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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Lendlease

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Another nod to the unique talents of Lyons Architecture opened its doors during the early stages of 2015. Monash University's Clayton campus is home to Green Chemical Futures, a multi-level complex dedicated toward academic and industrial research within the chemicals sector.

A culmination of a Federal Government initiative that began during 2000, Green Chemical Futures is the latest Lyons-designed building to challenge conventional design. With the main east-facing facade reminiscent of a molecular structure, Green Chemical Futures also caters for Monash University's School of Chemistry

Green Chemical Futures' lower levels contain teaching and learning spaces while the upper floors will house research and translational facilities. Still the exterior makes the building. In typical Lyons fashion a range of colours, shapes and finishes have been applied to create a world-class form, without needing to sacrifice function.

<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_6015.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green Chemical Futures "><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_6015.jpg?itok=oo2YOrUT" title="Green Chemical Futures " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green Chemical Futures</figcaption></figure><h2>Features and capabilities</h2>

<ul>
<li>9500 square metre multi-level, 5 star green rated building</li>
	<li>Budget: $79.56 million - funded by the Federal Government</li>
	<li>Location: North West Precinct at Monash University's Clayton Campus</li>
	<li>In excess of 100 chemists and engineers will work within the complex</li>
	<li>17 specialist sectors, training programmes for industry practitioners and new laboratory spaces</li>
	<li>New laboratory spaces available for over 1000 students and 100 industry partners</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
GCF will support the academic and industrial research within the chemicals sector in Australia and will provide world-class research to expand Australia's 'green workforce'.

Green Chemical Futures will house over 100 chemists and engineers and allow the growth of basic science research to targeted industry-driven research. It will have 17 specialist sectors, training programmes for industry practitioners and new laboratory spaces available for over 1000 students and 100 industry partners.

The lower levels of the building will contain teaching and learning spaces and the upper floors will house research and translational facilities, with double-height foyer and voids spaces linking the levels and collaboration spaces throughout.
<cite>Monash University</cite>
</blockquote>

Capabilities include:

<ul>
<li>Green analytical/separation/polymer chemistry</li>
	<li>Cleaner synthesis - organic, inorganic and organometallic</li>
	<li>Catalysis and bio-catalysis</li>
	<li>Green electro- and photo-chemistry</li>
	<li>Bioconversion - New materials from biomass</li>
	<li>Biomimetic devices</li>
	<li>Nanomaterials</li>
	<li>Professional education and training</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/img_6025.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="GCF's interior stair case"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6025.jpg?itok=B2CM8m0a" title="GCF's interior stair case" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>GCF's interior stair case</figcaption></figure>In addition to the main works which were undertaken by Lend Lease, Australian Native Landscape Constructions is in the process of rolling out landscaping and civil works for the project. The area surrounding Green Chemical Futures was designed by Outlines Landscape Architects and includes multiple lawn areas, in excess of 7,000sqm of paving, decking and 5,500sqm of soft landscaping.

The Green Chemical Futures buildings follows in the footsteps of another Lyons design close by, namely <a href="/news/a-lyons-masterclass">New Horizons</a> which was completed during 2013.

<h2>Next in line</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/image8_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brimbank Community and Civic Centre. Image courtesy Lyons"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_0.jpg?itok=cwnM7Qbx" title="Brimbank Community and Civic Centre. Image courtesy Lyons" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brimbank Community and Civic Centre. Image courtesy Lyons</figcaption></figure>Melbourne won't have to wait long for the next Lyons project to take shape with their scheme for City of Brimbank's new Community and Civic Centre in its infancy. Kane Constructions are in charge of the project which will see a new 12,000sqm complex replace the former Sunshine Library site at Hampshire Road, Sunshine.

With a new library, community spaces and municipal offices included within the development, the exterior will carry a typically a-typical Lyons finish with orange/yellow highlight drawing upon the City of Brimbank logo and a sawtooth design harking upon the site's former use. Lyons were appointed to the project following an invited design competition.

<h2>Comment</h2>

The staff at Apartments.com.au have had the opportunity to meet and peruse many an architectural office in recent times and often enough the office/work environment is reflective of the firm in question. Whether it's austere, brash or minimalist, a parallel can often enough be drawn.

