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

<html><body>
Height, overshadowing and heritage; the Holy Trinity of inner-city development concerns that's sure to garner mainstream media attention. This was indeed the case during 2014 when plans were revealed for the redevelopment of the Fletcher Jones site at 1-5 Queen Street which sits directly opposite the Banana Alley vaults.

Malaysian-backed Creative Wealth (Aust) Pty Ltd commissioned the project with CBD-based K2LD Architects conceiving the residential tower which at 25 levels and 90.75 metres would have made an instant impression upon its more modest in height neighbours.​

<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/1-5_queen.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artists' renders of the rejected development. Image © K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1-5_queen.jpg?itok=Ql5SWl8J" title="Artists' renders of the rejected development. Image © K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artists' renders of the rejected development. Image © K2LD</figcaption></figure>According to a <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/former-fletcher-jones-site-due-for-a-dressup-20121123-29yrg">Business Day</a> the 746sqm site was owned and occupied by retailer Fletcher Jones since 1955, until falling into private ownership post 1993. With the onsite Cobden Buildings structure originally dated 1872, groups such as <a href="http://melbourneheritage.org.au/2014/09/15/objection-facading-of-1872-fletcher-jones-building-add-your-voice/">Melbourne Heritage Action</a> considered the redevelopment as little more than facadism with the Flinders Street edifice the most notable feature retained within the proposed redevelopment.

Enter 2015 and City of Melbourne have elected to reject the proposal in its current form. Almost six months to the day after the initial planning application was lodged, the decision to rebuke 1-5 Queen Street was made public on January 13. According to Melbourne Heritage Action, City of Melbourne's refusal was based upon a number of factors with the tower's adverse affect upon the heritage listed existing building and its Queen Street neighbours at the forefront.

<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/queen_street_elevation_0.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed Queen Street frontage. Image © K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queen_street_elevation_0.png?itok=La4Ptqug" title="Proposed Queen Street frontage. Image © K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposed Queen Street frontage. Image © K2LD</figcaption></figure>Seen above was the intended Queen Street facade which was to have replaced the 1970's augmented frontage, which up until that point matched the Flinders Street frontage. A modern interpretation of what once was there, the facade would have employed stone and metal.

As with most developers Creative Wealth (Aust) Pty Ltd would now seemingly have two options at hand. A trip to VCAT may be on the cards as could be a new planning application that better addresses the concerns outlined by City of Melbourne.
</body></html>

silvermb

1-5 Queen Street rejected by City of Melbourne

<html><body>
Planning Minister Matthew Guy has announced the appointment of a new chair, one new member and the appointment of two formerly alternate members as full members to the <a href="http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/heritage/about/heritage-council-of-victoria">Heritage Council of Victoria</a>.

The ten member Heritage Council of Victoria is appointed by the Governor in Council upon the recommendation of the Planning Minister.

Legal member Mary Urquhart has been appointed the new Chair of the Heritage Council, replacing architect Daryl Jackson AO who retired in June after six years as Chair.

A Ministerial media release provided the following biographies on the appointees:

<blockquote>
Ms Urquhart has recognised skills in law and governance that will be well utilised in her role as Chair of the Heritage Council. A barrister and solicitor, she is currently a part time member of the Refugee Review Tribunal, and a member of the Migration Review Tribunal. Ms Urquhart was previously Deputy President of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and Deputy Commissioner, Victorian Liquor Licensing Commission.

Callum Fraser is director of the prominent Melbourne firm Elenberg Fraser. He is a registered architect and previous Chapter Councillor of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA).

Mr Tony Darvall has more than 35 years’ experience as a partner of law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth. He is currently the chairman of the Audit Committee of VicRoads and deputy chairman of Linking Melbourne Authority and has previously served as chairman of VicUrban and the Werribee Park Advisory Board.

General member Trish Vejby has a demonstrated understanding of and interest in Victoria’s heritage. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Western Health and has substantial governance experience on many community committees and boards of management including the Board of Commissioners of Legal Aid.
</blockquote>

“These new appointments bring specialist skills and great passion to the task of protecting and conserving places and objects of cultural heritage significance to the state," Planning Minister Matthew Guy said.
</body></html>

Alastair Taylor

New appointments to the Heritage Council of Victoria

<html><body>
There has been a considerable amount of commentary recently revolving around tall towers, overshadowing and the subsequent impact on amenity in the public domain. With this in mind, Apartments.com.au takes a look at a proposed 25-storey mixed-use tower at 1-5 Queen Street.

