A new chapter in Sydney’s urban renewal story begins today as NSW Premier Chris Minns officially turns the sod for Dawn, the fifth stage of Sekisui House Australia’s $5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> masterplanned community.

Developed in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-melrose-park-bundil-boulevard-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Dawn</a> will deliver 368 parkside residences, forming part of one of NSW’s largest privately owned urban renewal projects.&nbsp;

The milestone marks the start of the next phase in transforming Melrose Park into a new community delivering over 5,500 homes, a mixed-use town centre, 50,000 sqm of open green spaces and several future schools.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145496 project_image_fid=352993]

Kazunori Ito, Group CEO and Managing Director at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a>, said the milestone symbolises the company’s ongoing commitment to job creation, housing supply and sustainable community building.

“This moment represents more than just the start of construction," Ito said.

"It is about building a new urban heart for Sydney’s geographic centre. Dawn and the wider Melrose Park masterplan will generate thousands of jobs, deliver quality homes for families and help more people realise the dream of home ownership.

“We are proud to be supporting the NSW government’s housing targets and expanded Home Guarantee Scheme, which came into effect on 1 October. The program is already opening doors for more first home buyers at Melrose Park, many of whom are using the scheme to purchase with a five per cent deposit and no Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145496 project_image_fid=334163]

Since its introduction, the enhanced federal government’s Home Guarantee Scheme has given first home buyers greater access to the property market. With value thresholds in New South Wales now lifted to $1.5 million, buyers can secure a new apartment in Melrose Park sooner, reducing the burden of saving a 20 per cent deposit and removing costly mortgage insurance premiums.&nbsp;

The Dawn precinct, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">Group GSA</a> embodies Sekisui House’s global “Love of Humanity” philosophy, integrating sustainability, technology and liveability into every design detail. Residents will enjoy abundant green space, energy efficient features and a direct connection to the future Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 and Melrose Park Town Centre set to open in 2026.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145496 project_image_fid=354734]

As part of the NSW government’s long-term commitment to the local community, work recently commenced on the new Melrose Park High School, a state-of-the-art education facility designed to accommodate more than 1,000 students. The school will be within walking distance to Dawn and will become a cornerstone of the precinct’s family friendly environment.

Melrose Park’s smart community vision includes EV charging stations, environmental monitoring systems with Western Sydney University and NBN node to residence connectivity. With over $216 million in planning contributions committed to local and state infrastructure, this project supports NSW’s 30-minute city goal, ensuring residents can live, work and play within easy reach of key employment and lifestyle hubs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145496 project_image_fid=334049]

Dawn’s contemporary residences all have secure basement parking and start at $649,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1.259 million for three-bedrooms.&nbsp;

The project will also overlook Central Park which spans nearly two hectares and features barbeque and picnic areas, children’s play zones and walking tracks ideal for active residents and pets.

Residents will enjoy exclusive rooftop community facilities including private rooftop gardens, beautifully landscaped podium parks and internal courtyard gardens.

Construction of Dawn, which is being led by regarded builder Decode, will be completed by Q1 2028, adding to Sekisui House’s pipeline of more than 9,000 homes and apartments under development across Australia.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145496]

Staff Writer

Premier Chris Minns turns sod at Dawn Melrose Park as construction commences

Southport is set for one of its tallest new apartment developments in recent years with the approval of Malua, a 32-level tower just one row back from Broadwater.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/malua-18-22-norman-street-southport-qld-4215">Norman St tower</a> will comprise 151 apartments within the Southport Priority Development Area. The three adjoining lots, totalling 1,215 sqm, are currently occupied by three two-storey buildings, one a house, and two duplexes.

The majority of the apartments will be two-bedders (126), with just five one-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedrooms. There will be three basement levels, three podium levels, and a rooftop communal space with a pool, gym, private dining areas and business hub facilities.

<img alt="Malua" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21ab3437-de39-432c-b991-f33227b606dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.41.37%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_dOcjcvmSMyn6utzzviBVCAgDp5ZCo_N" />

There had been prior approval for a 14-storey building, however those plans became financially unviable.

“The proposed development seeks to resolve financial viability issues of the existing development approval by providing a higher density development with a more favourable unit mix and streamlined design,” the planning report submitted to the Gold Coast City Council noted.