I haven't seen the internal workings of Lyons' office but I could guess it to be similar to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I'm an unabashed fan of their work as it hits a point on the design 'spectrum' that no other firm does.

The firm's educational, research and civic projects simply don't conform to sensibility, and that's what makes Lyons Architecture one of a kind… let's see some more!

Enjoy the image set of Monash University's Green Chemical Futures building below.
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silvermb

Green Chemical Futures another Lyons marvel

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The next installment of Lend Lease's Victoria Harbour precinct appears to be near with a clutch of images online prior to the project heading through the necessary channels. Eagle-eyed Apartments.com.au member Nicholas Harrison unearthed the images of 889 Collins Street which have appeared on a handful of Chinese property websites.

It must be said Apartments.com.au's grasp of Chinese is not exactly up to scratch so we're not inferring the apartments are for sale, but the preliminary images do nonetheless appear on numerous websites catering toward Chinese apartment buyers. I'd hazard a guess and say it's likely interest is being garnered for the forthcoming project.

<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/image68.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images sourced via off-shore websites"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="182" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image68.jpg?itok=Z7OpCc3V" title="Images sourced via off-shore websites" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images sourced via off-shore websites</figcaption></figure>Perched on the southern bank of Victoria Harbour, images indicate 889 Collins Street consists of two residential towers on the vicinity of 31 and 25 levels. Both towers sit atop a large, active podium which looks to front both Collins Street and Corporation Road.

Given both towers seem to be of a residential nature, the project can expect in excess of 400 apartments if the adjoining <a href="/buildings/888-collins-street-docklands">888 Collins Street</a> is any example. To 889 Collins Street's east lies a number of as yet unrealised commercial buildings, namely <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">875 Collins Street</a> and <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">839 Collins Street</a> while a vast tract of land stretches west from the intended site to Bolte Bridge.

<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/image62vh.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="888 Collins Street render courtesy Woods Bagot &amp; all three sites in view"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="251" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image62vh.jpg?itok=H1VOPMjk" title="888 Collins Street render courtesy Woods Bagot &amp; all three sites in view" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>888 Collins Street render courtesy Woods Bagot &amp; all three sites in view</figcaption></figure>Directly opposite the expected 889 Collins Street sits Lend Lease's two current builds, namely <a href="/buildings/888-collins-street-docklands">888 Collins Street</a> and <a href="/buildings/concavo-8-waterside-place-docklands">Concavo</a>. After securing excellent presales, the Woods Bagot-designed 888 Collins Street is in its construction infancy while Concavo seen above is now beyond half its eventual height.

With designs from Bates Smart (Conveso &amp; Concavo), Hayball (Docklands Library and adjoining Community Hub) and Woods Bagot (888 Collins Street) jostling for honours around the Collins and Bourke intersection, 889 Collins Street represents a breath of fresh air for Victoria Harbour in that a new architect enters the fray with their first Melbourne project. Sydney-based <a href="http://koichitakada.com/">Koichi Takada Architects</a> are nominated as the firm behind 889 Collins Street.

If the existing Koichi Takada designs below prove to be an apt reference, 889 Collins Street promises to hold its own in both quality and location.

<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/image63_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Koichi Takada Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="248" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_1.jpg?itok=3F032jdX" title="Image © Koichi Takada Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Koichi Takada Architects</figcaption></figure>
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889 Collins Street next for Lend Lease's  Victoria Harbour?

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Last month the City of Melbourne's Future Melbourne committee resolved to provide conditional support for Lend Lease's C1 &amp; C2 commercial development at Batman's Hill within Docklands. Located at 695 Collins Street between Media House and Collins Square, the development consists of two mid scale commercial buildings of 11 and 12-storeys respectively. The two buildings are separated by a north-south pedestrian thoroughfare to be called Market Place Lane linking Collins Street with future stages of the development.

While generally supporting the proposal as a crucial physical and visual link between Docklands and the CBD, City of Melbourne's greatest concerns generally relate to the buildings' appearance and impact. In particular Council's urban design department were critical of the horizontal emphasis and uniformity of the design, which they argue produces the visual effect of a singular homogenous building mass.

This homogenous building mass it's argued would create a barrier and a less inviting pedestrian experience for visitors into the City Room space - a community space which is proposed to be constructed as part of the later stages of the development plan.

