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

Hosier Lane

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The second installment of the PaintUp! series has recently been completed, gracing Rutledge Lane within Melbourne's CBD. The larger than life mural in an altogether difficult area to spot, is the work of artist DVate and was completed with the help of high access machinery.

Best viewed from the adjoining multi-level car park, the work is the result of a City of Melbourne/Hosier Inc initiative which hopes to further activate the Hosier-Rutledge precinct. March 2014 witnessed the <a href="/news/paint-up-hosier-lane-reaches-for-the-sky">first PaintUp!</a> take shape, which saw a mural of an Aboriginal boy created over the real of 161 Finders Lane.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_6546.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="PaintUp! round two"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6546.jpg?itok=ryXcAXvs" title="PaintUp! round two" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>PaintUp! round two</figcaption></figure>On a different note parts of Hosier Lane face an uncertain future with the approved Forum Theatre regeneration which includes a 107 metre mixed-use tower holding laneway frontage, subject to a <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/david-marriners-forum-theatre-project-on-hosier-lane-faces-mounting-legal-challenges-20150310-13zu1y">legal challenge</a>. With the tower 67 metres above the preferred but not binding height limit for the area, opponents believe the structure will have an excessive impact upon what is one of Melbourne's biggest tourist drawcards and historic low-rise precincts.

As reported during early March, the approved scheme was before a planning tribunal with an outcome expected to be made public in the not too distant future.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_6518.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A quiet Sunday morning"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6518.jpg?itok=0HGa3iUp" title="A quiet Sunday morning" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A quiet Sunday morning</figcaption></figure>View the image set below of what's new on and around Hosier and Rutledge Lanes.
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silvermb

Rutledge Lane reaches for the sky

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Urban.com.au has highlighted Hosier Lane <a href="/news/hosier-lane-off-the-boil">more than enough times</a> and fairly so, with the tourist attraction never short on something new to gaze upon.

Along with a new retail/cafe space as part of the 167 Flinders Lane redevelopment, new artworks continue to appear in the area. Enjoy the pictures.
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melbournee12

Hosier Lane in the shadows of 2015

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Late on Friday afternoon <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-19/melbournes-historic-forum-theatre-to-get-a-32-storey-revamp/5756802">the ABC reported</a> that Planning Minister Matthew Guy had approved the Forum Theatre restoration and Hotel development which Apartments.com.au previously <a href="/news/progressive-development-or-cultural-vandalism">reported on back in March</a>.

The 32 level tower will include boutique hotel suites, retail and office spaces with a pedestrian link through to Hosier Lane. Crucially it's been reported there are substantial changes to the Hosier Lane site boundary, which have been implemented in order to lessen the development's impact upon the venerable art and tourist area.

Quoted in the ABC report, Matthew Guy said "people shouldn't be concerned about any encroachment on street art, because it will virtually all remain - 99 per cent of it will still be there as it is now". The approved development has reduced the impact on Hosier Lane, and its street art precinct, from 16 metres to 3 metres, the Planning Minister said.

A subsequent report in <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/planning-minister-matthew-guy-signs-off-on-controversial-hosier-lane-hotel-20140919-10jhoj">The Age</a> commented that <a href="http://www.townplanners.com.au/">Clement Stone Town Planners</a> had successfully argued to have the Planning Minister designated as the responsible authority when the Forum Theatre and tower proposal's gross floor area is combined. City of Melbourne had opposed the plans in May this year.

Incidentally expressions of interest have been called for <a href="http://hosierrutledge.wordpress.com/">Paint UP Round Two</a>, which will see a second building along Hosier Lane adorned with a large-scale painted image. While revised plans for the Forum Hotel's interaction with Hosier Lane have yet to be spotted, the original planning application provides some indication as to what can be expected, as seen below.

