Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Heritage

Due to its proximity to the CBD, Darlinghurst has long been a popular hub, with its streets lined with a colourful array of characters over its time.&nbsp;

Darlinghurst's transformation over the last decade has resulted in a coveted postcode that is genuine in style with a sophisticated edge.&nbsp;

Kings Cross projected the suburb into the spotlight, becoming a home to Sydney’s night-life, and while much of the Cross’ night-life has been replaced, the boutique shopping and day time dining that fills the streets still holds Darlinghurst as enviable place to live.&nbsp;

<img alt="Image of the surrounding Darlinghurst landscape." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dec47375-10ec-4ecd-a570-eee688422c75" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-06%20at%2010.56.31%20am.png?VersionId=DTvy.fB6J_khIJ2C.0OvkjVbx7qQadIr" />

Whilst the Cross's character has been somewhat lost; Darlinghurst still is visibly a place of character and ideas, and increasingly is home to the next generation of personalities.&nbsp;

Persona and character are still ingrained in the original buildings that line the leafy streets with 349 Liverpool Street set to be the stage for the next influx of characters.&nbsp;

Sydney-developers Toohey Miller has lodged a development application for the 685 sqm site, with plans to demolish the existing residential building for a new seven-storey apartment building.&nbsp;

Designed by renowned architects, Woods Bagot, the residences will stay sympathetic to the site’s history and heritage, with plans to craft a modern interpretation of an art deco building, delivering 14 two and three-bedroom.

Two apartments will sit across each floorplate, spanning from 95 sqm to 150 sqm, with the level six apartments benefiting from a private rooftop terrace with a plunge pool and seating.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In keeping with surrounding roof terraces, the proposal celebrates the crowning space with a communal resident’s space as well, complete with dining and seating space in addition to the covered amenity space across the ground level.&nbsp;

The building palette is derived from the site through native planting, sandstone materiality, and detailing reminiscent of the original buildings that surround it.&nbsp;

Whilst the glimmer of The Cross has diminished, a resilient sparkle remains through natural metals, the most polished of which adorns the entrances of the buildings.

<img alt="Render of the proposed Liverpool building. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6168837-3921-435f-b3ac-8756064c67f5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-06%20at%2011.06.37%20am.png?VersionId=.fJls1JT0hU5e6l3__v4EpvIXarzJPW1" />

The 1970's was a particularly hedonistic period of Darlinghurst's history; filled with the character's that have become urban legends and colourful stories of questionable behaviour.

It was during this period that the terrace houses that once occupied the site succumbed to a particularly damaging fire, destroying all structure.&nbsp;

Remnants of these houses and the fire itself are traced through the contrast in brickwork of the adjoining apartment buildings, while a clear outline is preserved and made visible through the open balconies that flank the proposal.&nbsp;

The other remnant of the original terrace houses is the raised ground level that the terrace houses once sat upon which has to been preserved to create a dialog with the surrounding terrace houses.

In a nod to the original rhythm of Liverpool Street, a continuation of the sandstone fence that marks the boundary and entrance alignment is continued at the face of the new proposal.&nbsp;

“From the first glimpses of the site, this sits the building within the cadence of Liverpool Street at a human scale,” the development application says.&nbsp;

As an interpretation of the apartment buildings that surround, 349 Liverpool Street marks its entrance with a strong vertical element.&nbsp;

“Seen as a continuation of the sandstone materiality, this is an opportunity to identify the building through interpretive art or by overlaying the stories of the characters that once resided in the area.”

The proposed design maintains the original ground plane to preserve this visible link to the terrace houses that once occupied the site while the open breezeway also allows for natural light and air through the length of the building.

In collaboration with Dangar Barin Smith, the landscape design and plant selection for the proposal not only contributes to the liveability of the residences, but also speaks to the origins of the site pre-settlement.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Toohey Miller to build art-deco apartments on Darlinghurst heritage-conservation site

The national property developer RG Property have lodged plans for a 15-storey residential tower in the heart of the buzzing Fortitude Valley.

The base of the tower, proposed for&nbsp;36 Warry Street, is weaved into the existing heritage fabric that occupies the site, blending in between the buildings of Keating’s Bread Factory, which was established back in 1879 before becoming one of the major bread making companies in Brisbane.

Designed by Blight Rayner, the Warry St development will comprise a total 118 apartments, with a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences.

<a href="/new-apartments/36-warry-street-fortitude-valley"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1210" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-25_at_10.55.42_am.png" width="1266" /></a> 
View of the proposed development from Kennigo Street. Credit: Blight Rayner

The ground level concept is to integrate the heritage buildings with the new built environment by linking them into a pedestrian laneway activated by food and retail outlets, forming the heart of the development.

“Initially, the historic buildings are intended to retain their predominantly office uses but over time, they may gradually change to retail and dining uses once the laneway gains a reputation as a hub of day and night life in Spring Hill,” said Blight Rayner in their development documents.&nbsp;

“The strategy for integrating new and old is twofold. One, by way of matching podium scale and two, by using a contemporary version of the heritage material palette, seeking not to imitate but add a new complimentary layer to the old,” they added.