Rising a height of 90.75 metres behind the retained facade of the 1872-dated Fletcher Jones building, the applicant is seeking a permit to overshadow Northbank between the hours of 11am and 2pm on the winter solstice. It is worth noting that unlike overshadowing of Southbank during that same time period, it is not strictly prohibited to overshadow Northbank.

The proposal also raises issues as how to best integrate a new architectural intervention with the fabric of a heritage structure. It can be argued that a number of recent high-rise proposals have failed to address this accordingly, with some very ordinary design responses being put forward.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/flinders_street_frontage.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed Flinders Street frontage. © K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flinders_street_frontage.png?itok=WQu1Q9ee" title="Proposed Flinders Street frontage. © K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposed Flinders Street frontage. Image © K2LD</figcaption></figure>Located on the corner of Queen Street and Flinders Street opposite the Banana Alley vaults, the existing building is covered by Heritage Overlay H01037. The existing building had initially being identified as a C-graded structure in a level 3 streetscape during the Central Activities District Conservation Study of 1984. This grading was confirmed in subsequent reviews and studies undertaken in 1993, 2002 and finally in the Central City Heritage Review of 2011 which resulted in the introduction of heritage controls.

The site heritage impact statement prepared by Lovell Chen goes on to describe why the Cobden Buildings are significant both historically and aesthetically to the Melbourne Capital City Zone:

<blockquote>
The Cobden Buildings are significant historically for their key role in early maritime commerce and governance of Melbourne's ports, with links via the James Jackson family ownership to the very beginnings of Melbourne town and Queens Wharf which once stood opposite these buildings.

Architecturally, although modified, the upper level Is a good and early Italianate Renaissance revival style as applied to an office building, then an uncommon building type in a City of warehouses, residences and shops.
<cite>Graeme Butler and Associates, Central City Heritage Review</cite>
</blockquote>

DD01-A2 (Active Street Frontages) also applies to the site with a particular focus to the Flinders Street frontage the intent of which is outlined below:

<blockquote>
The design objectives of this overlay are:

<ul>
<li>To ensure ground floor frontages are pedestrian oriented and add interest and vitality to city streets.</li>
	<li>To provide continuity of ground floor shops along streets and lanes within the retail core.</li>
	<li>To ensure ground floor frontages contribute to city safety by providing lighting and activity.</li>
</ul>
The requirements of this overlay are:

Buildings with ground-level street frontages to major pedestrian areas must present an attractive pedestrian oriented frontage to the satisfaction of the responsible authority, by providing:

<ul>
<li>At least 5 metres or 80% of the street frontage (whichever is the greater) as an entry or display window to a shop and/or a food and drink premises, or</li>
	<li>At least 5 metres or 80% of the street frontage (whichever is the greater) as other uses, customer service areas and activities, which provide pedestrian interest and interaction.</li>
	<li>Built scale appropriate to the street and pedestrians.</li>
	<li>Clear glazing (security grilles must be transparent).</li>
</ul>
<cite>Heritage Overlay H01037</cite>
</blockquote>

To this end the application attempts to address these considerations by providing a 207 square metre double height retail space which also acts as a buffer to the substation located at ground level. The main entrance for residents is via a new Queen Street lobby with a permeable lobby interface introduced.

<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/queen_street_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposed Queen Street frontage. © K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/queen_street_elevation.png?itok=D6B7s_K4" title="Proposed Queen Street frontage. © K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposed Queen Street frontage. Image © K2LD</figcaption></figure>Included within the planning application is the intended construction of a new two-storey facade along Queen Street which will include angled metal framed glazing to the ground level, with the upper level divided into bays to match those on the Flinders Street elevation. Additionally the elevation will involve a combination of reconstruction, references to window forms and contemporary interpretations of some of the original elements such as parapets.

The modified two storey building will act as a base or 'plinth' for the tower which like other proposals dealing with historically sensitive buildings has employed the strategy of a reflective veil which acts to give the tower a recessive quality by reflecting the immediate context and sky. The intent seems to be to produce the effect of an invisible building with the visually dominant element being the existing 2-storey building.

