Joint venture partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> are officially launching the third and final residential stage at their landmark $350 million harbourfront precinct, Putney Wharf, with The Residences representing the final opportunity to secure a new home within this rare waterfront destination.

Strong demand has already been established across the earlier stages of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-residences-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a>, with more than 50 per cent sold ahead of this final release. The Residences will introduce a selection of the precinct’s most premium apartments, many of which were deliberately reserved for this concluding stage.

Located at 20 Waterview Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a> NSW, the completed precinct will comprise 67 residences, including 18 terraces and 49 apartments, alongside five retail tenancies and a 36-berth marina.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=1338]

Developed alongside partners Phoenix Property Investors and Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Putney Wharf occupies a prized 300-metre stretch of absolute waterfront and incorporates the historic former Halvorsen’s Boatshed. The precinct connects directly to surrounding parklands via a landscaped foreshore walkway and a large, landscaped podium linking both sides of the development to the adjoining foreshore parklands.

The Residences comprise two newly built, three-storey apartment buildings delivering a boutique collection of 30 generously proportioned waterfront apartments. Designed to capture harbour outlooks, natural light and cooling breezes, The Residences balance architectural refinement with relaxed, low-maintenance living.

Architecturally designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the apartments continue the cohesive design language seen across the broader precinct. A refined palette of light and dark materials, softer-toned stone and neutral, earthy finishes reflect the surrounding landscape and harbour setting. Interiors feature painted timber veneers, tactile joinery, timber flooring to living spaces and 100 per cent natural wool carpets in bedrooms, creating warm and sophisticated homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362525]

Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen, said the release of the final residential stage marks an important milestone for the project.

“Putney Wharf brings together everything we’ve learned over more than 25 years of development,” Mr Brown said. “It respects the site’s extraordinary maritime history while delivering contemporary homes that connect people directly to the harbour.

The Residences offer the rare combination of low-maintenance apartment living, waterfront outlooks with beautiful sunset views, and the convenience of retail and amenity at your doorstep. For boating enthusiasts, the opportunity to secure a private marina berth completes a truly unique Sydney harbourfront lifestyle.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291197]

PERIFA Managing Director and Co-Founder Fabrizio Perilli added that the diversity of housing across the precinct has been central to the project’s success.

“Whether it’s the heritage Halvorsen’s apartments, the Waterview Terraces or now The Residences, Putney Wharf offers a range of homes that respond to different lifestyles, all united by an unrivalled harbourfront setting,” Perilli said. “This is a precinct that will add lasting value to the Putney community.”

Managing project marketing and sales, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Partner Tim Rees said the final release has already attracted strong demand reflecting the project’s unique harbourfront position and the success of earlier stages.

“Following the strong response to both the Halvorsen’s Boatshed residences and the Waterview Terraces, The Residences represent the final chance to secure a new home within this tightly held waterfront precinct,” Rees said. “Buyers are drawn to the rare combination of absolute harbour frontage, parkside living and genuine architectural quality.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240]

Putney Wharf is a one-of-a-kind mixed-use destination, delivering an exclusive residential offering alongside waterfront dining, retail and a 36-berth marina designed to the latest Australian Standards, accommodating vessels up to 18 metres and helping address Sydney Harbour’s ongoing marina shortage.

The precinct will include five retail tenancies and a prominent waterfront jetty area fronting the retail village, creating an activated harbourfront destination for residents and visitors alike.

Residents will enjoy direct access to lush harbourfront parklands, a public foreshore walkway and landscaped podium gardens connecting the development to the surrounding waterfront reserve. Construction across the Putney Wharf precinct is expected to be completed by Q2 2027.

Sales of The Residences officially launch this weekend, with the display suite open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 12pm at Putney Wharf. Visitors are invited to enjoy a complimentary coffee while touring The Residences and experiencing the Putney Wharf lifestyle firsthand.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

Joel Robinson

Final Harbourfront release in Putney Wharf launches this weekend

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/draycon">Draycon Building</a> is nearing completion of Boutique Chevron Island, a 42-apartment development on the northern end of Chevron Island at 17–19 Parneno Street, with a limited-time offer of fully furnished apartments available.

Now more than 90 per cent complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/boutique-chevron-island-17-19-parneno-chevron-island-qld-4217">Boutique</a> has been shaped by one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held island addresses, where riverfront outlooks and walkable access to Surfers Paradise converge.

For Draycon Building Managing Director Howard Dabit, the appeal of the site was immediate.

“I knew it was a good site as soon as I saw it,” Dabit said.

“The position and location on the north end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>, the way the river swirls around the site basically from the north to the east, it feels like the site is surrounded by the water. The height that we’ve got and the aspect looking north is beautiful. Eighty per cent of the apartments are looking north so they get that drenching sunlight coming in.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360922]

That northern orientation places the development within a stretch of Chevron Island defined by open river aspects and skyline views, while remaining embedded in the suburb’s established village setting.

Chevron Island has increasingly drawn owner-occupiers seeking centrality without the intensity of high-rise beachfront living. Positioned at the geographical centre of the Gold Coast, the island offers direct access to both the beach and key cultural infrastructure while retaining a neighbourhood-scale character.

Connected by bridge to Surfers Paradise, Chevron Island offers walkable access to beaches, riverfront parklands and a revitalised foreshore boulevard animated by walkers and cyclists throughout the day. The Pacific Ocean is only minutes away, reinforcing the suburb’s dual river-and-surf identity.

