Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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Joel Robinson

First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

La Trobe University

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Construction is now underway on La Trobe University’s $100 million student accommodation project at its Melbourne campus in Bundoora.
It is the largest investment for a single project in the university’s history.
The project is part of a $5 billion plan to transform its Bundoora campus into a University City of the Future.
JCB Architects have designed the sustainable and environmentally-conscious spaces, with construction by Multiplex.
Providing an additional 624 beds, the accommodation will be delivered in two new buildings that will utilise mass timber construction to be the largest project of its kind in Victoria.
The accommodation will comprise a range of apartments and common amenities spaces, as well as landscaping connecting the two buildings.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/26/18-040_La%20Trobe_6%20-%20Photo.jpg" alt="">
La Trobe’s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar said the project will greatly enhance the experience of students living on campus.
“Our exceptional new accommodation will enable more of our students to live on campus, close to where they are studying,” Dewar said.
Graham Burrows, Director at JCB Architects, said the company was thrilled to be part of such an exciting and creative project.
“The design of the new buildings is very much inspired by the extraordinary landscape in which they sit,” Burrows said.
“As the largest mass timber project in Victoria, the buildings will not only offer huge environmental benefits, but they will also provide calm and beautiful spaces in and around which both resident students and the wider La Trobe community can interact.”
Multiplex Regional Director Ross Snowball said this is an innovative and ambitious project which Multiplex is also pleased to be part of.
“We are particularly passionate about emerging design technologies which respond to environmental and sustainability needs, and we love working with universities – so this project perfectly marries the two and I’m really looking forward to seeing the outcome next year,” Snowball said.
Dewar said the accommodation development project would be a major boost to the local economy, with construction supporting more than 500 direct and indirect jobs.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

La Trobe University starts $100 million student accommodation project at Bundoora campus

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Earlier this week, La Trobe University and the Victorian State Government announced a $2 million scoping and feasibility study and the official launch of the 'University City of the Future' at La Trobe's Bundoora Campus. This will stimulate and accelerate the transformation of the 235-hectare campus into a multi-precinct, City of the Future, with the potential to deliver $5bn in investment, 20,000+ new jobs and $3.5 billion in Gross Regional Product (GRP) over the next decade.

The University City of the Future has been described as a game changer with the campus expected to become "the engine room for jobs and economic development" in Melbourne’s north. The partnership supports the Andrews' Government's recent election commitment to build the <a href="/news/victorian-government-unveils-suburban-rail-loop-election-proposal">Suburban Rail Link</a>, including a new La Trobe Station at the University’s Bundoora campus.

<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/universitycityofthefuture.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of how the $5bn University. Image: La Trobe University"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/universitycityofthefuture.jpg?itok=j5XW4VXj" title="Artist's impression of how the $5bn University. Image: La Trobe University" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of how the $5bn University. Image: La Trobe University</figcaption></figure>The announcement of the scoping and feasibility study will help prioritise activity to attract private investment into seven distinct development sub-precincts:

<ul>
<li>A world-class research and innovation Precinct, leveraging La Trobe’s research and innovation strengths in Agriculture, Food and Fibre, Health and Wellbeing and Digital Technologies and Cybersecurity;</li>
	<li>Delivering an expanded private hospital as the first stage of a major new Health and Wellbeing Hub, which will include aged care, childcare and super-clinic facilities;</li>
	<li>Delivering first-class education facilities for more than 40,000 university students;</li>
	<li>Providing new residential accommodation for 12,000 residents, including staff and students (the equivalent of adding a city approximately the size of two Castlemaines);</li>
	<li>Developing a new city centre with a suitable mix of commercial, retail and cultural facilities;</li>
	<li>Finalising the third stage of La Trobe’s $150 million Sports Park, which uniquely combines elite sport and community participation (10,000 community visitors each weekend) with sector-leading research and teaching; and  maintaining and improving access the University’s eco-corridor for all to enjoy.</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/researchandinnovationprecinct.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the Research and Innovation Precinct. Image: La Trobe University"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/researchandinnovationprecinct.jpg?itok=8e-EciSL" title="Artist's impression of the Research and Innovation Precinct. Image: La Trobe University" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the Research and Innovation Precinct. Image: La Trobe University</figcaption></figure>The University City of the Future announcement follows Planning Minister Richard Wynne's endorsement of the planning amendment for the Health and Wellbeing Hub and the Research and Innovation Precinct.

This provides planning certainty for developers of the two precincts and enables the projects to commence as soon as possible. Once fully completed, the hub will include a new private hospital, aged care, childcare and super clinic facilities. Healthscope was recently appointed as the preferred private hospital operator of the Health and Wellbeing Hub.

The hub will be located on a 3.55-hectare parcel of University-owned land facing Plenty Road, at the northern entrance to the Bundoora campus. The site is only 3 kilometres from the Ring Road and 15 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD.

<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/healthandwellbeinghub1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the Health and Wellbeing Hub. Image: La Trobe University"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/healthandwellbeinghub1.jpg?itok=z5Kx0Ql6" title="Artist's impression of the Health and Wellbeing Hub. Image: La Trobe University" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the Health and Wellbeing Hub. Image: La Trobe University</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
The University City of the Future is a gamechanger for Melbourne’s north and has the potential to create 20,000 jobs and drive $5 billion in investment over the next ten years.