The crystalline, sculpted form is encased in a transparent grey glazing that also features operable louvres which interrupt the otherwise smooth finish of the facade and provide natural ventilation to create winter garden spaces. The form is derived as a formal and metaphorical translation of the site's address at 1 Queen Street; "One Queen" evoking connotations of jewellery and in this specific instance a diamond form.

<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/1-5_queen_street.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Various montages of the proposed development. © K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="423" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1-5_queen_street.png?itok=AmRs1MjB" title="Various montages of the proposed development. © K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Various montages of the proposed development. Image © K2LD</figcaption></figure>In response to contextual analysis of nearby buildings and the historical base building, the architects have employed setbacks to all three street frontages ranging from between 3.5 to 6 metres from Queen Street, 3 to 5 metres from Flinders Street and 2.7 metres from Tavistock Place. These setbacks all gradually taper out to the property boundaries at the upper levels.

The tower takes advantage of its location in a relatively low-rise area of the city adjacent to the rail lines and river, offering primary views along an expansive east-west axis.

From a pedestrian amenity perspective (as was mentioned earlier) towers are not prohibited from overshadow Northbank. While a permit may be required to do so, the shadow analysis studiy below illustrates the impact that the proposal's shadow will have on the public domain between 11am &amp; 2pm on (curiously) the 22nd June. The winter solstice actually falls on the 21st June.

<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/shadow_studies_22_june_12pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Shadow analysis studies 11am-2pm June 22. © K2LD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="442" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/shadow_studies_22_june_12pm.png?itok=wkGIuJP_" title="Shadow analysis studies 11am-2pm June 22. © K2LD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Shadow analysis studies 11am-2pm June 22. Image © K2LD</figcaption></figure>From 11am onwards the shadows moves from Enterprize Park along the promenade adjacent to the Banana Alley vaults, which themselves are not the most inviting and pleasant of spaces. Should the Banana Alley vaults eventually receive significant improvements, 1-5 Queen Street may well have a detrimental effect on pedestrian comfort and amenity, although this is a moot point for now.

Arguably the most impact is caused just before 2pm when a shadow is cast over Sandridge Bridge which while not ideal, although the bridge is more of a transient space than a space someone would dwell in for any extended period of time. Having been lodged for consideration with City of Melbourne during early July, a final decision is some time off.

<h2>1-5 Queen Street Project Team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Creative Wealth (Aust) Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Design: K2LD Architects</li>
	<li>Planning consultant: Urbis</li>
	<li>Heritage consultant: Lovell Chen</li>
	<li>Traffic consultant: Cardno</li>
	<li>Wind consultant: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>ESD statement: WSP</li>
</ul>
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Laurence Dragomir

Jumping at Shadows > 1-5 Queen Street, Melbourne

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In response to community feedback regarding City of Melbourne's heritage strategy, a number of steps have been taken to ensure Council are at the forefront of heritage strategy and conservation. Last week City of Melbourne endorsed The Local Heritage Planning Policies Review Paper, which is now open to public feedback.

After identifying a number of areas where heritage conservation tools could be improved, the Paper seeks to enhance the way heritage planning decisions are made, provide transparency to the process and provide consistency with State Government requirements.

<blockquote>
City of Melbourne is experiencing rapid growth and we need to ensure we have the best tools available to preserve the city’s heritage. With 7000 buildings covered by a Heritage Overlay in the City of Melbourne, the Melbourne Planning Scheme contains a legacy of Council’s long term commitment to heritage conservation.

This review highlights the need to ensure there is clarity and consistency in the decision making process.
<cite>Councillor Ken Ong, Chair of Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee</cite>
</blockquote>

The review proposes replacing the existing grading system applied to heritage properties with the new best practice approach, while also developing ‘statements of significance’ for those heritage precincts outside the Capital City Zone that currently don’t have them. The paper itself is the result of recommendations from recent heritage planning panel hearings and consultation with users of the policy and peak heritage organisations according to its dedicated web page.

<h2>The next step</h2>

The Future Melbourne Committee will be presented with a report during October advising on the results of the initial consultation and an implementation plan. Further consultation will occur during the implementation period, in particular developing statements of significance for the precincts outside the Capital City zone which currently aren't covered.

