The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Grocon

The developer Daniel Grollo is back in the development game, trying to get a tower erected on the prime Chapel Street, South Yarra site he recently acquired.

Plans have been filed by&nbsp;GFM Investment Group, whose sole director is Daniel Grollo, of the collapsed building giant Grocon. It&#39;s a joint venture with the Melbourne High School, which is located next door to the site.

They are seeking to demolish a two-level warehouse building&nbsp;and create a&nbsp;22-level tower at 671 Chapel Street, which will comprise&nbsp;a mix of apartments, retail, office and community space on the prime 2,069 sqm site.

<a href="/new-apartments/671-chapel-street-south-yarra">To track the project and be alerted when it hits sale, enquire here.</a>

<a href="/new-apartments/671-chapel-street-south-yarra"><img alt="" height="564" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-24_at_1.18.07_pm.png" width="1156" /></a>

The site was previously subject to an earlier planning permit that sought approval for a 32-level mixed-use development.

Amended plans took saw 10 levels taken off, and the addition of a maternal and child health centre among other changes. But that was knocked by by VCAT in 2019, namely due to an overbearing presence on Melbourne High School due to the height, breadth, and materiality, including the proximity of the proposal to the boundary with MHS.

<a href="/new-apartments/671-chapel-street-south-yarra">To track the project and be alerted when it hits sale, enquire here.</a>

<a href="/new-apartments/671-chapel-street-south-yarra"><img alt="" height="378" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/671_chapel_redesign2_0.png" width="580" /></a> 
The former plans by Architecton. Image credit: Architecton

The plans, filed by the fashion entrepreneur Harry Goles&nbsp;who was behind the collapse and subsequent rebirth of the fashion label Ojay, were given the green light by Stonnington Council in 2020, before VCAT again intervened.

But Grollo is now spearheading the project having acquired the vast 2,069 sqm site for just shy of $40 million, and plans a Bates Smart-designed tower with&nbsp;160 apartments,&nbsp;a mix of 30 one-bedroom units, 91 two-bedders, 37 three-bedroom apartments, and just two penthouses. There will be a maximum of nine apartments per floor.

There will be three podium levels. Level two&nbsp;will home 1,264 sqm of office space, while the ground will have 272 sqm of retail space. There&#39;s a further 352 sqm reserved for education or community space, which is being developed in collaboration with MHS.

Level one will be where the resident amenity is located. That&nbsp;will include an indoor pool, gym, and&nbsp;communal and private lounge and dining spaces.

<a href="/new-apartments/671-chapel-street-south-yarra">To track the project and be alerted when it hits sale, enquire here.</a>

<a href="/new-apartments/671-chapel-street-south-yarra"><img alt="" height="442" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-23_at_4.42.08_pm.png" width="886" /></a> 
The proposed tower second from the left. Image credit: Bates Smart

Contour Town Planning suggested the proposal would provide a new housing opportunity within a higher order activity centre, and at an intensity that contributes to placemaking, rengeration and formation of communities in highly accessible and advantaged locations.

&quot;The proposed building will assist in creating an urban environment in this part of South Yarra that is safe, healthy, functional and enjoyable, and it will contribute to creating a sense of place.

They noted that a key issue for Stonnington is the need to provide for the projected population growth of the City by catering especially for smaller households.

&quot;The proposal specifically addresses the need to provide accomodation and housing choice for these dominant demand groups including young people and smaller households.&quot;

<a href="/new-apartments/671-chapel-street-south-yarra">To track the project and be alerted when it hits sale, enquire here.</a>

<a href="/new-apartments/671-chapel-street-south-yarra"><img alt="" height="472" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-23_at_4.38.53_pm.png" width="892" /></a>

Jack Merlo has handled the landscaping which will create a connection between&nbsp;Chapel Street and the&nbsp;MHS main campus.

The project will be just&nbsp;a few doors down from Gamuda Land&#39;s completed 661 Chapel Street tower, and the Royal Como, another mixed use tower at 663 Chapel Street.