Level one will home a yoga/pilates terrace along with a gym, which will overlook the bustling streetscape, in addition to three apartments that open out on to surrounding gardens.

<a href="/new-apartments/36-warry-street-fortitude-valley"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1216" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-25_at_10.56.03_am.png" width="2018" /></a> 
Elevated view above Warry St. Credit: Blight Rayner

Four vertical gardens, one on each side, are planned to enable vines to drape down each level and to grow laterally onto adjoining screens on the street-facing elevations.

Designed with the owner-occupier in mind, apartments offer a variety of layouts and floorplans, catering to differing living and lifestyles.

Large balconies are provided to all apartments and depending upon their orientation, balconies are variously open or screened.

The balconies provide depth to the three-dimensional form creating articulation around all sides, generally positioned on the corners of the building, giving two-way views as well as softening the built form.

“The typical apartment floors are accessed by an L-shaped corridor that opens up to gardens at each end and is naturally ventilated. The layout enables the majority of apartment balconies to occupy corners to optimise both outlook and aspect."

<a href="/new-apartments/36-warry-street-fortitude-valley"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1208" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-25_at_10.56.13_am.png" width="2010" /></a> 
Elevated view above the existing heritage building. Credit: Blight Rayner

Two penthouse levels provide larger apartments on the southern side of the tower, while creating a distinctive top to the built form.

Crowning the tower will be an expansive roof garden and swimming pool, with the intent that plants will drape over each edge and be highly visible from the streets and afar. The gardens will also screen the plant enclosure and surround a large barbecue plaza for its solar protection, reinforced by a lightweight, open pergola structure

The site has relatively good access to buses and Fortitude Valley Train Station, while sitting within walking distance of the Brisbane CBD, the new Fortitude Valley State Secondary College, and a host of other convenient amenities.

“The 36 Warry Street Project represents an exciting opportunity to enhance Spring Hill as a lifestyle precinct and inner-city destination."

Designed by Blight Rayner, the Warry St development will comprise a total 118 apartments, with a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences.



RG Property to redevelop historic Fortitude Valley Bread Factory

The Trenerry Consortium has announced the acquisition of the historic, Burnham Beeches in Melbourne&rsquo;s Yarra Ranges. The transaction was managed directly with the former owners who will hand over the reins of the site&rsquo;s regeneration.

The consortium intends to engage early with the close-knit community of the Dandenong Ranges as an important first step in a holistic review of the master plan.

Placemaking agency Village Well has been appointed to assist with this process, leaning on their extensive experience with both public and private development projects.

&ldquo; We are pleased to be embarking on this regenerative journey with the local community and to be working on such a significant and unique site which is both locally loved and globally distinctive. Burnham Beeches is truly a one time one place offering,&rdquo; says Gilbert Rochecouste, Founder &amp; Managing Director of Village Well.

The property was sold with a permit in place for stage one of the redevelopment, which the consortium intends to proceed with, however it will be seeking input into the amenity and functioning of Burnham Beeches as part of the early community consultation process.

The immediate priority will be to work with Heritage Victoria and Council on a number of building orders to be urgently addressed across the site.

The Consortium has appointed Hamilton Marino, who are also the builders of The Continental Hotel, to complete the works.

The 56-acre site is home to a number of heritage buildings which are set to be restored as part of extensive works to breathe new life into the property, including one of Victoria&rsquo;s most significant art deco buildings, the renowned Alfred Nichols heritage mansion.

Investing in the experience economy is familiar territory for Trenerry, as it works to create a legacy of bringing Victorian heritage icons back to life.

The group recently acquired South Yarra&rsquo;s Poolman House with plans to convert it to a hotel and private members&rsquo; club, while also preparing to open Sorrento&rsquo;s $135 million Continental Hotel later this month.

On this latest venture, Trenerry Director Robert DiCintio said the opportunity to purchase Burnham Beeches was unpassable given its rich history and proximity to the centre of Melbourne.

&ldquo; We know there&rsquo;s a really strong community sentiment around Burnham Beeches and we want to work with Council and the community together with Heritage Victoria and Parks Victoria to ensure this is a place to be enjoyed for generations to come,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo; There&rsquo;s a lot to work through even in this initial stage, and years of work ahead. We are both respectful and excited, if not somewhat daunted, by the journey ahead but I believe with the support of Burnham&rsquo;s passionate stakeholders together with our proven track record, we can see it operating in some capacity later this year.&rdquo;

The Consortium is made up of The Victor Smorgon Group, The Kanat Group and Trenerry Property. As well as South Yarra&rsquo;s Poolman House and The Continental in Sorrento, these proudly Victorian groups have been responsible for several other landmark projects - such as the West End Project in West Melbourne, Ebony at 347 Camberwell Road Camberwell and 88 Trenerry Crescent, Abbotsford.

The consortium intends to engage early with the close-knit community of the Dandenong Ranges as an important first step in a holistic review of the master plan.