<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/image7_24.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Original plans for an altered Hosier Lane - images courtesy of Scharp."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_24.jpg?itok=EoDgN__n" title="Original plans for an altered Hosier Lane - images courtesy of Scharp." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Original plans for an altered Hosier Lane - images courtesy of Scharp.</figcaption></figure>
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Alastair Taylor

The forum finds favour

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Having little more than an appreciation of what Hosier Lane adds to Melbourne's urban environment, it is hard to accurately judge where the renowned street art hub is at.

According to HosierLane.com street art "Mostly refers to unsanctioned work born illicitly by defacing a wall or other surface, however can take many forms including, spray paint, stencil art." With that in mind outsiders such as myself are in no position to judge the validity of what is currently adorning the walls of Hosier Lane.

I would suggest the precinct reached its zenith visually late last year with the sanctioned <a href="/news/paint-it-black-hosier-lane-reborn" target="_blank">Paint It Black</a> project, but as Apartments.com.au member Melbourne Fragments stated "This complete commidification and partitioning of ownership goes totally againt the whole point of street art and the reason this laneway became popular for it."

For comparison sake, see the Hosier Inc compilation video created earlier this year which highlights the array of murals; most of which have come and gone.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="398" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Y95fMa58SXs" width="100%"></iframe>

As it stands Hosier Lane looks more an exercise in excessive tagging than a muse for budding artists, but once more, what would I know.

View the relatively light yet still interesting current batch of Hosier Lane street art below, and as always enjoy.
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Hosier Lane off the boil?

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Today's article centres once again on the Forum Hotel development at 150-162 Flinders Street, effectively the sequel to Mark's write up on <a href="/news/progressive-development-or-cultural-vandalism">the impact of the development on Hosier Lane</a>. The focus however shifts from street to sky, namely the design response of the tower element which would rise 107m above Russell Street.

Primarily the proposed hotel's function is to fund (or offset) the cost of restoration works on the Forum Theatre itself, at the expense of the Melbourne CBD's last remaining Robin Boyd designed buildings. Some may paint the building as a martyr but with the exception of perhaps the Black Dolphin Motel and Domain flats, Boyd's most highly regarded works are his houses.

The <a href="http://www.batessmart.com.au/">Bates Smart</a>-designed proposal continues the recent trend of towers on culturally significant sites or within historically sensitive streetscapes or precincts. Additionally the Hotel Forum proposal represents yet another attempt at inserting a 'backdrop' in the form of a glazed tower element - the idea of receding into the sky. Other examples of this nearby are 171 Collins Street, the Windsor Redevelopment and to a lesser extent the rejected W Hotel proposal on the Palace site which employed a vastly different architectural expression.

<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/recent%20examples.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="171 Collin St - Bates Smart; Windsor Redevelopment - DCM; Forum Hotel - Bates Smart; W Hotel Proposal - Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="84" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/recent%20examples.jpg?itok=2S8kDBpa" title="171 Collin St - Bates Smart; Windsor Redevelopment - DCM; Forum Hotel - Bates Smart; W Hotel Proposal - Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>171 Collin St - Bates Smart; Windsor Redevelopment - DCM; Forum Hotel - Bates Smart; W Hotel Proposal - Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>It's also worth noting three of the four aforementioned projects were designed by Bates Smart - their strike rate currently stands at 1 built, 1 proposed and 1 rejected - with DCM's Windsor development slated to begin construction later this year. Rightly or wrongly and despite some objections, the Windsor set a precedent for this type of development and unless a project has a direct (or perceived) impact on Parliament House as was the case with W Hotel, it will likely be approved irrespective of the discretionary height limits.

The crystalline tower presents as two distinct 'slipping' volumes of varying height - one planar, the other faceted - with a sliver of glazing separating them. The southern element draws on the diamond detailing of the Forum theatre whilst the northern element employs a fritted glazing - becoming a chameleon during the course of the day.