Victoria has some of the best universities in the world – this development will help to cement that reputation and drive economic growth for our northern suburbs.

- Ben Carroll, Minister for Industry and Employment
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
This funding partnership is warmly welcomed. The official launch of the City of the Future signals a significant new step forward with Government to transform our Bundoora campus into a thriving University City of the Future, which will act as a catalyst for economic growth, innovation and jobs creation – particularly in the vital areas of health and well-being, digital and cyber innovation, and agriculture, food and fibre.

We are turning our campus ‘inside out’, welcoming our local communities to new and dynamic spaces, where community, industry, students and staff will work, live and learn.

The proposed new rail link and La Trobe station will be fantastic for students and staff at La Trobe, and for the communities and industries that surround our campus.

- Professor John Dewar, La Trobe Vice-Chancellor
</blockquote>

 
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Laurence Dragomir

La Trobe University's $5 billion University City of the Future receives funding

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Initially dubbed the La Trobe Melbourne Building Project, the now Sylvia Walton Building at La Trobe University's Bundoora campus stands as a beacon for eclectic design and cutting edge student facilities. Having been completed early in the year, the complex is named after former Chancellor of La Trobe University, Dr Sylvia Walton AO.

Construction commenced during 2012 and upon completion the facility opened its doors during April, providing a hub for prospective international and domestic students to expedite their tertiary studies. According to La Trobe University "The exciting new 7,500 square metre building has been designed by Lyons Architects and includes a range of teaching, collaborative, administrative and office spaces which will house both La Trobe Melbourne and also La Trobe International."

<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_4626.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sylvia Walton Building"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/IMG_4626.jpg?itok=OTDtFJBb" title="Sylvia Walton Building" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sylvia Walton Building</figcaption></figure><h2>Project highlights</h2>

<ul>
<li>6 levels with 7,500 sq.m of available space</li>
	<li>Project budget of $45 million, internally funded and completed under budget</li>
	<li>Teaching, collaborative, break out spaces, administrative and office space included</li>
	<li>Non-potable water drawn from adjoining moat, roof-harvesting system included</li>
	<li>Targeted 5 Star Green Star rating</li>
</ul>
<h2>Lyons to a T</h2>

The design is quintessential Lyons; edgy, challenging, uncomfortable and altogether unusual! The architecture firm employed 200 precast panels to constitute an almost herringbone facade pattern, punctuated by large, irregularly shaped ans sized glazed voids.

Avoiding a darker palette typical of many contemporary Melbourne edifices, Sylvia Walton Building's light precast facade is accentuated by Sandune, Wattle, Terracotta and Cinnamon aluminium trim. Whilst discerning itself with an 'outrageous' facade relative to its dated neighbouring buildings, the use of similar colours still provides a sympathetic interface of sorts with the existing cream brick Education and Humanities wings. This is further aided by a new landscaped area tying Sylvia Walton Building in with its neighbours.

<blockquote>
The firm designs projects which are responsive to and expressive of a contemporary experience of local and global culture - a world of ideas, new media, technologies and rapidly changing urbanism. Lyons work is committed to and interested in the history and culture of ideas and how ideas can be used to create meaningful contemporary architecture.
<cite><a href="http://www.lyonsarch.com.au/what-we-do/">Lyons: What We Do</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Take from that what you will but I for one believe Lyons have indeed created meaningful contemporary architecture via the Sylvia Walton Building.

<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/SetWidth780-130725_lims_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The La Trobe University Institute for Molecular Science at dusk. Images © Lyons"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="595" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/SetWidth780-130725_lims_14.jpg?itok=5EABiiU2" title="The La Trobe University Institute for Molecular Science at dusk. Images © Lyons" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The La Trobe University Institute for Molecular Science at dusk. Images © Lyons</figcaption></figure><h2>The La Trobe - Lyons collaboration</h2>

Not for the first time I mention the Lyons legacy; the firm has produced a rich vein of unique and intriguing projects in recent years that command attention. Sylvia Walton Building is not the only example of Lyons work at La Trobe University's Bundoora campus.

Completed late summer, the La Trobe University Institute for Molecular Science complex seen above is another stand out Lyons creation. Disciplines such as biochemistry, chemistry and genetics collaborate with one another and guide students within the six level complex that concerns itself with three areas - research, teaching and learning.

Both are highly impressive seen in the flesh, but for now enjoy the set of images below highlighting La Trobe University's newest addition, Sylvia Walton Building.

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Briefing Architect: Spowers</li>
	<li>Quantity Surveyor: WT Partnership</li>
	<li>Architect: Lyons</li>
	<li>Service &amp; ESD: Norman Disney Young</li>
	<li>Structural &amp; Civil: Bonacci</li>
	<li>Landscaping: Outlines</li>
	<li>Hydraulics: C.J. Arms</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: PLP Building Surveyors &amp; Consultants</li>
	<li>Acoustics: AECOM</li>
	<li>Contractor: Kane Constructions</li>
</ul>
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