<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/CelticClub1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Celtic Club. Image © The Collector"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/CelticClub1.jpg?itok=HOVrOKav" title="The Celtic Club. Image © The Collector" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Celtic Club. Image © The Collector</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

One of the major benefits I see of City of Melbourne's heritage strategy adjustment is the alignment of City and State on the issue, but having said that I'm no aficionado when it comes to heritage. From the outside looking in, do I think these changes will have a profound impact on what structures are retained/protected from development, such as the Celtic Club pictured above? Probably not.

There's plenty of readers out there with their finger on the heritage pulse, feel free to share your thoughts on the ramifications for City of Melbourne's Local Heritage Planning Policies Review Paper, which can be seen in detail at <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/BuildingandPlanning/Planning/Pages/Localheritagepolicies.aspx" target="_blank">City of Melbourne's website</a>.

Lead image courtesy AV Dynamics.
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City of Melbourne's new view on Heritage

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Melbourne’s Chinatown district is set to see its most dramatic transformation in decades if <a href="http://www.axfgroup.com.au/">AXF Property Group</a> gain approval for their latest project, having recently submitting plans for yet another controversial residential tower.

Following approval for Melbourne's tallest suburban apartment tower located in Box Hill, AXF Group have this time acted upon the Total Car Park site at 180 Russell Street. Pushing forward with their CBD plans which were first mooted during late 2012, the development asks to demolish he well known Total Car Park and replace it with a 70 level, 271m mixed-use building which would dramatically alter the city skyline and become a stand out development amongst the relatively low-rise Chinatown district.

<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/Image11_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image11_12.jpg?itok=ncjBupnm" title="Image © Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Buchan Group</figcaption></figure><h2>Application briefs</h2>

<ul>
<li>Site Area of 2,057m2, currently consisting of a 7 level car park + 4 level office building</li>
	<li>Proposed is a 70 level, 271m tower</li>
	<li>Residential Apartments + 5 Star Hotel</li>
	<li>105,961m2 GFA</li>
	<li>506 Residential Apartments + 200 Hotel Rooms</li>
	<li>250 Car Spaces + 335 Bicycle Space</li>
	<li>Sky Lobby + Restaurant on Levels 66 &amp; 67</li>
	<li>Hotel Meeting and Banquet Facilities on level 54</li>
	<li>New activated 24/7 Civic Space for Chinatown</li>
</ul>
Drawing upon inspiration from the Chinese cultural tradition of landscape painting and imagery for the building’s design, architects <a href="http://buchan.com.au/">Buchan Group</a> have taken full advantage of the high profile location by implementing a highly activated 5 level podium. Included within the podium are food and restaurant spaces, a multi-purpose hall, Chinese gallery plus extensive bar and entertainment spaces.

At ground level the design has been carefully crafted to allow for the addition of a new civic space for the Chinatown precinct, creating a new 24/7 meeting point for the area. Included within this new space will be a “stoop” which will be placed at the intersection of Little Bourke and Russell Streets to allow for the public to sit and watch the activity of the street and public place as well as a landscaped copse and tea house.

<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/Image12_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected street level interface. Image © Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image12_8.jpg?itok=TgStdW1c" title="Expected street level interface. Image © Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Expected street level interface. Image © Buchan Group</figcaption></figure>The inclusions of pavilions which act as entries for the hotel and residential components of the building, and canopies within the podium also allow for increased activation with the public realm. Rising above the podium will be the main body of the tower, holding the majority of the projects apartments which will be situated on levels 6-49. Level 29 of the building sees resident’s facilities which includes an obligatory pool.

A 5-Star hotel is also proposed with suites carried within the “crown” of the building which has been designed to change external appearance throughout the day and night, seeking in part to act as a beacon and become the landmark structure within the Chinatown district.

It is not all smooth sailing for the AXF Group however with demolition of the Total Car Park likely to face tough opposition after being recommended for heritage protection. Completed in 1965, the car park has been slated for heritage protection since the 1980’s with it said to encompass influences from the Japanese avante garde architecture of the 1950’s and 60’s as well as bringing to Melbourne its first taste of brutalist architecture. Incidentally the style was recently described by Planning Minister Matthew Guy as a style that “legitimises ugly buildings”.

