ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods is progressing its plans for its Southbank arts precinct site.&nbsp;

The developer has filed plans, which are now with the&nbsp;Department of Transport and Planning, for a new 20-level tower at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/141-151-sturt-street-southbank-vic-3006">141–151 Sturt Street</a>, a 2,718 sqm block opposite the Habitat Filter sculpture.

The proposal seeks to demolish the two-level&nbsp;commercial building, including a small supermarket and medical tenancies, and create a new building with 180 apartments and a focus on an&nbsp;active public realm and arts integration.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Southbank site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76a72db6-91ef-43ae-827d-a9cfa72893d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Site.png?VersionId=DZgtB4K6BswVh0QtCs3iLjXaLp0CbcEb" />

&nbsp;

There will be a full mix of apartment configurations, including 28 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom, 104 two-bedroom, and 32 three-bedroom units.

Retail, creative arts, and residential amenity functions are integrated across the lower levels. A food and drink tenancy is planned to front Dodds Street, while a retail tenancy fronting Sturt Street will be accessed via an elevated walkway. The first floor includes a substantial 734 sqm creative arts space, envisioned to support Melbourne’s growing cultural and digital industries.

Architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has put together the plans. In their&nbsp;Urban Design Report they highlighted the project’s ambition to embed itself within Southbank’s evolving cultural fabric.

A central feature of the design is a through-block link connecting Sturt and Dodds Streets, landscaped with native plantings and embedded with universal access ramps.

“The ramp has been thoughtfully integrated as the primary access point, ensuring universal accessibility for all users,” the report noted, with the link offering “a direct response to the urban planning scheme of creating more green spaces within our communities”.

<img alt="Southbank podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d24b1b2-d69c-4a11-a11d-ec6df432221c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium.png?VersionId=geWoJyZDmPSLODZ_.PNJ0LvpOmyyCdpo" />

The building’s podium form responds to the mandatory height limits along Dodds Street and maintains a fine-grain interface to adjoining developments. Above the podium, the tower is articulated with recessed balconies and a focus on views toward the CBD and surrounding arts institutions. A communal rooftop recreation deck and indoor lounge are positioned on level four, adjoining seven apartments and providing over 900 sqm of resident amenity space.

Vehicle access and loading will be provided via Dodds Street, with 155 resident car spaces located across two basement levels and the first three above-ground floors. Bicycle storage is more generous, with 226 spaces distributed across resident, staff and visitor needs.

Rothelowman describes the architecture as “humanist,” with ground-level interfaces designed to encourage social interaction and provide a dignified entry for both residents and passers-by. “All street interfaces are crafted to invite and nurture human connections,” the design report states. “The façade transitions to a human scale, providing an approachable and engaging streetscape”.

Cedar Woods, while well-known for its large communities it develops outside of Australia's capital cities, they have recently developed in Melbourne's inner-ring before. They are approaching completion at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/88-leveson-north-melbourne-88-leveson-street-north-melbourne-vic-3051">88 Leveson</a>, just 15 townhouses in the heart of North Melbourne.

Joel Robinson

Cedar Woods progresses with new apartment plans in Southbank arts precinct

Brisbane developers Core Property Partners and Vector Property Australia has teamed up for Brisbane's newest apartment development.

The duo identified <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as their preferred suburb, on the fringe of the Gabba Precinct, where they've just revealed BANKSII, 72 apartments opposite Raymond Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5481]

The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will sit in a glass-wrapped building that will also feature a rooftop with an&nbsp;infinity-edge pool, a BBQ area and alfresco dining spaces, sun lounges, and a sauna, as well as a resident-only gym and a ground-floor cafe.

Rhett Williams, Director of Vector Property Australia, said the project will lift the quality of the East Brisbane community and set a new benchmark.