Trenerry Consortium acquires historic Burnham Beeches 

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Billbergia alongside Melbourne-based developer Golden Age Group have thrown forward separate development applications that stand to add 500 plus rooms to Sydney's hotel development pipeline.

The respective applications were both lodged earlier this month with North Sydney Council and City of Sydney and have a cumulative estimated cost just shy of $200 million. Both towers also intend to absorb and repurpose existing heritage buildings into their facade

The sustained surge in hotel developments across Sydney is seeing a flourish of hotel project proposals, although in Billbergia's case the hotel rooms share the proposed tower with commercial office space.

<h2>86-88 Walker Street, North Sydney</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/image92_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Walker Street is in line for a new addition. Planning image: Fitzpatrick+Partners"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="671" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image92_4.jpg?itok=amUeEhiD" title="Walker Street is in line for a new addition. Planning image: Fitzpatrick+Partners" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Walker Street is in line for a new addition. Planning image: Fitzpatrick+Partners</figcaption></figure>Entertainment venue Firehouse Hotel is set to gain a hulking addition to its rear with Billbergia pushing to add the 123 metre tower above the historic building. This will be achieved bay way of a cantilevered support structure that enables the tower to maximise its footprint.

The tower's new podium addition will compliment the Firehouse Hotel in both scale and composition. Flexible work spaces an executive lounge and gym plus reception and a restaurant account for the podium space.

Thereafter the Fitzpatrick + Partners-designed tower is a mix of 224 hotel rooms across the lower portion of the tower, chased by approximately 4,500 square metres of office space at the peak of the building. The office space is situated across levels 24 to 31.

86-88 Walker Street sits next door to what will become one of North Sydney's commercial developments; in excess of 40,000 square metres of office space is being delivered by builder Laing O’Rourke for Dexus Property Group. The new 38 level tower has progressed to see its floorplate move beyond 20 levels.

<h2>47-53 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney </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/image93_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The time and the place for 47 Wentworth Avenue. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="871" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image93_6.jpg?itok=DGmLkwe0" title="The time and the place for 47 Wentworth Avenue. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The time and the place for 47 Wentworth Avenue. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>A further 287 hotel rooms are on the agenda within Sydney's CBD as Golden Age Group project partner Time &amp; Place heads a planning effort to push through with an adaptive heritage development of 47-53 Wentworth Avenue. All in all the new buildings is slated to span 19 levels with Bates Smart tasked with incorporating the dated facade into the development.

Bates Smart prevailed in an Competitive Design Competition held during 2016; the managed to surpass fellow design firms SJB, Tribe Studio and Koichi Takada Architecture by way of a design which is "capable of achieving Design Excellence as required by the City’s provisions."

In addition to the 287 guest rooms, a restaurant/cafe and bar are present at lower levels, with a rooftop bar and terrace crowning the building.

Lodged this month, the Bates Smart proposal includes revisions which sees residential apartments dropped in favour of increasing the size of the hotel. Consequently all parking within the development has been removed.

Fairfax has <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/golden-age-buys-michael-teplitskys-surry-hills-site-for-a-350-million-hotel-20180611-h118ha">reported</a> that Golden Age Group intend to dub the project The Treehouse, with it being a joint effort between the developer and Starwood Capital.
</body></html>

silvermb

Two fresh hotel applications enter the Sydney spotlight

<html><body>
Melbourne City Council earlier this week presided over a Melbourne Planning Scheme Amendment to apply an interim heritage overlay at 263-267 William Street. The move is in response to an application to develop a tower atop what is currently the Metropolitan Hotel.

During October last year an application covering the watering hole was lodged with the intentions of creating a commercial office tower atop the hotel. The application's status in now on hold, although plans for the tower may well proceed in time.

Mirroring a number of developments across the CBD in particular, the Metropolitan Hotel was identified as having individual heritage significance via City of Melbourne reviews, yet carries no heritage overlay.

Within the Report to the Future Melbourne (Heritage) Committee, heritage consultants Context cited the building as "having local historical and social significance to the City of Melbourne as ‘a representative example of a corner hotel building from the interwar period’ and in terms of use and typology is becoming rare in the central city."

Councillor Rohan Leppert noted that "Heritage Overlay" won't stop a tower, but could give the pub a lot more breathing space and some more dignity as a heritage building."

<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/image58_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Peddle Thorp's take on a reworked Metropolitan Hotel "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="676" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image58_6.jpg?itok=EyV5KQnC" title="Peddle Thorp's take on a reworked Metropolitan Hotel " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Peddle Thorp's take on a reworked Metropolitan Hotel</figcaption></figure>Architecture firm Peddle Thorp's initial design sought the partial demolition and construction of an office tower above the hotel. Spanning approximately 80 metres the tower holds 16 levels of dedicated commercial office space with a single basement level and a reinstated hotel at ground level.

Should the tower proceed it is possible that a setback to William Street will be included as part of a redesign.