At the same time, Thomas Drive forms the spine of the island’s village life, delivering cafés, wine bars, casual dining and everyday services within easy reach. Independent grocers, wellness operators and neighbourhood retailers contribute to a community atmosphere that remains distinct from the vertical scale of the beachfront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360915]

In the opposite direction, the Green Bridge links directly to HOTA – Home of the Arts – placing galleries, performance venues and parklands within walking distance. Weekly markets and major exhibitions draw visitors from across the region, while residents return to a quieter residential pocket at day’s end.

Public transport, including nearby bus routes and the G:link light rail corridor along the coastal spine, strengthens connectivity north and south. Griffith University, the Gold Coast University Hospital precinct and established private schools such as The Southport School are all within a short drive.

Ongoing investment across Surfers Paradise, HOTA and the broader Southport corridor has elevated amenity while preserving Chevron Island’s comparatively low-rise residential character. It is this balance, walkable village atmosphere paired with metropolitan-scale infrastructure, that continues to differentiate the suburb from higher-density beachfront precincts.

Boutique comprises just 42 residences, designed to maximise river and skyline outlooks within this tightly held island setting.

Boutique Chevron Island is slated for completion in April 2026, with prices starting from $1,220,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=89709]

Draycon Building’s Boutique Chevron Island places 42 residences at the heart of the Gold Coast

Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> has secured planning approval for a $300 million residential development in Lindfield, marking the company’s second project on Sydney’s North Shore and its first on the Upper North Shore.

Located on Beaconsfield Parade and designed by DKO Architecture, the state significant development comprises three buildings of up to 10 storeys and will include 399 residences, including 59 affordable homes and 40 adaptable homes.

Residences will range in size from one, two and three bedrooms, with two-bedroom apartments accounting for over 60 per cent of the product make-up. Residents will have access to a broad suite of amenities, including a wellness area, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, a pool, a gym, a community room and a golf simulator.

In line with Deicorp’s long-standing focus on creating transit-oriented communities, the project is located just 260 metres from the Lindfield Train Station, reinforcing its role in delivering well-connected housing close to established infrastructure, retail and local services.

The inclusion of affordable and adaptable housing supports greater diversity within the local market, while the mix of apartment types responds to demand from downsizers, young professionals and families seeking access to the Upper North Shore.

Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri OAM said the approval represents an important milestone for both the company and the suburb

“This approval allows us to deliver well-designed homes in a location that is already supported by strong transport and community infrastructure," Deiri said.

"Our focus is on creating places that integrate into their surroundings and provide long-term value for residents, and the broader Lindfield community. Being within walking distance of the station ensures this project supports sustainable growth in the right locations."

Across its portfolio, Deicorp currently has 4,703 apartments under construction, playing a leading role in shaping connected, liveable communities across Sydney.

Its expanding portfolio of Metro-linked developments includes Tallawong Village, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> in Five Dock, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hyde-metropolitan-sydney-133-141-liverpool-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Hyde Metropolitan</a> in Sydney CBD, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-crows-nest-8-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a> in Crows Nest and Showground Village, Castle Hill.

Deicorp purchased the Beaconsfield Paradise site last year. Construction is scheduled to commence in Q2 of 2026 and will be completed in 2029.

Deicorp expands portfolio to nearly 5,000 apartments with Lindfield project

In a joint venture with The Trump Organization, Australia developer Altus Property Group has announced plans to bring a Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower to the Gold Coast, marking the first Trump-branded project in Australia.

"Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast is our first official project in Australia and reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class luxury experiences in iconic locations around the world," Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, said.

"This development exemplifies the Trump brand’s dedication to quality, sophistication, and unmatched service, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to the vibrant Gold Coast community."

The 91-storey building, which will become the tallest in Australia at 335 metres, will feature a&nbsp;285-room luxury hotel bearing the trademark Trump logo. It will also include 272 luxury residential apartments, a three-level podium with an exclusive Beach Club, and over 3,400 sqm of premium commercial, retail, and dining space, revitalizing the central Surfers Paradise precinct.

“Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast will be a truly unique offering in the Australian market, bringing the prestige and allure of a world-class luxury brand,"&nbsp;Altus founder and chief executive David Young said.

"Altus Property Group is proud of its track record in delivering landmark developments across Australia, and our expertise ensures this project will be an outstanding success."

Trump Hotel heads for the Gold Coast to become Australia's tallest building

More than a century after the Corrimal Coke Works first opened in 1912, the industrial landmark that helped shape the suburb is being reinterpreted as a walkable residential neighbourhood, with Stage One of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-works-stage-one-27-railway-street-corrimal-nsw-2518">The Works</a> now underway at 27 Railway Street.

For 102 years, the site was central to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/corrimal-nsw-2518">Corrimal</a>’s economic and social identity before operations ceased in 2014. Rather than erasing that legacy, developer Legacy Property has embedded it into the masterplan, retaining and reinterpreting elements such as the iconic 1912 brick chimney and sections of the original C1 Coke Oven Battery, alongside the adaptive reuse of the former powerhouse building.

Stage One will introduce 181 apartments across low-rise buildings, offering predominantly two and three-bedroom residences with completion targeted for mid-2027. The scale and configuration reflect a deliberate focus on owner-occupiers, targeting those seeking a lower-maintenance home in a prime location within the northern suburbs of Wollongong.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143415 project_image_fid=359833]

Apartments have been designed to maximise natural light and cross-ventilation, with floor-to-ceiling glazing extending living areas onto generous balconies. Engineered timber flooring, induction cooktops and 900mm ovens in larger residences support everyday functionality, while two interior palettes allow buyers to tailor finishes to their preferences. The material selection draws on a restrained coastal language, intended to connect homes to their surroundings rather than compete with them.