Designed to respond to the varying conditions of its immediate context, the proposal rests in an area blanketed by a 40m height limit, once again pushing the boundaries of the planning scheme. Ultimately however it is likely to be approved by the Minister for Planning and would join an existing suite of towers of similar height in the neighbourhood - refer height study diagram below.

<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/Height%20Study.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Height Study © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="479" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Height%20Study.jpg?itok=IGFjs8TV" title="Height Study © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Height Study © Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>Set to house 220 rooms across 17 floors, the balance of programme at the proposal's summit consists of a single residential level with (quite peculiarly) an office level and two floors of plant above. Call me a cynic but I question the necessity of those two upper habitable levels in particular - chop them off and you have a 93m tower. Perhaps they will come into play in any possible negotiations re: height, becoming sacrificial lambs of sorts or handy bargaining bait.

The tower sits above a podium comprising two floors of retail with 5 floors of commercial space above. A 50m internal laneway cuts across the site linking Russell Street to Hosier Lane. Now I personally like the articulation of the podium to Russell Street and the way the two tower volumes have been expressed, with a shadowline 'break' in-between 'tower' and 'podium' a design strategy more commonly used these days as a design response on smaller sites where deep setbacks are unviable.

In saying that I do however find the junction between the various components a tad awkward and lacking resolution - particularly the area highlighted below:

<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/junction%20of%20elements.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Junction of elements. Original image © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="947" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/junction%20of%20elements.jpg?itok=XGmN45va" title="Junction of elements. Original image © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Junction of elements. Original image © Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>The above illustrates an area where multiple geometries and materials converge hesitantly - a number along the same plane - detracting somewhat from what should otherwise be a beautifully proportioned object. A greater definition of hierarchy to these distinct elements wouldn't hurt.

Finally, I know Mark touched on Hosier Lane in his previous article but I will briefly say that I think brick would be a much more suitable material than corten panels. I understand the rationale behind why corten was employed - the oxidising over time giving it that worn or 'aged' appearance that would otherwise take a couple of decades but it is a material that is largely alien to Hosier Lane. I have rather crudely photoshopped Bates Smart's image from the planning application to give an indication of what I mean:

<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/Hosier%20Lane.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hosier Lane - brick blades. Original image © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="364" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Hosier%20Lane.jpg?itok=mjox34n8" title="Hosier Lane - brick blades. Original image © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hosier Lane - brick blades. Original image © Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>I believe brick would respond much better to the laneway environment both visually but also from a historic point of view.

Despite a couple of reservations I may have, overall Bates Smart have conceived a solid scheme which based on their previous line of work will no doubt boast high quality finishes. On a more macro level it also has the ability to really inject some more life into that corner of the city and I look forward to viewing a revitalised Forum Theatre.
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Laurence Dragomir

Planning Application > Hotel Forum @ 150-162 Flinders Street

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Proponents have said little publicly while opponents suggest that Hosier Lane's internationally renowned arts culture is in jeopardy.

Regarding the proposed rejuvenation of the Forum Theatre at 150-162 Flinders Street and adjoining high-rise hotel, local community association <a href="http://hosierrutledge.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Hosier Inc</a> maintains that "Fundamentally the development proposal in its current form will adversely affect the social &amp; organic processes developing in the precinct." Further, "The proposed streetscape clearly compromises the current street culture &amp; fabric. The notoriety of this area with its current tourist trade &amp; affiliated businesses will surely be adversely affected."