<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/8286437244_c8d1717a34_c2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The existing Total Car Park. Image courtesy melbourneheritage.org.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/8286437244_c8d1717a34_c2.jpg?itok=_A5RMKrU" title="The existing Total Car Park. Image courtesy melbourneheritage.org.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The existing Total Car Park. Image courtesy melbourneheritage.org.au</figcaption></figure>The loss of the building would also see the popular live music venue and night club “Billboards” situated in the basement, shut down. In the situation where the building does find itself on the heritage register, the application states that demolition will be sought on the basis of economic grounds, mostly due to the fact that the very low ceiling heights stop it from being used outside of a low tier car park. The application further suggests that significant changes have been made to Total House (atop the car park) in addition to painting of the once exposed bare concrete and replacing old shop fronts with new shop fronts.

With the site also subject to a 60m height limit, the application seemingly faces a challenging journey on its way to approval. Although should the building go ahead, has the potential to change Melbourne's skyline in an indelible fashion.

Nonetheless it could be a case of Big Trouble in Little China.
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melbournee12

Planning Application > 180 Russell Street, Melbourne

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Call this an opinion piece, a policy piece, a design piece, and environment piece... it doesn't particularly matter what category it falls under.  What does matter is the completely inept finish and total lack of respect shown to the surrounds in the image above.

For readers unaware, one of Melbourne's unheralded gems can be found mid block and bound by Elizabeth, La Trobe, Queen and Little Lonsdale.  This historic red brick warehouse precinct is exemplary and provides a genuine glimpse into Melbourne's past, yet with the most recent incursion of development into the area, concerning signs have emerged that the human scale and character of the area is being eroded.

<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_4301.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Morning light enhances a stunning view"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_4301.jpg?itok=1derKPZk" title="Morning light enhances a stunning view" width="580"></a>

<a href="http://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/arts-and-entertainment/article/guildford-lane-art-precinct" target="_blank">Broadsheet</a> describes the area's heart, Guildford Lane (symptomatic of the entire area) as follows:

<blockquote>
Guildford Lane is a collection of two-story buildings reminiscent of the Melbourne of yore with a sprinkling of the urban contemporary added for good measure. Quaint buildings decorated with haphazard graffiti offer very little indication of visual arts treasures that hide behind their red-brick facade. Towering skyscrapers menace overhead as an ode to the varying layers of history – past and present – that reside there. It’s almost as though some inception-style architect has manufactured the view. Old-world it may be, but it is also fast becoming the nucleus for Melbourne’s visual arts. Here’s a rundown of the galleries you may encounter should you decide to take a trip down this charming side street.
</blockquote>

I feel a skerrick of discomfort highlighting the impending plight of this area over others such as The Palace redevelopment or neighbouring Windsor Hotel, yet I do traverse the are quite often; as much a relaxing break from the excesses of the CBD as a shortcut from A to B.  Having said that I am pro development so readers may argue an element of hypocrisy is present in this article - regardless this one precast wall has raised my ire, for it may be representative if what is in store.

Let's explore why the monotone precast street level facade located to the rear of the recently finished Melbourne Sky development is totally abysmal.  I'd contend development in this area is reasonable given it's bound to the perimeter of the block, leaving the heart of the precinct unblemished - but this is no reason to deliver half-arsed public realm outcomes in such a sensitive area.  Externals to both Little Lonsdale and La Trobe are entitled to present in a modern manner, yet the inward facing (particularly street level) facades should respect their surrounds - surely a reasonable assumption?

Not only is there a total lack of respect relative to the immediate surrounds via a black precast wall, there's also total inactivation and a complete lack of imagination - it is in every way disappointing!  

So who can be attributed with this blunder?  From the outside it seems an abject failure in planning for ultimate responsibility and enforcement lies here.  Architects and developers do what they do, yet both local and state planning bodies missed a trick here by not requesting the rear of Melbourne Sky be improved.  At the very least a simple wrap of recycled brickwork over the site's precast derriere facing Sutherland Street and McLean Alley would have been a cheap, innocuous outcome that would have at least attempted to meld with its heritage surrounds.