Immediately north of the site is a four-level brick building which forms part of the MHS Campus, while immediately south is the new Centre for Higher Education Studies facility, a four-level education building.

Grollo&#39;s Grocon, which has developed the likes of Eureka Tower, Rialto Towers and 101 Collins Street in the Victorian capital, collapsed in 2020,&nbsp;reportedly owing creditors over $100 million.

Grollo is now spearheading the project having acquired the vast 2,069 sqm site, and plans a Bates Smart-designed tower with 160 apartments


Exclusive: Daniel Grollo seeks $75 million Chapel St, South Yarra mixed-use tower

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Greaton has announced its appointment of a new construction contractor at The Ribbon hotel project in Sydney’s Darling Harbour.

Probuild, will take over construction on the 25-storey project from its previous contractors Grocon.

Greaton advised it ensured “continuity of the build” towards its Q2 2022 completion date.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758]

The building will include a five-star W Hotel, including 450 guestrooms and 143 suites, and will reintroduce an IMAX Theatre.

<img alt="" height="666" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/darling_harbour_ribbon_hotel_2.jpg" width="1200">

With $2 billion worth of development projects in the pipeline, Greaton’s portfolio includes property landmarks spanning hotel, residential and commercial developments. 

The company’s flagship project in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, The Ribbon, will incorporate a 25-storey hotel development and new premises for Sydney’s IMAX theatre. 

Greaton’s projects elsewhere in Sydney include Oxford Central in the new Epping Town Centre, with the 251-apartment development, designed by Marchese Partners.

It is expected to be completed and fully settled in Q1 2020. 

Probuild’s national pipeline of projects worth $5 billion and an annual turnover of more than $2 billion is currently delivering Greenland Australia’s Greenland Centre in Sydney.
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Greaton advised it ensured “continuity of the build” towards its Q2 2022 completion date.

jchancellor

Probuild take over construction of The Ribbon hotel project in Sydney’s Darling Harbour from Grocon

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Real estate investment trust company Dexus has issued a response to criticism that two of its subsidiaries exhibited “unreasonable and disappointing” behaviour that led to the administration of competitor Grocon’s subsidiaries.
Grocon's subsidiaries took Dexus to court in February this year to set aside statutory demands from Dexus to pay its alleged debts.
The two companies have historically had a rocky relationship, with legal disputes over finances spilling into the public eye in recent months.
In the response, Dexus asserts that;
1) Grocon has had debts outstanding to Dexus and a funds management partner for more than three years relating to a lease of premises at 480 Queen Street, Brisbane.
2) Grocon entered into several binding agreements to repay the debt owed and had not complied with these, despite repeated requests to do so and Dexus granting extensions to the scheduled payment dates.
3) Dexus issued statutory demands on Grocon seeking to have the debt paid and Grocon challenged these in court alleging abuse of process. It should be noted that Dexus did not commence proceedings against Grocon.
4) Dexus is following, and intends to continue to follow, the court’s direction (next hearing is scheduled before the Federal Court of Appeal on 22 November 2019). Dexus expects judgment to be handed down soon after the hearing.
5) The outcome of this process has no negative impact on Dexus’s market guidance1 for the 12 months ending 30 June 2020 to deliver distribution per security growth of circa 5%.
 
 
 
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wdavis-8cCN98p7xp

Dexus shoots back at competitor after criticism

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Earlier this month, <a href="/news/victorian-government-paves-the-way-for-build-to-rent">Urban.com.au reported</a> on the Victorian State Government's endorsement of Grocon's 60-storey Build-to-Rent development on City Road in Southbank.  Planning Minister, Richard Wynne endorsed the Bates Smart-designed proposal of 400-apartments, noting that barriers have been removed to pave the way for this new asset class that offers Melburnians a quality yet affordable housing option.

<blockquote>
New ideas often take a while to navigate the planning system. These actions will ensure that build-to-rent can prosper and increase the stock of rental housing to meet the current record demand.

- Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning
</blockquote>

According to Bates Smart, the design of the Southbank development has "been distilled from the best offerings noted from significant field research locally and abroad including a study tour of the US, conducted in March 2018, where representatives from Bates Smart visited 18 properties across New York, Boston and San Francisco." 