Plus Studio designed the tower which "aims to contribute positively to the evolving Southport skyline, with vertical relief elements, sculpted facades, and rooftop crowning features."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

“When stepping into the lobby from Norman Street, pedestrians and residents pass through a sculpted podium of lush green foliage in an earthy entry experience,” Plus wrote in its design report, emphasising the landscape-led approach to the podium and ground plane.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Malua" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="694202c2-be8f-4cde-be26-a494293058a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.42.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NOIFuolMkoE8vNerov63rnbFRk_TnYUy" />

There is renewed confidence in the development market in Southport. Buyers have jumped at the chance to buy at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maris-southport-20-queen-street-southport-qld-4215">Maris</a>, the latest local Gold Coast development by MRCB. Over 75 per cent of the 192 apartments have been snapped up prior to launching to the market.&nbsp;

The last notable launch in the suburb was in late 2023 when <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eden-garden-residences-20-bauer-street-southport">Eden Garden Residences</a> hit the market. The 54 apartments, on the corner of Bauer Street and Chester Terrace, are under construction and due to complete in mid-2026.

Joel Robinson

First look: Southport tower Malua to rise 32 levels in latest Gold Coast approval

Woolworths Group’s development arm, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fabcot">Fabcot</a>, has unveiled its latest mixed-use development.

They are seeking to reshape a prominent site in Gladesville, on the northern edge of the town centre. They've filed a&nbsp;State Significant Development Application for the amalgamated 5,623 sqm block with street frontages to Victoria Road and Eltham Street that will see <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/363-victoria-road-gladesville-nsw-2111">two buildings with 171 apartments</a> sit above an activated retail ground plane.

The tallest tower, at 13 storeys, will face Victoria Road and home 115 dwellings. A smaller nine-sytorey tower, stepping down to Eltham Street, will have the remaining 56 apartments.

The towers will rise above a podium containing a full-line 3,800 sqm Woolworths supermarket and cafe, activating along the Westminster and Eltham Street frontages.

<img alt="Fabcot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="da042a40-288e-41b8-becc-080f235a3717" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.13.26%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=n99ay71Clcy6WLP4Uajw2ph6BA61wboV" />

The residential offering will include 19 one-bedroom, 118 two-bedroom, and 34 three-bedroom apartments. Residents will have access to rooftop communal terraces on both buildings, as well as a podium-level garden, contributing a total of 1,411 sqm of communal open space.

According to the Urban Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke">ClarkeHopkinsClarke</a>, “The massing places height and density along Victoria Road, reinforcing its role as the commercial spine, while stepping down towards neighbouring areas to ensure appropriate scale transitions.”&nbsp;

The design draws inspiration from the local geology and waterways, with curving tower forms and a warm, tactile material palette referencing Hawkesbury sandstone and nearby riverine landscapes.

The proposal also includes basement parking across three to four levels, accommodating 392 car spaces - 190 for retail and 202 for residents.

<img alt="Fabcot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1a01073-9a13-4ba7-9c14-43c84a751e26" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-06%20at%208.13.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KSImA_iSQiIgSRMswm7.5Sg.WRZ0fZjg" />

Fabcot is aiming to deliver a “landmark building with civic presence,” leveraging the prominent corner site to anchor the precinct’s urban renewal.

“The building’s corner location and carefully sculpted form establish it as a landmark for North Gladesville,” the Urban Design Report notes.

ClarkeHopkinsClarke has previously collaborated on other Woolworths mixed-use projects, and here again deploys stepped setbacks, articulation, and extensive landscaping to manage bulk and enhance street-level engagement. A colonnaded brick base provides texture and rhythm to the podium, while upper levels curve softly to maximise views and cross-ventilation.

The development sits within the North Gladesville Precinct, an area earmarked for transformation under Ryde’s local planning strategy. It is well-served by bus connections along Victoria Road and within proximity to community infrastructure, schools, and riverside parkland.

