<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" dir="auto">
The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

Melbourne

<html><body>
The Victorian Liberal Party has sold its Melbourne CBD headquarters. 
Colliers International Melbourne City Sales team of Daniel Wolman, Matt Stagg and Oliver Hay secured $37.1 million after over 110 genuine enquiries and received 10 strong and reputable bids.
There were $30 million plus hopes for the six-level, blue-chip building on Exhibition Street.
It was sold by the cash-strapped Liberals who took out a $2 million mortgage against the building after their jailed, former state director Damien Mantach stole $1.5 million from the party.
The rentals within the building were earning $1.3 million in rent in 2018 compared to $810,000 in 2016.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Known as Centenary Hall and built in 1935, the six-level 104 Exhibition Street building was acquired at auction by Vapold Pty Ltd, a Liberal Party vehicle, for $576,000 in 1976.
The circumstances of the party's purchase led to an inquiry after it was sold by the Hamer Liberal Government.
The inquiry cleared the Liberal Party and the Government of any impropriety.
The building has 2,550 square metres of space.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The Liberal Party occupies a whole floor in the building while level four has been home to the famed Tolarno Galleries, founded by George and Mirka Mora in the 1960s.
</div>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

104 Exhibition Street, Melbourne sold by the Victorian Liberal Party

<html><body>
The Victorian Liberal Party is selling its Melbourne CBD headquarters.
There's $30 million plus hopes for the six-level, blue-chip building on Exhibition Street.
It is being sold by the cash-strapped Liberals who took out a $2 million mortgage against the building after their jailed, former state director Damien Mantach stole $1.5 million from the party.
The rentals within the building were earning $1.3 million in rent in 2018 compared to $810,000 in 2016.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Known as Centenary Hall and built in 1935, the six-level 104 Exhibition Street building was acquired at auction by Vapold Pty Ltd, a Liberal Party vehicle, for $576,000 in 1976.
The circumstances of the party's purchase led to an inquiry after it was sold by the Hamer Liberal Government.
The inquiry cleared the Liberal Party and the Government of any impropriety.
The building has 2,550 square metres of space.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The Liberal Party occupies a whole floor in the building while level four has been home to the famed Tolarno Galleries, founded by George and Mirka Mora in the 1960s.
</div>
</body></html>

104 Exhibition Street, Melbourne listed by the Victorian Liberal Party

<html><body>
Rolex, the Swiss watchmaker, have emerged as the buyer of the Victorian Liberal Party Melbourne CBD headquarters. 
Colliers International Melbourne City Sales team of Daniel Wolman, Matt Stagg and Oliver Hay secured $37.1 million after over 110 genuine enquiries and received 10 strong and reputable bids.
There were $30 million plus hopes for the six-level, blue-chip building on Exhibition Street.
It was sold by the cash-strapped Liberals who took out a $2 million mortgage against the building after their jailed, former state director Damien Mantach stole $1.5 million from the party.
The rentals within the building were earning $1.3 million in rent in 2018 compared to $810,000 in 2016.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Known as Centenary Hall and built in 1935, the six-level 104 Exhibition Street building was acquired at auction by Vapold Pty Ltd, a Liberal Party vehicle, for $576,000 in 1976.
The circumstances of the party's purchase led to an inquiry after it was sold by the Hamer Liberal Government.
The inquiry cleared the Liberal Party and the Government of any impropriety.
The building has 2,550 square metres of space.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The Liberal Party occupies a whole floor in the building while level four has been home to the famed Tolarno Galleries, founded by George and Mirka Mora in the 1960s.
</div>
</body></html>

Rolex buy 104 Exhibition Street, Melbourne from the Victorian Liberal Party (2)

<html><body>
Apartments.com.au was in attendance yesterday as ISPT Property's $150 million mixed-use tower at 271 Spring Street achieved a key milestone, with a topping out ceremony held on the roof to celebrate the occasion.

<a href="/news/probuild-and-ispt-break-ground-on-australian-unitys-new-spring-street-hq">Probuild broke ground</a> on the 16-storey tower in mid-2017, with the topping out of the core occurring in an impressive 14 months, and completion slated for mid-2019.

The development has been designed by John Wardle Architects in collaboration with heritage architect Bruce Trethowan to ensure the careful integration of two historical buildings as part of the 15,600 sqm A-Grade office development for Australian Unity.