<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/Image1_51.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" title="Intended art wall. Image © Rothe Lowman"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_51.jpg?itok=E9fnFBCo" title="Intended art wall. Image © Rothe Lowman" width="580"></a>

Am I overreacting to this one precast wall - possibly, but consider the four upcoming developments fronting La Trobe Street;  <a href="/buildings/eporo-tower-279-la-trobe-street-melbourne" target="_blank">Eporo Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/the-carlson-321-la-trobe-street-melbourne" target="_blank">321 La Trobe Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/la-trobe-tower-323-la-trobe-street-melbourne" target="_blank">323 La Trobe Street </a>and <a href="/buildings/paragon-318-queen-street-melbourne">Celtic Tower</a> all also back onto the warehouse precinct.  Granted early designs for 321 La Trobe Street included an art wall at the sites rear (seen above), but the prospect of having the finer grain of this precinct repeatedly punctuated by average planning and even worst street level facades is evidently very real.  

Areas such as this intricate warehouse precinct are not a dime a dozen through Melbourne's CBD and therefore are worthy of respect and much thought when approving new developments within its realm.  Based on the initial outcome, it can only get better...

 

Not familiar with the area?  Open the images below to gain a greater understanding of the precinct
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Setting a disturbing precedent

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What's so special about the Palace Theatre?  Evidently quite a lot as in excess of 25,000 Melburnians have signed a petition to save the venue from demolition and redevelopment into a premium W Hotel and apartment complex.  Overshadowing within the historic Bourke Hill precinct, proximity to State Parliament, the potential loss of a cultural and live music icon, personal experiences and a general aversion to development would be amongst the reasons why the general public have made their displeasure with this development unequivocally clear. 
Yet of all those to voice their concerns, the most telling would be that of State Planning Minister Matthew Guy who on ABC Radio stated of the proposed development, "The developer is dreaming if he thinks the government is going to approve this in the form in which it has been submitted.  It is too tall, it is in the wrong location."
<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/581255_405879929458574_744832779_n.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Palace Theatre as it currently stands. Image courtesy 'Bourne this Way"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/581255_405879929458574_744832779_n.jpg?itok=BaafYYsV" title="The Palace Theatre as it currently stands. Image courtesy 'Bourne this Way" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
With those words in mind and following preliminary feedback from State planning officials, the project team spearheaded by venerable architecture firm <a href="http://www.batessmart.com.au/" target="_blank">Bates Smart</a> have returned with amended plans for the site.  Initially designed as a mixed-use tower some 99.75 metres in height and maintaining a setback of 8 metres to Bourke Street, the revised plans submitted late September produce in essence a lopped scheme where the tower is now expected to reach 72.25 metres.  In reducing height, the development team have decreased the setback to Bourke Street to 5 metres in order to somewhat mitigate the lessened development yield.
A roughly 27 metre reduction sees nine levels removed while 22 will remain within an altogether similar external design which sees a white 'layered veil' over blue glass; a nod to the <a href="http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/pictures/0/0/2/doc/pi002802.shtml" target="_blank">Fairlie</a> Apartment complex in South Yarra as cited within the planning application.  Overall apartment numbers have decreased considerably whereas hotel rooms stand at 200, a reduction of only five.  The revised scheme now calls for seven levels of residential living at the towers peak offering approximately 90 one and two bedroom apartments, down from 145 apartments initially included.
See below the expected view from Spring Street where the red line indicates the initial planning application envelope as opposed to the lower revised scheme.  Given the Windsor Hotel opposite recently received <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-03/matthew-guy2c-planning-minister-bemoans-the-27slow-death27-o/4931446" target="_blank">absolute approval</a> to proceed with its redevelopment much to the chagrin of the Planning Minister, is it not hypocritical to prevent the Palace Theatre development proceeding in some way, shape or form?
<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/Image3_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The revised W Hotel scheme seen within Melbourne's skyline. Image © Bates Smart "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3_20.jpg?itok=kDHgVg-r" title="The revised W Hotel scheme seen within Melbourne's skyline. Image © Bates Smart " typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
One could argue the case yes, and justifiably so in many people's eyes, although proponents of the Palace Theatre mount a strong case as well.  Included within the revised documents submitted late September is a letter of support from Starwood Hotels and Resorts, owner and operator of the W brand.  It maintains that after an extensive site selection process in which any properties considered must adhere to lofty selection criteria, the Palace Theatre site was and remains the natural choice.  Affirming their '100%' support to both the site and site owner, Jinshan Investment Group Pty Ltd, Starwood have very much pinned their Melbourne ambitions to this development.
An optimal compromise would likely see a development of some description set well back and separated from the Bourke Street frontage, therefore maintaining and incorporating a large portion of the existing Palace Theatre - akin to another Melbourne building, the former <a href="http://www.pta.com.au/web/?page_id=842" target="_blank">Herald &amp; Weekly Times</a> at 8 Exhibition Street.  This is not an option due to site constraints and height concerns, which at this point leads to an all or nothing outcome where total Palace Theatre retention or demolition are the likely outcomes.  
Whereas planning officials have voiced concerns over scale, height and overshadowing, I'd suspect the average person wouldn't be so much interested in the overall height and bulk of the tower, more so the retention of the existing building.
<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/Podium-perspective.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The intended podium with an 8 metre setback. Image courtesy Sinclair Brook"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Podium-perspective.jpg?itok=JhdesR7Q" title="The intended podium with an 8 metre setback. Image courtesy Sinclair Brook" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
State planners and ultimately Matthew Guy have a curly decision to deliver regarding this planning application.  Respect the wishes of the masses and maintain the Palace Theatre or approve redevelopment and enjoy the lasting economic boon the construction and ongoing operation that a five star hotel delivers.  An unenviable position where someone is bound to be disappointed!
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Palace Theatre Bourke Street development redesigned 