<blockquote>
The same material, colour, line and character of the above-ground levels of both buildings, and the horizontal emphasis of line within them, makes for an apparent effect of one super-long building, not two, and buildings without any visual depth and variety that would be necessary to enable two buildings to be composed in a similar way.

The effect is that these buildings do not afford the richness, appeal and porosity that good city buildings do.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

The report to Future Melbourne goes on to express disappointment that while these concerns were communicated in pre-application meetings they were ultimately not addressed in the lodged documentation. Suggested changes to the detailed design of the facades in order to provide greater definition and articulation between the upper levels of the two buildings was the asked for solution.

<h2>South core artwork</h2>

One interesting aspect of the design is the potential for large-scale artworks on the southern exposed cores of both buildings.

<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/c1_c2_south_elevation.png" rel="gallery-all" title="C1 &amp; C2 South Elevation. © Denton Corker Marshall"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/c1_c2_south_elevation.png?itok=-FNHCNB_" title="C1 &amp; C2 South Elevation. © Denton Corker Marshall" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>C1 &amp; C2 South Elevation. © Denton Corker Marshall</figcaption></figure>As the elevation above illustrates the opportunity exists for a high degree of visual interest on an otherwise monotonous and large surface area; but one that nonetheless requires a thoughtful rather than token design response. No detail for this mooted artwork has been submitted so the exact nature of what and how remains to be seen.

<blockquote>
The proposal to utilise artwork as an acceptable initial way of treating the blank and highly visible southern walls is a big expectation, and risk, despite the expected delivery of future-stage buildings that are likely to shield the artwork from longer views from without the site.

The artwork will have to be well curated and executed, to work with the scale of context and building, and to be effective (meaningful) to both the first-time visitor and to the everyday occupier/ passer-by.
<cite>City of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Comment</h2>

The City of Melbourne's views on the development are generally in keeping with those <a href="/expert-insights/buying/batmans-hill-leaves-much-to-be-desired">previously expressed on Urban.com.au</a>. The scale of both buildings although lower than what was originally indicated in the development plan (which allowed for 90m) in my view is a better outcome from a street level perspective. Theoretically this results in a more inviting pedestrian environment, not just to Collins Street but to the internal public spaces to the south via greater solar access.

The articulation of each individual building as dual volumes of varied height is a good method for reducing the visual mass of a building, however when the same strategy is employed across two buildings which are treated the same way in terms of materials and finishes - it fails to achieve the desired result. A juxtoposition of vertical elements across one building versus horizontal on another may better achieve this.

Primary to this however is the argument as to whether the present scheme goes far enough in terms of design excellence for such a prominent site which boasts a Collins Street frontage. It will be interesting to see whether the City of Melbourne's recommendations are taken on board and how these manifest into a quality design solution, if at all.

Focusing on the southern cores I have looked at some potential applications beyond static artwork. A green wall for instance would help soften and enliven the interface with a public space:

<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/c1_c2_south_elevation_v1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Mock-up of green wall installation to southern cores."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/c1_c2_south_elevation_v1.png?itok=YeEvgCK7" title="Mock-up of green wall installation to southern cores." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mock-up of green wall installation to southern cores.</figcaption></figure>There is also potential for a strong graphic element focusing on the site's history and association with Melbourne founder John Batman:

<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/c1_c2_south_elevation_v2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Mock-up of John Batman and Batman's Hill historical artwork."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/c1_c2_south_elevation_v2.png?itok=gEzn8NC5" title="Mock-up of John Batman and Batman's Hill historical artwork." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mock-up of John Batman and Batman's Hill historical artwork.</figcaption></figure>Let us know what you think is the best strategy for the cores in the comments below.

<h2>Project details</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Lend Lease</li>
	<li>Architect: Denton Corker Marshall</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
<thead><tr>
<th>Aspect</th>
			<th>C1</th>
			<th>C2</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Building Heights</td>
			<td>55.1m</td>
			<td>51.9m</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Setbacks</td>
			<td>None to Collins Street or Aurora Lane</td>
			<td>None to Collins Street and a 12m setback to the eastern site boundary</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>GFA</td>
			<td>20,297m²</td>
			<td>19,079m²</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Car Spaces</td>
			<td>73</td>
			<td>33</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bicycle Spaces</td>
			<td>95</td>
			<td>0</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Staging</td>
			<td colspan="2" rowspan="1">Building C1 and associated public realms will be delivered first, followed by C2 and associated public realms.</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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Laurence Dragomir