According to ISPT CEO Daryl Browning, the addition of 271 Spring Street will complete ISPT’s long-term vision for the Lonsdale precinct. 

271 Spring Street adjoins ISPT's other office towers - Casselden Place and The Urban Workshop -  which are located in one of Melbourne’s most historical precincts.

An onsite four month archaeological dig prior to construction unearthed 40,000 artefacts. 

<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/271_topping_out_ceremony_sep18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Photos taken by Urban.com.au during the topping out ceremony at 271 Spring Street. "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="253" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/271_topping_out_ceremony_sep18.jpg?itok=ZPKg2cIR" title="Photos taken by Urban.com.au during the topping out ceremony at 271 Spring Street. " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Photos taken by Apartments.com.au during the topping out ceremony at 271 Spring Street.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
It’s been a fantastic construction period at 271 Spring Street to date. We’ve managed 10 weeks of archaeology works, built between two Citipower HV easements – we’ve also built over two live underground rail tunnels that form part of Melbourne’s city loop.

There’s not many buildings in Melbourne on top of an underground rail system. This location meant we needed to deliver a highly complex light-weight steel structure, consisting of raked feature elements and significant transfer structures to achieve the architectural vision for the project. It’s a very robust structure but light enough to not disturb the city loop below.

Probuild will now be focusing on completing an intricate façade that features 7m x 3.7m fins, and the internal fitout works for anchor tenant Australian Unity.

- Luke Stambolis, Probuild’s Victorian Managing Director
</blockquote>

The topping out of 271 Spring Street follows hot on the heels of Probuild's handover of 456 apartments within the Avant development for World Class Global, a milestone achieved three months ahead of schedule.

Probuild's delivery team for Avant was led by a young female project manager, Lorien Dalmau, who has amassed more than a decade’s experience in construction under her belt.  

Probuild’s Victorian Managing Director, Luke Stambolis expressed how proud he was of Lorien's efforts in her first stint as a project manager, and noted that she was "the only woman in Melbourne managing a 50+ storey apartment tower in the CBD right now and to top it off she’s only in her mid-30s."

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the 167m high tower features 18,500 sqm of distinctive façade comprising custom coloured glazing and feature fins, directly procured by Probuild from premium suppliers in China.

<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/avant_at_handover.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Probuild has also recently handed over Avant to World Class Global. Image: Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/avant_at_handover.jpg?itok=_Fb_2jAC" title="Probuild has also recently handed over Avant to World Class Global. Image: Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Probuild has also recently handed over Avant to World Class Global. Image: Probuild</figcaption></figure>Probuild's other big build in the northern reaches of the Melbourne CBD is the 270m high Aurora Melbourne Central. The 90-storey tower's floor plate and safety screening has recently been reconfigured from a 'butterfly' geometry to a 'heart' shape for its final ascent. 

Meanwhile, the core has reached the nominal height of 260m above street level, with a further three rises before it tops out in the next month.

Looking west and Probuild's two key Spencer Street builds - West Side Place and 311 Spencer Street progress - are also making rapid progress as highlighted in the supplied aerial below. Further, Probuild notes the achievement of a key milestone for Tower 1's core, while Tower 2 edges ahead.

<blockquote>
We recently achieved a key milestone at Melbourne's West Side Place, with the successful assembly of both parts of the split core system for Tower 1. The upper portion of the core is now making its way above the boundary hoarding line, currently sitting at ground level. The floor slabs have also progressed at a rapid rate with ground level currently being being constructed. 

The jump form on Tower 2 is currently sitting at Level 6 and floor slabs are complete up to Level 1 with the first set of perimeter protection screens now installed. The structure team is now focused on design and planning for the upcoming challenges involving the multi-strand post tension transfer slabs on Level 4 and 5, and the core changeover works on Level 8.

The latest progress at West Side Place demonstrates our capabilities managing sophisticated designs and complex major projects. 