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The unmistakable hum of hydraulic breakers have taken over in Collingwood of late. Contractor Delta Group has begun demolishing certain structures (including the northern silo store below) on the historic Yorkshire Brewery site. Developer/builder SMA Projects have site signage in place, Delta to date have made swift work of the malt silos whilst marketing material can now be found online, all of which points to an imminent sales campaign launch.

Firstly though, a brief overview. With beginnings in 1858, the site and structures were gradually increased over time as the brewery grew in size and popularity, reaching its zenith during the early 1900's. Subsequent purchase of Yorkshire Brewery by Carlton and United lead to a number of different site uses, with the malt store silos added during 1954. Summed by the Collingwood Historical Society as "A prominent Collingwood landmark for some 140 years and is of statewide significance both architecturally and as a remarkable survivor of Victoria's 19th century brewing industry;" the brew tower also seen below is the site's crowning glory.

For a succinct yet detailed history of the Yorkshire Brewery, visit the Collingwood Historical Society webpage <a href="http://www.collingwoodhs.org.au/index.php?p=2_4" target="_blank">here</a>.

<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_5922.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Part demolition of Yorkshire Brewery underway"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5922.jpg?itok=T23Q968w" title="Part demolition of Yorkshire Brewery underway" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Brand and marketing firm <a href="http://www.grenade.com.au/projects/35/yorkshire-brewery" target="_blank">Grenade</a> have devised a campaign with Yorkshire the working moniker for the new development. Conversely creative agency <a href="http://www.senseadvertising.com.au/portfolio/sma-projects-yb-apartments-brochure/" target="_blank">Sense</a> have also produced a campaign for SMA Projects, simply referring to the development as YB Apartments. Both have created an comprehensive marketing package, I guess the victor will be known soon enough.

Marketing maneuvers aside, Heritage Victoria saw it fit to grant a permit for the redevelopment of the former Yorkshire Brewery site, not requiring any changes to be made to the plans. As the Yorkshire Brewery site is on the Victorian Heritage Register, it was mandatory for SMA Projects to seek a permit from Heritage Victoria. To that end project architect Hayball have retained the brew tower, cellar building, stable space and limited silo structure within the approved plans, whilst a new 17 level tower will be set well back form the brew tower, maintaining view lines as much as possible.

<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/Image62.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image62.jpg?itok=5cfENPf2" title="Image © Hayball" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Addressed 1-21 Robert Street, <a href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood the development</a> will contain 350 apartments over a variety of buildings ranging between two level townhouses to the aforementioned 17 level tower, which fronts Waterloo Road. Total carparks number 336 while 200 storage cages would also be provided.