The Long and the Short of it: C1 & C2 Batman's Hill

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<blockquote>
The first decade of Docklands was about buildings. The focus has now shifted to delivering the facilities that are the building blocks of a thriving community.
<cite>Gregory Anderson, CEO of Places Victoria.</cite>
</blockquote>

Located on the Collins Street Wharf along the Victoria Harbour waterfront, the Docklands Family Services &amp; Boating Hub (DFSBH) is the second community facility to be delivered through a unique tripartite model between Places Victoria, Lend Lease and the City of Melbourne - the other being the adjacent <a href="/news/talking-up-docklands-newest-showpiece">Library at the Dock</a>. Together these two buildings will form the civic heart of Victoria Harbour and combined with Buluk Park will provide over 8,000 square metres of public space.

The existing Shed 4 which occupies a portion of the site will be partially demolished to allow for construction of the new facility before being completely demolished as future buildings are proposed.

<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/dfsbh_siteplan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Location of new Family Services &amp; Boating Hub building. © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="399" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dfsbh_siteplan.jpg?itok=di-QQ3VC" title="Location of new Family Services &amp; Boating Hub building. © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Location of new Family Services &amp; Boating Hub building. © Hayball</figcaption></figure>Designed by Hayball, the two-storey building draws on the the vernacular of the existing marine buildings of the wharves at Docklands in terms of both scale and materiality. The Collins Street frontage features an undercover pedestrian walkway at ground level with framed glazed windows to allow views into the boating activities and through to the water.

On the eastern side, addressing Buluk Park, the building's roof extends beyond the building line to from a veranda. Materials and finishes proposed externally including feature timber blades, in-situ concrete, folded metal, exterior grade plywood, steel balustrades, and large glazed elements in the form of tilt doors to the north.

The ground floor Boating Hub is planned to accommodate Docklands’ current boating clubs - Victorian Dragon Boat Association, Docklands Yacht Club and Melbourne Outrigger Canoe Club in an approximately 712sqm open plan arrangement, consisting boating storage and associated office and amenities. The layout provides flexibility in the configuration of storage for water craft and equipment and also features a double height space for the provision of masted yachts allowing for views from the upper level.

Access into the building is via a double height common lobby accessed from the corner of Sailmaker Way and Collins Street.

<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/dfsbh_gf_plan.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground Floor Plan showing boating activities. © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="391" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dfsbh_gf_plan.png?itok=ISkjcyL-" title="Ground Floor Plan showing boating activities. © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground Floor Plan showing boating activities. © Hayball</figcaption></figure>The Family Services Centre to be located on the first floor and comprises a 229sqm multi-purpose/function space to accommodate approximately 120 people, a 540sqm family services hub comprising a reception area, consulting rooms, play-group room, program room and outdoor playground.

The function space is open plan and provides direct access to a 30sqm viewing terrace. Amenities are located centrally within the plan and serve both the function space and the family services hub.

<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/dfsbh_ff_plan.png" rel="gallery-all" title="First Floor Plan illustrating programmatic arrangements of Family Services centre. © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dfsbh_ff_plan.png?itok=AY7NQpID" title="First Floor Plan illustrating programmatic arrangements of Family Services centre. © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>First Floor Plan illustrating programmatic arrangements of Family Services centre. © Hayball</figcaption></figure>Additionally the interim public realm design response includes a number of improvements proposed to the public realm over two stages:

<ul>
<li>The completion of Sailmaker Way to the eastern building line in bluestone pavement.</li>
	<li>The construction of the Collins Street footpath up to and adjacent to the entrance of the building.</li>
	<li>The construction of timber edge and seating to the edge of the Promenade.</li>
	<li>The provision of street lighting and bins on the northern side of Collins Street in accordance with City of Melbourne’s standards for Docklands.</li>
	<li>The construction of Collins Street within the bounds of the subject site including the construction of the bluestone pavements and car park bays to the north and south side of Collins Street.</li>
	<li>The provision of street furniture including lighting, bins, seats and bike hoops along Collins Street in accordance with City of Melbourne’s standards for Docklands.</li>
	<li>The provision of street trees along the south side of Collins Street.</li>
</ul>
Buildings such as the DFSBH and Library at the Dock are critical community infrastructure projects as they provide the waterfront with a much more human scale experience whilst also ensuring that larger public spaces such as Buluk Park are afforded access to adequate sunlight and remain desirable spaces to visit and engage. The injection of a diverse programme which differ from the largely retail focused tenancies at ground level add a further dimension to the docks.