The Works forms part of a broader 18-hectare masterplan that will ultimately deliver around 550 dwellings, new parks, and a heritage precinct celebrating the site’s past. More than seven hectares are dedicated to open space, including Southern Park and a Village Green with community gardens and recreation areas. The creek corridor is being rehabilitated with 150,000 native plantings, restoring biodiversity to the site and softening landscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143415 project_image_fid=359841]

Positioned adjacent to Corrimal Station and within walking distance of Corrimal Town Centre, the precinct places daily essentials, rail connections and local retail within easy reach. Wollongong CBD, including the hospital, university and entertainment venues, sits approximately 6.5 kilometres to the south.

For buyers more familiar with North Wollongong, Corrimal offers a different proposition: a well-established coastal suburb framed by beaches to the east and the escarpment to the west, with a strong sense of local identity shaped in part by the former Coke Works. The Works seeks to reinforce that identity by creating a connected, walkable neighbourhood between coast and escarpment, rather than a standalone apartment complex.

Sustainability underpins the development approach. The Works is targeting Wollongong’s first 5-Star Green Star-rated community, with water-sensitive urban design, recycled materials and energy-efficient buildings integrated across the masterplan. For residents, these measures provide not only environmental benefits but also reduced operational costs and future resilience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143415 project_image_fid=359842]

With construction commenced and display materials available to view, prospective buyers can now engage more directly with the project’s vision, reviewing floorplans, material selections and the broader masterplan in detail. For many local homeowners weighing a move, the opportunity to experience how heritage, landscape and contemporary design intersect may help bridge the gap between familiarity and the next chapter.

As Stage One progresses toward its mid-2027 completion, The Works represents a significant chapter in Corrimal’s evolution, transforming a site that once powered local industry into a walkable residential precinct designed for its next generation of residents.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143415]

Legacy Property’s The Works reimagines Corrimal’s century-old Coke Works

Hassell Studio

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Setting a contemporary new benchmark in boutique workspace design, Studio Light presents a bold architectural statement against the urban backdrop of Melbourne’s vibrant Collingwood. Situated only 2 kilometres north-east of Melbourne’s CBD, Studio Light is situated at the gateway to the city’s most esteemed cultural, sporting and culinary icons. Positioned perfectly for commerce and leisure between vibrant Johnston and Smith Streets, BPM brings to Collingwood an unrivalled workplace experience.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/studio-light-4-6-gold-street-collingwood-63400dc1764b7ca56568708b1e1ae36f_0.jpg?itok=F16zQrmg" style="width: 580px; height: 435px;"></a></figure><ul>
<li>Enviable location in the heart of Collingwood.</li>
	<li>Spacious and light-filled apartments.</li>
	<li>Cafe and commercial amenities for residents.</li>
</ul>
The most distinguished architectural feature is the lustrous finish of the building’s panelled façade, which plays on the sun’s ever-changing position to provide a series of scintillating reflections and shadows.

Integrating with the eclectic laneways of the area, the building’s luxurious entry statement, which is secured by swipe pass access, merges with a lofty café space at ground level to provide Studio Light’s businesses with an informal meeting area for entertaining clients and guests.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/studio-light-4-6-gold-street-collingwood-116d20a8915a768579dc283184b19304_0.jpg?itok=OnsGqCDf" style="width: 580px; height: 435px;"></a></figure>Generous outdoor terraces on levels three and five provide purchasers or tenants with their own private recreational spaces. The most unique amenity, however, is the open rooftop deck, which celebrates uninterrupted views of the city skyline and provides a flexible gathering space for meetings and events. On and off street bicycle spaces are complemented by 13 car stacker spaces reserved for secure parking.

Melbourne CBD, Yarra Park, Fitzroy Gardens, Carlton Gardens, St.Vincent's Hospital, ACU and a vibrant hub of cafes, restaurants and bars all within walking distance from your front doorstep.

The eccentric Collingwood is also surrounded by some of Melbourne's leading schools, transport services and employment opportunities.
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urban.com.au

Studio Light is situated at the gateway to the city’s most esteemed cultural, sporting and culinary icons.

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Architecture practice HASSELL is heading design efforts for a new office development with an end value of $163 million that will see job search firm SEEK take root within Cremorne.

The atypically shaped campus-style building was lodged with City of Yarra earlier this month, nominating a large land parcel at 60-88 Cremorne Street as SEEK's new headquarters. Arthur Land Pty Ltd is the listed land owner and applicant within planning documents, although <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/seek-to-move-hq-to-purposebuilt-office-in-melbourne-tech-hub/news-story/2b84264ca87b2da5b46b00455bc17aa0">The Australian</a> has nominated Gus Coopers' Cremorne Properties as the developer.

60-88 Cremorne Street's double-peaked roof along with a smaller annex building will encompass 29,493sqm of commercial floorspace. The bulk will tend to the needs of SEEK, with additional space dedicated toward retail, a wellness and education centre and a tech incubator.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600]

Currently, at 541 St Kilda Road, SEEK's 800 local employees will be shifted to the purpose-designed Cremorne complex upon its completion.