Apartments.com.au spoke to Bates Smart Director Julian Anderson about the research has undertaken on the Build-to-Rent model and the office's work in designing Melbourne's first BTR project on Southbank.

<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/42681628932_f8e15a5799_h.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site which has now been cleared. 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/42681628932_f8e15a5799_h.jpg?itok=lAQOrj0v" title="The site which has now been cleared. Image: Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site which has now been cleared. Image: Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au: What are some of the barriers to successfully adopting the Build-to-rent model in Australia?

Julian Anderson: The main barrier in Australia at the moment is the challenging tax environment. Assuming the tax regime is modified, there shouldn’t be any other obstacles to its success. In Europe and the US, millennials are choosing to live in these developments because of the lifestyle it supports and like Australia, home ownership is becoming increasingly difficult because of rising costs and supply constraints.

The Treasurer, Tim Pallas has commented that: “Encouraging BTR will increase the supply of new, large-scale housing for longer-term renting.” There have been barriers for residents in terms of choice in the rental market and build-to-rent offers Australians a genuine alternative for occupants to create and maintain the lifestyle they want and continue live in the CBD with access to the best in transport, work, retail and lifestyle activity.

There are some negative connotations associated with the US build-to-rent model where it is perceived as creating an elitist environment. This did not appear to be the case during our team’s study tour of the US build-to-rent model in 2017 where we visited 18 projects. We experienced first-hand how the US model encourages and promotes a diverse community and caters to varying lifestyle needs, while offering a more secure housing solution.

U: How can the build-to-rent model address the challenges associated with housing affordability and population growth?

JA: Residential development in Melbourne and the CBD periphery is relatively stagnant due to lending controls tightening for both foreign and local developers and purchasers. With Melbourne’s population scheduled to double to 8 million within the next 20 years, making it the size of London today, we will need to cater to this huge population growth. One way to do that is via the introduction of this build-to-rent typology. The success of these projects is not constrained by purchasers’ willingness or ability to buy, rather, it is driven by a demand in Melbourne that is growing exponentially.

Affordability and build-to-rent don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand and we need to continue to look at international models to establish an appropriate affordable housing provision in this country. This is as much an issue for ‘build-to-sell’ apartment developments as it is for ‘build-to-rent.’

How did you approach the design of City Road compared to say one of the luxury projects Bates Smart have designed on Spring Street?

JA: As with all of our projects, we start by developing a brief with the client. This was undertaken on this project during a study tour of the US, during which we surveyed 18 build-to-rent properties across New York, Boston and San Francisco. The newer properties contained significant amounts of amenity space, and most interestingly, the provision of areas within the building enabling flexible working. For example, in several build-to-rent properties in the US we saw residents running their small businesses from their laptop using the work lounge spaces provided within the development, rather than running it from out of their apartment.

So while the brief is different, the design process is very similar. We’ll ask ourselves questions like how does the building need to respond to its local context, how do we maximise access to light and views, how are the amenity spaces arranged and distributed to maximise benefits for the residents and how do people want to live in the 21st century? It’s then up to the client working with us to determine what level of luxury they’re seeking to introduce into the project. It’s about creating the best environment in which people can live and enjoy the lifestyle offerings.

<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/home_southbank_bs.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The 60-storey BTR project on Southbank. Image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/home_southbank_bs.jpg?itok=AH7N36Ll" title="The 60-storey BTR project on Southbank. Image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 60-storey BTR project on Southbank. Image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>U: How was the City Road project conceived? What were some of the key drivers behind the design?

JA: Our client recognised the scale and importance of the build-to-rent market in the US as well as its global appeal and saw the opportunity that existed in Melbourne, particularly with the likely demand in the next 20 years. There was also a recognition that the existing rental market in Australia lacked the sort of security of tenure, consistent quality and services that were on offer in the US.