- Probuild
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/probuild_spencer.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Two sites, three towers, eight cranes. Image: Probuild"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="719" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/probuild_spencer.png?itok=qnTMfCpu" title="Two sites, three towers, eight cranes. Image: Probuild" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Two sites, three towers, eight cranes. Image: Probuild</figcaption></figure>
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Laurence Dragomir

Probuild tops out at 271 Spring Street

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National dwelling values have dropped for the 11th consecutive month, according to CoreLogic's latest Home Value Index results. 
There were falls across five of Australia's eight capital cities, with only Canberra, Darwin and Adelaide showing improvement.
Over the quarter, Melbourne has been hit the hardest, seeing dwelling price falls of two percent, the weakest rolling quarterly result since the three months ending January 2012.
Dwelling values in the Victorian capital dropped 0.6 percent in August, the worst performing capital along with Perth.
Sydney's 0.3 percent drop in August saw its quarterly values drop 1.2 percent, taking its annual change to dwelling values down 5.6 percent. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/8/31/CL-Index.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<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/2018/8/31/CL-Index.jpg" alt="">
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Since peaking in September last year, dwelling values have been consistently tracking lower, down a cumulative 2.2 percent through to the end of August.
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CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said, “Weaker housing market conditions can be tied back to a variety of factors, foremost of which is the tighter credit environment which has slowed market activity, especially amongst investors.
"Fewer active buyers has led to higher inventory levels and reduced competition in the market.
"Collectively, these factors have been compounded by affordability challenges, reduced foreign investment and a rise in housing supply.” 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/8/31/value-change.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<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/2018/8/31/value-change.jpg" alt=""> 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Melbourne property values hit by highest quarterly downturn: CoreLogic

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<a href="/news/urban-land-institute-invites-ideas-for-north-west-corner-of-melbourne-cbd">As covered on Urban.com.au last week</a>, the Urban Land Institute is now accepting entries in the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition which is seeking innovative ideas to reinvigorate the north-west corner of the Melbourne CBD.

The ULI's Executive Director David McCracken spoke to Apartments.com.au, providing insight into the competition and the benefits of young people getting involved in planning.

Apartments.com.au: What do you look for when selecting sites for ULI Urban Innovation Ideas competitions?

David McCracken: The Competition sites we select are less about the specific place but more to act as a catalyst or a canvas for expansive thinking and innovative thought, in the context of a real or perceived urban challenge.

The sites selected previously – George St in Sydney – a linear space in the CBD becoming car free and public, but perhaps without the character elements to stimulate it, and in 2016 – Centennial Place – a poorly used green knuckle between the CBD and vibrant Valley district in Brisbane – offer challenges for intervention that change the way these spaces may connect with their city context.

<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/uli_image_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uli_image_1.jpg?itok=65K-ywNB" title="The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI</figcaption></figure>In Melbourne this year, the site has been recognised as part of the CBD that perhaps does not live up to the image of Melbourne - vibrant, active, attractive and communal. We are seeking ideas that may not directly solve that challenge, but that, if implemented will add identity engagement and momentum to this part of the city fabric, and as an outcome, add value to those who live, work and visit the area.

U: What is different about the younger generation compared to older generations when it comes to urban planning and enhancing cities?

DM: What I have witnessed is perhaps a greater social conscience in the urban outcomes that shape our cities. There is a sense that what has gone before has not always delivered and that wider and more diverse voices need to be listened to as we plan our cities. ‘Green’, ‘active’, and ‘programmed’ are buzzwords perhaps more to the older generations and now taken as ‘business as usual’ for those with a younger perspective.

However, with the advent of social media, Pinterest and the like, we see the colour of our cities in more graphic detail and perhaps we don't experience and understand the grain and pulse of cities as much anymore. Our experiences are often quick and superficial rather than longer, deeper and more considered as they may have been in the past. The urban planning and development of our cities shapes the long-term impact and image of that city and we must understand that decisions made are there forever – timeliness over timeframe, authenticity over fashion.

U: What is the benefit of generating ideas from people outside of the sector?

DM: Our cities are shared by a great diversity of people and by giving a voice to all those who experience, contribute to and shape our cities, you reach a far better understanding of how to synthesise what is relevant and impactful.

For me, the skill in great design is not just the innovation or the idea – it’s how it responds to a need, desire or challenge in its own urban context or community.

Through the competition, the challenge is not only to solve the particular design issue or place issue at hand, but to promote new alternate ways of thinking. Along with traditional civic and municipal planning, these may improve the character and experience of the site area and ultimately its social, economic and environmental value.

