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

Joel Robinson

BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

Sydney developer Deicorp is set to officially open its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Showground Village</a> precinct in Castle Hill.

NSW Premier Chris Minns will attend the opening on Sunday August 31, alongside&nbsp;Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, The Hills Shire Council Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, Landcom CEO Alex Wendler, and Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri.

There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony before a tour of the newly opened retail precinct.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Located just moments from Hills Showground Metro Station, the centre spans 9,500 sqm across four levels and features 26 specialty retailers as well as a 1,400 sqm public plaza, creating a new community meeting point for shopping, dining, fitness, and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

The grand opening will be celebrated with a family fun day, featuring free entertainment, children’s activities, and a Skill Tester Machine with guaranteed prizes ranging from Woolworths gift cards to a $5,000 Flight Centre voucher.&nbsp;

Showground Village forms part of the Hills Showground Station Precinct, an urban renewal initiative led by Landcom and Sydney Metro that will provide for around 2,300 new jobs over the next 20 years and around 9,000 new homes.&nbsp;

Deicorp was recently approved for another new development next door to Showground Village.

The new five residential buildings in the East Showgrounds Precinct, will see another 873 dwellings delivered, as well as&nbsp;3,500 sqm of open public space in the form of landscaped courtyards, a public park and communal outdoor recreational space including a playground, barbeque area, and outdoor seating.

“This approval will allow us to start construction on a range of beautifully designed, conveniently located apartments and create another vibrant, walkable and well-connected community,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp" target="">Deicorp</a>&nbsp;Founder Fouad Deiri.

“These new homes will provide their residents with a seamless connection to jobs and services along Metro North West, and the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill" target="">Hills Showground Village</a>&nbsp;retail precinct currently under construction."

Deicorp has several thousand apartments in planning and under construction across Sydney, from Zetland and Five Dock to Crows Nest and Macquarie Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=133881]

Deicorp, NSW Premier to officially open Showground Village, Castle Hill’s new retail and hospitality hub

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

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

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

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

First look: Kokoda secures Richmond site for new apartment development

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

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

John Wardle Architects

<html><body>
Universities across Australia are seeing a rapid increase in student enrolments, with Australia maintaining 18 ‘top-10 departments’ year-on-year in the <a href="https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20190227163050382">QS World University Rankings</a>. The current number of international student enrolments alone <a href="https://www.austrade.gov.au/Australian/Education/Services/Australian-International-Education-2025/growth-and-opportunity">has been forecast to grow from 650,000 to 940,000 by 2025</a>, with a collective total of <a href="https://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/australias-universities/key-facts-and-data#.XJF65y2B21s">over 1.5 million domestic and international students nationwide</a> this year. This prolific growth has encouraged universities such as Monash to put an infrastructure plan in place to cope with future demand. 

The Monash University Master Plan has been commissioned to prevent a range of disjointed projects taking place, and instead provide a sense of order and cohesion, while a streamlined build schedule aims to mitigate disruption to students and faculty.

Jocelyn Chiew was appointed the position of Manager of Campus Design, Quality and Planning at Monash in 2012 and has been in charge of devising the masterplan and design of the campuses.

<blockquote>
“[Monash’s] main campus at Clayton was infected with a particularly bad case of “carpark-itis,” a legacy brought about by its outer-suburban location and lack of public transport connections. Its other major campus, at Caulfield, while better connected to public transport, was a hodgepodge of streets and disconnected buildings that had been either acquired or developed with little attention given to the spaces in between.”

- Jocelyn Chiew via <a href="https://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/jocelyn-chiew-shaping-the-future-campus/">Landscape Australia</a>
</blockquote>

Construction is now underway at Clayton, Caulfield, Parkville and Peninsula Campuses, with a future goal to provide a light rail service to link the outer suburban campuses.

A partnership with ClimateWorks Australia will also see Monash attain net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

The Monash Net Zero Initiative consists of 5 key pillars:

1. Energy Efficiency

2. Campus Electrification

3. Addressing residual emissions through offsetting

4. Deployment of on-site and off-site renewable energy

5. Sustainable microgrid

Check out what’s been happening at all four Monash campuses since Urban's <a href="/news/monash-university-refreshes-its-caulfield-master-plan-for-2017-2030">previous Masterplan update last year</a>. 

<h2>Clayton Campus</h2>

VISION:

<blockquote>
“In 2030, Clayton campus will be connected and central to the Monash National Employment and Innovation Cluster, a dynamic world leading hub of enterprise, research and innovation. 

Clayton campus will be a showcase campus: a leader in education and research, distinguished by world-class environmentally sustainable infrastructure, design and landscapes. 

The campus’ success will be built on vibrant learning and research neighbourhoods with distinct identities, integrated with iconic campus landscapes and linked to surrounding communities.”
</blockquote>

THE DETAILS:

<ul>
<li>Bush Projects and Kennedy Nolan on board to design a new Maths Learning Centre</li>
	<li>New Biomedical Learning and Teaching Building by DCM</li>
	<li>The construction of Monash University’s largest solar array, situated above the campus carpark with a capacity of 740 kilowatts peak (enough to power 430 houses per year)</li>
	<li>Peter Elliott’s 130-seat Sound Gallery and 200-seat Jazz Club and Café is nearing completion at Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts </li>
	<li>New tram route connecting Clayton campus to Chadstone</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monash3.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/monash3.jpg?itok=HeSry_tY" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Monash University’s largest solar array. Credit: Instagram/@monashmasterplan</figcaption></figure><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/monash5.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="724" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/monash5.jpg?itok=2lu7lkY4" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sound Gallery and 200-seat Jazz Club and Café. Credit: Instagram/@monashmasterplan</figcaption></figure><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/monash6.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/monash6.jpg?itok=Vl7Irj1r" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Biomedical Learning and Teaching Building by DCM. Credit: Instagram/@monashmasterplan</figcaption></figure><h2>Caulfield Campus</h2>

VISION

<blockquote>
“In 2030, Caulfield campus will be a well-connected, multi-disciplinary hub of excellence and innovation. 