The Metropolitan Hotel last changed hands in 2016 when CBRE City Sales were appointed to move the site; it subsequently <a href="https://www.cbre.com.au/about/media-center/04122016c">sold for $8.61 million to a local investor</a>. According to CBRE City Sales the sale reflected a yield of 2.38% - the strongest ever received for a Melbourne CBD pub.

The bid to redevelop the Metropolitan Hotel brings it into line with a number of historically significant buildings around the CBD and Southbank that are subject to development.

Urban.com.au recently covered the <a href="/news/russell-streets-theosophical-society-building-sees-new-hotel-application">intended demolition of the Melbourne Theosophical Society</a> at 124-130 Russell Street; another historic building that has no present heritage protection. Also last week Melbourne City council voted in favour of the <a href="/news/a-reworked-super-southbank-development-edges-closer-to-approval">partial demolition and subsequent tower</a> behind the Robur Tea Company building at 87-127 Queensbridge Street.

Other notably historic buildings subject to development include the former Great Western Hotel at 204 King Street and 244-248 Flinders Street which is awaiting a VCAT hearing.

Lead image: metropolitan.melbourne
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Council moves to contour a tower bid atop the Metropolitan Hotel

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Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA) have transformed the former Victoria Police Mounted Branch stables on Southbank into world-class teaching and learning facilities for students of the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Music following an $18 million make-over.

The refurbishment is an exemplar of adaptive re-use and continues KTA's affinity with working with the fabric of heritage structures, since its inception in 1994. The stables were purpose-built in 1912 as part of the old Police Depot, which included a hospital, barracks and drill hall.

<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/the_stables_jg.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Stables within its Southbank context. Image: John Gollings"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_stables_jg.jpg?itok=3X75ARas" title="The Stables within its Southbank context. Image: John Gollings" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Stables within their Southbank context. Image: John Gollings</figcaption></figure>The Stables were officially open on Monday 14 May by Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley, who said the re-purposing and redevelopment of The Stables was part of a long-term plan to transform Southbank into "one of the world’s leading arts precincts."

The University of Melbourne’s acquisition of The Stables site was made possible through the significant support of the State Government, with the $18 million refurbishments undertaken through the significant support of generous philanthropists including The Ian Potter Foundation, The Myer Foundation and Martyn &amp; Louise Myer. 

The Stables feature a new visual arts wing with 170 studios and flexible exhibition spaces and the former riding school has been converted into a 260-seat multipurpose arts wing for theatre, dance, music theatre and music performances.

The heritage features of the former police stables had been maintained through the preservation of its bluestone mounting yards, red brick façade and iconic octagonal roof and skylight, formerly referred to by Mounted Branch staff as ‘The Dome’.

<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/the_stables_dome_tm.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The iconic 'dome' has been preserved within the 8m refurbishment. Image: Trevor Mein"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_stables_dome_tm.jpg?itok=Wh65a8_B" title="The iconic 'dome' has been preserved within the 8m refurbishment. Image: Trevor Mein" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The iconic 'dome' has been preserved within the 8m refurbishment. Image: Trevor Mein</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The Former Mounted Police Stables and Former Riding School have been transformed to VCA’s School of Art. Once home of the horse is now home of 150 under- and post-graduate students. One of the largest metropolitan stables, this heritage-listed building is significant for its police use and distinguished by cellular organisation of its stalls, sublime repetition of structure and light-filled volumes by way of clerestory windows. Its bones formed an ideal fit with the university’s need for studios and a performing arts space.

An urban cornerstone of the university’s Southbank campus, the distinctive form of the octagon marks the intersection of Dodds and Grant Streets. It hinges the two wings of the facility into a v-formation to create the southern end of the central courtyard. The Dodd Street wing – former stables – is dedicated to studios and the Grant Street wing – former riding school – to performing arts space. It’s linked with the existing Grant Street theatre via a new steel canopy. The ground floor of the octagon forms the ceremonial entry and access to both wings and the campus courtyard. Exploiting its geometry, it can be divided into seminar, exhibition and event spaces as required through a series of sliding panels.

- Kerstin Thompson Architects
</blockquote>

KTA's transformation of the stables involved a series of interventions to the heritage fabric which required a delicate balancing act of careful conservation and restorative works to existing floor surfaces and stall fronts, and significantly more transformative changes in the sectional qualities of the space in order to accommodate new programme.

Staff offices, seminar rooms and a central conference room characterised by the now-revealed original steel trusses, are located at the first floor, with an oculus framing the structure from the entry below.

The original double-storey central void was partly in-filled to accommodate upper level studio spaces, utilising the higher ceilings and natural light afforded via the clerestory windows with circulation moved to the perimeter. 

New studio partitions provide the school with adaptable spaces which enable flexibility of use as exhibition space, for example outside of their everyday use as studio space.