The inspired choices of materials and building forms which respond to the waterfront context and built history of the area provide a softer and warmer contrast to the glazed concrete and steel office and residential towers. Further community focused buildings are planned for the waterfront along the northern edge of the peninsula.

The $8.5m facility is due to get underway in October with an anticipated completion date of September 2015.

<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/2719868_1_o.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Docklands Family Services &amp; Boating Hub from Collins Street. © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2719868_1_o.jpg?itok=aOom8x8E" title="Docklands Family Services &amp; Boating Hub from Collins Street. © Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Docklands Family Services &amp; Boating Hub from Collins Street. © Hayball</figcaption></figure>
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Building a Community: Docklands Family Services & Boating Hub

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A valuable piece of Victorian infrastructure officially began work on Tuesday this week, with the first sod of soil turned to signify construction of the new Monash Children's Hospital. Located at Monash Medical Centre Clayton (MMCC), the new 230-bed, purpose-built Monash Children’s Hospital marked construction with Victorian Premier, Dr Denis Napthine joining festivities.

Conceived as a response to the growing need to service Melbourne and Victoria's increasing population, the facility will be one of two statewide tertiary paediatric facilities, and the only venue in the state which provides foetal surgery, thalassemia and paediatric cardiac electro-physiology.

Head contractor Lend Lease Building (Baulderstone) expect the concrete structure to rise skyward by October with dual tower cranes erected either side of the Christmas break. The concrete structure is expected to be finished by August 2015 with full completion roughly a year later, owing to the lengthy fitouts when constructing hospitals.

<h2>Project details</h2>

<ul>
<li>Clients: Monash Health &amp; Victorian Department of Health</li>
	<li>Architect: Silver Thomas Hanley</li>
	<li>Builder: Lend Lease Building (Baulderstone)</li>
	<li>30,000sqm paediatric hospital: Australia’s third largest children’s hospital</li>
	<li>230-bed facility</li>
	<li>completion late 2016</li>
	<li>Cost estimate: $250 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Construction facts</h2>

<ul>
<li>14,000 cubic metres of concrete will be used in construction</li>
	<li>1500 tonnes of reinforcement</li>
	<li>35000m2 of plasterboard will be used</li>
	<li>1000 doors will be installed</li>
	<li>35000m2 of floor finishes including vinyl and carpet</li>
	<li>35000 cubic metres of dirt will be removed</li>
	<li>2-year construction program</li>
	<li>Two tower cranes on site</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/10557445_698604163544184_6428558200327830895_n_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hospital internal render. Image © monashhealth.org"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="442" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/10557445_698604163544184_6428558200327830895_n_1.jpg?itok=ktQXv_sW" title="Hospital internal render. Image © monashhealth.org" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hospital internal render. Image © monashhealth.org</figcaption></figure><h2>Children's joins the TRF</h2>

Monash Children's isn't the only project worthy of note currently under construction at MMCC. With a tower crane visible from far and wide, Lend Lease Building (Baulderstone) have advanced the Translational Research Facility (seen below) to the first floor structure.

Designed as an incubator for knowledge and research, the facility "Will bring together basic and clinical researchers grouped by theme; integrated transitional research laboratories; a dedicated clinical trial centre; a general research centre and common use research platforms." The end result is a research centre designed to enable world-class clinical research, "Translated into best-practise, patient-centred healthcare" according to Monash Health.

<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/mhtp-trf_north.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Monash Health Translation Precinct – Translational Research Facility. Image © monashhealth.org"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mhtp-trf_north.jpg?itok=Csp4ix5Y" title="Monash Health Translation Precinct – Translational Research Facility. Image © monashhealth.org" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Monash Health Translation Precinct – Translational Research Facility. Image © monashhealth.org</figcaption></figure>Valued at $84 million, the Woods Bagot-designed facility secured $71 million via Federal Government funding with the remaining $13m being provided by the project partners. The Translational Research Facility is due for completion late 2015.
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Monash Children's Hospital begins construction

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Docklands and the term 'showpiece' have yet to become close friends, at least within our context. The suburb's newest venue, Library by the Dock, will go some way to correcting that assertion as the venue prepares for its opening on Saturday 31st May.