The campus will connect students, educators and the wider community to generate knowledge, inspiration, and collaboration in all aspects of learning, teaching and research. 

The Campus Green, as part of a network of high quality public spaces, will promote a collegiate environment that welcomes visitors into the campus. Built form will be integrated to that context, resulting in a vibrant, compelling and highly accessible campus experience.”
</blockquote>

THE DETAILS:

<ul>
<li>Construction of a lecture theatre and the rebuild of Mamaduke Cafe (now Sable Drop)</li>
	<li>Caulfield Library designed by John Wardle Architects was awarded best in academic libraries category at the 2019 Australian Library Design Awards. The judges described the refurbishment as, “visually and physically connected with the campus... a light, safe and secure focal point for campus users, day and night.” </li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monash9.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="725" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/monash9.jpg?itok=24Q5YZkM" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Construction of lecture theatre/rebuild of Mamaduke Cafe. Credit: Instagram/@monashmasterplan</figcaption></figure><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/monash7.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/monash7.jpg?itok=-dgEfEiD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Caulfield Library, by John Wardle Architects and TCL Studio. Credit: Instagram/@monashmasterplan</figcaption></figure><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/monash4.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="724" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/monash4.jpg?itok=EUl4OziS" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Caulfield Library. Credit: Instagram/@monashmasterplan</figcaption></figure><h2>Parkville Campus</h2>

VISION

<blockquote>
“Monash Parkville will be a beacon for academic excellence and pioneering research – unique to, and integrated with, the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct and its parkland context. 

Campus environments will embody and foster world-leading innovation, collaboration and partnership, in pharmacy and pharmaceutical science.”
</blockquote>

THE DETAILS:

<ul>
<li>An impressive transformation of a disused space has created an inviting and revitalised environment</li>
	<li>The refurbishment of the Lecturer Theatre Block tutorial rooms</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monash10.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/monash10.jpg?itok=M932B__R" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Parkville Courtyard designed by BKK Architects. Credit: Instagram/@monashmasterplan</figcaption></figure><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/monash11.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/monash11.jpg?itok=MjxZ6RdA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Refurbishment of the Lecturer Theatre Block tutorial rooms. Credit: Instagram/@monashpharm</figcaption></figure><h2>Peninsula Campus</h2>

VISION

<blockquote>
“Peninsula campus will evolve as a vibrant ‘hillside’ university town, defined by the unique relationship between its compelling native landscape and topography, and its world-leading, next generation learning environments. 

Monash Peninsula will continue to be an industry leader in education and research, with a focus on Allied Health. The campus will build strong partnerships with the Hospital precinct and positive connections with the wider Frankston community. 

Easily accessed by public transport, the campus will support a diverse student population, day and night, and become a unique educational and cultural destination for the surrounding regions and the greater Monash family of campuses. Urban resilience and adaptability are core principles of the Masterplan, demonstrating the University’s commitment to sustainability and net zero emissions.”
</blockquote>

THE DETAILS:

<ul>
<li>Upper Deck Cafe and Lounge by Sibling Architecture</li>
	<li>Refurbishment of the Nursing and Midwifery School</li>
	<li>Highly sustainable student accommodation has been created using cross-laminated timber</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monash8.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="434" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/monash8.jpg?itok=2gbcOVF6" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Upper Deck Cafe and Lounge by Sibling Architecture. Credit: Instagram/@monashmasterplan</figcaption></figure><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/monash2.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="434" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/monash2.jpg?itok=ji4Um-LC" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Refurbishment of the Nursing and Midwifery School. Credit: Instagram/@monashmasterplan</figcaption></figure><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/monash1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="434" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/monash1.jpg?itok=ydCWVcdQ" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New student accommodation at Peninsula campus. Credit: Instagram/@monashmasterplan</figcaption></figure>Stay tuned for more Monash University updates throughout 2019.
</body></html>

Olivia Round

Monash University refreshes its 20-year Campus Master Plans

<html><body>
Australian Unity's trio of major projects across Sydney and Melbourne have all reached interesting junctures of late.

After the Sydney Central City Planning Panel granted Australian Unity the right to develop a new office complex on Parramatta's Valentine Avenue, the project has re-entered planning with City of Parramatta in the last week, sporting a number of design enhancements.

Architect in charge Fitzpatrick + Partners' latest design iteration sees a modest overall height increase, additional vehicle and motorbike parking, an additional lift, revised floor to ceiling heights, revised internal layout over certain levels and an enhanced facade over the tower's podium.

<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/image19_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fitzpatrick + Partners' latest version of Australian unity Parramatta"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="258" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_20.jpg?itok=gBQXo7Ct" title="Fitzpatrick + Partners' latest version of Australian unity Parramatta" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fitzpatrick + Partners' latest version of Australian unity Parramatta</figcaption></figure>The existing 5 level par park across 10 Valentine Avenue will be amalgamated into the development, with a revised car park 'veil' facade part of the updated planning set. 

Australian Unity's Valentine Avenue tenancy amounts to 8,515 square metres of Net Leasable Area.