Gladesville is set for a full transformation with developer Third.i also planning a major mixed-use development in the area. They are seeking to redevelop the Gladesville Village Shopping Centre into an&nbsp;integrated precinct with more than 500 apartments, a new supermarket, and significant public domain upgrades.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-third-i-plots-500-unit-redevelopment-of-gladesville-village-shopping-centre">First look: Third.i plots 500-unit redevelopment of Gladesville Village Shopping Centre</a>

Fabcot reveals mixed-use plans for Gladesville town centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> has brought to market a boutique collection of completed, two-storey terraces on Telopea Avenue in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/homebush-west-nsw-2140">Homebush West</a>, offering buyers the opportunity to move straight into brand-new homes in a connected inner-west location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/telopea-avenue-homebush-west-24-36-telopea-avenue-homebush-west-nsw-2140">Telopea Avenue</a> comprises four-bedroom terraces with internal basement parking, designed to balance functionality with contemporary interiors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150682 project_image_fid=6085]

Each residence is arranged across two levels, with layouts tailored to families seeking more space or downsizers wanting low-maintenance living without compromise. Skylights and large windows maximise natural light throughout the interiors, while private terraces and balconies extend living outdoors.

Inside, hybrid timber flooring flows through living and bedroom spaces, complemented by built-in wardrobes with polyurethane finishes and melamine shelving.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature Bianco Imperial Granite benchtops and splashbacks, paired with Smeg appliances including a five-burner gas cooktop, oven, rangehood, and integrated dishwasher.&nbsp;

Bathrooms continue the refined detailing with porcelain tiling, granite accents, gun metal tapware, and integrated LED lighting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150682 project_image_fid=6072]

Landscaped surrounds create a sense of greenery within the community, while individual home designs ensure each terrace retains its own character.

Positioned within a quiet residential pocket, the project sits only minutes from the activity centres of Strathfield, North Strathfield, Homebush, and Lidcombe, as well as the broader lifestyle and employment precinct of Sydney Olympic Park.

Residents also benefit from the project’s proximity to transport and amenity. Homebush and Flemington stations provide direct rail access to the Sydney CBD, with major road connections including Parramatta Road and the M4 close by.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150682 project_image_fid=6064]

Local shops, Sydney Markets, and Strathfield Plaza cater to daily needs, while the area is well-serviced by schools, childcare centres, and universities.&nbsp;

Nearby Sydney Olympic Park and Bicentennial Park add further lifestyle appeal, offering walking trails, sports facilities, and year-round cultural events.

The terraces are delivered by Omaya, a family-run Sydney developer and builder with more than 35 years of experience and over 1,000 dwellings in its pipeline.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150682]

Omaya delivers complete and move-in ready terraces on Telopea Avenue, Homebush West

Melbourne-based developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/las-group">LAS Group</a> has this month received planning approval for two adjoining sites, 101 Clarendon Street and 38 Clarke Street in Southbank, that will add around $700 million to the developer’s pipeline on completion.

The two sites were purchased from Crown in 2023 and occupy the same city block as the iconic Casino complex, acquired in an on-market transaction, consisting of multiple titles that were being used as warehouses and low-rise office space.

The resulting permits will see the delivery of two towers consisting of 52 and 25 levels, both to be designed by Fender Katsalidis.

LAS Group’s successful planning approvals are among only a select few new development sites in Southbank to receive a permit in the last three years, as appropriate sites become even more scarce in the popular city-side location.

The projects will enjoy immediate walking access to Crown Casino, South Wharf, the Aquarium, Southbank and the wider Yarra River walk precinct that features a plethora of restaurants, bars and other hospitality and entertainment offerings.

The Fender Katsalidis-designed towers will feature intricate brick masonry and arched windows at street level that will add character to the Southbank streetscape, with sleek towers rising above each podium.

The larger of the two towers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/101-clarendon-street-southbank-vic-3006">101 Clarendon Street</a>, will have 509 apartments across a 52-level building that wuill also include a resident&nbsp;lounge, private dining room, podcast room, golf simulator, co-working spaces, pet care facilities, and an outdoor terrace.

That is expected to complete in 2029.

<img alt="Clarendon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d8595a7-d225-4532-86a9-d3c5ca7407d4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-05%20at%208.28.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=quwbfnhk5Vf6yR1Qj0GQtt0EjeIsKMci" /> 
The podium at 101 Clarendon Street. Image supplied

The smaller tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-42-clarke-street-southbank-vic-3006">38 Clarke Street</a> will be around half the size at 25 levels and home 188 apartments, a pool, gym, cold plunge, and sauna. That is expected to complete in 2028.

&nbsp;

LAS Group has a long history of developing key sites across Australia, including The Fawkner on St Kilda Road and Guild Apartments in Southbank, as well as holding significant interests in retail, mixed-use and storage facilities across Australia.

