through Southeast Asia with Malaysia proving to be the highest yielding stop.

Overall sales for the 607 apartments within Light House now stand beyond 80%, and of those roughly 60% have been to Australian buyers. Sales have been strong over all available layouts with a proportionately healthy percentage of apartments carrying three bedrooms, a result of Hengyi adjusting to local market desires.

Rather than utilising parent company Shandong HYI's resources, local institutions have financed the construction of Light House with demolition slated to begin during September. Piling and associated works will ensue over some months, resulting in the first signs of the tower's skyward movement during 2015. Construction is due for completion early 2017.

<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/lhd01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="450 Elizabeth Street display suite"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/lhd01.jpg?itok=6TJNRFkc" title="450 Elizabeth Street display suite" width="580"></a>
<figcaption>450 Elizabeth Street display suite</figcaption></figure>Asked what is next on the back of Light House's success, Stephen Speer suggests Australia is Hengyi's oyster. Given the right project specific dynamics or joint-venture partner, the firm would develop anywhere based upon the opportunity presented. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Darwin were nominated as potential cities, depending upon the opportunities that arise.

Hengyi Australia have hit the ground running, one can only wonder what the firm has in store next?
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Hengyi Australia makes itself at home

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When it rains, it pours! No not a reference to the dismal weather at the moment, but the continuing surge in new apartment project releases Melbourne is experiencing.

Sure to be one of 2014's marquee releases, Light House Melbourne is the assigned moniker to one of this city's more unique apartment projects. 450 Elizabeth Street first gained approval during 2012 on behalf of site owner Sixth Grange Pty Ltd for a 62 level, 197 metre tower carrying 541 apartments.

Subsequently project partner Hengyi Australia was added and during February 2014 consent was received to extend the tower beyond the approved scheme seen below. Melbourne City Council now lists the project at 67 levels and 218 metres, although Colliers via their statement below have the tower at 69 levels of undulating edifice.

<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/11038_450_ElizabethStreet_Apartments_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="511" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/11038_450_ElizabethStreet_Apartments_01.jpg?itok=DJxOGzH1" title="Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Apartment living redefined by a kaleidoscope of possibility, with its shimmering, striking exterior Light House is certain to become a hero of the Melbourne skyline. This unique building has a sculptural presence, rising an impressive sixty-nine stories. Within each of these exterior facets is an exceptional bay window, increasing the light and space in every residential apartment to witness the lively streetscapes below and enjoy the sense of community in this bustling part of the city.
<cite>Colliers International (Selling Agent)</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Appearing to turn on its trajectory, the building has no corners. How do you dissolve the corners of a skyscraper when that is where all sheer forces are normally resolved? Well, we discovered the answer lies in traditional masonry techniques for turning corners using bricks.

This three-dimensional kaleidoscope not only twists and undulates on its axis but its façade is a moving object. The effect of constant motion is amplified by the multi-chromic directional paint system applied to the surface, which reflects and draws the building up into the sky. You may have seen this paint effect on cars before, but never on a building!
<cite>Elenberg Fraser (Architect)</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/ef450eliz.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A distinctive facade. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="374" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ef450eliz.jpg?itok=eceF2KK9" title="A distinctive facade. Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A distinctive facade. Image © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
This supermodel of a building also needed to battle the slenderness ratio – the rule that governs how tall and thin buildings can go. It overcomes this constraint by virtually becoming a vertical cantilever with a series of outrigger beams to prevent it from overturning, and to stop it rotating along with the façade system. The series of rotational units are a series of bay windows for the apartments, which pick out different vistas of city as the façade crinkles.
<cite>Elenberg Fraser (Architect)</cite>
</blockquote>

Joining Light House Melbourne in the immediate vicinity are the soon to be released <a href="http://empiremelbourne.com.au/" target="_blank">Empire Melbourne</a>, <a href="http://www.victoriaoneapartments.com.au/" target="_blank">Victoria One</a> and the at sales <a href="http://www.eqtower.com/#" target="_blank">Eq. Tower</a>.

Registration of interest for Light House Melbourne are open via the project website http://www.lighthousemelbourne.com.au/
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