<h2>60-68 Cremorne Street application summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image14_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective of Seek's new headquarters. Planning image: Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="303" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_13.jpg?itok=EYnP1hFw" title="Street level perspective of Seek's new headquarters. Planning image: Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective of Seek's new headquarters. Planning image: HASSELL</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Frontages to Cremorne Street, Blanche Street and Parkins Lane</li>
	<li>6,734sqm site</li>
	<li>Proposed seven storey building at 36.2 metres to top of architectural ridgeline</li>
	<li>3,500sqm floor plate across lower levels</li>
	<li>Education centre with capacity for 68 students</li>
	<li>156sqm indoor recreational facility</li>
	<li>231 car parking spaces and 309 bicycle spaces within two level basement</li>
	<li>454sqm across three retail spaces</li>
	<li>390sqm terrace on level six</li>
	<li>635 jobs during construction</li>
</ul>
<h2>In HASSELL's words</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image17_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Inside Seek's new headquarters. Planning image: Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_12.jpg?itok=QtQoXoWJ" title="Inside Seek's new headquarters. Planning image: Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Inside Seek's proposed headquarters. Planning image: HASSELL</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
A ‘Contemporary Warehouse’ approach has been adapted with modern form, finished in traditional materials. The approach achieves a building that is both strong in form and sensitive in footprint.

Leveraging from the industrial heritage of Cremorne, the proposal at 60 Cremorne Street Cremorne, will seek to provide a highly integrated and diverse language of materials and form to reinforce its place within the existing urban and historical context.

The intent of a ‘contemporary warehouse’ is driven by the gabled brick roof forms which are prolific throughout Cremorne, most notably the former Cremorne Street State School, listed on the Victorian Heritage Database, which is directly adjacent to the subject site.

The external architectural response cleverly reinterprets the historic buildings which occupied Cremorne and the wider Richmond area through a composition of materials and building form.

This outcome addresses policy aspirations within the Swan Street Structure Plan to ensure that new buildings “reinforce the industrial and commercial building character of the precinct” and “to promote development that responds to the diverse character and architectural styles of the precinct’s existing built form.
<cite>Urban Context Report, HASSELL</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Greening and softening</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/image19_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green aspects. Planning image: Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="243" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_16.jpg?itok=B8YNOyJ5" title="Green aspects. Planning image: Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green aspects. Planning image: HASSELL</figcaption></figure>Each floor will include winter gardens, alternating between east and west facades from level to level. Serving the needs of SEEK's staff, the winter gardens also soften the buildings external appearance.

HASSELL's integrated approach to 60-88 Cremorne Street's green appearance also sees a considered outcome to the proposal's street frontages. All four frontages feature accessible paths for foot traffic and social engagement, along with varying degrees of greenery at street level.

<blockquote>
The ground floor is as much about Cremorne’s community as it is the building’s occupants – an incubator space, a networking zone, an event platform, and an opportunity to connect over a quick bite.
<cite>HASSELL</cite>
</blockquote>

The expected new street level activation is a far cry from the fenced off, gravel car park that currently occupies the site.

<h2>60-88 Cremorne Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Cremorne Properties</li>
	<li>Architect: HASSELL</li>
	<li>Project Manager: Case Meallin</li>
	<li>Planning: Contour Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape Architecture: HASSELL</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA</li>
	<li>Services, Acoustics, Structure, Fire &amp; ESD: ARUP</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Heritage: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>3D visuals: Scharp</li>
	<li>Economic: Urbis</li>
</ul>
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silvermb

SEEK and you will find... a new Cremorne headquarters

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Prolific South Yarra developer Michael Yates has banked upon the continued success of the luxury apartment sector within the suburb by positioning his latest apartment offering squarely at the expanding baby-boomer sector of the market.

After a string of successful apartment and commercial developments spanning the best part of two decades and predominantly within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct, Michael L Yates &amp; Co. have released 55 Claremont with the intention of capturing the “boomer-boom." Discerning the shift of a certain part of the market toward premium apartment living, 55 Claremont will contain a comparatively modest 37 apartments over 16 levels.

<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/yate9001_55_claremont_e01_heroa.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of the upcoming development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1160" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yate9001_55_claremont_e01_heroa.jpg?itok=67_hgbmp" title="Hero perspective of the upcoming development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the upcoming development</figcaption></figure>According to the developer the first signs of the strengthening luxury apartment market appeared when fellow Michael L Yates &amp; Co. development Yarra House sold more than 70 percent of apartments to owner occupiers in the over-50 bracket. With Yarra House freshly completed, 55 Claremont has been positioned to absorb the “boomer-boom” defined by their desire for high quality, spacious apartments in inner city pockets.

In excess of 40 percent of stock has traditionally gone to investors in the developer's earlier apartment projects, although with baby boomer demand for apartment living on the rise projects such as 55 Claremont will continue to emerge as the industry steps up to cater for this emerging apartment dweller.

<h2>The boomer shift</h2>

<blockquote>
We ensured our next development, 55 Claremont, ticked the boxes for baby boomers – spacious and flexible floorplans, a boutique development in a prime location and a dress circle view of Melbourne.

Another trend we’re seeing is the downsizers’ desire to merge floorplans. The ability to create your own, bespoke apartment combined with a five-star hotel ambiance has been embraced by empty nesters looking to enjoy their encore years.

With the kids out of home, or retirement on the way, these buyers value being in close proximity to Melbourne’s best restaurants and cafes, cinemas, recreational facilities, parks and the city.
<cite>Michael Yates of Michael L Yates &amp; Co</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/in03_type_b_kitchen_lighta.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/in03_type_b_kitchen_lighta.jpg?itok=SPBbQ5sk" title="Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Space and more space. 55 Claremont's kitchen area</figcaption></figure>Michael L Yates &amp; Co.'s preferred architect Bird de la Coeur is responsible for the overall design of 55 Claremont, with Hassell appointed to deliver interiors for the premier project that will see a maximum of three apartments over any one floor

Designed with clean finishes, apartments feature and abundance of space, stainless steel Gaggenau appliances, stone-finish island benches and oak timber flooring.