According to the architects, one of the most significant challenges was the integration of building services. The adopted solution worked two-fold - it ensured minimal impact on the original heritage fabric and provided place-making opportunities for the courtyard by locating much of the plant within a series of brick-faced panel 'urban blocks'

Other key projects in the Southbank campus redevelopment include the recently-opened Buxton Contemporary, and a new state-of-the-art nine-storey building for the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music – The Ian Potter Southbank Centre – which will open in 2019.

<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/kerstin-thompson-banner-19tlnj5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kerstin Thompson within the refurbished Stables. Image: Giulia McGauran"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/kerstin-thompson-banner-19tlnj5.jpg?itok=ynI2EPT4" title="Kerstin Thompson within the refurbished Stables. Image: Giulia McGauran" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kerstin Thompson within the refurbished Stables. Image: Giulia McGauran</figcaption></figure><a href="http://precinct.finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/2018/05/11/welcome-to-the-stables-a-new-world-class-arts-facility-in-melbournes-arts-precinct/">Click here</a> for an in depth tour of the building by KTA Principal, Kerstin Thompson.

Lead image: Trevor Mein
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

KTA lends its design nous to 'The Stables'

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The winners of the City of Port Phillip Design &amp; Development Awards 2018 were announced on Tuesday 20 March at the NGV International, as a part of the programme for Melbourne Design Week 2018.

Hosted by Tim Ross and Mayor Cr Bernadene Voss, and presented by jurors Professor Donald Bates, Shelley Penn, Deputy Mayor Cr Dick Gross, Cr Katherine Copsey and Cr David Brand, the event brought together community, industry and Council to celebrate and promote design excellence in the municipality.

<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/20180321_234958.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The evening was hosted by Tim Ross and Mayor Cr Bernadene Voss with awards presented by jurors"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="412" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20180321_234958.jpg?itok=vQJ_CaKm" title="The evening was hosted by Tim Ross and Mayor Cr Bernadene Voss with awards presented by jurors" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The evening was hosted by Tim Ross and Mayor Cr Bernadene Voss with awards presented by jurors</figcaption></figure>This year's list of winners included a community park for all ages, the renewal of the iconic Palais Theatre, the restoration of a Victorian timber worker’s cottage and the conversion of Port Melbourne’s first post office.

<blockquote>
This year’s Design Week theme, Design Effects, recognises the importance of design excellence and thoughtful development in balancing growth and maintaining the unique character of diverse and distinctive neighbourhoods.

I can’t think of a more relevant theme for Port Phillip as we are very proud of our much-loved neighbourhoods and have pledged in our long-term vision to do our utmost to keep our City’s character as Port Phillip continues to grow.

- Bernadene Voss, Mayor City of Port Phillip
</blockquote>

The winners of each category and commendations are listed below:

Mayor's Choice Award

<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/maritime_oculus.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Maritime Cove Community Park. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/maritime_oculus.jpg?itok=kJoPa--O" title="The Maritime Cove Community Park. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Maritime Cove Community Park. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>Winner(s) : 

<ul>
<li>The Maritime Cove Community Park - OCULUS Landscape Architecture &amp; Urban Design with Port of Melbourne</li>
</ul>
Residential dwelling - alteration or new build

<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/acute_st_kilda_mixed.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Acute House and St Kilda Mixed Use House. Images : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="213" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/acute_st_kilda_mixed.jpg?itok=9FNBy6z1" title="Acute House and St Kilda Mixed Use House. Images : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Acute House and St Kilda Mixed Use House. Images : Supplied</figcaption></figure>WInner(s) : 

<ul>
<li>Acute House – OOF! Architecture with Mitty Price, and;</li>
	<li>St Kilda Mixed Use House – DDB Design Development &amp; Building with Matt Gibson Architecture &amp; Design</li>
</ul>
Commendation(s) :

<ul>
<li>Baffle House - Clare Cousins Architects</li>
	<li>Myrtle Tree House - MAKE Architecture</li>
</ul>
Multi-unit and mixed use development

<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/elwood_house_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elwood House. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elwood_house_0.jpg?itok=gAMsN9aV" title="Elwood House. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elwood House. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>WInner(s) : 

<ul>
<li>Elwood House – Piccolo with Hecker Guthrie &amp; Woods Bagot</li>
</ul>
Commendation(s) :

<ul>
<li>House and a half - Three C Architects</li>
</ul>
Place making

Winner(s) : 

<ul>
<li>The Maritime Cove Community Park - OCULUS Landscape Architecture &amp; Urban Design with Port of Melbourne</li>
</ul>
Non-residential development

<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/albert_park_6degrees.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Albert Park College Environmental Arts Hub. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/albert_park_6degrees.jpg?itok=tZiGLSM8" title="Albert Park College Environmental Arts Hub. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Albert Park College Environmental Arts Hub. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>Winner(s) : 

<ul>
<li>Albert Park College Environmental Arts Hub – Six Degrees Architects</li>
</ul>
Commendation(s) :

<ul>
<li>The Gipson Commons, St Michael's Grammar School - Architectus</li>
	<li>Point Ormond Amenities Block - Garner Davis Architects</li>
</ul>
Interior fit out