<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/Image9_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Bates smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="333" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9_17.jpg?itok=o1KLLehm" title="Image © Bates smart" width="580"></a>

According to Hosier Inc, the following points of contention were discussed during a community meeting last week:

<ul>
<li>The Heritage overlay that encompasses the area has a discretionary height limit of 40m, but the proposed development proposes to reach 106m.</li>
	<li>The proposed demolition of the historic Russell St theatre will remove the last remaining Robin Boyd structure in the CBD.</li>
	<li>This proposal will deliver sheer faces on all four sides, breaking the longstanding convention of ‘podium and tower’ style buildings and setting a very bad precedent for future developments.</li>
	<li>The traffic report within the proposal does not adequately explain how pedestrian &amp; emergency services access and ingress will be managed in Hosier Lane, and proposes all loading for the hotel, commercial and residential activities will take place from a loading ‘dock’ adjacent to the new building in Hosier Lane.</li>
	<li>Hosier Lane has an internationally respected art culture — using the current lane way for marketing for the new hotel is not going to be sustainable and it is anticipated that the new hotel will impact adversely on the nature and vibrancy of the culture of the area.</li>
	<li>Combining the proposals for the purpose of side-lining the council is not acceptable.</li>
	<li>The proposed hotel development has the potential to change the amenity of the area and will influence the activities that will be possible in adjoining properties.</li>
	<li>The proposed development will significantly impact the surrounding heritage properties, vibration from plant, overwhelming visual impact and encroaching on airspace.</li>
	<li>The interface between the new building and Hosier Lane is not consistent with or sympathetic with the current conditions and use of the space.</li>
	<li>The space would be better suited to a development that addresses the real needs of the local area.</li>
	<li>What is this development creating as precedent for the future of Melbourne and are we selling our heritage out by allowing such ordinary purpose for this unique area</li>
	<li>The complete overshadowing of the Atrium will impact significantly on this ‘Winter Garden’ that is integral to the design of Fed Square.</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/Image7_24.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The proposed Hosier Lane. Image © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image7_24.jpg?itok=IJOaWKfh" title="The proposed Hosier Lane. Image © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

Having traversed the area often enough over the last year and watching how individuals and groups interact and flow through the precinct, it's understandable that local interest groups such as Hosier Inc have raised concerns. Augmenting one of Melbourne's heavily trafficked cultural, physical and emotional icons is nothing new of late (read Windsor Hotel or Palace Theatre), and runs the risk of producing a far from satisfactory result according to objectors.

Within the coming week Laurence Dragomir will provide a thorough rundown of the 150-162 Flinders Street planning application, certainly one of the more intriguing planning applications currently before State planning body <a href="http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">DTPLI</a>.
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Progressive development or cultural vandalism?

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Another chapter today in the ever evolving artwork that is Hosier Lane which of late has begun a vertical expansion, elevating the visual delights to a point where they can be seen from afar.
Under the auspices of <a href="http://hosierrutledge.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Hosier Inc</a> and with funding from Melbourne City Council, <q cite="http://hosierrutledge.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/19_2_14_media_release_hosier_inc__paint_up.pdf">Melbourne-based artist Adnate will transform Australia's most iconic laneway, painting a significant wall that has never before been available to any artist. This is the first installment in a series of major artworks to be commissioned by local community association Hosier Inc. Paint Up! is part of an ongoing program of activities designed to activate the laneways and create a safe and engaging environment for all to work, live, visit and enjoy the area.</q>
<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/wednesdaymorning003.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Works underway as seen from Hosier Lane. Image © David Russell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wednesdaymorning003.jpg?itok=RETuobIf" title="Works underway as seen from Hosier Lane. Image © David Russell" width="580"></a>
The associated PDF press release is <a href="http://hosierrutledge.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/19_2_14_media_release_hosier_inc__paint_up.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.
Works on the 1945 McDonald and Company building at 165 Flinders Lane we undertaken in recent weeks. Whether further works are applied to McDonald and Company or the adjoining Forum Theatre remains to be seen.
The results of stage one are below along with the comings and goings on Hosier Lane &amp; Rutledge Lane during a typical Sunday afternoon.
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Paint Up! Hosier Lane reaches for the sky

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Today we are looking at the sequel to the All Your Walls event held in both Hosier Lane and Rutledge Lane which commenced last month and had its culmination a few short days ago.  Part of the National Galley of Victoria's Melbourne Now exhibition which champions a wide array of art related events, a detailed summary of both event and initial works can be found by viewing the first Paint It Black article <a href="/news/paint-it-black-hosier-lane-reborn" target="_blank">here</a>.