Travelling with the client and constantly talking about design and the project allowed us to very quickly agree on many aspects of the design. We saw how other buildings had dealt with similar challenges we were facing in our local context including how to deal with proximity to our neighbours, a material palette that responds to former industrial neighbourhoods and height. Constantly debating and discussing design over this two-week period sped the design process up so that upon return, we mapped out a very clear design direction for us to pursue.

We were very interested in creating a building that responds to the building’s local context, so the use of the brick in the podium is about relating to the large number of brick warehouses that used to exist in this area. We also see brick as having that tactile quality that creates a physical connection between the residents and the building. This materiality makes the building more inviting.

The facade approach is ordered and calm relative to many of the nearby buildings. We wanted to create a building that in its tower form was different to many neighbouring developments in Southbank. There are so many projects in this area that are trying to stand apart and make a statement, so we focused on creating an elegant and sophisticated building. There is a sense of repose and calm in this project.

U: The City Rd project is 60-storeys tall - is there an ideal size for delivering the build-to-rent model? Or is it easily scaleable?

JA: It’s relatively straight forward to scale up or down in design terms. In the US there is a bit of an amenity arms race occurring. We saw developments of over 1,000 apartments that have up to 8,000 to 10,000sqm of amenity space including full size basketball courts and commercially scaled gyms. In the US and in particular San Francisco, we saw smaller scale developments of under 100 apartments which were as successful as their larger counterparts, so I can see no obstacles to this being introduced at a smaller scale in Australia.

One of the key components of these types of developments is the ability to build a community in a way that is quite different to what occurs in a build-to-sell development. Strong communities were created, with very engaged residents, particularly in the smaller scale developments when compared with those that we saw that contained over 1,000 apartments.

U: Do you expect to see a development that comprises a mix of BTR and apartments for private sale in the future? 695 LaTrobe for example would feature a mix of BTR and hotel suties.

JA: Yes I think if you look to other world cities of Melbourne’s size, and appreciating our future population growth in the next 20 years, you’re seeing more and more mixed use-type developments located within proximity to public transport. We need to continue to cater to increased population densities in and around these transport nodes. For the ongoing success of Melbourne and the continued creation of walkable cities, we need to provide this rich mix of spaces where people can work, live and play.

There is also an opportunity as the build-to-rent market matures in Australia to create more blended living and working environments. As people’s ability work to more flexibly and remotely increases, our buildings need to be designed to suit the changing working environment. This hasn’t happened yet so it’s a good opportunity for architects and developers to explore more creative and interesting design solutions. I’d like to think that build-to-rent could be the catalyst that allows further exploration of these more blended mixed-use environments.
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Laurence Dragomir

Bates Smart's Julian Anderson discusses Build-to-Rent

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The Victorian Government has come out in support of the Build-to-Rent (BTR) model in an effort to improve access, choice and quality for tenants while also providing greater rental tenancy lengths. The Build-to-Rent model involves building properties to rent instead of selling them to individual buyers with the aim of can providing high quality and well maintained rental stock to renters.

The BTR announcement follows hot on the heels of the Government’s recent changes to the Residential Tenancies Act which seeks to ensure renting becomes "fairer for Victorians". The model has been established for quite some time overseas but is very much an emerging sector in Australia.

The development industry has identified some barriers to the delivery of BTR. In response the Government will facilitate planning assessment, establish an industry working group, financially support BTR in community housing, clarify taxation arrangements, and lobby the federal government to make it easier to realise BTR in Australia.

Mlbourne-based developer Grocon recently obtained approval for Victoria's first BTR development - a 60-storey apartment building at 260 City Rd, Southbank designed by Bates Smart. This revised scheme replaces a previous approval for a 62-storey residential development first designed by Hayball for Apex Vic, before being sold to Altus Developments who engaged Moull Murray architects to revised conceive a revised scheme known as Monarch 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/grocon_city_rd.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Grocon has received approval for a 60-storey purpose built tower. Image: Grocon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="728" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/grocon_city_rd.png?itok=tpHeggUe" title="Grocon has received approval for a 60-storey purpose built tower. Image: Grocon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Grocon has received approval for a 60-storey purpose built tower. Image: Grocon</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Grocon is pleased to announce it has secured planning approval for Australia’s first purpose designed and developed Build to Rent in Southbank Melbourne which will include 400 apartments over 60 levels.  Grocon is proud to have collaborated with Bates Smart, the Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning (DEWLP) and City of Melbourne for this exciting project.