<img alt="38 Clarke" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d871b034-d2a4-490f-b9eb-b9d4b99a04c5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-05%20at%208.28.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=J3fWfemsLPQzXekl_h0QlsXoWFnRbfRF" /> 
38 Clarke Street, Southbank. Image supplied

LAS Group director and founder Les Smith said the planning approvals had come at a time when confidence was returning to the market and the need to deliver quality apartment stock in Melbourne’s inner suburbs was becoming critical to help ease the housing and affordability crisis.

“These planning approvals are the outcome of a collaborative process with multiple stakeholders and we are grateful for the involvement and support of Melbourne Water, the Department of Transport and Planning, Melbourne City Council and Property Council of Australia along the way," Smith said.

“We have a huge affinity for Melbourne believe the macro and micro economic factors that underpin long-term growth mean it is currently undervalued compared to other capital cities around Australia.

“Confidence is starting to return given the recent interest rate drops and the buoyancy in the economic climate, so we believe the time is right to bring these two new projects to market in the coming months."

LAS Group General Manager, Mia Smith said the design intent was to bring a sense of place to Southbank from the ground level and contribute positively to the thriving entertainment precinct, while delivering good quality, affordable stock to the market.

“These projects will deliver product that is affordable and accessible, while delivering a beautiful building with luxury appointments, in a wonderful location that’s next door to Crown Casino and the Southbank entertainment precinct, and on the doorstep to the CBD," Smith said.

“We are incredibly pleased with the designs that Fender Katsalidis have proposed and we are excited to make a positive impact to the urban design of this important pocket of Southbank with these exceptional design outcomes.”

LAS Group to build 700 apartments across two towers on Crown Casino’s former Southbank sites

Hiap Hoe

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<blockquote>
We get really obsessed with height - we can have great towers and bad towers, we need to shift the discussion more toward the quality of development.
<cite>Leanne Hodyl, <a href="/news/public-forum-city-in-crisis">IMPA's 'City in Crisis?' forum</a></cite>
</blockquote>

This interesting quote appeared in <a href="/expert-insights/buying/25-000sqm-threshold-yes-it-is-time-to-review-it">Alastair's article</a> on Monday, which delved into who should maintain planning authority over Melbourne. The notion of shifting focus more toward quality of development rather than height is a noble one, but it's simply not that straight forward.

A counter argument could be found in comments made during the recent Meinhardt tall towers seminar in which Meinhardt's Jon Brock essentially stated that people don't really care how tall a tower is beyond a certain point, tall is tall but what matters most is what occurs at street level. A vibrant, user friendly, interesting and varied street frontage is in fact the key to a development's quality.

A prime example of this has surfaced with PDS Group recently releasing a handful of high resolution images for 380 Lonsdale Street for which they will act as Project Manager and Superintendent.

<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/229.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's perspective from Lonsdale Street. Image courtesy PDS Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="909" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/229.jpg?itok=hCsmuD6b" title="Artist's perspective from Lonsdale Street. Image courtesy PDS Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's perspective from Lonsdale Street. Image courtesy PDS Group</figcaption></figure>So which is it? Height or quality? 380 Lonsdale Street proves in its most recent version you can have both. The Elenberg Fraser-designed tower may well stand at 217 metres when realised which is approximately 55 metres higher than the initial Spowers design.

Below is a comparison between the two designs highlighting the all-important ground level which shows the current Elenberg Fraser design to hold a higher level of interest, activity and greenery. Active glass frontages and green planters seek to replace uniform composite panels; both shroud above ground car parking yet one does so in a more aesthetically pleasing fashion.

There's no intended slight against Spowers, their version after all gained approval via the State Government, but there's little doubt that Elenberg Fraser's provides a heightened quality to the public domain.

<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/image4380.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy PDS Group and spowers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="590" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4380.jpg?itok=HdyQcqKp" title="Images courtesy PDS Group and spowers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images courtesy PDS Group and Spowers</figcaption></figure>380 Lonsdale Street in its current form goes to show that the questions of height and quality aren't bound together in an inverse relationship. They are separate issues and should be treated as such.