Some readers will disagree with the notion that this is valuable art, yet in the general sense the area's greatest asset from Apartments.com.au's perspective is its ability to draw people in who interact with the artwork or with others.  Compare this with so many other morbid or underutilised laneways through Melbourne such as the nearby Oliver Lane and  the Hosier/Rutledge duo is equally about the social interaction, public benefit and activation of an otherwise dead space as it is the exceptional street art.  

Based upon Apartments.com.au's observations during the most recent visit to Hosier Lane and Rutledge Lane, the cross-section of onlookers were wide and varied in terms of both background and age.  Teenagers to 70 plus, tourists, photographers, artists, the odd website contributor and the plain inquisitive constituted an ever changing flow of people all with a common interest - the benefits of such a place and such an event as Paint Your Walls.

I'll draw the readers attention to the final image found in the slide show below bottom; produced by artist DEB is an image of Sree Ghanesh.  First appearing in 2010 the piece is somewhat of a survivor making it to 2013 where essentially all other pieces have been superseded many times over.  What's to say the this piece of art won't exist in 20 years time as an impressive figure of longevity surrounded by dynamic artworks?  It may gain heritage value in due course be recognised as being materially important to Melbourne. Fanciful possibly, unlikely yes, but this is the intrinsic value of the Hosier Lane/Rutledge Lane duo - unique, impressive and so Melbourne!

<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_0247.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Getting the lowdown on Hosier Lane"><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_0247.jpg?itok=I8SDir_s" title="Getting the lowdown on Hosier Lane" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Apartments.com.au wandered through the area during Sunday morning.  From high and low all angles were covered; click the images below to expand and above all else...enjoy!
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Paint it Black - the sequel

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Parts of Melbourne's famous Hosier Lane and Rutledge Lane combination may have <a href="/news/after-the-blue-rutledge-lane" target="_blank">turned blue</a> during August, yet last weekend marked the first time both thoroughfares have been wiped clean so to speak, with a fresh start in mind.  A team of workers and artists applied a black undercoat to all areas with the intention of reserving plots for specific artists. Scissorlifts, traffic management and security all played their part as existing works were painted over, ready for the transformation that followed.

Labelled the 'All Your Walls' project, Hosier Lane's revamp is part of the <a href="http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/exhibitions/melbourne-now/explore/artists" target="_blank">Melbourne Now</a> exhibition championed by the National Gallery of Victoria which seeks "Engagement with artists and audiences, through ground-breaking artists projects, commissions for kids and families, architecture and design initiatives, and curatorial engagement with dance, performance, music and sound."

'All Your Walls' is a two part program where last weekend focused upon the higher areas of the buildings surrounding both lanes, while November 29th will see completion as lower levels are bought to life.

<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_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><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/1_2.jpg?itok=2vlQ-lyE" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Given the clean, vivid colours on show at present, the completed works toward the end of November will be a sight to behold.

See below progression images taken over a number of days - click for a larger view.
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Paint It Black - Hosier Lane reborn

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So the half year has come and gone, an opportune moment then to take a brief look at what Hosier Lane and Rutledge Lane have thrown up during the first half of 2013. Ever changing, most of the images through the area live a short life, superseded by new and interesting artworks on a regular basis.

For what it's worth, this piece below is my standout. Appearing in June it's subtle yet with a detail that allows her eyes to seemingly follow the viewer - great stuff!

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_4889.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sitting comfortably within its confines"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_4889.jpg?itok=xM1kjYDN" title="Sitting comfortably within its confines" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
<figcaption>Sitting comfortably within its confines</figcaption></figure>Enjoy the images below of Hosier and Rutledge Lane's, and the many people who frequent them.
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