- Grocon
</blockquote>

With the support of the Victorian Government, Salta might finally progress plans for its development site at 695-699 LaTrobe Street on the Docklands waterfront. Having already secured InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) to operate a five-star Indigo-branded hotel of 170 rooms, the balance of the development will comprise 260 BTR apartments.

To be known as Hotel Indigo Melbourne Docklands the curved tower has been designed by Fender Katsalidis to reflect its harbourside location, with completion forecast for 2020.

According to the Victorian Government, a host of other development applications will be assessed via a fast tracked approval process. 

<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/695-latrobe-indigo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Salta's Docklands project will include 260 BTR apartments. Images: Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="246" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/695-latrobe-indigo.jpg?itok=FO1mL8LE" title="Salta's Docklands project will include 260 BTR apartments. Images: Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Salta's Docklands project will include 260 BTR apartments. Images: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Encouraging BTR will increase the supply of new, large-scale housing for longer-term renting. It can grow our stock of affordable and social housing, expanding housing choices for Victorians.” “Victoria is leading the way in supporting Build-to-Rent. We’ll keep listening for new ideas through our new industry working group.

- Tim Pallas, Treasurer
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
New ideas often take a while to navigate the planning system. These actions will ensure that BTR can prosper and increase the stock of rental housing to meet the current record demand.

- Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
The Victorian Government’s support for build to rent is best in class and a welcome first step in creating a sector that will deliver high quality rental accommodation and provide greater security of tenure for Victorians. We congratulate the Government on its willingness to work with industry to address these challenges.

- Cressida Wall, Executive Director, Property Council Victorian of Australia
</blockquote>

 
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Victorian Government paves the way for Build to Rent

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<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Canada's Oxford Properties has won the rights to Grocon's development stake in the $2 billion Barangaroo Central project.
Oxford, led by US-based Hines Real Estate, will make a payment of about $100 million to secure the development rights over which Grocon has control.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">The deal sees Grocon stay on as the project development manager.</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
<div id="article-inline-ad" class="adWrapper"> </div>
</div>
<div class="related-quotes section">Grocon confirmed to The Australian and Fairfax Media that Oxford Properties had been selected as the preferred party.</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Grocon had been reportedly under pressure to secure investors for its portion of the project – an office tower of up to 50,000 square metres – before its line of credit runs out in September.
Last November Grocon was awarded the conjunctional development rights to the $2 billion Barangaroo Central development.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">Grocon, led by property scion Daniel Grollo, joined with Scentre and Aqualand in the winning consortium.</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"> </div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">The project which sits adjacent to Crown Resorts casino. A buy-out of Grocon's stake by its own consortium partner is under consideration, sources said. 
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Oxford Properties is the real estate investment arm of OMERS, one of Canada's largest defined benefit pension plans.
</div>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Canada's Oxford Properties secures Grocon's Barangaroo Central project equity 

