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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Mirvac

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The purpose-built headquarters of GM Holden in Port Melbourne has been sold by Mirvac Group to Altis Property Partners for more than $85 million.
The three-level office building, at 191-197 Salmon Street, was last valued at $77.5 million.
The property’s net passing income is close to $9 million.
Colliers International and CBRE secured the sale.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Altis buy GM Holden Port Melbourne headquarters

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<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Mirvac has won the right to redevelop Brisbane Racing Club's $750 million Eagle Farm Residential Precinct.
The 10-year Ascot project forms part of the Eagle Farm Master Plan which will provide more than 1200 trackside apartments, along with retail and commercial buildings.
Mirvac's Group executive for residential John Carfi said the business was thrilled to have been selected as the Brisbane Racing Club's development partner at such an iconic Brisbane location.
It is expected the BRC will maintain ownership of the land.
BRC Chairman Neville Bell said Mirvac had been selected after intense interest in the joint venture opportunity that will deliver more than 1200 apartments on land around Queensland’s most famous racecourse.
“The Eagle Farm Residential Precinct is the centre piece of a $1.2 billion Master Plan that will transform this historic area of land around Eagle Farm and Doomben racecourses,” Mr Bell said.
The eight residential towers will be on the southeastern corner of the Eagle Farm.
He said construction was expected to start in 2016 as BRC has already gained full planning approval for the project.
“We spent five years gaining planning approval so we have already made significant progress towards this residential precinct,” Mr Bell said.
On behalf of the BRC, Knight Frank commenced an international expression of interest campaign in September 2014, generating more than 100 enquiries from interested parties.
The BRC created a shortlist featuring Mirvac, Leighton Properties and Walker Corporation. Their final bids were submitted on April 10. 
The project is north-facing and looks out over 50 hectares of land that will never be built out. It provides exceptional views to the city and over the Hamilton reach of the Brisbane River and out to the airport and Moreton Bay.
The BRC engaged property specialist Jeff Kahler 18 months ago as General Manager – Property to deliver the Master Plan. 
The BRC has awarded Mirvac Preferred Developer status until June 30 at which time the two groups are expected to sign binding documentation and proceed with the development.
Mirvac’s Group Executive Residential, John Carfi, said Mirvac was "thrilled" to be selected as the development partner.
“Mirvac will draw on its expertise and strong track record of delivering major residential developments and we look forward to working closely with the Brisbane Racing Club on the next phase of this exciting project,” he said.
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Mirvac's track record secures Brisbane Racing Club redevelopment rights

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The recent HIA Victorian Housing Awards saw Yarra Point within Mirvac's Yarra's Edge precinct collect the honours for Victoria's best apartment complex 2014. With the tower's 201 apartments 100% sold, the development will go on to contest the Apartment Complex category at the national HIA awards during 2015.

The sixth tower of Mirvac's Yarra's Edge precinct, the project was launched during late 2010 with 50% subscribed at launch to Mirvac priority purchasers. The final penthouse 'Sky Residence' was sold a matter of weeks ago.

<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/dpp_0812_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Grren space enjoyed by all, including Mister Ed. Image courtesy Laurence Dragomir"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dpp_0812_0.jpg?itok=s8BaYjUp" title="Grren space enjoyed by all, including Mister Ed. Image courtesy Laurence Dragomir" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green space enjoyed by all, including Mister Ed. Image courtesy Laurence Dragomir</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
With dwellings ranging from one to three bedroom apartments, plus multi-storey terrace homes offering townhouse-style living, Yarra Point was designed to offer a range of living solutions.

Significant research went into designing the building’s north-facing aspect and ensuring each and every apartment benefited from this exposure. This award is fantastic recognition of Yarra Point’s intelligent design as well as the success of the entire Yarra’s Edge precinct, which offers Melbourne’s best waterside living lifestyle, just minutes from the CBD.
<cite>Mirvac Group Executive of Residential, John Carfi</cite>
</blockquote>

Produced by Mirvac's in-house design team, the complex includes a 300 square metre rooftop garden, residents’ lounge, gym and business centre. Taking centre stage within the two level lobby is a cluster of mature trees and garden plus bluestone paving creating a continuance from that found outside.