U: What are the biggest issues facing Australian cities that you hope young people and their ideas can address in current and future competitions?

DM: The ULI Urban Innovation Competition is a forum for ideas – conceptual thinking around ideas that may stimulate new urban interventions and promote alternate ways of thinking in our cities.

The competition provides a forum for young professionals from multiple disciplines to come together and share ideas and approaches to key urban challenges in our cities.

The issue or challenge we are addressing is to engage young people in the urban debate, to share a variety of ideas with today’s decision makers, opportunities and alternatives to ensure that what has been done before is not what has to be done tomorrow. Through the competition, and the debates we engage around it, we try to teach or mentor competitors and their peer groups while helping them become better decision makers for tomorrow.

Entries in the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition close Monday 10 September.
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ULI's David McCracken on the 2018 Urban Innovation Ideas Competition

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Last week's announcement of the <a href="/news/victorian-government-unveils-suburban-rail-loop-election-proposal">$50 billion, 90-kilometre long Suburban Rail Loop</a> by the Victorian State Government, has generated a flurry of opinion and counter-opinion.

As a Sydneysider, I thought I’d offer my view from outside your Melbourne bubble.

A key question is: What does the Suburban Rail Loop signal about the future of Melbourne, assuming it is built over the next 30 years?

Despite the obvious pre-election timing, this is an uncannily forward-looking plan with a range of city-shaping implications.

Firstly, there is a strong connection to existing planning strategy in that it reinforces current efforts to focus housing, jobs and additional quality of life opportunities around prominent middle-ring centres.

The idea is, of course, that this provides more ‘work and play’ options within range of more people all over the metro area. It also gives more shape to Melbourne’s relatively flat, low-density suburban sprawl. Youch.

With or without the Suburban Rail Loop, you’re already on this path: the NEICs (National Employment and Innovation Centres) and <a href="/news/top-20-melbourne-suburbs-with-the-largest-development-pipeline">fully stocked apartment supply</a> around suburban centres attest to this.

Basically, it looks like your Great Big City Centre - the hub of the Melbourne metro area - is getting meatier middle-ring satellites with a broader range of activities, jobs and housing - the spokes of this big hub. This is a fairly classic urban shape - a big centre orbited by suburban nodes which balance the centre’s mass, connected to it by a radial mass transit system.

Here steps into this picture the Suburban Rail Loop, cutting an arc across these radial lines and stringing together these newly-boosted suburban centres. By connecting these ‘spokes’, the rail loop forms the rim of the wheel and so better distributes passenger loads across the rail system, reducing CBD transfers and enabling cross-town trips.

With the Suburban Rail Loop, Melburnians can orbit their Great Big City Centre using mass transit, passing through a series of walkable and built up suburban nodes.

It forms a metropolitan transit grid - a metropolitan-scale ‘metro’ of sorts... About that ‘metro’: 

<h2>METRO RAIL, COMMUTER RAIL &amp; THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT</h2>

Metros rely on an interwoven network of lines to enable point to point journeys.

In contrast, Melbourne’s rail system resembles a traditional commuter rail system; its lines are arranged radially around the Great Big City Centre, shuttling large loads of people in and out.

Although Melbourne does have some large-ish suburban nodes on these radial lines, such as Box Hill, South Yarra, Caulfield, Dandenong and Footscray, it largely follows this pattern.

If you live along a line that suburban centre is on, that’s fine, but for all other journeys, the only realistic option is to drive or be driven.

<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/melbourne-rail-network-with-srl-web-1_-_by_philip_mallis.png" rel="gallery-all" title=" maps.philipmallis.com "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="300" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-rail-network-with-srl-web-1_-_by_philip_mallis.png?itok=Xc7aLLKI" title=" maps.philipmallis.com " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>This diagram by Philip Mallis shows the effect of the Suburban Rail Loop on Melbourne's radial train system. Source: maps.philipmallis.com </figcaption></figure>On top of this, post-war car-oriented growth means many suburban centres aren’t even on a train line. Chadstone, Doncaster and Monash University in Clayton spring to mind.

The Suburban Rail Loop then breaks with Melbourne’s traditional metropolitan form.

<h2>Another thing about metros - they need a compatible urban environment.</h2>

Metros are too expensive to string through low-density environments.