Meanwhile, work has progressed rapidly on Australian Unity's new headquarters at 271 Spring Street at the top end of Melbourne's CBD. ISPT is developing the new $110 million office tower; the A Grade building will include 15,612 square metres upon completion, allowing Australian unity to expand their workforce.

The purpose-built tower is the work of John Wardle Architects with head contractor Probuild currently advancing the floorplates beyond the inverted podium, with the first facade panes now in place. "This project is aimed at delivering a building and head office solution that both resonates with the 175 year history of Australian Unity while providing a contemporary and productive environment for its planned CBD operations."

Australian Unity has taken a 15-year lease term over the entirety of 271 Spring Street which is due for completion in mid-2019.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image15_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="271 Spring Street; render and construction progress"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="306" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_14.jpg?itok=J_ygitn1" title="271 Spring Street; render and construction progress" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>271 Spring Street; render and construction progress</figcaption></figure>In South Melbourne, Australian Unity's Albert Road development is coming together, with a new tower at 126-130 Albert Road approaching structural completion at the hand of builder Watpac.

The retirement living tower spans 18 levels and includes 79 purpose designed apartments and communal facilities. Upon the completion of Australian Unity's new headquarters on Spring Street, their existing head office at 114 Albert Road, and adjoining 126-130 Albert Road, will be converted to accommodate further retirement living apartments.

The above and other projects have been financed by Australian Unity's multiple capital raising campaigns that have successfully funded a variety of projects in recent years.
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silvermb

Australian Unity's Sydney and Melbourne projects in focus

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The second in Apartments.com.au's Road to the Victorian Architecture Awards series in the lead up to the awards dinner which take place on 29 June and recognises the achievements of architects' contributions to our built environment.

John Wardle Architects is one of the most recognised practices in this year’s 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards, shortlisted for 7 awards ranging from residential architecture, urban design, interior architecture and educational architecture.

Apartments.com.au took the opportunity to speak to Meaghan Dwyer, Principal at John Wardle Architects, about how to respond to the many changes faced by the built environment. Meaghan also discusses some of the projects the practice has been shortlisted for.

<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/jwa_caulfield_library.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="John Wardle Architects' Caulfield Library shortlisted in these year's awards. Image: Dianna Snape"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jwa_caulfield_library.jpg?itok=zn2tnkSy" title="John Wardle Architects' Caulfield Library shortlisted in these year's awards. Image: Dianna Snape" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>John Wardle Architects' Caulfield Library shortlisted in these year's awards. Image: Dianna Snape</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au: The way we work, live and play continues to constantly evolve. As an architect, how do you design buildings and spaces that will stand the test of time?

Meaghan Dwyer: Firstly, designing for change requires us to drop past assumptions and explore new potentials. We employ a number of strategies to create buildings and spaces that will stand the test of time.

We begin by firmly anchoring our design response in place. We do this through forming a deep understanding of the context within which we design and we respond to this in a nuanced way. We create flexible buildings that can respond to change. We apply the principles of good design – orientation, natural daylight, accessibility, and the like.

We select enduring materials and detail our buildings to last.

U: Tell us about some of the projects you’ve been working on that have been shortlisted in the 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards

MD: We have been fortunate to be the architects for two buildings for Monash University as part of their $750 million spend to upgrade their educational infrastructure. The Learning and Teaching Building and the refurbishment of the Caulfield Library are both shortlisted in the educational and interiors categories.

The transport interchange that formed part of our commission at the Clayton Campus is also shortlisted in the urban design category. These projects all follow the university’s aspiration to create vibrant settings for university life.

In addition, our Main Ridge House is shortlisted in the residential alterations and additions category. This is an existing house that has been completely reimagined as part of a larger plan for the rural site where it is located.

<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/jwa_tl_clayton.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Learning and Teaching Building at Monash Clayton also shortlisted. Image: Trevor Mein"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="575" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/jwa_tl_clayton.jpg?itok=fpaKOLWd" title="The Learning and Teaching Building at Monash Clayton also shortlisted. Image: Trevor Mein" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Learning and Teaching Building at Monash Clayton also shortlisted. Image: Trevor Mein</figcaption></figure>U: With the student experience being at the centre of your approach to educational architecture, how do you design for millennials and cater to the university of tomorrow?

MD: One thing for certain is that the higher education sector continues to experience rapid change. Just this week we have seen the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia announce that they are considering the merits of a merger.

Consequently, there is much speculation as to what the future university will look like. We understand that while every university is unique, they are all tackling the challenges of increased student numbers and the introduction of online learning.

This requires an intimate understanding of the organisational strategy, pedagogical approach and the characteristics of the student body. We certainly appreciate that millennials engage with technology in a very intuitive way.

They appreciate the flexibility to work anywhere they like, and are used to accessing all kinds of information and services at any time they like. They also tend to be very connected with their peers.

For these reasons the university campus needs to be a vibrant and activated place that supports peer to peer learning in any location. This impacts both the classroom setting, and also the spaces and places around the campus that support university life.

U: When approaching public projects, how important is it to design spaces that mean many things to many people?

MD: We believe that the public realm is experienced by all and so should be responsive to a broad range of aspirations and requirements. In our view it is highly desirable that every project display civic generosity, or make a positive contribution to the public realm, rather than reflect the interests of one stakeholder, or another.

U: In your opinion, do you think the education sector is leading the way in dealing with the design challenges presented by our changing environment (e.g. population growth, technology etc)?