As South Yarra and Forrest Hill in particular continue to develop, Michael L Yates &amp; Co. also consider 55 Claremont's position as a strong selling point. Panoramic, never-to-be built out views are on offer with the CBD a focal point.

<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/yate9001_55_claremont_in02_bedrooma.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A bedroom with CBD views"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/yate9001_55_claremont_in02_bedrooma.jpg?itok=PF5CxdQ_" title="A bedroom with CBD views" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A bedroom with CBD views</figcaption></figure>One bedroom apartments within 55 Claremont range in size from 41sqm to 53sqm with large two bedroom apartments holding 95sqm. Three bedroom apartments range between 95sqm and 151.5sqm with prospective purchasers having the option of combining floorplans to create bespoke apartments.

With only 37 apartments on offer construction of 55 Claremont is due for completion by the end of 2017.
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The boomer-boom: 55 Claremont targets the luxury apartment market

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<a href="/architects/hassell-studio">Hassell Studio</a> have published images of their unsuccessful yet amazing bid to snare the prime <a href="/buildings/collins-arch-447-collins-street-melbourne">447 Collins Street</a> development site, known as Market Quarter, which references Melbourne's first market. Along with partner design firm <a href="/architects/unstudio">UNStudio</a>, dual designs were conceived to fulfil separate briefs; a structure similar in height to the under demolition tower currently onsite and a much taller tower with landmark qualities.

According to Hassell, key to <a href="/developers/cbus-property">Cbus Property's</a> design brief was to create "A striking, new visual landmark and a vibrant, new public realm for the Melbourne community."

Hassell Studio dubbed the shorter design '<a href="http://www.hassellstudio.com/en/cms-projects/detail/447-collins-street-taper/">Taper</a>', which at 151 metres would still have been a considerable development. A highly distinctive design, Taper would have appeared unlike any other building on Melbourne's skyline with its bowed form and sleek lines, which at a lesser height would have seen it free from any Southbank overshadowing concerns.

<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/1552_27-03-2015_1870.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins Street perspective of Taper. Image courtesy Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="421" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1552_27-03-2015_1870.jpg?itok=jILcZIPC" title="Collins Street perspective of Taper. Image courtesy Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Collins Street perspective of Taper. Image courtesy Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
By uniting an elegantly formed medium-rise tower with a series of welcoming public spaces, our design delivers a development that creates opportunities for commercial growth while also enabling increased cultural and recreational offerings.
<cite>Mark Loughnan, HASSELL Principal and project design leader</cite>
</blockquote>

Incorporating 156.000sqm of GFA, the design would have also made Taper one of Melbourne's largest buildings, particularly in girth. Consisting of commercial, residential and retail/communal use at ground level, Taper would have been a sight to behold from any angle.

<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/1553_31-03-2015_9860.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of Twist. Image courtesy Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1553_31-03-2015_9860.jpg?itok=81C79t1D" title="Aerial perspective of Twist. Image courtesy Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of Twist. Image courtesy Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure>Perhaps not as stunning was the taller design, referred to as 'Twist' would have reached 286 metres in height. With 179,000sqm of GFA, Twist would have presented as a fairly simple form from Southbank, although the rear of the tower would have included a higher level of articulation as seen above.

Also maintaining a predominantly residential and commercial use, Twist's lower levels would have spanned the width of the sizeable development site, producing floorplates in excess of 2000sqm.

<blockquote>
We imagined the development as a major focal point for commercial activity and as a symbol of Melbourne’s status as a leading, innovative city. But we also saw it as a place where people would come to experience Melbourne’s cultural life.
<cite>Mark Loughnan, HASSELL Principal and project design leader</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/1553_31-03-2015_2296.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Taper from Southbank. Image courtesy Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1553_31-03-2015_2296.jpg?itok=LCEGBHi8" title="Artist's impression of Taper from Southbank. Image courtesy Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Taper from Southbank. Image courtesy Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure>Although the <a href="/news/cbus-property-seeks-a-sky-high-planning-scheme-amendment-for-447-collins">chosen Woods Bagot/SHoP Architecture design</a> for 447 Collins Street was rejected by then Minister for Planning Matthew Guy during late 2014, it received unanimous support from Melbourne City Council as it included a new CBD park at its base. Cbus Property have yet to show their hand as to what design will be fut forward for approval.

As seen below <a href="/builders/probuild">Probuild</a> and <a href="/developers/delta-property-group">Delta Group</a> are methodically demolishing the existing onsite structure, with total deletion of AXA's former headquarters slated for the latter part of 2015. What replaces it remains the question.

<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/16c8562a58413f4443d4e6fa7995a924.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Current status of 447 Collins Street. Image courtesy 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/16c8562a58413f4443d4e6fa7995a924.jpg?itok=TYh4xjg0" title="Current status of 447 Collins Street. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Current status of 447 Collins Street. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
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Taper and twist: an opportunity missed

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Recently the Melbourne media has reported that the winning design for the <a href="/news/public-transport-architecture-seagull-on-a-hot-chip-thoughts-on-flinders-street-station-competition-entries">Flinders Street Station Design Ideas Competition</a> by Hassell and Herzog &amp; De Meuron would cost a whopping $2 billion to build. Naturally this has drawn many to question the wisdom in undertaking the design competition in the first place. After all if we cannot afford to build it, what is the point?