Following initial rejection by Yarra City Council, the development team lodged amended plans, with a number of changes revolving around building positioning and setbacks including:

<ul>
<li>Increased setbacks between the central apartment building and the north-west apartment building (14 storeys) to a minimum of 7.2m</li>
	<li>An additional setback of 6m average is provided to levels 13-16 of the 17 storey apartment building from Waterloo Road</li>
	<li>A reduced setback of the north-western apartment building to a minimum of 15.7m from the north-south carriageway</li>
</ul>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Render2_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy grenade.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Render2_1.jpg?itok=E3RiL1KN" title="Image courtesy grenade.com.au" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Given the development's position, historic setting and surrounding amenity it's a fair assumption it will sell handsomely when released. Great for the developer but the crux of whether this will be a successful development or not will lie in how it interacts with its heritage surrounds, indeed will there be a seamless merge between old and new whilst providing excellent amenity and activation for residents? I may not be the person to answer that in any official capacity, but i just might let my trusty Canon do the talking when the time comes.
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Game On for YB Collingwood

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Following on from our recent article about the redevelopment of a former industrial site in Fitzroy North to create the <a href="/news/a-rare-city-acre-in-fitzroy-north" target="_blank">Roi apartments </a>, I'd like to now focus on another urban renewal project destined to create much interest due to the heritage concerns of the Yorkshire Brewery redevelopment.

<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/Melbourne-Daily-Photo-Blog-Collingwood-Graffiti-Yorkshire-Brewery-Collingwood_20120224_04_5_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Yorkshire brewery tower roof © www.mel365.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Melbourne-Daily-Photo-Blog-Collingwood-Graffiti-Yorkshire-Brewery-Collingwood_20120224_04_5_6.jpg?itok=e8zYA9cw" title="Yorkshire brewery tower roof © www.mel365.com" typeof="Image"></a>

The Yorkshire Brewery designed by architect James Wood and built in 1880 was the tallest building in Australia for 10 years until the construction of the 10 storey Finks building. The most prominent feature of the site is the multi storey polychrome brick tower built in a Romanesque style which consists of a large mansard roof described as being in the French Second Empire style.  

The site has been used for other uses besides a brewery, in 1909 the Carlton and United breweries purchased the brewery and used it as a standby plant then later a cooperage. By the time the 1950's came around, Carlton and United breweries ceased their production of wooden barrels and opted for steel instead which ultimately closed the cooperage at the site.

Since 1997, there have been a number of different developers looking to redevelop the site, with one such developer removing the heritage listed stables without a permit which lead to a fine from the Yarra City Council of $110,000. Naughty naughty.

<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/Render1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Yorkshire brewert mixed-use development © www.grenade.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Render1.jpg?itok=QQGHMZUe" title="The Yorkshire brewert mixed-use development © www.grenade.com.au" typeof="Image"></a>

According to Yarra City Council records, the current proposed redevelopment of the former Yorkshire brewery site has been designed by Hayball architects which according the original application submitted by SMA projects in late 2011 encompassed the restoration, adaptation and integration of the neglected heritage buildings into a mixed use development with a predominantly residential component.

Newly constructed residential buildings were proposed to range from 3 storeys to 17 storeys in height, a two level basement carpark using a car stacker system and a neighbourhood square. However following community objections the Council refused the application and asked SMA projects to resubmit their proposal.

A new amended application was lodged with council in mid 2012 based on addressing the concerns outlined by objectors, then in October 2012 the Council rejected the proposal citing the development's scale and height did not fit in with the local surrounds and the matter was taken to VCAT. Currently, VCAT have set Council's decision aside and ordered them to approve the current proposal.  

Refer to the <a href="http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Planning--Building/Major-developments/Former-Yorkshire-Brewery-site-1-21-Robert-St-Collingwood/" target="_blank">Yarra City Council's site</a> for more information.

Putting historical and planning wrangling aside and with the aid of limited information at this stage about the proposal, it appears the developer and architects have made a concerted effort to marry the old and the new. With the soon to be restored graffiti-laden brick tower as the centrepiece of the redevelopment, it was important for Hayball not to overpower the tower's presence with the new additions. 

The internal sun-filled communal courtyard will also draw attention to the tower as it stands tall and proud in centre of the courtyard.  The developers and architects must be congratulated for taking on a somewhat daunting task of restoring such an unloved site where other developers have failed, in the past, to kick start the process.  

Thankfully for us, the reuse and rejuvenation of a once grand historical complex will surely enhance Melbourne's already rich urban fabric rather than rotting away in the memories of a once glorious past. 

 

Sources and further reading

http://www.walkingmelbourne.com/building617_yorkshire-brewery.html

http://www.collingwoodhs.org.au/index.php?p=2_4

http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/Planning--Building/Major-developments/Former-Yorkshire-Brewery-site-1-21-Robert-St-Collingwood/
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