MD: Universities have been subject to rapid growth in student numbers for many years now. They have also been grappling with the impacts of technology on learning and teaching. As there are a relatively large number of universities in Australia, and while each of them has invested substantial funds, there has been a constant iteration of responses to these circumstances.

Other public institutions that build less often have been slower to respond to the challenges resented by rapid population growth and technology. Our recent work with the justice system suggests that the courts are beginning to tackle these challenges. Likewise, our recent work in the cultural sector suggests the same.

In some ways, these organisations have a lot to learn from the higher education system.

U: Do you think architects need to play an increasingly collaborative role with clients to ensure their vision aligns with creating spaces that are future-proofed?

MD: We certainly pride ourselves on our ability to work with a client to understand their strategic requirements. We also appreciate that many clients are navigating change in the way that their organisations are offering services.

We believe that there is a place for spatial problem solving and we feel very able to join with our clients to align their strategy with their built environment. We also believe that their objectives can be supported by good design.

U: How important is it to engender communities through the built environment and how can this be achieved?

MD: We are firm believers that a good public realm is essential for the public life of a city. A good public realm is achieved through creating civic generosity, that is a built environment that responds to a broad range of aspirations and requirements, rather than responding to the interests of one stakeholder, or another.

This approach underpins all our project work, be it in the education sector, commercial, or any other sector.

U: Why do John Wardle Architects work on such a diverse portfolio of projects?

MD: We often describe ourselves as fabulous generalists. Our ability to move across project types comes from our curiosity to explore unrealised potential, rather than rest on past assumptions. Our ability to problem solve and design at all scales stands us in good stead, and nothing delights us more than a fresh challenge.
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Laurence Dragomir

Road to the Victorian Architecture Awards 2018: Q&A with Meaghan Dwyer of John Wardle Architects 

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Victoria University is once more pushing to consolidate its CBD presence into a single precinct, although not via the expected source.

Heritage Victoria is assessing a current proposal to restore and refurbish the former Land Titles Office (LTO) and Strong Room, with a new vertical campus tower at 247-283 Queen Street expected. The institution did hold approval for a separate mixed-use tower on the adjoining block, mere metres from the current proposal, which was also to have seen its CBD presence consolidated.

John Wardle Architects have conceived the current 17-level tower which would rise from behind the restored LTO building.

<h2>247-283 Queen Street development summary</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image218_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="411" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image218_0.jpg?itok=AL1fkPlE" title="Street level perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>LTO Building vacant for three years, requires an internal refurbishment</li>
	<li>Proposed 87.5 metre tower</li>
	<li>Total Net Lettable Area for the project is 23,263 square metres</li>
	<li>27% of space dedicated to formal teaching and learning use</li>
	<li>Osteo and Dermal Clinic, Entrepreneurial Hub, VU College and social spaces also included</li>
	<li>Single basement level</li>
	<li>New pedestrian link at ground level between LTO Building and proposed tower, with canopy above</li>
</ul>
<h2>Heritage considerations</h2>

The former Land Titles Office is included in the Victorian Heritage Register for being a property is of architectural, technical and historical significance to Victoria. It was built in three stages between 1874 and 1877, with the Strong Room completed over 1884-1885.

John Wardle Architects' scheme is noted as being less intrusive on the historic structures than a 2014 permit for works to the LTO building. Under those plans demolition, refurbishment and new building works would have been undertaken to create a new tower for Victoria University above the Strong Room.

Similarly, under current plans "the support structure for the tower is to be placed around the Strong Room, and does not impact on the original enclosing walls of the building. The vertical campus core will be located in the south-west corner of the Strong Room, requiring demolition of the existing built-in shelving units and structure above and below.

The original northern section of the Strong Room will be retained and restored."

A photographic essay of the two historic structures can be found <a href="http://www.hinlimphotography.com/gallery_A1_files/Heritage/2016%20LTO%20Strong%20Room/index#">here</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image223_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Former LTO - Strong Room. Image: Hin Lim Photography"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image223_0.jpg?itok=GW_dWtXk" title="Former LTO - Strong Room. Image: Hin Lim Photography" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Former LTO - Strong Room. Image: Hin Lim Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>John Wardle Architects design notes</h2>

<ul>
<li>The success of this new vertical campus for Victoria University amongst other criteria and measures is the project’s response to the Heritage aspects of the site, it’s accordance with Planning requirements and the development of the Tower form and floor plate that creates a flexible framework for new teaching and learning activities within a new city campus.</li>
	<li>This building takes stock of the expanding means by which people learn and communicate today, and transposes them into a tower form.</li>
	<li>While many advances in communication and learning have evolved independent of developments in the physical environment, the notion of a campus still holds considerable sway. The enduring nature of a campus is couched in its ability to bring creative and progressive minds together in physical space - providing a platform for their sustained interaction.</li>
	<li>Rather than an autonomous essay on the future of learning, the VU Tower acknowledges that Melbourne’s civic history can be found in buildings that are monumental – or through time, have become mute.</li>
	<li>The space between the Land Titles Office and the Strong Room has the potential to perform multiple roles by establishing a sense of Terra Firma for the project. Through a series of interventions that uncover its latent qualities, we propose an internal street that is at once a transitional moment between city and campus, and a key opportunity to set the tone for architectural and pedagogical values that follow.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image220_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Level five student area. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image220_1.jpg?itok=qFJAJjiV" title="Level five student area. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Level five student area. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>First to fall?</h2>

Victoria University did hold approval for a more substantial mixed-use development across 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, diagonally opposite the Queen Street tower proposal.

The permit has not been acted upon for a number of years, which would call into question the institution's intentions for the dual Little Lonsdale Street sites.