Firstly some background. Launched in November 2011, the competition with total prize money of $1 million attracted 117 entrants both local and international. The process was in two stages with six entrants being shortlisted to further develop their schemes. The public was invited to engage in the competition via a website survey and voting process which considered the following criteria:

<ul>
<li>Overall design merit</li>
	<li>Transport Function</li>
	<li>Cultural Heritage and Iconic Status</li>
	<li>Urban Design and precinct Integration</li>
</ul>
The Jury panel to determine the final outcome of the competition was led by the Victorian Government Architect and was made up of various experts on transport, heritage, finance and Architecture. They also (to the criticism of many) included a non-expert, chef George Calombaris who was included as a ‘notable Victorian’. In addition to the criteria put to the public, the Jury also had to evaluate two additional criteria:

<ul>
<li>the development delivery</li>
	<li>value for money.</li>
</ul>
So did the Victorian taxpayer get value for money out of the Flinders Street Station Competition if the final design might cost $2 billion? Absolutely yes! Even if the winning design is never built the $1.6 million spent is some of the hardest working taxpayer dollars that the government has spent.

Here is why:

<h2>The value of professional advice</h2>

The $1.6 million bought a massive amount of professional advice. Under ordinary circumstance the same advice would have likely cost over $11 million.

Warwick Mihaly on <a href="http://panfilocastaldi.wordpress.com/2013/08/09/vote-flinders-street-conclusion/">Panfilocastaldi</a> did the following rough calculation on the hours spent by architects.

<ul>
<li>Total Prize money = $1,000,000</li>
	<li>Competition organisation = $600,000*</li>
	<li>Total competition cost = $1,600,000*</li>
</ul>
*source Herald Sun report of $1.6 mil total competition cost

<ul>
<li>Number of Stage 1 entrants = 117</li>
	<li>Average time spent on each Stage 1 entry = 400 hours</li>
	<li>Number of Stage 2 shortlisted entrants = 6</li>
	<li>Average time spent on each Stage 2 entry = 3,000 hours</li>
	<li>Total time spent by all entrants = 64,800 hours</li>
	<li>Average value of architects’ time = $180 / hour</li>
	<li>Total value of architects’ time = $11,664,000</li>
</ul>
<h2>The value of artistic endeavour</h2>

How much would it cost to commission 10 of the world’s best painters or sculptors to each prepare a substantial piece of work? Once you then add in 108 other artists from around the country it would clearly be substantially more than a mere $1.6 mil.

As a comparison the federal Government in 1973 purchased a single Jackson Pollock painting Blue Poles. The price paid by the federal government in 1973 equates to approximately 10.9 million dollars in today’s currency. I would argue that the work of Zaha Hadid (just one of the entrants) is at least as influential in the architecture world as Jackson Pollock’s work in the art world. If we are serious about artistic endeavour we need to invest in a wide variety of art forms.

<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/pollock-blue-poles.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/pollock-blue-poles.jpg?itok=9XRU3hLx" title="Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock</figcaption></figure>To take another example of an artistic endeavour, the State and Federal Government both pour substantial amounts of fund into the film industry.

<blockquote>
In 2005-06, the Australian Government provided $140 million in funding for film and video, and state and territory governments contributed $75.4 million.
<cite><a href="http://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/resources/reports_and_publications/subjects/funding/funding_of_film_and_video">Australia Council: Funding of film and video</a></cite>
</blockquote>

I am not for a moment suggesting that this support is a poor investment, but rather highlighting how comparatively small the investment in the architectural competition by comparison. Indeed given that the final six designs all featured animated fly throughs, there is no reason why this couldn’t have been partly funded within this larger budget.

To make even more out of the money invested in this competition, a physical travelling exhibition should be established to showcase the cutting edge work. Only a fraction of the design proposals have been seen by the vast majority of the public and this is therefore a golden opportunity to further the value of the competition.

<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/hassel-and-herzog-de-meuron.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An Image from the winning design by Hassel and Herzog &amp; De Meuron. Image © Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hassel-and-herzog-de-meuron.jpg?itok=7CPjRxGB" title="An Image from the winning design by Hassel and Herzog &amp; De Meuron. Image © Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The winning design by Hassel and Herzog &amp; De Meuron. Image © Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure><h2>The value of a broad community discussion</h2>

How much would a 19,000 person focus group to discuss the future of Flinders Street Station have cost? I honestly don’t know but I would think at least $50 per person ($950,000 total) under normal industry circumstances would be a starting point. As part of the competition the community were offered the opportunity to provide their feedback on 6 potential designs. Their opinions were not moderated and the report that was generated provides a great deal of feedback for a way forward.

<h2>The value of a long term vision</h2>

Even if we cannot afford to start building today, there is an inherent value about having a long term plan for our most important landmark. Flinders Street Station is not going anywhere. It will likely be around beyond the lifetime of anyone living today. If we refine the plan further, or if we pursue a new design in the future based on what we have learnt from this process, it will still have been worthwhile.

<h2>A final word to the Cynics</h2>

There are some who say that architects were just ‘in it’ for themselves and that this competition was just a method of handing architects money. There is categorical proof that this is not the case. Even the winner will likely have lost money on this competition having been paid $500k. The numbers just don’t stack up. The number of hours put in to generate the quality required far outstrips the prize. It is the equivalent of saying doctors who volunteer in third world countries are only doing it for the free flights and accommodation.