"In Brisbane’s current property landscape, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/banksii-east-brisbane-169-wellington-road-east-brisbane-qld-4169">BANKSII</a> stands out through its emphasis on lifestyle-oriented living, connectivity and sophisticated design," Williams says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5479]

The 10-level building has been designed by MAS Architecture. Their designs were inspired by the native Banksia flower, with the architecture and interiors reflecting the organic symmetry of its namesake flora. MAS has interpreted this throughout the building’s curved form, façade detailing and interior palette.&nbsp;

The building’s flowing geometry and natural tones are complemented by large balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing, maximising cross-breezes, daylight and views over the city, parklands and river.

“Having a strong narrative for a building helps us architecturally,” MAS noted. "We can choose colours that come off that species of flowers. The trunk and the trees and the flower elements all are now visible in our joinery on the inside and in our architectural finishes on the outside."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5485]

Apartments will feature timber floors, soft porcelain tiles, brushed bronze fittings, and stone benchtops with warm veining.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature premium SMEG appliances and generous storage, while bathrooms have been designed as calming retreats with curved cabinetry and twin sinks in the master ensuites.

The building will feature a suite of rooftop and wellness amenities. Residents will have access to an infinity-edge pool, BBQ and alfresco dining areas, sun lounges and a rooftop sauna.&nbsp;

A residents-only gym will be located on the podium level, while a ground-floor café and landscaped laneway will further activate the site and improve neighbourhood connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5488]

BANKSII will rise from a prime Wellington Road site, with the building oriented to overlook the adjacent Raymond Park and take in extensive city views. It is also on the doorstep of key&nbsp;lifestyle infrastructure, including the future Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, The Gabba stadium, and the planned Brisbane Live arena.&nbsp;

Public transport options, including ferry, bus and rail - including the future Cross River Rail Woolloongabba station - are all nearby, supporting a car-optional lifestyle just minutes from the CBD.

Williams said the team spent over a year searching for the ideal site before securing this location.

"We were attracted to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as it is a vibrant and growing community that offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and natural beauty with the parklands and river on our doorstep.”

The project is part of the broader Woolloongabba Games precinct, which is undergoing significant investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This urban renewal, coupled with infrastructure upgrades, is expected to enhance long-term liveability and capital growth in the area.

Given the wide max of configurations, BANKSII is expected to suit everyone from first home buyers and investors to families and downsizers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136432]

BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

The Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, right next to the CBD, to tackle the housing crisis and rebalance growth across the city.

Recent reports by the NSW Productivity Commission have warned that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, while also finding that Woollahra is the most feasible Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales to build new housing.

Despite this, housing approvals in Woollahra consistently lag well behind other LGAs, and the population has declined by 11 per cent over the past 50 years while Greater Sydney as a whole has grown by 74 per cent.

The new station that will be an eight-minute trip from Sydney CBD, will be located on the Eastern Suburbs train line in Woollahra, where a station build was started in the 1970s but never completed.

To enable the delivery of new homes the NSW Government will lead a rezoning of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations similar to other state led rezonings to allow additional homes to be built around the stations.

Affordable housing will also make up a proportion of development on the site with the final amount of affordable housing required, to be determined as part of the rezoning process.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

The Eastern Suburbs train line between Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD also has the lowest passenger usage rates during the AM peak of any line on the Sydney network, with only 43 per cent of operating capacity during the AM peak currently being utilised by passengers.

Sydney Water and Infrastructure NSW have confirmed there is capacity in the water and wastewater systems to accommodate the proposed 10,000 dwellings without major upgrades.

The rezoning is expected to take around two years and will further support the Government’s housing targets that rebalance the delivery of new homes around existing infrastructure.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="b086848">
Fresh off completing its mixed-use Malvern project Malvern Collective, Kokoda Property Group has acquired a prime site on Richmond's Bridge Road.

They are planning a mid-rise residential development with&nbsp;integrated wellness amenities and a vibrant ground-floor retail and dining offering.

The site, at&nbsp;487–495 Bridge Road, spans&nbsp;1,650 sqm with 50 metres of dual frontage across Bridge Road and Palmer Street. It is currently leased to Adairs, and has a large retail building and 20 onsite car parks.
</section>

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="534a164">
Kokoda Property Group’s acquisition forms part of a broader phase of growth in Melbourne, building on momentum from the completion of Malvern Collective and the recent purchase of a Burnley Street site for the developer’s first commercial project.&nbsp;

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating.