<blockquote>
"Planning approval is in place for redevelopment of these sites for a new multi-storey educational facility. This facility was designed to accommodate an expanded educational programme for the central city campus, including health and business faculties.

On more recent review of this approved development Victoria University has determined that the modest area of the floor plates, combined with lifting (vertical movement) requirements, makes the viability of this development questionable."
<cite>Lovell Chen</cite>
</blockquote>

Spanning 135 metres and designed by Jackson Architecture, the Little Lonsdale Street tower was designed to include academic and support services space, plush 11,350 square metres of leasable office space.

Time will tell if Victoria University pursues the Little Lonsdale Street tower in an altered form such as student accommodation or consigns it to history.

<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/image221_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A dated render of VU Tower. Image: Jackson Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image221_0.jpg?itok=1SZOGjia" title="A dated render of VU Tower. Image: Jackson Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A dated render of the approved VU Tower. Image: Jackson Architecture</figcaption></figure>
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VU reworks its Queen Street Precinct tower plans

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Late last week head contractor Probuild officially broke ground on ISPT's 271 Spring Street, a $150 million mixed-use tower in Melbourne’s CBD. The 16-storey building has been designed by John Wardle Architects (JWA) and will become the new headquarters for national health, wealth and living company Australian Unity, which has agreed to a 15-year term over the entire 15,600 sqm.

The development at 271 Spring Street completes ISPT and JWA's original vision for the Urban Workshop at 50 Lonsdale Street, which included a major new commercial office building and retail precinct "set around the historic buildings and street patterns of the area once known as the Little Lon district."

<blockquote>
The new office building incorporates a brick podium that is partly original and partly reimagined around historic elements including the Elms Hotel and the Mission Building. Overall, a streetscape of two storey brickwork makes for a scale and material appearance consistent with its neighbours along Little Lonsdale Street.

It is not overtly grand, but rather scaled for people and aims to create an engaging relationship with the passerby.

Separate from the brick podium is the office tower proper, its curtain walls incorporating sun shading to improve thermal performance. Expanding this texture further, the patterns of historic roofs hidden from view are writ large upon the inclined glass face of the tower above.

A new geometry for sun blades is drawn from the old roof patterns.
<cite>John Wardle 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/271sp_jwa.png" rel="gallery-all" title="271 Spring Street, view of streetscape. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="269" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/271sp_jwa.png?itok=H_9KL6Ut" title="271 Spring Street, view of streetscape. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>271 Spring Street, view of streetscape. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure>The breaking ground ceremony was preceded by a 'Welcome to Country' ceremony performed by Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jr. In attendance were representatives from ISPT, RCP, Probuild, JWA and Australian Unity, including ISPT CEO Daryl Browning, RCP Director Greg Naylor, Probuild's Victorian Managing Director Luke Stambolis and JWA Principal Bill Krotiris.

271 Spring Street is due for completion in mid 2019.

<blockquote>
We are excited to be breaking ground at 271 Spring Street, alongside ISPT and Australian Unity. The level of collaboration seen on this project from all parties has been impressive.

We’re working to retain complicated heritage facades and fabrics, a complex task Probuild teams are well-equipped to manage. We’ll be facing challenges undertaking construction directly above the Melbourne Underground Rail Loop Tunnels, but we’re used to operating and delivering in live environments.
<cite>Luke Stambolis, Victorian Managing Director, Probuild</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/271sp-ai01-707x1000.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="271 Spring Street Hero Perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="820" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/271sp-ai01-707x1000.jpg?itok=P4OG_H4J" title="271 Spring Street Hero Perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>271 Spring Street Hero Perspective. Image: John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure>
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Probuild and ISPT Break Ground on Australian Unity's new Spring Street HQ

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The proposed new Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (MCM) on Sturt Street is shaping to become much more than a cutting edge venue. While the project has been given coverage to date across a range of mediums, very little has been said regarding the project playing an integral part in the wider push to enliven the Arts Precinct and Southbank as a whole.

With plans for the $105 million complex now on display, it's an apt time to explore the projects intentions for Southbank at large.

Covering a site area of 5,100sqm, project lead John Wardle Architects have been joined by landscape architects ASPECT Studios in conceiving a site-specific response, with the aim of encouraging activity across the site and the wider area. Tying in with initiatives such as City of Melbourne's <a href="/news/transforming-southbank-boulevard-and-dodds-street">Transforming Southbank Boulevard</a> project, MCM will create a new active linear axis between Sturt Street and Dodds Street.

Dodds Street has been earmarked by the City Of Melbourne as a prime candidate for conversion to a pedestrian thoroughfare, providing Southbank with additional public space.

Located across from the West Block of the Melbourne University's adjoining campus, this new connector will see the reconfiguration of a number of existing onsite buildings in order to deliver plazas, lawns, more intimate parks and courtyards, set around a common pedestrian pathway. It's expected that when these outdoor spaces (including performance areas) are not utilised by university students, they will be made available to outside organisations.