Largely, they need to collect enough people on foot and deposit them at points across the network, again to destinations reachable on foot.

Melbourne’s Great Big City Centre is well-suited to walking with many destinations and an amenable environment, but most of the rest of the metro area requires road-dependent collection and distribution.

A built up, walkable urban environment is compatible with, and justifies the cost and capacity of, high-frequency rail service, but is incompatible with car-dependent transport.

<h2>Why is this?</h2>

Well, roads have a low capacity. They fall over when they are asked to carry lots of people to the same place at the same time.

They require a spread out urban environment to cater to dispersed trips. Think about the scale of ramps, carparks, and feeder roads required to serve your typical Westfield shopping centre, or the ramps and arterial roads to support a motorway. Contrast this to how many people cram into stairwells at Flinders St Station to access the platforms. Then, imagine if those people were all in cars with one or two people in them - you can barely fit a single car in one of these stairwells. People on foot, by contrast, are extremely space-efficient.

Roads are flexible, excelling at carrying distributed point to point trips, but are highly space inefficient with a low inbuilt capacity. 

A car-dependent environment must necessarily be spread out or else it overwhelms the roads that support it.

<blockquote>
The urban environment is shaped by transport, and transport shapes the urban environment. Simples.
</blockquote>

The Suburban Rail Loop, therefore, applies pressure on the places it serves to be more focused, with a range of activities and housing within walking distance, to justify its cost and capacity.

This signals a shift to a more 'Apartments.com.au' - at least a more urban ‘middle Melbourne’ complementing its Big Centre. Might this even put the brakes on your ever-spreading suburban footprint?

Looking to the future, perhaps <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-28-gogets-justin-passaportis-and-joshua-brydges">driverless cars</a> at each end of a person’s cross-town transit journey will vastly extend the catchment of these nodes.

<h2>SOME CAUTIONARY LESSONS FROM SYDNEY</h2>

From a Sydney point of view, there’s one last note I’d like to make:

By pre-emptively striking to secure a more Apartments.com.au, especially in the middle-ring, your city has more control and power over the resulting built environment once this direction matures.

Rail performs best when it is positioned at the heart or direct edge of a centre, plugged into its walkable streets, while arterial roads should skirt around centres at a respectful distance with link roads striking into edge-of-centre parking (much like a suburban shopping mall).

Sydney hasn’t managed this distinction very well.

<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_00511782.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Posted with Permission from an Anonymous Source"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="580" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_00511782.jpg?itok=aPjVFxzt" title=" Posted with Permission from an Anonymous Source" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Strathfield in the middle ring of Sydney. Poorly managing densification results in poor outcomes like this. Source: Posted with Permission from an anonymous source.</figcaption></figure>A large part of Sydney’s middle-ring looks like this - a haphazard mess of roads, density and traffic - especially outside the posh bits of the city. 

We started densifying around suburban centres decades ago, but the process has been unstructured, haphazard and often vision-less.

<blockquote>
Dense places must be walkable and have regularly-used services set into this environment. Otherwise, people will opt to drive, and with so many cars hitting the road, road network quickly become overwhelmed. Then, you have the undesirable situation where particulate matter from constant traffic enters the lungs of the people that live within its catchment. It’s not a good combo. 
</blockquote>

This has happened in many parts of Sydney, especially outside the posh areas - reinforcing another Sydney specialty - spatial inequality - and it provides a cautionary tale of what not to do.

Your city, on the other hand, has a positive vision that, coupled with good urban design, might hopefully avoid your northern neighbour’s pitfalls.

Melbourne, with Metro 1 (and hopefully Metro 2) allowing very frequent radial train service, plus a frequent Suburban Rail Loop, will have the necessary infrastructure to support enriched clusters of activity and housing, knitted into a metropolitan transit grid.

The Suburban Rail Loop is ambitious but full of potential.

Well done to you Melbourne, you are now entering a higher orbit.
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ModernBradfield

Does the Suburban Rail Loop Signal a More 'Urban.com.au'? 

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<a href="/news/melbournes-collins-street-continues-to-soar-as-construction-heats-up">Urban.com.au recently highlighted</a> the development activity along Melbourne's Collins Street, in which it was noted that The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) building at 60 Collins Street represented a significant redevelopment opportunity.