Railing against buildings purely for their height serves no purpose to my way of thinking. Asking for alterations and/or rejecting planning applications based more so upon what they deliver or fail to deliver to the streetscape, or indeed what they replace is of more relevance than any question over height.
</body></html>

silvermb

Quality development begins at street level

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Hiap Hoe have reinforced the trend of Asian-based developers proposing large-scale mixed-use developments within the City of Melbourne. Having <a href="/news/hiap-hoe-lets-go" target="_blank">purchased 380 Lonsdale Street during 2013</a>, the developer has turned to the ubiquitous Elenberg Fraser to deliver a new scheme.

Superseding an approved single 47 storey tower design delivered by Spowers for the previous owner, Elenberg Fraser have increased height, apartment yield, included a hotel and maintained the initial designs width, albeit over two towers rather than one. It's the tremendous width of the proposal (running from Lonsdale to Little Lonsdale) which has enabled Elenberg Fraser to apply an architectural facade treatment which sees ripples emanating from a low slung nexus between towers and podium.

<blockquote>
The revised proposal represents a landmark building of high architectural quality located in a prominent site within the city. It has been designed in a manner to be respectful of the character of the area and surrounding properties while making a notable contribution to the urban renewal and evolving character of this part of the CBD and will also support the various roles of the City Centre.
<cite>Urbis Planning Permit Amendment Application</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>380 Lonsdale Street at a glance</h2>

<ul>
<li>Existing use: 6 storey commercial car park</li>
	<li>3,165sqm site</li>
	<li>South (Lonsdale) tower: 51 levels @ 166.5 metres</li>
	<li>North (Little Lonsdale) tower: 67 levels @ 217.5 metres</li>
	<li>728 apartments &amp; 312 suite hotel component: increased from initial 627 apartments</li>
	<li>Retail, function, office space and car parking through the 7-level podium</li>
	<li>Timothy Lane to become a connected arcade/thoroughfare</li>
	<li>Activation of adjoining Heape Court</li>
	<li>469 car parking spaces: reduced from 774</li>
	<li>822 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 109,448sqm</li>
</ul>
<a href="/news">&gt;&gt; See the revised 380 Lonsdale images within the dedicated forum thread</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/image5380.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The initial and revised 380 Lonsdale Street designs. Image © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="512" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5380.jpg?itok=1VmIBlpw" title="The initial and revised 380 Lonsdale Street designs. Image © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Elenberg Fraser's initial and current 380 Lonsdale Street designs. Images © Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><h2>Apartment divide</h2>

A graphic within the planning amendment application shows apartments have been categorised according to the dwellers status. 112 Residential Type 1 (owner occupier) apartments are located within the southern tower over levels 34-49 and are expected to consist of 64*1-Bed, 32*2-Bed and 16*2-Bed/2-Bath apartments.

Residential Type 2 (renter occupied) dwellings are limited to the taller northern tower with 616 apartments included. 224*1-Bed, 112*2-Bed and 280*2-Bed/2-Bath options constitute the apartment breakdown. Dividing the project into two towers categories by whether the occupant owns or rents the apartment isn't standard practice, although in this instance we assume the distinction is made due to the four star hotel within the southern tower and associated communal facilities use etc.

As part of the revised scheme no bedrooms will rely on borrowed light, improving upon the original design which town planner Urbis states would have been the case for many single bedroom apartments.

<h2>What's in a podium?</h2>

Elenberg Fraser have loosely maintained the form of the approved Spowers-designed podium structure, thus taking a step back from the unadorned uniform glass lines that have defined a number of their recent planning applications.

Two distinct volumes are kept in order to allow pedestrian access via a rejuvenated Timothy Lane, with a podium-top hotel swimming pool seemingly 'resting' across both built volumes. Transparent from beneath, the hotel pool will join mirrored cladding, pocket gardens, stone soffits, varied podium depths and active pedestrian frontages in bringing visual interest to the lower levels of the structure.

<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/image1380.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © Spowers &amp; Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image1380.jpg?itok=77cSuNn0" title="Images © Spowers &amp; Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images © Spowers &amp; Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>As it stands Starwood Hotels &amp; Resorts have signed on to operate the southern Lonsdale tower hotel component under their Aloft brand, as was <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/starwood-hotels-in-deal-with-singapore-real-estate-group/story-fn9656lz-1226800998921" target="_blank">reported</a> earlier this year. With essentially three quarts of the Lonsdale tower dedicated to hotel use alongside a relatively light 112 private apartments, Hiap Hoe could advance the initial tower to construction briskly post approval.