<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/dogs_bar_st_kilda.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Dog’s Bar St Kilda. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dogs_bar_st_kilda.jpg?itok=X6Y2jocx" title="Dog’s Bar St Kilda. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Dog’s Bar St Kilda. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>Winner(s) : 

<ul>
<li>Dog’s Bar St Kilda with Colin Sheppard &amp; Grant Amon Architects</li>
</ul>
Commendation(s) :

<ul>
<li>MeatworksCo, South Melbourne</li>
</ul>
Heritage Conservation

<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/palais_copp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Palais Theatre restoration. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/palais_copp.jpg?itok=ji3QU_y2" title="The Palais Theatre restoration. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Palais Theatre restoration. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>Winner(s) : 

<ul>
<li>Albert Park College Environmental Arts Hub – Six Degrees Architects</li>
	<li>Palais Theatre – Development Victoria with DELWP and City of Port Phillip</li>
</ul>
Commendation(s) :

<ul>
<li>Acute House - OOF! Architecture</li>
	<li>Beetson-Reid House -  RBA Architects &amp; Conservation Consultants</li>
</ul>
Out of Bounds Citation

<ul>
<li>Icon, St Kilda - Pace Development Group</li>
</ul>
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Winners of 2018 City of Port Phillip Design & Development Awards announced

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The City of Port Phillip has announced the shortlisted entries in its Design &amp; Development Awards for 2018. The jury panel and staff were impressed with the quantity and high quality of entries across all categories creating a welcome challenge during the shortlisting process for all involved. 

The Design &amp; Development Awards encourage and celebrate design excellence within the Port Phillip municipality, and intend to showcase exemplars in the fields of residential and non-residential architecture, urban design, heritage conservation, environmental and sustainable design, public art, interior design and placemaking.

The awards have generally been held biennially since 1998, with the last Awards event being held in 2014.

The shortlisted projects are as follows: 1. Residential dwelling: alteration or new build 

<ul>
<li>Acute House - OOF! Architecture</li>
	<li>Baffle House - <a href="/architects/clare-cousins-architects">Clare Cousins Architects</a>
</li>
	<li>Brooke Street Residence - Toby Earle</li>
	<li>Dreamcatcher - Fred Architecture</li>
	<li>Loch Street Residence - Matyas Architects</li>
	<li>Mills, The Toy Management House - Austin Maynard Architects</li>
	<li>Myrtle Tree House - <a href="/architects/make-architecture">MAKE Architecture</a>
</li>
	<li>St Kilda Mixed Use House - DDB Design Development + Building</li>
	<li>St Vincent Place House - <a href="/architects/nicholas-murray-architects">Nicholas Murray Architects</a>
</li>
	<li>The Corner House - <a href="/architects/poly-studio">POLYstudio</a>
</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/baffle_house.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Baffle House, Clare Cousins Architects. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="358" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/baffle_house.jpg?itok=MPk_Kso1" title="Baffle House, Clare Cousins Architects. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Baffle House, Clare Cousins Architects. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure> 2. Multi-unit and mixed-use development

<ul>
<li>Art House - <a href="/architects/justin-architecture">Justin Architecture</a>
</li>
	<li>Elwood House - <a href="/developers/piccolo">Piccolo</a>
</li>
	<li>James Joyce - Bojan Simic Architecture</li>
	<li>St Kilda East Townhouses - Jost Architects
</li>
	<li>West Beach Townhouses - <a href="/architects/grant-amon-architects">Grant Amon Architects</a>
</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/elwood_house.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Elwood House, Piccolo + Woods Bagot + Hecker Guthrie. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/elwood_house.jpg?itok=elKqWAyO" title="Elwood House, Piccolo + Woods Bagot + Hecker Guthrie. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elwood House, Piccolo + Woods Bagot + Hecker Guthrie. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>3. Place making

<ul>
<li>The Maritime Cove Community Park - OCULUS landscape Architecture &amp; Urban Design</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/maritime_cove.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Maritime Cove Community Park, OCULUS. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/maritime_cove.jpg?itok=nAkoWIKm" title=" Maritime Cove Community Park, OCULUS. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Maritime Cove Community Park, OCULUS. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>4. Non-residential development

<ul>
<li>Albert Park College Environmental Arts Hub - <a href="/architects/six-degrees-architects">Six Degrees Architects</a>
</li>
	<li>Palais Theatre Project - <a href="/developers/development-victoria">Development Victoria</a>
</li>
	<li>Point Ormond Amenities Block - Garner Davis Architects</li>
	<li>The Gipson Commons, St Michael's Grammar School - <a href="/architects/architectus">Architectus</a>
</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/albert_park_college.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Albert Park College Environmental Arts Hub, Six Degrees Architects. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/albert_park_college.jpg?itok=LSDCeZbn" title="Albert Park College Environmental Arts Hub, Six Degrees Architects. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Albert Park College Environmental Arts Hub, Six Degrees Architects. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>5. Public Art