Conceived by <a href="http://claredesign.com.au/" target="_blank">Clare Design</a>, documented by Hayball, Library at the Dock is a welcome contrast to Victoria Harbour's existing architecture and is designed as a multi-purpose centre consisting of library, community hub, 120 seat performance space and research/education space. To mark the opening, City of Melbourne and Places Victoria have devised a day of celebrations, including activities highlighting Melbourne's status as a UNESCO City of Literature.

<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_5997.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The point at which most visitors will view the new Docklands facility"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5997.jpg?itok=ESlN5CPW" title="The point at which most visitors will view the new Docklands facility" width="580"></a>

<blockquote>
Docklands' next generation Library at the Dock will open its doors on Saturday 31 May with the inaugural Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Oration, presented by acclaimed author, Arnold Zable. The Oration will celebrate Melbourne’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature and mark the opening of Docklands’ spectacular new community hub at the intersection of Bourke and Collins streets.

Activities and programs throughout the open day will showcase the library’s special places and spaces – including the recording studio, performance space, children’s library and the digital, music and entertainment collections. Acting Lord Mayor, Cr Susan Riley said the opening event was the culmination of three years’ work from a unique tri-partnership of Lend Lease, Places Victoria and the City of Melbourne.

“Library at the Dock is the most modern public library, in the most spectacular setting, in Australia,” Cr Riley said. “The Library at the Dock will be a place of inspiration for generations to come. For the creative and the literary, for students and for families, this building will provide Docklands with a civic heart. “Globally Melbourne is recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature and this exciting new facility will enrich the culture of our city and the community of Docklands.”
<cite><a href="http://www.places.vic.gov.au/news-and-publications/media-releases/docklands-next-generation-library-to-open-its-doors2">Docklands' next generation library to open its doors - Places Victoria</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<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_5990.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Open space the order of the day"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5990.jpg?itok=6WtpH31E" title="Open space the order of the day" width="580"></a>

If talking about first impressions, Library at the Dock garners positive outcomes with the earthy feel, contrast and small-scale intimacy of the area working quite well. Whether by design or fault, the aqua reflections to the dark under canopy brings a shimmering, dynamic quality to the northern facade as well.

Library at the Dock distinguishes itself within the existing paved context quite well, by way of timber decking stretching from the edge of Victoria Harbour through to Collins Street/North Wharf Road to the south. While the architecture of Victoria Harbour can be hit-and-miss, the open spaces are generally excellent and Library at the Dock's associated park is no exception. It is functional, well sized and looks great.

<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_5991.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The finishing touches"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5991.jpg?itok=MQxDq-wG" title="The finishing touches" width="580"></a>

With additional community facilities to the west of Library at the Dock either planned or seeking approval, the area is envisaged as the thriving heart of Victoria Harbour. If these additions are to the standard of Library at the Dock, there will be plenty more positives to talk about down at Docklands soon enough.
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Talking up Docklands' newest showpiece

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Lend Lease have circulated an April newsletter for their forthcoming <a href="http://www.batmanshillcollinsstreet.com.au/">Batman's Hill</a> development which outlines plans for the two commercial buildings that will front Melbourne's premier locale: Collins Street. Included within the newsletter are images of the dual commercial buildings that as of last week were submitted to State planning body DTPLI for assessment.

Upon first glance last week - and up to this point - little has changed in my opinion of these two proposed buildings.