In addition Hiap Hoe and Melbourne-based Probuild currently have a partnership in place whereby the the latter will undertake the builds on both Hiap Hoe's current Melbourne projects, the other being <a href="/buildings/marina-tower-6-pearl-river-road-docklands" target="_blank">Marina Tower.</a>

<h2>380 Lonsdale Street project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Client: Meteorite Development (Lonsdale Street) P/L on behalf of Hiap Hoe Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>Project Manager: PDS Group</li>
	<li>Town Planner: Urbis</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect: Oculus</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant: ARK Resources</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: Cardno Gorgan Richards.</li>
	<li>Wind Consultant: MEL Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Reeds Consulting</li>
	<li>Structural Consultant: Winward Group</li>
	<li>Services Consultant: Murchie Consulting</li>
	<li>Quantity Surveyor: Slattery Australia</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Hiap Hoe supersize their 380 Lonsdale Street development

<html><body>
What better place to start than with a glimpse of Elenberg Fraser's most recent planning application at 248-280 Sturt Street, Southbank as seen above. Designed for property stalwart Hudson Conway, <q>The building form consists of two dominant floor plates that are connected by a transitional twist in the building.</q>
With its incredible form and monochromatic adaptive lighting, the 120 metre residential tower is more at home in a sci fi landscape rather than Southbank. Silver reflective glazing and polished stainless steel define its exterior - the tower smacks of cutting edge quality!
<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/Image2spy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Cottee Parker"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2spy.jpg?itok=svYPJyS_" title="Image © Cottee Parker" width="580"></a>
Above is the first public viewing of Cottee Parker's newest Melbourne tower, 605-613 Lonsdale Street. Adjacent to Upper West Side, this is Cottee Parker's fifth tower for the block with four more in planning directly opposite at 250 Spencer Street - all for Far East Consortium.
The 160 metre tower holds 399 apartments and carries some interesting design features such as exposed 'ribs' similar to those of Tower 5 in Docklands.
<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/Image3spy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © dKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3spy.jpg?itok=4Ky0CP_6" title="Image © dKO Architecture" width="580"></a>
dKO Architecture also feature with their redefined scheme at 6-22 Pearl River Road, Docklands. Under the auspices of Singaporean developer Hiap Hoe, dKO have produced <q>A well designed mixed use village that is lively and interesting, has a coherent urban character and provides a signature building for the NewQuay Central Precinct.</q>
Gone is the precast northern tower, in its place a sleek 56 metre hotel tower. Carrying shades of Crown Metropol through the design, the reincarnation is of a high quality and inline with the slightly altered adjoining residential tower.
<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/Image1spy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1spy.jpg?itok=fBp4efg9" title="Image © Hayball" width="580"></a>
Last but not least is Hayball's Fishermans Bend quad tower proposal on behalf of Goodman Group. 850 Lorimer Street will feature four residential towers containing 1354 apartments, with two towers expected to peak at 145 metres.
Wedged between Mirvac's Yarra's Edge and the proposed <a href="/new-apartments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">351 Ingles Street</a> development, the scheme represents a departure from the humble precast concrete panel which visually define so many Hayball projects.
Watch for detailed articles outlining each of the planning applications in the weeks to come.
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I Spy... new planning applications

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News reports have flowed thick and fast of late detailing Melbourne's robust hotel sector. Recent <a href="http://www.afr.com/" target="_blank">AFR</a> articles show hotel occupancy rates have increased near 4% year on year, investors and operators hold bullish sentiments for the future while Melbourne maintains the lowest national major city room rate averaging $182 which ties in with affordability.

Via <a href="http://www.afr.com/p/business/property/hotel_demand_to_push_up_occupancies_kdQRdwJg9mlKSCZ9GH2HfL" target="_blank">this article</a> Deloitte suggests "In Melbourne, demand for rooms is forecast to outstrip new supply by 1.7 per cent over the next three years, pushing occupancies up to 85.7 per cent and room rates up to $209."

But what of the actual buildings which will deliver solely, or as part of a larger mixed-use development, the throng of new hotel suites destined for Melbourne? <a href="/news/5000-new-hotel-rooms-for-melbourne-continued">Continuing into tomorrow</a>, Apartments.com.au highlights 20 upcoming hotel developments located within the City of Melbourne.

