The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Hotels

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Perth’s hotel market is expected to see a surge in development over the next five years, with a tranche of five-star hotels slated over the coming years including the Ritz Carlton, Como, Sheraton, Intercontinental and the Westin. 
Very recently, the Diploma Group has committed to one of the city’s newest projects – signing the contracts for the $42 million sale of Quest Adelaide Terrace (upon completion of the project). 
Located in Perth’s CBD, the latest Quest development at 176 Adelaide Terrace will comprise a 19-level building at the rear of the 903 sqm site. 
The entry to the tower is via a quaint heritage listed, freestanding, stone church building, which has been refurbished to provide a new reception office.
The 4.5 star hotel will comprise 98 apartments, 130 keys, a conference room, gymnasium, guest laundry and onsite car bays. 
CBRE Hotels’ David Kennedy said developments such as this are raising the bar in Perth’s accommodation sector. 
“Perth’s landscape is rapidly evolving, with projects such as Elizabeth Quay, Perth CityLink, Perth Cultural Centre, Cathedral Square and the Burswood Stadium, elevating Perth to a global city status,” Kennedy said. 
“While office and retail continue to feel the brunt of the mining investment slowdown, the hotel sector is still the best performer in Perth’s commercial market at present. Predictions of an economic rebound over the next five years will support a revival in local tourism."
“This commitment from Diploma Group is another sign of growing confidence in the market, with investors compelled by the opportunities a young and growing Perth hotel market has to offer.” 
The new Quest Adelaide Terrace is surrounded by a number of existing high-rise residential towers, office buildings and several major hotels.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Perth seeing surge in hotel sector, with Diploma's Adelaide Terrace deal

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Melbourne-based developer Capital Alliance has continued with its successful Docklands formula of combining both residential apartments and a luxury hotel within the same building by announcing operator Marriott has committed to its forthcoming project at 3-43 Waterfront Way.

Within close proximity to the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and Harbour Town retail complex, the tower of some 37 levels will represent the first newly built Marriott hotel in Australia for almost 20 years. While the project is currently at planning, it is expected that the tower will proceed quickly upon receiving approval.

Valued at $250 million, 3-43 Waterfront Way will include 200 Marriott-branded suites in addition to 260 residential apartments. Included will be an rooftop infinity pool with expansive views toward Melbourne's skyline, bar area and dining area which will be open to the public.

<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/capital_alliance_docklands_development-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Marriott Docklands"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="697" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/capital_alliance_docklands_development-1.jpg?itok=gsd4Jxxc" title="Artist's impression of Marriott Docklands" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Marriott Docklands</figcaption></figure>Designed by Docklands-based DKO Architecture, 3-43 Waterfront Way will also see a ground level pedestrian link with Docklands Drive, allowing for a previously inactive street frontage to become permeable. Planning documents show 3-43 Waterfront Way's exterior studded with pop-out facade panels which will be complimented by LED highlights applied to the facade.

Approximately 500 jobs are to be created during the build, with 100 permanent jobs created upon completion.

<h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
We are extremely proud to be able to deliver yet another hotel project to Melbourne. We believe that mixed-use developments are the right direction for development in our city and provide the stimuli Docklands needs to flourish. Our vision is to deliver a hotel and apartment project that will be celebrated and draw tourists both internationally and locally to the area.

We envisage the rooftop amenities will provide a unique experience and complement a range of amenities in the building that will be open to both residents, guests and the general public.
<cite>Mohan Du, Capital Alliance Managing Director</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
There is a real demand for hotel accommodation within Melbourne and this hotel will help service the many people looking for accommodation in Docklands, be they tourists or business travellers. Securing the first new-build Marriot hotel in nearly two decades is testament to the capabilities of Capital Alliance and the demand for quality hotel accommodation in the precinct.
<cite>Simon Wilson, General Manager Precincts at Places Victoria</cite>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We’re really excited to be working alongside Capital Alliance. Melbourne is fast becoming one of the most popular travel destinations throughout the world.