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The country’s largest private construction company has been charged over the collapse of a brick wall that killed three people last year.
WorkSafe has filed five criminal charges against the company following a lengthy investigation into the events that lead to the death of researcher Dr Marie-Faith Fiawoo, 33 and siblings Bridget Jones, 18 and Alexander Jones, 19.
Charge sheets filed in the Victorian Magistrates Court and allege that the companies failed to protect the lives of those who died in the collapse, according to The Herald Sun. The publication reports that the charge details allege that it was “reasonably practicable for Grocon Pty Limited to have eliminated or reduced the risk to the health and safety of persons in the vicinity of the wall and hoarding.”
In a statement released late yesterday, Grocon Executive Chairman Daniel Grollo stated: “We acknowledge the action taken by WorkSafe given the tragic consequences of last year’s wall collapse and the broad obligations that apply under the Victorian Occupational Health &amp; Safety Act.
“We don’t yet know the specific detail of what is being alleged against Grocon or the Melbourne signage company responsible for erecting the advertising sign on the wall so we need to await further information from WorkSafe before we can properly respond.”
Grollo said that assisting the investigation remained the company’s priority to ensure that the events are not repeated.
Fiawoo and the Jones siblings were killed when a structurally unsound brick wall collapsed in 100km/h winds. A wooden advertising board dynabolted to the façade is thought to have contributed to the collapse of the wall.
Aussie Signs, who installed the hoarding, has also been charged.
According to The Herald Sun, the documents filed by WorkSafe inspector Brendan Johnson allege eight key failings by Grocon companies:
<ol>
<li>Prior to installation of the hoarding, producing a detailed design which included how it was to be attached to the wall and how the wall and hoarding would be braced </li>
<li>Prior to installation of the hoarding getting a risk assessment about wind loading of the wall with the hoarding attached </li>
<li>Prior to installation of the hoarding getting an assessment by a structural engineer of the wall’s capacity to safely bear the hoarding </li>
<li>Obtaining a building permit for the hoarding </li>
<li>Require that the hoarding must not increase any lateral wind loading on the wall because it extends above or beyond the wall </li>
<li>Require that any increase in the later wind loading on the wall be counteracted by engineer approved bracing </li>
<li>Require a reduction in the wall so that a more robust signage/wall with engineer approved bracing could be constructed </li>
<li>
After installation of the hoarding get an assessment of the wall’s capacity to safely bear the hoarding and making any modifications deemed necessary 
</li>
</ol>
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Criminal charges laid against Grocon for fatal wall collapse

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With the release of X-Men: Days of Future upon us we once again find ourselves delving deep into the Apartments.com.au archives, this time perusing the various incarnations of <a href="http://www.grocon.com/gallery/current/">Grocon's</a> <a href="http://www.swanstonsquare.com.au/">Swanston Square</a> project at the top end of Swanston Street. Like the film's impressive roll call of big name actors, the site is similarly playing host to an all-star cast of local architects.

<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/swanstonsquare_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Swanston Sqaure prior to the sale of Building 4. © Grocon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/swanstonsquare_0.jpg?itok=e26YEvtK" title="Swanston Sqaure prior to the sale of Building 4. © Grocon" width="580"></a>

It's difficult to comprehend that 8 years have passed since Grocon first acquired the site (save for the south-east corner now housing the Design Hub) from RMIT back in late 2006. In that time only RMIT's Design Hub &amp; the Pixel building have been completed with the 30-storey Portrait on the cusp of topping out.

<h2>A brief 'recent' history</h2>

<ul>
<li>Grocon purchases site from RMIT for approximately $40 million during 2006.</li>
	<li>NH Architecture are appointed to oversee the master plan and urban design aspects of the former brewery with a brief that called for 120,000sq m of commercial space and 600 apartments, plus 150 underground parking spaces. Heritage fragments such as the old Malthouse building and bluestone facades fronting Bouverie Street are to be retained and incorporated into the new development while the Swanston Street vista towards the Shrine of Remembrance is to be preserved and extended into the site.</li>
	<li>A design ideas competition is run for each of the five buildings, encouraging a diversity of architecture. Ten architects are invited to submit proposals for the site based on the master plan developed by NH.</li>
	<li>The successful architectural firms are announced in mid-2007 - ARM, DCM, MCR, MVS &amp; NH.</li>
</ul>
<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/CUB_PLAN.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Carlton Brewery Development Plan."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="281" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/CUB_PLAN.jpg?itok=dnPnWXSD" title="Carlton Brewery Development Plan." width="580"></a>

Over a two part article we discuss the history of each land parcel of the former CUB Carlton site:

<h2>BUILDING #8 - Pixel - Studio 505 Pty Ltd</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/PIXEL.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pixel Building. © Studio 505"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="242" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/PIXEL.jpg?itok=lh0kDxEU" title="Pixel Building. © Studio 505" width="580"></a>

Completed in July 2010, the 1,100 sq.m Pixel building was the first building constructed on-site and was to act as Grocon's site office for the duration of the construction phase at The Brewery. It is most notable for being the first carbon neutral office building in Australia, generating its own power and water on-site. Most striking is its colourful facade comprising a random assortment of recycled panels of various shapes, sizes and colours which help shade the interior spaces and reduce glare.