<h2>Hiap Hoe the benchmark</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image3_271.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hiap Hoe's intended projects at Docklands and 380 Lonsdale Street. Images © DKO &amp; Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="331" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3_271.jpg?itok=2bvm8B_h" title="Hiap Hoe's intended projects at Docklands and 380 Lonsdale Street. Images © DKO &amp; Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

If one firm epitomises the faith in Melbourne's hotel sector, it's Hiap Hoe. Shortly after acquiring three development sites late last year worth $177 million, the Singaporean firm revealed a letter of intent was penned with Starwood's Asia Pacific Hotels &amp; Resorts to manage two of their Melbourne properties.

Four Points by Sheraton are slated to take naming rights over 6-22 Pearl River Road, located within Melbourne's Docklands while 380 Lonsdale Street (above right) will be home to Aloft Hotels once the project has been completed. A third property at 206 Bourke Street is currently subject to a preliminary design process, with concept renders depicting what looks to be a typically sleek Elenberg Fraser complex.

Together these developments will deliver near 1000 hotel rooms to Melbourne's inner core - impressive in both scale and speed of progression.

<h2>Top of the town</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image4_23.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Windsor, 101 Flinders Lane and 27 Little Collins. Images © DCM &amp; Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="293" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image4_23.jpg?itok=QynI7Zz2" title="Windsor, 101 Flinders Lane and 27 Little Collins. Images © DCM &amp; Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

The grandeur of Melbourne CBD's east end is well documented so it's no surprise that many hotel operators are seeking a slice of the acation close to Spring Street. The trials and tribulations of the Windsor Hotel are well documented, although last week it was announced the 152 room expansion of the grand complex would proceed to construction late this year.

Nearby Sheraton at 27 Little Collins Street is well advanced into construction, yielding 175 rooms while other projects in the area include the expected redevelopment of Rosati's at 95-101 Flinders Lane into a 195 room hotel, QIC's redevelopment of Nauru House with plans including a 252 room hotel and of course the Palace Theatre redevelopment seeking 200 suites under the W Hotel brand.

<h2>Elsewhere in the CBD</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image8_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="William Street, The Forum and 180 Russell. Images © EF, Forum &amp; Buchan Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="498" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image8_12.jpg?itok=zgKytTL6" title="William Street, The Forum and 180 Russell. Images © EF, Forum &amp; Buchan Group" width="580"></a>

There's no shortage of developers vying to land a hotel operator elsewhere in the CBD with 1500 additional rooms currently on the cards. Aside from Wyndham on William with 87 dwellings under construction as part of Hengyi's 199 William Street, six other aspirants have yet to solidify their intentions.

Biggest of all is Far East Consortium's intended redevelopment of 250 Spencer Street highlighted by 488 hotel suites over two towers. Elsewhere 131-141 Russell Street holds approval for 182 suites as does 110-112 Franklin Street with 129 rooms over a modest eight levels. Currently seeking approval is 386-412 William Street with 210 suites available as part of the mixed-use development. Ace Hotel Group have put themselves forward as a potential operator.

The two remaining proposals are also controversial given their sensitive locations. As part of a larger mixed use development AXF Group seek to add 200 hotel suites to their 280 metre replacement of the Total Car Park which has been <a href="/news/new-proposals-seek-to-join-the-200m-club" target="_blank">touched upon</a> by Apartments.com.au. Nearby Marriner Group have submitted plans for a 32 level hotel development behind a restored Forum Theatre. Both projects are still under planning consideration.

<a href="/news/5000-new-hotel-rooms-for-melbourne-continued">To be continued...</a>
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5000 new hotel rooms for Melbourne

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Melbourne finds itself in the midst of a development site buy-up unlike any the city has has experienced in the past.  Last week, news came to light about Singaporean developer, Hiap Hoe, purchasing not one but two strategic properties in Melbourne’s CBD which adds to their recent purchase of MAB’s development site located at 6-22 Pearl River Road in NewQuay only two months ago.

Last week initial announcement specified that Hiap Hoe purchased 380 Lonsdale Street in Melbourne which currently operates as a commercial car park, office and retail complex.  With a sale price of $43.8 million it's widely regarded as a premium 3,165 square metre CBD site which spans an entire city block near the corner of Lonsdale and Elizabeth Streets.  The site has been recently issued with a planning permit for a 46 storey mixed use tower designed by the prominent architecture firm <a href="/architects/spowers" target="_blank">Spowers</a> which will incorporate a combination of residential, commercial and retail components valued at approximately $480 million. 