The vibrant culinary scene and unique culture makes this property an ideal addition to our Australian portfolio of properties. Australia will continue to be a vital part of our growth strategy and the Marriott brand will continue with further expansion in 2016.
<cite>Raj Menon, Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific for Marriott International</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>The big picture</h2>

While the Marriott signing paves the way for Capital Alliance's next project, the developer is approaching the finish line for their first Docklands foray at 679 La Trobe Street. Consisting of both apartments and Melbourne's first Peppers Hotel outlet, M Docklands as it is known will be fully completed in the new year.

Capital Alliance is also expected to deliver a sister development to 3-43 Waterfront Way, namely 26-38 Pearl River Road nearby which will hold in excess of 400 apartments.

<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/mdocks.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="M Docklands is nearing completion. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mdocks.jpg?itok=eYFLd1EV" title="M Docklands is nearing completion. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>M Docklands is nearing completion. Image courtesy Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>The Marriott announcement adds further to Melbourne's blossoming hotel sector with a sizeable number of new projects in the pipeline. Only last month both <a href="/news/new-ibis-and-novotel-hotels-for-melbournes-cbd">Ibis and Novotel committed to a new CBD tower</a> while construction continues on QT Hotel on Russell Street and the Four Points by Sheraton also in Docklands.

Above these as many as a dozen new hotels are mooted for varying developments around Melbourne over the next decade.
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silvermb

Marriott Docklands adds to the Melbourne hotel mix

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Recall last year that Apartments.com.au ran <a href="/news/5000-new-hotel-rooms-for-melbourne">dual pieces</a> highlighting the forthcoming wave of 5,000 plus new hotel suites located within City of Melbourne. With the majority of those rooms in planning at the time, these new suites were predominantly located within large scale mixed-use towers championed by developers with Asian-based expertise and finance.

All indicators since have suggested inner Melbourne is suffering from a shortage of hotel accommodation, with a <a href="http://www2.deloitte.com/au/en/pages/media-releases/articles/hotel-markets-push-further-into-record-territory-260215">2015 Deloitte report</a> on the state of the Australian Hotel sector showing Melbourne's occupancy rate has and continues to push well into the mid-90% range on peak nights. Coupled with a Deloitte forecast indicating Melbourne will nudge 90% average occupancy by 2017 and the time is ripe now for new hotel projects, particularly in Melbourne's CBD.

Enter Well Smart Investment Holdings who after recently gaining Ministerial approval for their new hotel accommodation project at 399 Little Lonsdale Street have unveiled Ibis and Novotel as key signatories to the tower.

<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/image9_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="399 Little Lonsdale Street. Images courtesy k2LD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="531" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_1.jpg?itok=4n6TzPBG" title="399 Little Lonsdale Street. Images courtesy k2LD Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>399 Little Lonsdale Street. Images courtesy k2LD Architects</figcaption></figure>Designed by CBD-based practice k2LD Architecture, 399 Little Lonsdale Street will stand as a 34 level, 125 metre tower located at the foot of Melbourne's retail precinct. Containing 478 hotel suites, the project will represent Melbourne's first dual hotel housed within the same building.

Ibis will account for 270 suites in a three-star configuration while Novotel will take the remaining 208 suites under their four-star operation.

Externally patterned glass with differing opacity to the eastern elevation will be the defining design feature while the western elevation will consist of patterned concrete, although an adjoining planning application will likely all but cover the wall. At ground level a landscaped laneway has been introduced that will connect with Hardware Lane while the podium will hold a bar, lounge, restaurant, gym and conference facilities.

<h2>Design nous</h2>

<blockquote>
We approached the design of the building differently, envisaging the built form as a fabric in which the stories and journeys of its transient inhabitants are interwoven with the urban cityscape.

With the building’s use as a dual hotel in mind, we were able to push the boundaries of design to create something that will become iconic in nature, just as the Westin and Sofitel have become iconic forms in Collins Street, we wanted to create a similar effect at 399 Little Lonsdale Street.
<cite>Tisha Lee, Principal, k2LD Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<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/image10_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Interior common area. Image courtesy k2LD Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10_4.jpg?itok=eE75MVVd" title="Interior common area. Image courtesy k2LD Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exterior terrace area. Image courtesy k2LD Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>The wider context</h2>

With <a href="http://melbourneairport.com.au/about-melbourne-airport/media/media-releases/melbourne-airports-august-passenger-traffic-results-1825">international arrivals</a> amounting to almost 750,000 passengers during August 2015, the robust year on year growth experienced by Melbourne has a flow-on effect into the hotel sector. 399 Little Lonsdale Street joins many a Melbourne project looking to service the expanding hotel room requirement.