<h2>Why 695 Collins Street disappoints</h2>

<ul>
<li>In isolation the design has little architectural flair, befitting of a suburban office park rather than a Collins Street address. The duplicated design offers a sheer wall effect with little visual permeability to what lies behind.</li>
	<li>700 Collins Street directly opposite and AXA at 750 Collins Street nearby are prime examples of simplistic, uninviting early Docklands designs which have been roundly criticised. A decade later and 695 Collins displays little design progression.</li>
	<li>Lend Lease trumpet Sydney's Barangaroo as a "Once in a 200 year opportunity to create a bold new place to live, work and visit." If 695 Collins Street is a precursor to a 'bold' Batman's Hill precinct, we have a problem.</li>
	<li>Street level finishes at this point are lacking style and substance. What seem to be odd-sized, composite panel-clad boxes lining Collins Street; they look cheap although in fairness are infinitely more active than the monstrosity that is <a href="http://www.750collinsstreet.com.au/sites/750collins/files/1332_35.jpg">750 Collins Street</a>.</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/llbh4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative Collins Street perspective. Image © Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="720" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/llbh4.jpg?itok=HuHyg4qa" title="Indicative Collins Street perspective. Image © Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative Collins Street perspective. Image © Lend Lease</figcaption></figure>With a half deck covering Wurundjeri Way as envisaged below, poor old Bunjil, the 25 metre eaglehawk and Docklands sentinel will be relocated. Relocated between Towers C3 and C4 and for the most, lost out of view. I can't help but think the abbreviated deck over Wurundjeri Way has compressed the layout of the commercial buildings leading to maximising the available development envelope - in other words boxy designs fronting Collins Street with little if any setbacks.

The other aspect to note is that the C4 office tower that was expected to reach as high as 160 metres and now looks to be no more than 12 levels in height according to the above image. This pocket of Docklands is littered with boxy 10-15 level commercial buildings - one more to join the party!

<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/llbh5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Batman's Hill site overview. Image © Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="693" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/llbh5.jpg?itok=7Rp6_CJ4" title="Batman's Hill site overview. Image © Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Batman's Hill site overview. Image © Lend Lease</figcaption></figure>Not impressed with my assertion that 695 Collins Street as seen above is a hapless, ill conceived design? Ponder the following two designs.

Below left sees the Grocon/Mirvac/Hassell Studio concept for Batman's Hill. Aside from a signature high-rise that would define the precinct within Melbourne's skyline, Hassell's scheme carries far more open space by way of a larger deck over Wurundjeri Way and built form which is articulate yet uncluttered.

The other image below highlights ARM's ostentatious Collins Street frontage as part of their precinct design; unique, eye-catching and worthy of the address!

<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/bhprop6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images © Hassell Studio and ARM Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="271" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bhprop6.jpg?itok=UQb7zrHG" title="Images © Hassell Studio and ARM Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images © Hassell Studio and ARM Architecture</figcaption></figure>In other words, both examples and their Collins Street frontage are precisely what Docklands requires and a polar opposite to what has been proposed.

By some miracle should the Lend Lease scheme shown above not be the intended design for 695 Collins Street, I'll be the first one to say the joke's on me. Otherwise the joke's on anyone expecting a quality outcome for an area that truly needs it!
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Batman's Hill leaves much to be desired

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Best known as the home of GTV-9 for a good part of half a century, the first stage of <a href="http://www.lendlease.com/site-settings/splashpage.aspx">Lend Lease</a>'s <a href="http://www.studioninerichmond.com.au/">Studio Nine</a> development on Bendigo Street in Richmond has been completed, with residents recently moving in. Designed by <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/">Kerstin Thompson Architects</a> (KTA) the project involved the adaptive re-use of the former Wertheim Piano Factory building into 34 Heritage Apartments, a yet to be fitted out City of Yarra community centre (due to open in late 2014) and a couple of retail offerings - one of which is accessed via a new breezeway space linking Bendigo Street with the new internal Studio Square.

Having worked on the project for a good part of three years while at KTA, I was fortunate enough to see the project through from inception to just before completion and as the title of this article suggests - I believe it was worth the effort.

<h2>Brief history</h2>

The Heritage listed, Federation Free-style Wertheim Piano Factory was designed by architect Nahum Barnet for German-born Hugo Wertheim in 1909, becoming the first piano factory to be constructed in Victoria and the largest in Australia, employing 300 workers and producing 2,000 pianos per annum. Its construction was part of the movement away from the importation of goods with local manufacturing favoured, which in turn led to Wertheim's reputation for producing fine pianos. The foundation stone laid by then Prime Minister, Alfred Deakin on the 21st of October 1908 is still visible from Bendigo Street.

The red brick building features rendered mouldings and detailing, a terracotta roof and dual double storey turrets flanking a single storey spine topped by a gabled roof. A rendered curved parapet once adorned by the names Wertheim and Heinz today carries Studio Nine Richmond.