Located on the north-east corner of Exhibition Street and Collins Street opposite QICGRE's 80 Collins development, the property has been listed for sale by the RBA - which is vacating the 16-storey building -  with a number of developers believed to have been circling.

<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/60_collins_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="60 Collins Street. Images: Real Commercial | Jaganol"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="420" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/60_collins_street.jpg?itok=_T6Yjc6t" title="60 Collins Street. Images: Real Commercial | Jaganol" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>60 Collins Street. Images: Real Commercial | Jaganol</figcaption></figure>To provide further context to the site, it is also covered by Heritage Overlay HO504 (Collins East Precinct) as it adjoins the heritage-listed Melville House (HO566) at 52-54 Collins Street. However, inclusion in the Heritage Overlay does not mean that a site cannot be redeveloped. When a permit for redevelopment is considered, heritage becomes a further consideration as part of the process.

Due to the site's location within this historically sensitive context, the design of any new structure(s) on the site becomes critical.

City of Melbourne's Amendment C258: Heritage Precincts Statements of Significance 2017 notes:

<blockquote>
Collins Street has often been identified as Melbourne’s leading street. This is due, in part, to the pleasant amenity and distinctive character of its eastern end. Its relative elevation and proximity to the Government Reserve and points of access to the City provided for its development as an elite locale.

Initially a prestige residential area, the Melbourne Club re-established itself here in 1857 and by the 1860s the medical profession had begun to congregate. By the turn of the century it was firmly established as a professional and artistic centre of Melbourne, with part of its fame due to its tree plantations in the French boulevard manner (hence the ‘Paris end’), which date from 1875.

A number of significant buildings come together in this precinct to form a series of prominent streetscapes. These include, at the western end, the Town Hall, Athenaeum, and Assembly Hall through to the Scots and Independent Churches, with the Regent Theatre through to the redeveloped T&amp;G building opposite.

The eastern end includes the early 19th century residential and artists’ studio buildings at the foot of No. One Collins, with the predominantly 20th century intact run to the north featuring Alcaston, Anzac Portland and Chanonry Houses, and Victor Horsley Chambers plus the nearby Melbourne Club.

At all times until the post 1939-45 war period, redevelopment took place in a quiet and restrained manner with an emphasis on dignity, harmony and compatibility with the intimate scale and pedestrian qualities of the street. These qualities are still embodied in significant remnant buildings and other artifacts, despite the intrusion of large developments.

The qualities of the street are also embodied in the social functions of the buildings which include elite smaller scale residential, religious, social, quality retailing and professional activities.

- Collins East Precinct, Statement of Significance (INCORPORATED DOCUMENT – CLAUSE 81 SCHEDULE Page 8)
</blockquote>

It goes on to list the following as key attributes of the Precinct:

<ul>
<li>The buildings remaining from before the Second World War.</li>
	<li>The boulevard quality of this end of Collins Street with street tree plantations and street furniture.</li>
	<li>A consistent height, scale, character and appearance of the remaining 19th and early 20th century buildings.</li>
	<li>The historic garden of the Melbourne Club</li>
</ul>
For the purposes of this study I have also included 100 Exhibition Street, which is currently occupied by a Mantra branded hotel. This was done to provide larger commercial floor plates, in addition to enhancing links through the site.

<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/60_collins_diagrams-site_context.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="431" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/60_collins_diagrams-site_context.png?itok=ZOFn7xXW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure>The 60 Collins Street site alone has a footprint of 1,300sqm, whereas a minimum floor plate of 1,500sqm would be preferred. To achieve this with the application of setbacks based on the planning controls for the Capital City Zone, <a href="/news/bates-smarts-julian-anderson-discusses-commercial-development-feasibility-in-melbournes-central-city">a site of 3,000 sqm would be ideal</a>, however, the 60 Collins Street site benefits from a corner location so can rise 80m without setbacks.

Combining both 60 Collins Street and 100 Exhibition Street would create a development site of approx. 2,100 sqm.

The Victorian Liberal Party is also offloading the 6-storey Art Deco Centenary Hall at 104 Exhibition Street, completed in 1935 which is expected to fetch around $30m.

The site is covered by Heritage Overlay HO1028 and carries with it a 'Significant' grading due to its interiors, however it is not listed on the Victoria Heritage Register. It has not been included as part of the development study.