For those interested in seeing the internals of the 2014 HIA Housing award winner, <a href="/news/mirvac-announces-oly-san-francisco-display-apartment-at-yarra-point">our article from 2013</a> has a multitude of images of Yarra Point's level 31 suite, decked out with an Oly San Francisco made to suit interior.

<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/webmirvac_yp_-rsmg_085157.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/webmirvac_yp_-rsmg_085157.jpg?itok=yv3iRTB8" title="Image © Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image © Mirvac</figcaption></figure><h2>Comment</h2>

Mirvac have a reputation for delivering high quality urban developments and the quality within Yarra's Edge is no exception. Given the shape and inherent complexities of the precinct itself one wonders how the area would be judged from an urban planning and landscape perspective?

As good as Yarra Point is, equally as encouraging is the introduction of green space between waterfront and tower; a methodology that is lacking elsewhere in the precinct and may to a degree aid in the general lack of foot traffic in the area.

Long and thin, the precinct is bound at present by industrial use to the south and water to the north; the forthcoming Fishermans Bend precinct should aid in generating increased foot traffic into Yarra's Edge. Will they like what they see on the ground plane though?

Precinct-wide questions aside Apartments.com.au has walked through Yarra Point; it's totally understandable that the project is this year's recipient of the HIA honour.
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silvermb

Yarra Point the 2014 belle of the ball

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Mirvac has secured Australia’s first government backed 6-star energy rating for office building Sirius House in Canberra.
The National Australian Built Energy Rating System (NABERS) provides a star rating for the environmental performance of offices, shopping centres, hotels and homes.
Mirvac is the first to rate 6 stars for a major office building. Using Greenpower, the 10-level Furzer Street building in Phillip emits 50% less greenhouse gases than a 5-star rated building. Owners and tenants drive NABERS assessments.
Mirvac’s Group Executive, Office and Industrial Operations, Ben Hindmarsh says the result follows a number of recent sustainability initiatives.
“The solar PV system alone delivers a reduction of approximately 100 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum, which is the equivalent to the annual emissions of 30 cars,” says Hindmarsh.
The rating is extrapolated from 12 months of measured data from water and power usage along with a waste audit. Using algorithms NABERS, which is managed by the NSW Government’s Office of Environment and Heritage for the Federal, state and territory governments, compares one property with similar buildings in the same location.
Mirvac’s 46,000 square metre Sirius House previously rated at 5.5-star with NABERS for two years.
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andreadixon-oif3j7eKne

NABERS success for Mirvac's Sirius House, Canberra

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Mirvac has released a new "augmented reality" experience for their Wharf’s Entrance development that will show a 360 degree tour of the four hectare creation’s apartments, offices, luxury properties and communal facilities on either an iPad or smartphone.
It uses the accelerometer of the device to use your position to then show the renders of the inside and out of the properties, which aleter depending on where the device is pointed. Daytime and night time views are available, with Mirvac group executive John Carfi saying that it will change how people buy off the plan.
“One of the greatest challenges when buying off the plan is relying on artistic renders and your own skills of visualisation to conceptualise the place you are proposing to call home,” Carfi said.
“Augmented reality finally brings this process into the 21st century, assisting purchasers in buying the right apartment for them before it is built, with confidence the space will perfectly suit their needs and feels right.”
Property Observer is told this is an achievement above that of <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-4d-age-of-property-hunting-chapman-green-beecroft">Chapman Green Beecroft’s 4D app technology</a> due to its ability to activate without being directed at a brochure or other collateral.
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/mirvac-continues-westward-along-the-yarra-with-wharfs-entrance">Mirvac’s offering is available at their display suite in Yarra’s Edge</a> from this month, and will see prospective buyers downloading an app.
Cleverly, the interested parties must visit the display suite to then unlock ‘further experiences’, such as interactive room views, to then show others at home.
But are these apps really going to encourage a purchaser to choose one development over another? We’re undecided.
{mijopolls 42}
 
 
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Mirvac’s new Wharf’s Entrance app: Do leading technologies really help sell apartments?