Curiously though only one noteworthy hotel project is currently under construction within the CBD, namely QT Hotel which will add a further 182 suites. Docklands fares better with Peppers Docklands almost at completion while Four Points by Sheraton is heading skyward as part of the Marina Tower project.

Pending projects however read as a who's who of the hotel sector. Among the many contending chains seeking a Melbourne footprint Ritz-Carlton and Dorsett will preside in Far East Consortium's West Side Place project, PARKROYAL is awaiting commencement of their mixed-use tower in Docklands, Aloft Hotels will likely land at 380 Lonsdale Street while the largest of all proposals is headed by Crown and Schiavello.

Their 1 Queensbridge project is seeking 388 additional Crown-branded hotel suites in addition to private apartments within a 317 metre tower.
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New Ibis and Novotel hotels for Melbourne's CBD

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A number of media outlets have reported in recent days that hotel operator <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/">Ritz-Carlton</a> has signed on for <a href="http://www.fareast.net.au/">Far East Consortium</a>'s <a href="http://www.fareast.net.au/project/west-side-place/">West Side Place</a> development on the former Age site on Spencer Street. The 250 room hotel will be located on the top 15 floors of the Cottee Parker-designed 79-storey tower opposite Far East's current multi-tower project Upper West Side.

The Ritz-Carlton will boast hotel facilities and amenities such as a bar, high-end restaurant, spa centre, pool and gymnasium. A sky lobby check-in will greet guests with the Ritz-Carlton to be Australia's tallest/highest hotel. In addition to approximately 750 apartments absorbing the remainder of the tower, provision for 465 resident parking spaces and 30 hotel parking spaces will be located in the sub and podium levels.

Ritz-Carlton Melbourne will be the second for both the hotel operator and Far East Consortium after securing prime development within the Elizabeth Quay urban renewal project in Perth.

<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/ritz_carlton_elizabeth_quay.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ritz Carlton @ Elizabeth Quay, Perth. © Far East Consortium "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="445" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ritz_carlton_elizabeth_quay.jpg?itok=Hq_JvRn-" title="Ritz Carlton @ Elizabeth Quay, Perth. © Far East Consortium " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ritz Carlton at Elizabeth Quay, Perth. © Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure>A second 260 suite hotel of 3 to 4 stars will be located within within the podium and lower levels of Tower 3, on the corner of an expanded Merriman Lane and Little Lonsdale Street with a north-east aspect. Tower 3 is set to rise 62-storeys for a height of approximately 210 metres and will also include a further 520 apartments and 321 parking spaces overall.

In total there will be four towers onsite upon completion with in excess of 2,500 apartments included.

<h2>Comment</h2>

The podium in particular bares strong similarities in terms of facade articulation to the residential towers of Far East Consortium's Elizabeth Quay's project as seen above as well as The Fifth at Upper West Side.

<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/thefifth_uws.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Fifth. © Far East Consortium "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="905" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/thefifth_uws.jpg?itok=5rjDKjoQ" title="The Fifth. © Far East Consortium " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Fifth. © Far East Consortium</figcaption></figure>This treatment to the podium creates and ordered but varied appearance and aids in reducing the scale of a 30m podium into a much more finer and relatable human scale. Additionally it provides passive surveillance to the street, a far cry from the fortress of the former Age building.

The buildings beyond as they appear in the render can be treated as massing envelopes, as one of the principles within Cottee Parker's Master Plan for the site is to ensure clarity between tower forms and architecture so as not to appear as one great mass on the skyline. This was partly addressed at Upper West Side by providing a similar facade treatment of differing colours. Hopefully the language of future towers at West Side Place extends beyond just a variation in colour palette.