<blockquote>
Pixel has achieved a perfect score of 100 under the Greenstar rating system, with 75 points the benchmark for 6 Star Greenstar. It gained an extra five points for innovation, equating to world leadership. Included in Pixel's five innovation points were points for carbon neutrality, a vacuum toilet system, the anaerobic digestion system and reduced car parking.

Pixel has also achieved a perfect 105 points under the US LEED rating scheme making it the highest rating building of any yet certified for LEED anywhere in the world. It is aiming to exceed the highest score yet achieved under the UK BREEAM rating systems. To put that into context, there are approximately 40,000 buildings registered worldwide under those three rating schemes, and Pixel would be at the forefront of all of them.
</blockquote>

For more info visit:<a href="http://www.pixelbuilding.com.au/"> http://www.pixelbuilding.com.au/</a>

<h2>RMIT Design Hub - Sean Godsell + Peddle Thorp</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Design%20Hub.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="RMIT Design Hub © Sean Godsell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="263" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Design%20Hub.jpg?itok=WlwTjELu" title="RMIT Design Hub © Sean Godsell" width="580"></a>

The 10-storey design, research and education facility on the corner of Victoria and Swanston Streets opened in late 2012. Comprising a series of large flexible indoor 'warehouse' style spaces running the length of the building, the complex is designed to promote collaborative learning and research amongst various disciplines. The Design Hub houses the Design Archives, a Virtual Reality Centre, a workshop, Multipurpose Room, Lecture Theatre, and four rooftop Pavilions with a cafe at lower ground level.

More than 1700 sq.m is dedicated to exhibition spaces with an exhibition corridor running the length of the building along Swanston Street. A cascading public forecourt links the Design Hub and the RMIT Design Archives.

<blockquote>
The purpose of the Design Hub is to provide accommodation in one building for a diverse range of design research and post graduate education. RMIT is a world leader in design research however post graduates are currently dissipated across various campuses and facilities. The Hub will provide a collegial research base where post graduates in fields such as fabric and fashion design will work alongside those involved in architecture, aeronautical engineering, industrial design, landscape architecture, urban design and so on.

Research groups have the ability to locate and fine tune their accommodation within ‘warehouses’ - open plan spaces where research teams can set up and tailor their work environment to suit their particular needs. Teams may stay for anywhere from six months to three years depending on the nature of and funding limits to their research and education programs. Research may include the need for workshops to make physical models to be located alongside computer studios, three dimensional printing, virtual reality modelling and so on.

Given the time frames associated with research projects all the warehouses require a high level of adaptability and flexibility. In that sense these spaces are designed to accommodate the organic nature of research - ever evolving, adapting, changing and growing.
<cite>Sean Godsell, Architect</cite>
</blockquote>

The Design Hub won the Victorian Architecture Medal and the William Wardell Award at the 2013 Victorian Architecture Awards.

<a href="http://www.designhub.rmit.edu.au/about/the-building">http://www.designhub.rmit.edu.au/about/the-building</a>

<h2>BUILDING #5 - Portrait - ARM Architecture</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Portrait%20progression.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design Progression. © ARM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="230" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Portrait%20progression.jpg?itok=NJjZhbQ0" title="Design Progression. © ARM" width="580"></a>

The one constant throughout various design proposals over the years is ARM, who first developed a winning scheme for a $300m development on the site in the 1995, but which was never built.