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First covered by Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/the-edge-of-tomorrow-160-186-lorimer-street-docklands">some months ago</a>, Mirvac officially launched their Wharf's Entrance development yesterday by way of a river cruise down the Yarra to the site with Yarra's Edge.

Under a glorious Melbourne day, Mirvac shared its vision for the precinct and touched on the experiences and insights gained from earlier stages within the Yarra's Edge precinct.

<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/dpp_0800_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cruising down the Yarra courtesy of Mirvac."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/dpp_0800_0.jpg?itok=pJcuo6pe" title="Cruising down the Yarra courtesy of Mirvac." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cruising down the Yarra courtesy of Mirvac.</figcaption></figure>Wharf’s Entrance, so-named in reference to the precinct’s previous history of transporting cargo into Melbourne, represents the western-most land parcel within the precinct and an entry point into Melbourne for those arriving from the mouth of the Yarra. Stage 1 of Wharf's Entrance comprises a 30-storey tower - named Forge - consisting of 228 apartments, as well as 11 luxury riverfront homes known as Wharf Residences and seven home offices named Cargo on the four hectare site.

Separating tower and water is a low-rise health and wellbeing facility to be known as the Wharf Club which is highlighted by a traversable inclined grass roof and Wharf’s Landing, a 2,000sqm green open space. Office spaces at ground level of the flexible, modular Cargo homes are intended to activate the ground plane during the day.

<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/promenade.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An extended promenade. Image courtesy Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="240" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/promenade.jpg?itok=E3Y8DVZU" title="An extended promenade. Image courtesy Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An extended promenade. Image courtesy Mirvac</figcaption></figure>Mirvac Group Executive Residential John Carfi said Wharf’s Entrance would cap off a highly successful precinct that had experienced almost sell-out success across its seven existing towers.

<blockquote>
Wharf’s Entrance is the final piece of the puzzle at Yarra’s Edge and will cement the precinct as Melbourne’s premier waterfront living community. What we have created over the past 15 years is a neighbourhood of 2500 people that values great design and embraces a lifestyle by the water, much like the world’s greatest cities do.

We have not been surprised by the demand for aspirational homes and apartments located on the water at Yarra’s Edge – where else in this city can you live just a few minutes walk from the CBD and enjoy the tranquillity of waterside living in a luxury location?
</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/otag7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Forge in context. Image courtesy Mirvac"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/otag7.jpg?itok=PJ4XhwzN" title="Forge in context. Image courtesy Mirvac" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Forge in context. Image courtesy Mirvac</figcaption></figure>Overall there are 29 different apartment types according to Mirvac Design director Michael Wiener, the design team were given a brief to "design something different" in reference to previous stages of Yarra's Edge.

Employing concrete, steel and glass and like the previous towers, Forge is designed to reflect the waters of the Yarra whilst also maximising view lines.

Asked what sets Wharf's Entrance apart from the completed precinct works, the response was set around a differentiated materials palette which draws on the site's heritage and riverfront context. The mix of corten, zinc, timber and textured brick will offer a more tactile quality to what has been previously developed not only at Yarra's Edge but Docklands in general.

<blockquote>
The goal had been to create a precinct with a distinct design difference to what had come before, but that still played into the architecture of the Yarra’s Edge precinct. At the heart of the design was a desire to create an edge to a precinct that would foster a strong sense of community and draw people to this stunning area on the water’s edge.