<blockquote>
To ensure that each building is distinctive in its design, the Master Plan includes the following principle: the architectural treatment should clearly distinguish one tower from another as individual developments.
<cite>City of Melbourne planning officer report</cite>
</blockquote>

The Ritz-Carlton also presents the first high-end, 5-star hotel to be developed in the western end of the city at the threshold between the traditional Hoddle Grid and Docklands. The site is well serviced by trams, buses, Southern Cross Station and the Sky bus shuttle service within an area experiencing significant change. Together with Upper West Side and the Savoy development, West Side Place will transform Spencer Street from the dingy area it was in the 1990's to the new face of Melbourne.

With site works well underway and display suite not far off, construction is anticipated to commence in early 2016.

<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/age_site_works.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site works well underway. © Ryan Seychell"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/age_site_works.jpg?itok=Nv1kFQzv" title="Site works well underway. © Ryan Seychell" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site works well underway. © Ryan Seychell</figcaption></figure>
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Laurence Dragomir

Puttin' on the Ritz at West Side Place

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Another chapter today in the evolving public interest story that has become the proposed Palace Theatre demolition and replacement with Australia's first W Hotel at 20-31 Bourke Street. Melbourne City Council have this week published plans for Bates Smart's third revision of the development scheme which sees a shortened, dare I say tubby hotel tower sans its apartment compliment included within the initial planning application.

As has been reported through the media, the proposal has been essentially cut in half and now tills in at 50.65 metres high with 11,047sq.m of net floor space. 193 rooms are slated for the 12 hotel floors with the three remaining floors configured to include a restaurant, pool, gym, outdoor terrace, lounge and function facilities.

<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_28.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before and after. Image © Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="312" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image4_28.jpg?itok=4Jz04PTx" title="Before and after. Image © Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

Naturally the development team have prepared the planning documents to favour their argument; proponents aside, here are some telling statistics for and against the Palace Theatre development.

<h2>Save the Palace Theatre</h2>

<ul>
<li>Facebook page developed to oppose the development with just under 35,000 likes.</li>
	<li>27,955 have signed an online petition rejecting the loss of the existing venue via thepetitionsite.com.</li>
	<li>Demolition of the 5th bay of the adjoining Victorian three level terrace will remain as per revised plans.</li>
	<li>Neither the Palace Theatre nor 32-38 Bourke Street are included in the Victorian Heritage Register.</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/auditorium-ceiling-7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ornate interiors lost? Image © savethepalace.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/auditorium-ceiling-7.jpg?itok=WBa2D-Tl" title="Ornate interiors lost? Image © savethepalace.com" width="580"></a>

<h2>The economic case</h2>

Deloitte Access Economics have quantified the expected benefits of a realised W Hotel to the Victorian economy as follows:

<ul>
<li>Direct capital investment in Melbourne of approximately $160 million.</li>
	<li>Construction employment generation equivalent to 82 full time equivalent jobs over the construction phase of the project.</li>
	<li>The development will generate between $21M and $58M annually in Gross Regional Product.</li>
	<li>Ongoing employment generation which will be in the range of 230 – 588 full time equivalent jobs, and tourism expenditure.</li>
	<li>Cumulatively, the proposed W Hotel and residential development is estimated to contribute up to $375 million in Gross State Product over the first 15 years of operation.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The crux of the matter</h2>

An excerpt from the Urbis planning report:

<blockquote>
It is noted that a recent planning permit application for a hotel and residential apartments was made to the Minister for Planning and not supported due to a number of concerns principally relating to the height of the proposal, in light of the lower scale of the Bourke Hill precinct. The City of Melbourne’s formal position on the application recognised the value and benefit that the proposed W Hotel use would bring to the city, but was unsupportive of the scale of the built form.

Hence, this revised proposal has been prepared to address the key concerns. In particular the changes to the height of the development ensure that shadows cast to the Parliamentary precinct are significantly reduced, and that the view over the city from the steps of Parliament is not substantially altered.
</blockquote>

<h2>Comment</h2>

Prudence suggests that site proponent Jinshan Investments wouldn't purchase and consequently enter the planning process if they weren't confident of their ability to develop the site and ultimately turn a profit. This coupled with the above excerpt suggests that given the scheme has been halved in height, chances of approval may have increased considerably.