The process for developing the envelope for the combined 60 Collins And 100 Exihibtion Streets is outlined in the diagrams in the slideshow below, however some key figures and features include;

<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/60_collins_diagrams_-_breakdown.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/60_collins_diagrams_-_breakdown.png?itok=IjvvUfSB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption> </figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>44-storeys/160m (to roof)</li>
	<li>Floor plates of 1,790sqm for lower 19-storey office levels = 32,220sqm GFA or approx. 25,800 sqm NLA</li>
	<li>Residential and hotel floor plates of 900 sqm across 25-storeys (or 20-storeys of office)</li>
	<li>This upper volume is limited to 50m in length to reduce massing and allow for the creation of a;</li>
	<li>North facing publically accessible landscaped rooftop terrace and bar, atop the streetwall </li>
	<li>Extension of McGraths Lane through to Collins Street</li>
	<li>Total Gross Floor Area: 54,720 sqm </li>
	<li>Plot ratio: 26:1 - this is achieved via new laneway, publically accessible rooftop and office and hotel use</li>
</ul>
Keep an eye out in coming weeks for a similar study on the 383 Latrobe Street site, which Mirvac recently purchased from Sterling Global, who had a permit for a Jean Nouvel designed tower.
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Development Scenario: 60 Collins + 100 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

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Century Group Aus has secured Australia's first St. Regis hotel at its $800m Flinders Bank development on the Yarra River.

The five star hotel brand's commitment to Flinders Bank will ensure residents benefit from exclusive access to the St. Regis' prestige club facilities.

With frontages to Spencer and Flinders Streets, the 33-storey tower will be the tallest of Flinders Bank's three buildings.

St. Regis Melbourne's 168 luxury guest rooms and suites will occupy levels 2 to 11, providing guests with panoramic views of the Yarra River or Melbourne skyline.

World-leading interior design studio, Chada has designed the interiors working closely with Fender Katsalidis Architects, who are responsible for the architectural design of Flinders Bank.

<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/century_group_aus_st_regis_bedroom_image_2._2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The hotel interiors have been designed by Chada. Image: Century Group "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/century_group_aus_st_regis_bedroom_image_2._2.jpg?itok=Do-jmYpI" title="The hotel interiors have been designed by Chada. Image: Century Group " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The hotel interiors have been designed by Chada. Image: Century Group Aus/ Floodslicer</figcaption></figure>St. Regis Melbourne will join, Flinders Banks' two other residential towers currently at sales and registration. The whole development is set to deliver 650 residences and 2,100 sqm of retail, on the gateway site opposite Batman Park previously occupied by the former Convention Centre.

Century Group Aus anticipates St. Regis Melbourne will become an instant and stylish icon on the skyline, and an integral part of a vibrant pedestrian precinct and plaza along Siddeley Street, upon completion in 2022. 

Construction on the whole Flinders Bank project is set to commence next year and will comprise the following:

<ul>
<li>Tower One: 26 levels with a ground + three-level podium. 190 apartments - located on the eastern side of the site bounded by Spencer Street.</li>
	<li>Tower Two / St. Regis Melbourne: 33 levels with a ground + four-level podium. 168 luxury hotel rooms and 237 premium apartments - located on the western side of the site bounded by Flinders Street.</li>
	<li>Tower Three: 26 levels with a ground + three-level podium - located on the western side of the site. Apartments mix and number of apartments to be determined.</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/the-st-melb.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="St. Regis Melbourne will occupy the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets. Image: Century Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="493" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the-st-melb.jpg?itok=YYYss2lw" title="St. Regis Melbourne will occupy the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets. Image: Century Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>St. Regis Melbourne will occupy the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets. Image: Century Group Aus / Floodslicer</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
This signing is an indication of the investment community’s confidence in the Australian market, where we are seeing a growing demand for premium lodgings.

The St. Regis Melbourne will be an outstanding addition to our strong and growing footprint in the region, where we are on track to boast the largest portfolio of upper upscale and luxury hotels and resorts, with two-thirds of the new supply pipeline.

- Richard Crawford, Senior Director of Hotel Development in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
We are honoured that Flinders Bank will be the address for one of the most exceptional hotel and hospitality experiences in Australia, through The St. Regis Melbourne.