The materials and shapes bring in the wharfside elements of the area while celebrating the biggest character in the story at Yarra’s Edge – the water. The architecture at Wharf’s Entrance embraces organic forms, which is obvious in the sculptural and curving façade of Forge. The colour palette references the reflection of the water, with silver steel, metal and concrete complemented by wharfside elements in brickwork, zinc, copper and timber.
<cite>Mirvac Design director Michael Wiener</cite>
</blockquote>

John Carfi spoke of the increasing mix of people living and visiting Yarra's Edge "Who come to Yarra’s Edge to stroll the promenade, take in the views of the water and city and enjoy the parks and recreation facilities on offer." Mirvac expect Wharf's Entrance will exacerbate this trend with construction expected to commence next year, with all stages of Wharf's Entrance completed within a seven year time frame.
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Laurence Dragomir

Yarra's Edge Forges Ahead

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Last week <a href="/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> submitted plans for its flagship Melbourne office development at <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">477 Collins Street</a> designed by <a href="/architects/grimshaw-architects">Grimshaw Architects</a>. It will be only the second Premium Grade commercial development built in Melbourne in the last 20 years and Mirvac's largest commercial undertaking in Australia.

The building as a whole has been designed to be multi-tenanted, with floor plates ranging between 1500 sqm (NLA) to 1900 sqm (NLA). Among the design features will be five client floors located every 8 levels, featuring expansive lounges alongside outdoor spaces, with open façade systems incorporating doors that open on to spacious terraces and gardens.

The 38-storey development lies within a pocket of the CBD that is in the midst of rapid transformation. Replacing the current office accommodation to the rear, designed by DCM and PVH in the 80's, 477 Collins Street joins a swathe of eight other large scale developments at the west end of the CBD boasting Collins Street addresses.

The projects in question are: <a href="/developers/cbus-property">CBUS's</a> mixed-use development at 447 Collins, Fragrance Group's <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">555 Collins</a>, the for sale <a href="/buildings/collins-house-melbourne-460-466-collins-street-melbourne">464 Collins</a> residential tower, Equiset's major Rialto revamp, the proposed 710 Collins office tower and <a href="/developers/lendlease-development">Lend Lease's</a> Batmans Hill. These join the already under construction 567 Collins and <a href="/buildings/568-collins-street-melbourne" target="_blank">568 Collins</a> projects.

<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/collins_conga_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The cast of Collins Street, playing soon at the West End. © Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/collins_conga_0.jpg?itok=6nJZVrX1" title="The cast of Collins Street, playing soon at the West End. © Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The cast of Collins Street, playing soon at the West End. © Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><h2>The proposal</h2>

The 3,899sqm site as it exists today comprises of three parts:

<ol>
<li>Three heritage listed buildings along the northern Collins Street frontage, built during various periods of the 19th Century; Olderfleet House, Record Chambers, and SA Insurance Building. These are historically and culturally significant examples of Romanesque and Gothic Victorian architecture they are protected via a Heritage Overlay which extends 12m deep into the site covers which have been adhered by the development team.</li>
	<li>An intervention to the centre of the site by way of a 9-storey, office building of a 40x40m footprint designed by Denton Corker Marshall and Peck von Hartel in the 1980's. This is largely characterised by its tapestry-like facade, consisting up of a number of tinted-mirror glazed panels laid out in various sequences and patterns and its lack of setbacks to the eastern and western boundaries.</li>
	<li>A five-storey carpark with access from Flinders Lane accommodating 598 parking spaces, above which exists a tennis court and garden area. The presence of the car parking structure and associated access requirements has resulted in a largely unactivated frontage along Flinders Lane.</li>
</ol>
Employing a side core configuration for maximum floor plate efficiency, the proposal is in keeping with the campus-style typology that is prevalent amongst commercial buildings of the 21st Century. The tower is expressed as a series of stacked volumes which visually and physically break up the overall massing and responds to the desire for a multi-tenanted building.

The design allows for the potential of further reduction in scale via the provision of tenant driven atria which puncture the floor plate but sit within the glazed envelope. The architects have coined the term Vertical Neighbourhoods to describe the arrangement of commercial programme and tenant driven adaptability and flexibility.