Machinations aside the merits of a design simply lopped in half need to be questioned for such a prime site within close proximity to the Parliament. While the facade is well articulated, the buildings bulk and rather basic form sit uncomfortably within the surrounding streetscape. While I don't particularly like the current design, I have a suspicion it has taken great strides toward approval - much to the disappointment of many.
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Palace Theatre redevelopment: Squat! But is it hot to trot?

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Touched upon briefly in an earlier article highlighting the roughly <a href="/news/5000-new-hotel-rooms-for-melbourne" target="_blank">5000 new hotel rooms slated for Melbourne</a>, it seems the lid is about to be lifted on QT Hotel and Residences Melbourne. The residential component of the development has an active website which like all other project websites, extols the virtues of the 24 luxury apartments to be included within the project.

Located at 131-141 Russell Street, the former Greater Union cinema complex is expected to be demolished soon enough with construction of a 12 level hotel and apartment building due to start this later this year. In addition to the 24 apartments, 182 hotel suites over lower levels are included according to City of Melbourne building activity monitor.

<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/Image21_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Greater Union no more. Image © Trash World on Flickr"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="434" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image21_1.jpg?itok=XyPUjKc6" title="Greater Union no more. Image © Trash World on Flickr" width="580"></a>

The project will be topped with a bar and dining venue with capacity for 300 patrons. Open daily from 11am to 2am, the venue which was subject to a separate planning application gained a final permit from City of Melbourne during February this year.

Site owner <a href="http://www.ahl.com.au/" target="_blank">Amalgamated Holdings Limited</a> currently operate five QT Hotels through Australia after birthing the brand during 2011. Following in the footsteps of existing QT locations, the new Melbourne buildings is expected to carry a typical QT Hotels interior which has roundly been described as quirky, eclectic, 'on trend' and bold.

If the article lead image and website grab below are guides, the Melbourne arm will be a unique and possibly bizarre experience.

<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/Image20_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="QT's webpage says it all. Image © QT Hotels"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="468" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image20_1.jpg?itok=cIThw1K6" title="QT's webpage says it all. Image © QT Hotels" width="580"></a>

Further details for the residential component can be found at http://qtresidencesmelbourne.com/
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QT Hotel and Residences hit Melbourne

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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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Planning Application > Hotel Forum @ 150-162 Flinders Street

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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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Blink and you would have missed it!  Within weeks of this prime <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a> development site at <a href="/new-apartments/38-freshwater-place-southbank">25-35 Power Street (also known as 38 Freshwater Place)</a> landing a new owner, a planning application landed in the lap of determining body <a href="http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">DTPLI</a>.  Having the site purchase announced during October, new owner Freshwater No 6 Pty Ltd, a company located within the <a href="/new-apartments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> suburb of <a href="/new-apartments/rhodes-nsw-2138">Rhodes</a>, wasted no time in submitting detailed plans for a 70 storey mixed-use tower with an expected end value of approximately $400 million.

<a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>-based firm <a href="/architects/metier3">Metier 3</a> were commissioned for the design, located on a 3096 m2 site in an area already heavy with high-rise developments.  If approved 25-35 Power Street seeks to join four other 200 metre plus towers on this 'Southbank block of strength,' including <a href="/buildings/prima-tower-31-queensbridge-street-southbank">Prima Pearl</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/one-queensbridge-street-1-23-queensbridge-street-southbank" target="_blank">Queensbridge Tower</a> and 25 Queensbridge Street, although for reasons unbeknown the latter 236 metre approved tower was omitted from the diagram below.  Minimum distance to 25-35 Power Street's closest residential neighbour is 27.5 metres.