So why did architects participate? There are many reasons. The big firms are definitely in it to win it. It might strengthen their ability to be given other projects or raise their profile. For the small architects it is far more about participating in the culture of architecture than being a sensible business decision. Architects feel a duty to the built environment. For them it is about being part of the discussion, providing alternate possibilities and helping to ensure that the winning design is the best by being compared with the rest.

PS - If I still haven’t convinced you that it was worth spending $1.6 million on the competition, perhaps we could just shorten the 8 Kilometre East West Link tunnel by just 160 Centimetres and get that money back! In fact we could scrap the entire $18 billion East West Link Project and finance the construction of Flinders Street Station and eight other major projects like it for the same price! If you are concerned about a waste of money, start there!

Michael Smith is Director of Melbourne architecture firm <a href="http://redblackarch.com.au/">Atelier Red + Black</a>. This article originally appeared on <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/">The Red and Black Architect blog</a>.
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redblackarchitect

Was the Flinders Street Station competition value for money?

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Over a year ago, Apartments.com.au wrote on the forthcoming <a href="/news/regenerating-office-buildings-on-bourke" target="_blank">redevelopment of 570 Bourke Street</a>, formerly known as Marland House. Leap forward and contractor Brookfield Multiplex are currently in the early stages of breathing new life into the 1972 vintage office complex. Of an age where owner Charter Hall (via their Core Plus Office Fund) considered a number of directions for the asset, they have embarked upon a $150 million project with the intention of creating a workplace that meets and exceeds contemporary tenant expectations.

So what are those expectations? Look no further than Docklands to see that large corporations value large floorplates. In Charter Hall's words "To attract and retain the best people, companies are demanding expansive, lifestyle-oriented workspaces."

To that end 570 Bourke Street will become Melbourne CBD's largest vertically connected office space. Nestled within an established legal and financial precinct, the development will provide 28,000 square metres of contiguous office space across 11 levels, achieved by extending the floor plate to both Bourke and Little Bourke Street frontages.

<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/570_bourke_lobby01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Entering 570 Bourke Street's foyer. Image © Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/570_bourke_lobby01.jpg?itok=CR_2yx9X" title="Entering 570 Bourke Street's foyer. Image © Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Entering 570 Bourke Street's foyer. Image © Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Space efficiencies gained from large floors usually come at the expense of amenity in Melbourne. 570 Bourke is unique because it provides the space we know tenants crave, but in an already thriving and established part of the city.
<cite>Chris Forbes, Charter Hall CPOF fund manager</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We usually only see floor plates of these sizes outside of the CBD where the option to expand within the building is not typically available,” Mr Sutherland said. 570 Bourke stands out for its ability to give tenants the choice and flexibility to expand in the CBD as their business flourishes, while benefiting from space efficiencies and the building’s amenity.
<cite>Hamish Sutherland, Knight Frank national director of CBD leasing</cite>
</blockquote>

Designed by Hassell Studio, the reincarnated project will feature a light-filled glass atrium. Prominent through all 10 levels, the atrium will allow natural light to penetrate the workspaces while inter-connecting stairways enables 570 Bourke Street to boast the largest vertically integrated floor plates available in the CBD. At 2,700 square metres per floor, this equates to an impressive 270 staff per level over the expanded footprint.

With maximum flexibility and providing a dynamic work space in mind, each of the expanded floors have been designed with malleable spaces, allow tenants to link and enclose areas as desired. 'Suspended' meeting room pods peer over the internal atrium, adding visual pop to the internal design.

<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/image60.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="570 Bourke Street. Image © Hassell Studio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60.jpg?itok=8Y7jQ2_d" title="570 Bourke Street. Image © Hassell Studio" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>570 Bourke Street. Image © Hassell Studio</figcaption></figure><h2>Project highlights</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Charter Hall</li>
	<li>Design: Hassell Studio</li>
	<li>Project Manager: PDS Group</li>
	<li>28,000sqm of built space over 10 lower levels: 2,700sqm floor plates</li>
	<li>10 different tenants are already accommodated within the existing high rise office tower at 570 Bourke</li>
	<li>Lifestyle Centre catering for 300 cyclists/runners (dedicated entrance + shower &amp; change facilities)</li>
	<li>Curtain wall façade blends solid and translucent elements, bringing subtle diversity to the façade</li>
	<li>Bluestone paving, timber walls, travertine stone and light installation define the lobby</li>
	<li>New laneway: Gresham Street to be reconfigured + cafe and streetscape works</li>
	<li>500 car parking bays</li>
	<li>695sqm of retail space fronting Bourke and Little Bourke Streets</li>
	<li>175sqm of boutique office space on level one, fronting Little Bourke Street</li>
	<li>Target a 4.5 star NABERS Energy rating</li>
</ul>
In the perpetual race to attract tenants, commercial asset owners are increasingly providing the physical and technological needs of businesses while also enhancing the experience for their staff. Charter Hall have positioned 570 Bourke Street as a showcase for contemporary thinking and design within Melbourne's CBD.

Apartments.com.au will certainly be asking to tour the reborn Melbourne landmark upon completion.
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570 Bourke Street reborn

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<blockquote>
Through thoughtful analysis of the existing, under construction, approved and proposed developments, a unique and sensitive development is proposed. In this way the proposal is respectful of its current and future neighbours.
<cite><a href="http://www.hassellstudio.com/">Hassell</a>'s planning application for 97 Franklin Street</cite>
</blockquote>

The quote above demonstrates Hassell's determination to design a mixed-use tower with a "point of difference". The proposed development which <a href="/news/97-franklin-street-simply-mind-boggling">first appeared two months ago</a>, would see a two-storey rendered brick building - currently home to Hertz car hire outlet and Eckersley's Art &amp; Craft - demolished and replaced with a 62-storey tower rising to a height of 212.5m.