<blockquote>
ARM won an invited competition for a $300 million redevelopment of the former CUB site in 1995. This project included student housing, two towers, multimedia centre, residential apartments, commercial offices, a hotel, cinemas, retail and carparking. This scheme at the termination of the Shrine of Remembrance axis made a provocative urban and formal response by deflecting to create a spectacular anti-monumental void. This development did not go ahead, but the concept for this proposal informs the new scheme for the ARM designed office building in the current CUB master plan.
</blockquote>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ARM%20Brewery%201995_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ARM proposal for $300m mixed-use development circa 1995. © ARM"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ARM%20Brewery%201995_0.jpg?itok=DwcV3UG7" title="ARM proposal for $300m mixed-use development circa 1995. © ARM" width="580"></a>

The office finally see one of their designs come to fruition in the form of the building formerly known as Portrait. Originally conceived as a 20-storey office building the development forms the first stage of the rebranded Swanston Square:

<blockquote>
This 20-storey office tower faces down the Swanston Street axis towards the Shrine of Remembrance in St Kilda Road. Architect Howard Raggatt said the building would be a new gateway to Melbourne, akin to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The Shrine of Remembrance was a "profoundly symbolic element" of Melbourne's city centre, Mr Raggatt said, and it was crucial a significant building at the other end of the city faced the Shrine.
</blockquote>

The design has since evolved into a literal interpretation of the building facing the shrine, in the form of William Barak's face across it's 32-storeys. Currently under construction, the face will be partly obscured by the Design Hub with only views from close proximity affording pedestrians a glimpse of it in full.

<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/jPcKH.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="715" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jPcKH.jpg?itok=y_gRco9V" title="Image © Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<a href="/news/days-of-future-past-cub-site-carlton-continued">In part two tomorrow</a>, we highlight those land parcels not yet constructed, including CEL Australia's 156-172 Victoria Street proposal at 253 metres.
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Days of Future Past: CUB Site Carlton

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"Reimagine. To reimagine is to do something in a way that's never been done before." That's the crux of <a href="http://www.emporiummelbourne.com.au/" target="_blank">Emporium Melbourne</a>'s new marketing campaign that ushered in the opening of the new $1.16 billion retail project on Thursday.
It's been a while coming, in fact far longer than the parties behind Emporium Melbourne would have preferred. After succumbing to a number of delays which considerably pushed back opening, the masses finally had the chance to gaze upon the mega retail facility in recent days.
<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_5146art.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Emporium's buzz word - Reimagine."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="354" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5146art.jpg?itok=tjSIrHlI" title="Emporium's buzz word - Reimagine." width="580"></a>
With a ''jewellery box'' themed external facade dominated by a media screen utilising metal louvres and LED technology, the north-east corner was always slated to be the marquee focal point. Subject to considerable revisions through the design and build process, Emporium Melbourne is externally interesting without being extravagant.
Yet the the internals that house 46,175sqm or retail space that are designed to wow. With <a href="http://buchan.com.au/" target="_blank">Buchan Group</a> and <a href="http://wonder-wall.com/#project/en" target="_blank">Wonderwall</a> handling the design duties, the centre's main design drawcard is the central internal atrium that distributes natural light to all levels.
Now complete, Emporium Melbourne once more connects Bourke Street Mall and Melbourne Central via elevated, covered pedestrian walkways and also at ground level. The high level of permeability for Emporium and its retail neighbours should theoretically allow for a highly enjoyable retail experience.
<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_7343.JPG" rel="gallery-all" title="Atrium space. Image © Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/IMG_7343.JPG?itok=od3DT5gD" title="Atrium space. Image © Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>
While the centre is open, it's worth noting that a considerable number of the 225 retail outlets have yet to receive fitouts, owing to the desire of centre owners to open prior to Easter trading. Whilst construction hoardings still greet customers along the southern street frontage, they're adorned with bubble-like promotional features.
For however long they are present, they're worth a visit along with the 1,100-seat 'cafe court.' The shopping may just be a side show!
<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_5148art.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A sign of things to come"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5148art.jpg?itok=6s6LEQCT" title="A sign of things to come" width="580"></a>
Whilst some spectacular portrait pictures of Emporium Melbourne are available within <a href="/news">this forum thread</a>, click the image below for expanded internal/external snaps taken post opening. Enjoy the pictures and kudos to Ryan Seychell for all internal images.
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