Surrounded by towers with regular, if not interestingly shaped floor plates, Metier 3 have chosen to design a tower with an irregular, tapering floor plate which they describe as:

<div class="rtejustify">"Taking the curvaceous two dimensional forms of those buildings both existing and proposed in close proximity and translating this into a true three dimensional form the building mass draws inspiration from the feminine form. With flowing curves and material patterning reminiscent of ballroom gowns and highly detailed junctions, the evoking comparison to Pavé jewellery, the built form will entail a sense of materiality and form in counterpoint to the more rigid forms adjacent."</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<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/Image5_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design inspiration and context. Image © Metier 3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5_20.jpg?itok=9q9JofdM" title="Design inspiration and context. Image © Metier 3" width="580"></a>

<div class="rtejustify">"My work is not about form follows function, but form follows beauty, or, even better, form follow feminine"</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">Quoting Oscar Niemeyer above, Metier 3's objective was to create a unique tower form and that box has been ticked.  What pleases the author to no end is the use of textured stone cladding over lower levels and also the tower's leading edge fronting Power Street.  Stone is a quality, timeless material that is exponentially better than painted precast panels, yet has fallen out of favour in <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a> seemingly.</div>

<div class="rtejustify"> </div>

<div class="rtejustify">Complementing the stone will be aluminium composite panels and metal trim finishes, while the dominant element will be the towers glazing which according to the materials schedule is verging on army green in appearance - it surely won't be missed in the skyline!</div>

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<div class="rtejustify">It's also refreshing to see a continuous tower form from the ground up where the podium is not clearly defined and tower not set back from Power Street, although one wonders whether DTPLI and Melbourne City Council will be suitable impressed. And what of the all important street activation where the public will predominantly interact with the complex?  Whilst the absolute street frontage is dominated by a Port Cochere entry servicing the hotel lobby and existing vehicle access to the adjoining office tower, plantings and an arched canopy seek to soften the street view.</div>

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<div class="rtejustify">The ground floor sees a public access arcade link Power Street to the existing internal garden and retail facilities of Freshwater Place, and Queensbridge Square beyond.</div>

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<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image1_49.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected view from Queensbridge Street. Image © Metier 3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1575" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_49.jpg?itok=M92gmQ6v" title="Expected view from Queensbridge Street. Image © Metier 3" width="580"></a>

With one basement level car park, ground floor as mentioned hosts seven separate retail spaces fronting the arcade, in addition to the expected hotel/apartments lobbies and ancillary services such as loading etc.  Mezzanine floor also hosts four retail spaces for a total of 1,300 m2.  With the proceeding five levels of podium car parking, a total of 240 vehicles and 146 bicycles are accommodated.

178 one and two-bedroom boutique apartments cover the first ten inhabitable floors, with the assumption that these are short stay and/or serviced apartments. Thereafter 32 levels of traditional apartments follow with 318 in total spread between 82 one, 156 two and 80 three bedroom options - 80 three bedders at between 120-150 square metres each equates to 25% of total traditional apartment offerings.  

This is the highest percentile of three bedroom apartments in any development covered by Apartments.com.au and speaks toward the intended quality/target market for this development.

Proceeding these will be an entire commercial floor containing 21 office suites, a hotel sky lobby and back of house services located on level 51 while dual floors covering conference, restaurant and function facilities follow.  15 hotel floors absorb levels 54-68 with the typical hotel floor containing 24 single bed dwellings, while hotel facilities line the remaining two floors which include a sky bar and pool the best part of 260 metres above ground.

<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/Image5_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cross section and uses. Image © Metier 3"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="834" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5_19.jpg?itok=Aab_PVfN" title="Cross section and uses. Image © Metier 3" width="580"></a>

The associated traffic report prepared by <a href="http://www.gta.com.au/home.aspx" target="_blank">GTA Consultants</a> shows 480 car spaces within the development meets statutory requirements, whilst also remaining under the total 2,300 car park threshold for the entire Freshwater site.  Also noted is the failure of 146 bicycle spaces in meeting statutory requirements, with a minimum 171 spaces required.

Quoting the report, "The site is expected to generate up to 190 and 230 vehicle movements in the AM and PM peak hours respectively.  There is adequate capacity in the surrounding road network to cater for the traffic generated by the proposed development."  Adequate capacity there may be for 25-35 Power Street, but the sheer number of proposed towers in Southbank and the traffic they would generate if realised would surely make Southbank an 'interesting' place to navigate in a decade's time.

Overall a total of 846 separate dwellings within 25-35 Power Street would not only see it become one of Melbourne's tallest buildings, but likely the densest liveable structure in Melbourne; a planning decision is not expected for some months.
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