<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/image38_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Exterior perspective. Image: Image: John Wardle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="267" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image38_5.jpg?itok=lWdk-YlY" title="Exterior perspective. Image: Image: John Wardle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Exterior perspective. Image: Image: John Wardle</figcaption></figure>According to the advertised documents, the MCM's design is in part based upon four key themes held within the wider ranging <a href="http://archive.creative.vic.gov.au/files/ea1c6732-f4f6-4c04-b8c0-a2d0012231f0/Melbourne_Arts_Precinct_Blueprint.pdf">Melbourne Arts Precinct Blueprint</a>. They are:

<ul>
<li>Bring life to the streets</li>
	<li>Create a ‘Melbourne’ experience</li>
	<li>More to see and do</li>
	<li>Make connections</li>
</ul>
Further, the following design principles have been instilled within the MCM design:

<ul>
<li>Green Spine: Green infrastructure such as semi-advanced tree planting and water sensitive urban design. Rain gardens will tie the open space together as a green spine</li>
	<li>Landscape Structure: The East and West ends of the open space will be designed as urban anchors. Materials and landscape form will be responsive to the design and/or strategic objectives of Sturt Street and Dodds Street</li>
	<li>Landscape Character: The open space will be comprised of three segments responding uniquely to their surrounding context such as street and buildings interface</li>
	<li>Intimate Spaces: Provide a series of small-scale spaces that provide comfortable locations for individual comfortable spaces for day to day use such as lunch, having coffee, studying and reading</li>
	<li>Performance Fields: The design will incorporate a level of spatial flexibility</li>
	<li>Pedestrian Movement: The open space will provide a strong connection between Sturt Street and Dodds Street for pedestrians. Secondary linkages into the adjacent VCA campus will provided. The plans for building 877 will provide a future food or beverage outlet and bicycle storage</li>
	<li>Frontages &amp; Sight Lines: The interfaces with both Sturt Street and Dodds Street will have considered design responds. Critically the interface with Dodds Street will be designed in coordination with the City of Melbourne</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image36_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Landscape plan for the project. Image: John Wardle/ASPECT Studios"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="352" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image36_3.jpg?itok=VbkcEiXx" title="Landscape plan for the project. Image: John Wardle/ASPECT Studios" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Landscape plan for the project. Image: John Wardle/ASPECT Studios</figcaption></figure>To facilitate the above principles, demolition will be required across two sensitive and historic buildings.

Building 877 fronting Sturt Street will be partly demolished, while building 878 is set for full demolition. This demolition will allow for an expanded public realm and the activation of the site's edges with a cafe and end of trip facilities earmarked for the overhauled spaces. Both buildings are partially included under heritage overlay (HO389).

Heritage aside, the new MCM looks to have squared away both its tertiary and public intentions, while also adding itself to the growing list of remedies designed to bring Southbank's somewhat flailing public realm up to scratch.

Construction expected to commence during 2017.
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Southbank street life flourishes under the new Melbourne Conservatorium of Music proposal

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The development team behind one of Melbourne's most recent commercial tower applications has had right of reply to City of Melbourne's varied concerns regarding their proposal located at 267-271 Spring Street.

Property fund manager and developer ISPT has Australian Unity pencilled in as the prospective project's tenant, with John Wardle Architects handed the task of creating the modern edifice above the current low-rise heritage buildings onsite. Post the project's submission during June of this year, City of Melbourne have raised concerns regarding a variety of aspects relating to the development.

Last week Urbis responded on behalf of the development team.

<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/image41_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The project's Little Lonsdale Street perspective. Planning image: Urbis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="373" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image41_6.jpg?itok=VRIBT64d" title="The project's Little Lonsdale Street perspective. Planning image: Urbis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The project's revised Little Lonsdale Street perspective. Planning image: Urbis</figcaption></figure>Many of City of Melbourne's concerns focus on the project's impact upon the heritage buildings in the immediate area, along with the appropriateness of the tower's form. The concerns in many ways mirror the stance taken by Melbourne Heritage Action, which considers the proposal to be <a href="https://melbourneheritage.org.au/2016/07/01/call-for-action-objection-to-facadism-of-elms-famil-hotel-and-demolition-of-surrounding-heritage/">demonstrative to the heritage precint's overall existing character</a>.

<blockquote>
Not only will the proposed office block involve the facadism of the 1925 Elms Family Hotel, it will dominate other heritage buildings on the site, like the 1913 Mission Hall, and the cottage on Casselden Place behind. It will also destroy some of the last remnants of the famous (infamous!) ‘Little Lon’ district, including the last section of Griffin Lane, and two small-scale 1920s red brick buildings that do not have individual heritage protection.

Melbourne Heritage Action believes that the precinct as a whole, from the Mission in Spring Street down to Oddfellows Hotel, is one that should obviously have been made a Heritage Precinct many years ago. This group of buildings not only creates an area and streetscape that hasn’t changed since the 1920s, but is the largest intact remnant of the notorious ‘Little Lon’ area.

<cite>Melbourne Heritage Action</cite>
</blockquote>

As of last week 38 objectors had taken their concerns to Council.

<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/image46_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The tower's exterior. Planning image: John Wardle architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="629" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_6.jpg?itok=DtA-1m6M" title="The tower's exterior. Planning image: John Wardle architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The tower's exterior. Planning image: John Wardle architects</figcaption></figure><a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/property-information/planning-building-registers/Pages/town-planning-permits-register-search-results.aspx?appid=257302">Urbis' response</a> acknowledges the concerns raised by the objectors, while also asking Council to consider the "balance of objectives sought by the planning scheme and the extended consultation process conducted between the proponent and Council." Further to this Urbis point out that 267-271 Spring Street with Australian Unity in tow would be a boost to the CBD's economic success, given very few permitted commercial developments have proceeded to construction within the CBD during recent years.

For the most, the development team's response justifies the design ethos and outcome of the originally submitted scheme. Essentially Urbis' response adds further weight to the development team's stance, rather than making wholesale changes to the tower's design.