In March 1935 the building became the new domicile of Heinz, retrofitted to become a tinned food factory. Initially employing 75 workers and beginning with production of bottled horse radish, by 1948 Heinz was producing over 13 million cans a year at the facility. Despite adding further floorspace and equipment Heinz had ultimately outgrown the site and in October 1955 sold the Bendigo Street site to GTV-9.

Occupying the facility from 1957 to 2011, it soon became known as 'Television City'. Television productions such as The Graham Kennedy Show, The Don Lane Show, Nine News, In Melbourne Tonight, Hey, Hey It's Saturday, The Footy Show (AFL) and many more were filmed, adding to the site's already rich history.

For more information on the significance of the Wertheim Piano Factory see the following: <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/reports/report_place/4454">http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/reports/report_place/4454</a>.

<img alt="" height="621" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/pictures/article-images/wertheim_0.jpg" title=" KTA" width="930">

<h2>Design methodology</h2>

<blockquote>
We started by looking at the building - what key aspects needed to be retained, conserved and restored, what needed to be transformed.
Inside, in the courtyard, we had more latitude for dramatic changes. They are still changes that are subtle, but retain the key attributes of the original building. Some apartments will have upgraded steel-framed windows … it was about making the building work thermally and acoustically. Looked at from the outside, every apartment has its own variation, is not uniform. Each apartment has its little quirks.
<cite>Kerstin Thompson.</cite>
</blockquote>

The strategies employed consisted of addition, subtraction and restoration. The primary facades along Jago, Bendigo and Khartoum Streets were restored with as few new architectural interventions as possible. These were limited to new decks, fences, privacy screens and A/C enclosures. The turrets and Bendigo Street mezzanine apartments all feature steel windows - the remainder being powdercoated aluminium frames.

Additions and subtractions were made to secondary facades facing Studio Square which had been altered over the course of the building's life - openings re-instated, new openings made and new structures added. These were designed to contrast and compliment rather than imitate or compete with the existing fabric.

To allow for the provision of a new vehicular thoroughfare to the western side of the heritage precinct about 20m of the southern wing once housing Studio 01 was demolished as well as a number of the roof trusses which over time had become compromised structurally. The new western facade to the south wing was recessed to signify that it was once a longer structure.

The restoration process involved demolition of ancillary and non-significant structures, layers of paint were stripped away, hard plaster cleaned and repaired, brick piers rebuilt, brick work re-pointed and restored while new terracotta roof tiles and roof sheeting were laid. Paint colours were picked in consultation with Bryce Raworth and Heritage Victoria but for the most, concrete mouldings, cappings and ornaments were left unfinished save for a lick of sealant.

<h2>Project team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Client: <a href="http://www.lendlease.com/Australia/Sectors/apartments.aspx" target="_blank">Lend Lease Apartments</a>
</li>
<li>Contractor:<a href="http://www.lendlease.com/worldwide/capabilities/project-management-and-construction" target="_blank"> Lend Lease Project Management &amp; Construction</a>
</li>
<li>Architect: <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/" target="_blank">Kerstin Thompson Architects</a>
</li>
<li>Landscape Architect: <a href="http://www.oculus.info/" target="_blank">Oculus</a>
</li>
<li>Heritage Consultant: <a href="http://bryceraworth.com.au/" target="_blank">Bryce Raworth</a>
</li>
<li>Structural Engineer: <a href="http://www.robertbird.com/" target="_blank">Robert Bird Group</a>
</li>
<li>Traffic &amp; Civil: <a href="http://www.cardno.com/en-us/Locations/Pages/Australasia.aspx" target="_blank">Cardno</a>
</li>
<li>Services Engineer: <a href="http://murchie.com.au/" target="_blank">Murchie Consulting</a>
</li>
<li>Acoustics: <a href="http://www.renzotonin.com.au/" target="_blank">Renzo Tonin &amp; Associates</a>
</li>
<li>Fire Services: <a href="http://jpfire.com.au/" target="_blank">JP Fire</a>
</li>
<li>Building Surveyor: <a href="http://www.philipchun.com.au/" target="_blank">Philip Chun &amp; Associates</a>
</li>
<li>Planning Consultant: <a href="http://www.contour.net.au/" target="_blank">Contour</a>
</li>
</ul>
Please enjoy the photos from my walk around in the slideshow below.
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