97 Franklin joins an increasing number of 200m+ giants on the northern tip of the CBD, including <a href="/buildings/light-house-450-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Lighthouse</a> next door and <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a> diagonally opposite.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/97%20franklin%20talls.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Land of the giants! © Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="428" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/97%20franklin%20talls.jpg?itok=OawrIHol" title="Land of the giants! © Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Land of the giants! © Laurence Dragomir</figcaption></figure>The proposal marks Artemis Hotel Group's first foray into the Australian market and architects Hassell have certainly delivered a remarkable first impression. Upon initial viewing, the building appears as a series of precariously balanced office blocks but in reality they house 144 serviced apartments, 356 residential apartments and 11 penthouses across the top four floors.

A retail tenancy occupies the north-west corner of the ground floor helping to activate the public realm, whilst a food and beverage dining area occupies level 01 looking out onto Franklin Street. 490sq.m of office space is included as are shared recreational facilities through level 07, bordered by an outdoor landscaped terrace. Resident only facilities splitting a north and south outdoor terrace are found on level 32.

The project caters for 440 bicycle spaces within the basement with only 160 car spaces located in the southern portion of the podium.

<h2>Architecture</h2>

The tower presents as three large volumes stacked atop one another and rotated 90 degrees: podium, low-rise and high-rise. Each responds to a particular set of parameters and conditions:

<blockquote>
The space between the low-rise component and the surrounding developments enables equitable solar access. The north facing high-rise component maximises its solar access and the orientation for the city grid enables morning and evening sunlight onto the southerly face. The rotation gives the low-rise component a greater setbacks and amenity, as well as corridor views. Whilst the high-rise is afforded a large northern city vistas as well as southern CBD views.
</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/97F%20design%20process%20diagram.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design process diagram. © Hassell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="131" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/97F%20design%20process%20diagram.jpg?itok=k9hQjgx5" title="Design process diagram. © Hassell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Design process diagram. © Hassell</figcaption></figure>As a result the development works on a macro and micro scale by virtue of developing a set of principles for the three volumes which are designed to respond to adjacencies in context, in turn providing a high degree of amenity to apartments and the public domain.

The golden facade consists of a fine, slender grid which responds to the human scale of the rooms, visually reducing the monumental appearance of the three volumes.

<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/97F%20montage_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Grid. © Hassell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="494" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/97F%20montage_0.jpg?itok=NYFxGUr1" title="The Grid. © Hassell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Grid. © Hassell</figcaption></figure><h2>Setbacks</h2>

The low-rise volume employs the following setbacks from relevant boundaries:

<ul>
<li>5m from Southern Boundary</li>
	<li>8.2m from Eastern Boundary​</li>
	<li>0m from Franklin Street</li>
	<li>13.2m from Western Boundary</li>
</ul>
High-rise setbacks to relevant boundaries:

<ul>
<li>22.2m from Southern Boundary</li>
	<li>0m from Eastern Boundary</li>
	<li>10m from Franklin Street</li>
	<li>5m from Western Boundary</li>
</ul>
<h2>Public Realm</h2>

The proposal looks to provide a positive and meaningful contribution to the public realm by way a new north facing "urban forest" at ground level, running along the 40m frontage to Franklin Street. This is achieved by employing a 10m setback to the street with a 5m setback from the western boundary allowing for a new north-south laneway between the site and 450 Elizabeth Street.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/97F_GF.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground floor + public realm. © Hassell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="474" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/97F_GF.jpg?itok=7fUmaZ8c" title="Ground floor + public realm. © Hassell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground floor + public realm. © Hassell</figcaption></figure>I thought I might conclude with this list of objectives which Hassell set out to achieve. I think it's fair to say the design team have done an excellent job in producing an architectural response which certainly provides a "point of difference amongst the typical developer driven projects prevalent in the precinct."

<h2>Objectives</h2>

The main development objectives are:

<ul>
<li>To create a quality, considered architectural response that addresses the varying site conditions.</li>
	<li>To increase the public amenity along Franklin Street, offering a greater urban integration with shared and functional spaces.</li>
	<li>To infuse mixed use principles that will help create an active and engaging street interface.</li>
	<li>To create a landmark development that truly responds to its context, resulting in a equitable development for both the client and the city.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Project Team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: <a href="http://www.mingdegrandhotel.com/en/groupinfo">Artemis Hotel Group</a>
</li>
	<li>Project Manager: <a href="http://www.equisent.com.au/">Equisent</a>
</li>
	<li>Architecture: <a href="http://www.hassellstudio.com/">Hassell</a>
</li>
	<li>Town Planner: <a href="http://www.urbis.com.au/">Urbis</a>
</li>
	<li>Landscape Architecture: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: <a href="http://www.mltraffic.com.au/">ML Traffic</a>
</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant: <a href="http://www.ark-resources.com.au/">Ark Resources</a>
</li>
	<li>Structural Consultant: <a href="http://www.arup.com/">Arup</a>
</li>
	<li>Wind Assessment Consultant: <a href="http://www.vipac.com.au/">Vipac</a>
</li>
	<li>Waste Management Consultant: <a href="http://www.wastech.com.au/">Wastech</a>
</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

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