Concerns regarding heritage issues, setbacks to Spring Street and Littler Lonsdale Street, the project's perceived community benefit (or lack of), overshadowing and overlooking have all been addressed by Urbis. Following consultation with Melbourne Heritage Action and other vested parties, the only discernible changes to the proposal have been to retain the internal rear and side walls of the Elms Hotel and a change to the podium treatments to Little Lonsdale by way of additional glazing.

Beyond the above machinations, 267-271 Spring Street's fate lies in the hands of City of Melbourne, with a final approval decision likely to be some months away.
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Key sticking points hammered out as ISPT seeks approval for its Spring Street tower

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Epworth HealthCare is about to embark upon a large-scale redevelopment of the Freemasons Hospital, providing a new state of the art Cancer Centre in the process.

The not-for-profit hospital has lodged plans with Melbourne City Council that would see the new centre provide a single point of care facility for patients within the East Melbourne Health and Knowledge Precinct. Epworth Freemasons emerges as the finishing touches are applied to major redevelopments of two additional Epworth facilities in both Richmond and Geelong.

Two new buildings are key to the Freemasons project, with one fronting Grey Street and the other Albert Street. Health architecture firm Silver Thomas Hanley is joined by John Wardle Architects for the design of the revamped Freemasons..

<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/image84_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The new Grey Street building. Imahe courtesy Epworth"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="360" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image84_3.jpg?itok=3u3pc1Rg" title="The new Grey Street building. Imahe courtesy Epworth" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The new Grey Street building. Imahe courtesy Epworth</figcaption></figure>Demolition of the existing nurses quarters to Grey Street and the administration ‘flat’ building to Albert Street is expected, with a number of other services relocated to allow for the redevelopment.

Grey Street will host a ten storey facility dubbed the Grey Street Centre which will accommodate spaces for education/training, day procedure and theatre rooms, with the bulk of space absorbed by medical consulting suites. Lower levels of the building will be integrated with the existing Freemasons facility.

Albert Street on the other hand will present as a single level building, yet hold six levels of basement car parking for 309 vehicles below what will become an integrated patient drop off and primary hospital entrance point.

With an estimated cost of development valued at $53 million, Epworth Freemasons follows in the steps of two substantially larger developments underpinned by the healthcare provider.

<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_1112.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Epworth Richmond's Lee Wing is externally complete"><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_1112.jpg?itok=gOkz7uzY" title="Epworth Richmond's Lee Wing is externally complete" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Epworth Richmond's Lee Wing is externally complete</figcaption></figure>Kane Constructions have freshly completed the first phase of Epworth Richmond's Erin Street development. Known as Lee Wing, the building is the first to front Erin Street in a project that when completed beyond 2020 will add an additional 96,000 sqm of Gross Building Area to the existing complex.

Whilst the Silver Thomas Hanley-designed scheme for the entire Epworth Richmond holds an estimated construction cost of $700 million, Lee Wing is valued at in excess of $120 million.

Lee Wing building features include a new Emergency Department, an Intensive Care Unit, new operating theatres, inpatient accommodation and new consulting suites above a five level basement car park with over 250 spaces.

<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/2_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Epworth Geelong. Image courtesy Silver Thomas Hanley"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2_3.jpg?itok=KydN9F6x" title="Epworth Geelong. Image courtesy Silver Thomas Hanley" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Epworth Geelong. Image courtesy Silver Thomas Hanley</figcaption></figure>Brookfiled Multiplex are also approaching the finishing line for Epworth Geelong. Located in Waurn Ponds the $447 million hospital will be developed over four stages with stage one set to be unveiled mid year.

In conjunction with nearby Deakin University the hospital will act as an extension to the education precinct,  whilst also catering toward a host of medical applications. Clinical training for undergraduate/postgraduate medical, nursing and allied health students will be made available within the new hospital.

Epworth Geelong was listed as Victoria’s second largest building project in 2014 in terms of value of permits issued.
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Freemasons to be redeveloped as Epworth continues to develop

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Synonymous with large-scale commercial developments for much of its history, Cbus Property is increasingly turning its hand to apartment development in Melbourne. The unique property investor and developer - backed by its superannuation parent - has recently lodged plans for a sizeable Collingwood development, its fifth current Melbourne residential apartment pursuit.

With the lodgement of plans for 61-71 Wellington Street Collingwood, Cbus Property now holds hundreds of apartments in its Melbourne development pipeline in addition to the 408 dwellings currently under construction over two Melbourne sites.

<h2>The latest addition</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image72_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cbus Property's latest pursuit. Images courtesy John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="316" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image72_0.jpg?itok=3J_27jWH" title="Cbus Property's latest pursuit. Images courtesy John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cbus Property's latest pursuit. Images courtesy John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>61-71 Wellington Street and 37-39 Langridge Street, Collingwood</li>
	<li>13 level residential development</li>
	<li>196 dwellings: 98 x 1BR, 82 x 2BR and 16 x 3BR</li>
	<li>163 car parking spaces and 93 bicycle spaces within three basement levels</li>
	<li>117sqm retail space</li>
	<li>Three commercial spaces: 392sqm total</li>
</ul>
Designed by John Wardle Architects, the proposed glazed tower is to sit behind a partially retained and restored brick facade onsite, with new podium brickwork set to match the existing exteriors.

John Wardle Architects provided a design response for the project, which reads as follows:

<blockquote>
The Collingwood silos have been a significant part of Melbourne's skyline since the expansion of industry and the development of production in the mid 20th century. Originally used to house Barley for brewery/malting works, today the remaining silos are either idle or have been converted into apartment buildings.