“Melbourne is regaining momentum,"&nbsp;Stevens said.

"After a cautious period post-COVID, we’re seeing buyer sentiment stabilise and capital leaning back into well-located, quality projects. Victoria now benefits from deep builder capacity and competitive delivery pricing, creating a rare opportunity to bring design-led inner-city developments to market without compromising on craftsmanship.

“Richmond ticks all the boxes for us – connectivity, culture and everyday amenity – making Bridge Road the perfect address for an amenity-rich, multi-use development."

<img alt="Kokoda" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a8de51d-8092-480a-8b7e-e081816692c2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-29%20at%208.54.27%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VRHpV5.6beOu2cieKHWrw3ErMPuVOAuj" />

Envisioned as an “urban lantern” the building will bring a distinctive new presence to Bridge Road with a sculptural retail frontage, designed to honour the street’s heritage character while contributing to its renewal.

Stevens said the acquisition reflects the developer’s commitment to design-led addresses in Melbourne’s inner city.

“Drawing on Richmond’s rich heritage and dynamic character, we’ve envisioned a contemporary building that respects the past while elevating the way people live today. With dual frontages, curated ground-floor spaces, and a focus on wellness, this project will contribute to the neighbourhood’s evolution, appealing to both downsizers and a new generation of professionals.”

Kokoda Property will now progress concept design ahead of a future planning process.
</section>

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating

First look: Kokoda secures Richmond site for new apartment development

Gold Coast developer Drew Group is fast approaching sell-out at its Main Beach apartment development, Lagoon Main Beach.

In the last nine months, Drew Group and sales partner Pezet Matheson have secured 31 sales totalling over $75 million, as the two-tower development advances towards completion under the expert eye of Hutchinson Builders.

“Today's buyers are more discerning than ever," Drew Group Managing Director Jon Drew says.

"It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=193023]

Just over 50 per cent of recent&nbsp;sales have been to local buyers, reflecting the deep trust and connection within the Gold Coast community that Drew Group has developed over the years.

Demand has been particularly robust at the top end, with two of the three exclusive penthouses already sold, alongside five sub-penthouses. Only seven apartments remain in Lagoon's Signature Series — one&nbsp;penthouse and six sub-penthouses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=284864]

Drew Group has also removed the much-maligned sunset clause from all contracts at Lagoon. The sunset clause — although rarely invoked, yet on occasion known to have been — allows developers to take back contracts on apartments should the building not be completed within the timeframe specified in the contract.

Pezet Matheson Co-Director Jayde Pezet says the fact Lagoon is&nbsp;within a year of completion, and has no sunset clause in contracts, provides certainty to buyers.

"This is paramount in the current market," Pezet says.

Drew Group has committed to providing the highest level of security inclusions — none more impressive than the Ubiquity Access Control System, a cutting-edge facial recognition technology that is one of the most state-of-the-art keyless entry systems on the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=190743]

One of the biggest drawcards to Lagoon has been the size of the apartments.

"It is unlikely that any future new development in Main Beach will be able to offer such spacious living at this price point," Drew says.

"Today's buyers are more discerning than ever, carefully evaluating amenities like gyms, spas, workspaces, and beach lockers, along with quality finishes. It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

Lagoon is set to complete construction in mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108747]

Lagoon Main Beach approaches sell-out as local buyers drive $75m in sales

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 

<html><body>
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
</body></html>

Council moves to contour a tower bid atop the Metropolitan Hotel

<html><body>
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'

<html><body>
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>
</body></html>

Winners of 2018 City of Port Phillip Design & Development Awards announced

<html><body>
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 - <a href="/architects/jost-architects">Jost Architects</a>
</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
</body></html>

City of Port Phillip's Design & Development Awards 2018 shortlist revealed

<html><body>
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>
</body></html>

Three Melbourne projects indicative of the times

<html><body>
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.
</body></html>

Heritage

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Heritage

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.