<ul>
<li>'Blue Wren' - ADA Consulting</li>
	<li>'Elwood House' - Piccolo</li>
	<li>'Ode' - <a href="/developers/pace-development-group">Pace Development Group</a>
</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/blue_wren.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="'Blue Wren', ADA Consulting. Image : Supplied "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="712" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/blue_wren.jpg?itok=YDb14dqC" title="'Blue Wren', ADA Consulting. Image : Supplied " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>'Blue Wren', ADA Consulting. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>6. Interior fit out

<ul>
<li>Dog's Bar, <a href="/new-apartments/st-kilda-vic-3182">St Kilda</a>
</li>
	<li>MeatworksCo, <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a>
</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/meatworksco.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MeatworksCo, South Melbourne. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="381" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/meatworksco.jpg?itok=GH4MEVMu" title="MeatworksCo, South Melbourne. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MeatworksCo, South Melbourne. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>For the full set of images and project descriptions click <a href="http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/DDAWARDS2018_PROGRAM_A5__SHORTLIST_FINAL_PROOF_HIRES.pdf">here</a>.

The Awards presentation event will be hosted at the National Gallery of Victoria on 20 March 2018 as part of the NGV's Melbourne Design Week 2018 (15 - 25 March). 

The ticketed free public event will be hosted by comedian Tim Ross who has a long-standing passion for architecture and design. Register for tickets <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/city-of-port-phillip-design-development-awards-2018-registration-41987311178">here</a>.

The theme for this year's design week is 'Design Effects' "reflecting the view that it takes design excellence and thoughtful development to balance increasing growth and maintain the unique character of diverse and distinctive neighbourhoods." 

Lead Image: Cave Urban, 'Regenesis 2017.' Photo by p1xels
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City of Port Phillip's Design & Development Awards 2018 shortlist revealed

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The well documented surge in apartments within the CBD over recent years looks to be dissuading developers from the inner city residential apartment sector. Whilst the masses of apartments roaring toward completion have taken the steam out of the apartment market, hotel and student accommodation projects have, in the interim, attracted a proportionately larger slice of the planning pie.

City of Melbourne are handling three prime examples, all of which were submitted late last year, which point toward this trend.

Generally rolled into larger, mixed-use developments over recent years, the smaller stand-alone hotel is making a comeback. Two such examples are in the pipeline, with one potentially accounting for a historic Melbourne facade.

<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/image39_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new Elizabeth Street perspective. Image: Kyriacou Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image39_5.jpg?itok=wO8Cwi4L" title="A new Elizabeth Street perspective. Image: Kyriacou Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A new Elizabeth Street perspective. Image: Kyriacou Architects</figcaption></figure>601-603 Elizabeth Street is an eye-catching proposal for a thin 15 level hotel tower encompassing 72 suites.

On little more than a 202sqm site, the design by Kyriacou Architects sees a 49m tower finished in intricate China white concrete panelling which splays above the entrance, forming a unique canopy. Local firm Nicson Property Group is behind the project and hopes to gain approval for the design which involves solely single bedroom suites ranging in size between 17sqm and 23sqm.

Approval of the project would further extend the mixed-use nature of City North, a designated development precinct which includes the Elizabeth Street stretch north of the CBD. Research, medical, commercial, student accommodation, apartment and affordable housing builds have all been delivered in recent years throughout the precinct.

601-603 Elizabeth Street potentially may add another use to City North.

<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/image51_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="244-248 Flinders and design references. Image: Armsby Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image51_6.jpg?itok=Fxp-SA-C" title="244-248 Flinders and design references. Image: Armsby Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>244-248 Flinders and design references. Image: Armsby Architects</figcaption></figure>Yooralla's former headquarters at 244-248 Flinders Street is also subject to a hotel-based planning application.

Moremas Land Pty Ltd is seeking to replace the historic building with a 13 storey complex which includes 215 hotel rooms, consisting of deluxe and standard room options. Also present across ground level is a walkway linking Flinders Street and Degraves Place; this will be the spine for a new retail arcade featuring 6 new leasable spaces and a restaurant fronting Flinders Street.

244-248 Flinders Street is hoping to drop into an area flush with hotel suites. Westin Melbourne, DoubleTree by Hilton, Rendezvous Hotel and Adelphi Hotel are all a short distance away, whilst Apartments.com.au last week noted <a href="/news/peppers-and-vibe-land-new-melbourne-addresses">Vibe Hotel as taking on branding rights for 1 Queen Street</a> nearby.

Originally, the Flinders Street site was home to a single storey shop built in the late 1800's. According to planning documents, "At the start of the 20th century a two storey building "Snows" menswear was built and was then significantly modified by Tattersalls in the late 1950's. The building has continued to undergo alterations internally and externally throughout the years, including major internal and facade works in the late 1990's."

How Melbourne City Council reacts to the proposed demolition of 244-248 Flinders Street in a sensitive strip of heritage buildings remains to be seen.