The apartment building slab edges have been generated using a negative imprint of a cylindrical form that contextually references the historical Collingwood silos. The curved, scalloped slab edges are expressed around the entire perimeter of the building which also form the apartment balconies.
<cite>Design statement, John Wardle Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>The Cbus juggernaut gathers momentum</h2>

Construction progress on <a href="/buildings/35-spring-street-melbourne">35 Spring Street</a> is set to hasten as the premium 43 level residential tower moves beyond its podium structure, while North Melbourne's <a href="/buildings/assembly-181-capel-street-north-melbourne">Assembly</a> sees its concrete structure for the 138 associated apartments nearing the midway point. Assembly was purchased from private developer Equiset just as public sales began for the project.

It remains to be seen what will be achieved with Cbus Property's forthcoming <a href="/news/cbus-enters-west-melbourne-with-9-dryburgh-street">9 Dryburgh Street</a> West Melbourne project which was met with refusal from Melbourne City Council during April 2015, although is now shown as being at referral. In its initial guise 9 Dryburgh Street would have seen 217 apartment over 13 levels, although Cbus now suggests a yield of approximately 160 apartments is likely with construction commencement anticipated during 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/image64_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Assembly's progress and a more recent image of 447 Collins Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="676" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image64_3.jpg?itok=kdXxWzC7" title="Assembly's progress and a more recent image of 447 Collins Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Assembly's progress and a more recent image of 447 Collins Street</figcaption></figure>Last in line is 447 Collins Street which in previous incarnations has involved residential applications within the mixed-use project. With reports a revised planning application is set to be lodged shortly, it is likely a portion of the project will be set aside for apartments which would command top dollar given the project's premier location and unimpeded southerly views.

Incidentally should the project resemble the above recent render, the upper reaches of 447 Collins Street will bring a new design dynamic to the Melbourne skyline; perhaps a unique selling point for future apartment sales?
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Cbus Property pushes further into the Melbourne residential market

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Stonnington City Council are assessing a planning application that marks the return of John Wardle Architects into the Melbourne development sphere. Small in stature but high in design articulation, 424 Malvern Road Prahran represents the practice's first notable local project since the <a href="http://www.johnwardlearchitects.com/projects/project/40-melbourne-school-of-design">Melbourne School of Design</a> was completed during mid 2014.

Incidentally the Prahran residential development holds a certain amount of design commonality with the Melbourne School of Design, with its upper levels also employing a transparent metal facade. With a nominal development value of $6.75 million, proponent 424 Malvern Road Developments Pty Ltd looks set to aim the project squarely at the high-end market; apartment sizes within the development range between 73sqm for a single bedroom abode to 157sqm for a three bedroom dwelling.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image40_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design and design impetus. Image courtesy John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="213" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_2.jpg?itok=D0PMUGRp" title="Design and design impetus. Image courtesy John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Design and design impetus. Image courtesy John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>John Wardle design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
A two storey podium, comprising of brick and steel framed openings, provides an articulated and balanced transition from the two-storey town-houses on Francis Street to the Victorian era commercial buildings situated along Malvern Road.

The ground plane, activated by a series of apertures and portals, reveals the use and activities of the spaces within. The main address for the apartments is on Francis Street and maintains the residential nature of this street. A large picture window showcases the inner mechanics of a triple height car stacker storage system, a reference to the history of the local automobile industry on the site.

A double height void within the café illuminates as a lantern, signifying the prominence of the corner intersection of Malvern Road and Francis Street. The apartments above are generously sized, each with considered orientation to maximize views, daylight and ventilation to living and bedroom spaces.

Transient in nature, each operative screen responds to the individual, creating an inhabited edge that is in a constant state of flux. Their materiality and colour are mute, acting as a counterpoint to the earthy character of the brick podium. The upper portion of the building appears more ephemeral than its base and merges with the background of a typical Melbourne cloudy sky.
<cite>John Wardle Architects, Design Response Report</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/image37_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the retail interior. Image courtesy John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37_3.jpg?itok=Fz9Hob7J" title="Artist's impression of the retail interior. Image courtesy John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the retail interior. Image courtesy John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure>John Wardle's design for 424 Malvern Road replaces a previously approved <a href="http://www.conradarchitects.com/project/prahran-apartments">golden multi-level building</a> by Conrad Architects for the site.

<h2>Stonnington planning wrap</h2>

Further along Malvern Road and a planning application for a large mixed-use residential and medical development has been rejected by Council. Highlighted by Apartments.com.au via this <a href="/news/planning-application-310-324-malvern-road-prahran">article</a>, 310-324 Malvern Road &amp; 99 Bendigo Street Prahran has since gone to appeal with proponent Victoria House Nominees Pty Ltd slated to have their case heard during November.

The ROTHELOWMAN-designed complex features 158 apartments in addition to a seven level hospital and medical centre fronting Malvern Road.

<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/image34_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposals covering Malvern Road, Porter Street and High Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="209" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_4.jpg?itok=d9e47WqD" title="Proposals covering Malvern Road, Porter Street and High Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposals covering Malvern Road, Porter Street and High Street</figcaption></figure>Elsewhere in Prahran and entity 18 Porter Street Pty Ltd has resubmitted plans for 14-28 Porter Street which has been redesigned to accommodate 99 dwellings within an eight storey building. BG Architecture have designed the complex which also includes 124 car parking spaces. To Windsor and Hayball have designed a seven level building at 168-176 High Street Windsor.

Currently before Stonnington City Council, the scheme looks at add 68 apartments and three ground level retail tenancies behind a retained heritage facade.
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