Following 380 Lonsdale Street's purchase, Executive Chairman and CEO of Hiap Hoe, Mr Teo Ho Beng was delighted with the company’s purchase.  “The opportunity to acquire a substantial core Melbourne CBD development site with an approved permit represents a strategic acquisition for our group.  We are delighted to not only have secured the site for future development but also to be able to acquire a holding such as this with an income that represents an income yield close to 6%, well suited to our future plans.” said Mr Teo Ho Beng.

Tracey Wun, the Executive Director of Hiap Hoe echoed the CEO’s sentiments and commented on the future development of the site.  “Active development for the 380 Lonsdale Street is a further 12 – 24 months away and will incorporate 627 apartments, 740 commercial and residential car parks with dynamic ground level retail to activate the street to encourage pedestrian thoroughfare into the 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/Hiap%20Hoe.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="380 Lonsdale Street. Image © Spowers. "><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/Hiap%20Hoe.jpeg?itok=uP5LEHnH" title="380 Lonsdale Street. Image © Spowers. " typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Testament to Hiap Hoe’s ambitious and enthusiastic approach to their Australian expansion plan, a second announcement was made the very next day outlining Hiap Hoe's purchase of the established retail and commercial complex at <a href="http://206bourke.com.au/">206 Bourke Street.</a> Located close to Melbourne’s ever expanding retail core, three CBD train stations and well connected with trams along Bourke Street and Swanston Street, 206 Bourke Street will continue to be a central hub for locals and visitors. 

Speaking about their third acquisition, Mr Teo Ho Beng said “This acquisition of 206 Bourke Street has everything we were looking for in a long-term investment project in Melbourne – attractive yield in excess of 7%, high leasing rate at 98% in Melbourne’s Chinatown precinct, and the opportunity to expand with the interests of Melbourne to generate a high net return for all parties involved. 

Hiap Hoe believed the time was right to ‘green light’ the acquisitions because of two major contributing factors.  Firstly, the falling value of the Australian Dollar, which filliped the decision to take advantage of the better value by the movement in currency.  Secondly, and notably, the enormous injection of capital occurring in the immediate vicinity of 380 Lonsdale Street spearheaded by the $1.3 billion re-development of the former Melbourne Myer Department store soon to be opened and known as ‘Emporium Melbourne’ with an expected completion of March 2014.

The latest 380 Lonsdale Street acquisition is part of a highly tactical and well thought out campaign which has taken years in the making and is only now coming to fruition. The first move was in July 2013 when Hiap Hoe purchased their maiden property in Melbourne, a 3,795 square metre approved development site at 6-22 Pearl River Road in NewQuay.  The approved tower designed by <a href="/architects/dko-architecture">DKO architecture</a> has real potential to become an iconic tower for Docklands and Melbourne, making it to No. 2 on our recent <a href="/news/urban-com-aus-top-5-picks-approved-september-2013">Top 5 list of approved projects</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/lbou6053v01village-206-bourke-street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="206 Bourke Street. Image © Floodslicer"><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/lbou6053v01village-206-bourke-street.jpg?itok=GEMMhGby" title="206 Bourke Street. Image © Floodslicer" typeof="Image"></a>

Given the city's ranking as the world’s most livable city for the third year in a row, Hiap Hoe is enthusiastic about the development and growth potential Melbourne has to offer.  “Melbourne’s CBD receives more than 1 million international visitors per year and the number of weekday local visitors to the area is estimated to be approximately 825,000 visitors per day.  With the growing visitor numbers and no centrally located major developments in the vicinity, 380 Lonsdale Street is well placed to meet the needs of the ever-growing local population, business community, shoppers and visitors.”

Many recent property acquisitions have come via Asian property developers specifically from Malaysia, Singapore and China that are cashed up and ready to try their hand at Melbourne’s burgeoning property development scene. This is certainly very encouraging for our local economy and construction industry when vast flows of investment are being directed squarely at Melbourne. All we have to say is there is more to come, and you can bet that UrbanMelbourne.info will be here so you will be up to date with all the latest in Melbourne’s urban development progression.
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