Flinders Bank will offer the pinnacle of luxury experiences for guests as well as residents. With its breathtaking views of the Yarra River, resort style amenity and landmark architecture, Flinders Bank will be a fitting gateway into the world’s most liveable city.

The way we live is changing, and today we want all of life’s luxuries and necessities on our doorstep. To cater for these new urban lifestyles, we wanted to offer our residents some of the most generous, thoughtful and well-designed amenity in Melbourne. We want Flinders Bank to be a haven and a home for all that our residents enjoy.

- Connie Wu, Executive Director Century Group Aus 
</blockquote>

 

 
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Century Group lands Australia's first St. Regis at Flinders Bank

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Local developer Century Group Aus has secured Australia’s first hotel under the renowned luxury St. Regis Hotels &amp; Resorts brand to open at Flinders Bank in the CBD.
The 168 hotel rooms with interiors from world-leading hotel design studio Chada will overlook either the Yarra River of the city skyline.
There will be a number of speciality suites, supposedly fit for presidents, sheiks and other VVIPs (a very very important person!)
It is set for completion in 2022, with construction to begin next year.
St. Regis, owned by Marriott International, is one of the world’s most revered and prestigious hotel brands and is known for the legendary St. Regis butler service, which provides each guest with highly attentive personal service, and for its refined food and beverage experiences.
It was born out of New York City where St. Regis pioneered the Bloody Mary.
St. Regis operates luxury getaways in some of the world’s most enticing locations including Bora Bora, Bali, Mauritius and the Maldives.
The St. Regis Melbourne will offer the best in guest experiences, which can include anything from drinks upon arrival to unpacking services.
It will feature in Tower Two of the $800 million triple tower Flinders Bank project, which will transform the city’s former Convention Centre site into a luxury destination, comprising 650 apartments, 168 five-star hotel rooms and 2,100 sqm of retail.
<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/2018/8/29/REGIS2.jpg" alt="">
Designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, it will also have a pedestrian precinct and plaza to Siddeley Street, to feature art elements, contributing to the city’s established cultural scene.
Richard Crawford, Mariott's senior director of hotel development in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, said luxury hotel demand in Melbourne was strong.
“This signing is an indication of the investment community’s confidence in the Australian market, where we are seeing a growing demand for premium lodgings,” he said. 
“The St. Regis Melbourne will be an outstanding addition to our strong and growing footprint in the region, where we are on track to boast the largest portfolio of upper upscale and luxury hotels and resorts, with two-thirds of the new supply pipeline.” 
The project’s first two towers have commenced selling, with strong interest among owner occupiers drawn to Flinders Bank’s never-to-be-built-out views that overlook the Yarra River and the view down to Port Phillip Bay.
Century Group Aus executive director Connie Wu said that the fact St. Regis had selected Melbourne as its first Australian location was testament to its status as the world’s most liveable city. 
“We are honoured that Flinders Bank will be the address for one of the most exceptional hotel and hospitality experiences in Australia, through The St. Regis Melbourne,” she said. 
“Flinders Bank will offer the pinnacle of luxury experiences for guests as well as residents. With its breathtaking views of the Yarra River, resort style amenity and landmark architecture, Flinders Bank will be a fitting gateway into the world’s most liveable city.”
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Residents of Tower Two, which will house The St. Regis Melbourne, will have an opportunity to enjoy the luxury brand’s pool, sauna and sundeck by purchasing a Marriott Club membership. 
This is in addition to a number of exclusive residential amenities including a gym, lounge and wine room.
Residents of Tower One also have access to their own separate lifestyle facilities including a gym, pool and wine room.
“The way we live is changing, and today we want all of life’s luxuries and necessities on our doorstep," Wu said.
"To cater for these new urban lifestyles, we wanted to offer our residents some of the most generous, thoughtful and well-designed amenity in Melbourne. We want Flinders Bank to be a haven and a home for all that our residents enjoy."
St. Regis Hotels &amp; Resorts is one of the world’s fastest growing luxury brands, more than doubling its footprint in recent years. There are currently more than 40 St. Regis branded hotels open worldwide. 
The St. Regis Melbourne will be set within the 33 levels of Flinders Bank’s second tower, with hotel rooms planned for levels 2 to 11. Residential apartments will comprise the remainder of the building. 
 
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