<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/image53_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The existing building. Image: Armsby Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="219" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image53_2.jpg?itok=k0KkYdii" title="The existing building. Image: Armsby Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The existing building. Image: Armsby Architects</figcaption></figure>Having no such heritage qualms is Zebra House at 303-305 Royal Parade, which will be University of Melbourne's (UoM) latest student accommodation project.

The well known Royal Parade commercial building will in time become another domicile for students, adding to the thousands of current student accommodation beds in development around the inner city. Breathe Architecture and Architectus will oversee the existing building's transformation into 332 student beds.

This will be achieved by repurposing the existing building, and adding a smaller 6 storey wing at the rear of the site.

UoM picked up the ageing building during 2014, reportedly for $25 million. Shortly thereafter UoM declared 303-305 Royal Parade to be an integral part of the institution's strategy of providing at least <a href="http://newsroom.melbourne.edu/news/student-accommodation-boosted-university-melbourne">2,000 new student beds by 2020</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image40_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Zebra House. Planning image: Breathe ARchitecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="460" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_6.jpg?itok=rTs-vN05" title="Zebra House. Planning image: Breathe ARchitecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Zebra House. Planning image: Breathe Architecture</figcaption></figure>
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Three Melbourne projects indicative of the times

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Melbourne Heritage Action is less than impressed that a proposed student accommodation tower located at 42-50 La Trobe Street has been given the nod by City of Melbourne councillors, further eroding the limited heritage value that this particular stretch of La Trobe Street has managed to cling to.

Indeed, City of Melbourne resolved to issue a Notice of Decision to Grant Permit last Thursday evening for the project. In its most recent form which saw it land before City of Melbourne during April, 9 objectors were noted against the development which has a nominal value of $75 million.

Brisbane-based Blue Sky Funds is championing the project which would further add to the strong number of student accommodation projects currently in the Melbourne pipeline.

<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/13254940_1086649714714922_3072816795073643707_o.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Heritage Action's take on the project"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="278" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/13254940_1086649714714922_3072816795073643707_o.jpg?itok=9fLqRJhL" title="Melbourne Heritage Action's take on the project" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Heritage Action's take on the project</figcaption></figure>Melbourne Heritage Action's response to the decision was blunt:

<blockquote>
It’s arguably Melbourne City Council’s most shameful heritage failure in recent memory.

Councillors have variously sat on their own hands, ignored the advice of their own heritage experts, and ignored the pleas of their own constituents in allowing the demolition of the former Burton’s Livery building at 50 La Trobe Street, a gorgeous, recognised, C-graded 1868 Victorian former carriageworks, in a relatively unique (for the CBD) Italianate style.

The building was left unprotected when in 2011, Council decided to ignore the advice of THEIR OWN HERITAGE EXPERTS in allowing the demolition of its twin building at 40 La Trobe St for an apartment tower, and ignoring contemporaneous recommendations to protect the rest of the streetscape.
<cite><a href="https://melbourneheritage.org.au/2016/05/28/council-ignores-own-experts-and-constituents-burtons-livery-to-be-demolished/">Melbourne Heritage Action</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<a href="/news/melbournes-development-march-claims-another-victim">Appearing first on Urban.com.au</a> during 2015, 42-50 La Trobe Street was in the hands of DELWP. Subsequent redesigns to the project landed it below the 25,000sqm threshold, placing the project solely with City of Melbourne for the approvals 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/image214_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hayball's depiction of a new La Trobe Street frontage"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="323" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image214_1.jpg?itok=P3Sjh1ow" title="Hayball's depiction of a new La Trobe Street frontage" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hayball's depiction of a new La Trobe Street frontage</figcaption></figure>With a number of levels removed, the current scheme sees a tower of equal height to the nearby Conservatory apartment development; both will terminate at approximately 130 metres. 42-50 La Trobe Street is designed to accommodate 783 student beds in a number of configurations over 43 levels, with extensive amenities in tow.

Perhaps most salient to the article is the revamped ground level which is set to replace the 1868-era structure currently onsite.

Architects Hayball have sought to connect La Trobe Street with Bell Place which runs along the northern border of the site. The bluestone-paved laneway will be lined with active retail frontages and extensive external seating, catering for both students and the expanding population in the immediate area.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_4220.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="ADCO's Deakin Burwood student accommodation build"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4220.jpg?itok=A3rciLxN" title="ADCO's Deakin Burwood student accommodation build" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ADCO's Deakin Burwood student accommodation build</figcaption></figure>The apparent approval of 42-50 La Trobe Street adds to the already robust student accommodation development sector which is experiencing heightened activity at the moment.

On the back of recent completions at RMIT Bundoora, VUT Footscray and Monash Clayton, further builds are in progress within Melbourne's CBD and at Deakin Burwood. Additionally, GSA Group are at the tail end of the construction tender process for 205-223 Pelham Street which is set to commence shortly.

Most recently South Africa-based Redefine <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/south-africans-buy-carlton-car-park-to-set-up-student-housing-20160404-gny1fz">secured 16-32 Leicester Street</a> on the doorstep of the CBD with intentions of bowling over the multi-level car park for another 700-bed student housing development.
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