<blockquote>
It is an idea that seeks to address the emerging trends in workplace buildings to connect floors vertically, enabling smaller floor-plate buildings to behave with the efficiencies of larger campus style office buildings.
<cite>Grimshaw Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

The introduction and articulation of a shadow line running vertically over the full height of the tower responds to the common wall of the heritage buildings. This allows for a different visual language to the eastern core - very rigid and ordered. In addition to services and plant infrastructure the core has provision for 'client spaces' to Collins Street. The evolution of the building's form is best illustrated in the series of diagrams below.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/form_evolution.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Form Evolution diagrams. © Grimshaw"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/form_evolution.jpg?itok=WiOX-Qas" title="Form Evolution diagrams. © Grimshaw" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Form Evolution diagrams. © Grimshaw</figcaption></figure>The 158m tower is setback 3.8m from the rear of the heritage buildings for a total setback of 16.8m from Collins Street. The remaining east, west and south setbacks measure 4.5m from the site boundary.

In addition to heritage and setback considerations the proposal has been designed to comply with the planning scheme's requirement for preventing overshadowing of the south bank of the Yarra during the winter solstice between 11am &amp; 2pm.

<h2>Ground plane and public realm</h2>

Another key consideration of the 477 Collins proposal is the sensitive interface between the new and the existing heritage buildings, and how this might inform the public spaces within and around the site. Retail spaces are located to Collins Street with a business lounge and end-of-trip facilities located within the basement levels.

The commercial foyer allows for the physical structural separation of existing from new while visually tying the components together through a single common point.

<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/foyer_view.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Commercial foyer. © Grimshaw"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/foyer_view.jpg?itok=NnHCiT8R" title="Commercial foyer. © Grimshaw" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Commercial foyer. © Grimshaw</figcaption></figure>It is intended that the heritage buildings be occupied by a single retail tenant specialising in the high end food industry that can connect the heritage buildings together at upper levels, whilst still observing and respecting their varying character, boundary walls and social qualities. This proposed strategy is illustrated in the indicative section below.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/heritage_section.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative Heritage tenancy strategy. © Grimshaw"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="434" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/heritage_section.jpg?itok=wd3xhYaf" title="Indicative Heritage tenancy strategy. © Grimshaw" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative Heritage tenancy strategy. © Grimshaw</figcaption></figure>In a concerted effort to improve the pedestrian experience along the site's Flinders Lane frontage the existing car parking structure is intended to be visually concealed via a screen. This will be achieved via the use of vertical perforated metal blades which also allow for an animation of an otherwise static facade.

At ground level glazed shop front-type facades have been introduced to provide improved permeability and rise to a two storey datum. These are bookended by two glazed staircases which are intended to frame the elevation and provide glimpses of visual activity through the internal vertical circulation of people.

<h2>International design charette</h2>

One of the most interesting aspects of this particular design is its inception. The proposal was fostered via global design collaboration - the outcome of a design charette undertaken amongst four international Grimshaw offices where various ideas were submitted and fused together. This process is described further in the passage below, extracted from Grimshaw's planning application document:

<blockquote>
As part of the appointment for 477 Collins Street, Grimshaw, as an internationally acclaimed architectural practice with a wider global network, offered to undertake for our client an international design charette at the beginning of the design process in January 2014. The intention of this charette utilised teams in New York, London, Melbourne and Sydney offices of Grimshaw and provided a broad based approach to design which gave diversity and multiplicity to the initial design explorations and ideas.

It was not run as a typical design competition between several architects, nor was it intended to choose an outright winner, however the process bought to the surface many excellent ideas for the development of the site that could be harnessed into a singular dynamic vision.
<cite>Grimshaw Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/international_design_charette.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The various 3d massings devised by each office. © Grimshaw"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="309" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/international_design_charette.jpg?itok=WfCVBteV" title="The various 3d massings devised by each office. © Grimshaw" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The various 3d massings devised by each office. © Grimshaw</figcaption></figure>Factoring in all the initiatives, considerations and design rigour undertaken by Grimshaw and its team to develop the proposal it could be argued that 477 Collins Street presents the first real next-gen commercial tower to be undertaken in Melbourne. If the high-rise residential towers popping up all over town can be loosely termed as "vertical villages" then 477 Collins and future commercial towers could possibly be best described as "vertical campuses".

Pending pre-commitments, construction is anticipated for 2016 with completion expected in 2019.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/477_collins_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="477 Collins Street hero shot. © Scharp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/477_collins_street.jpg?itok=ZaVVWUIC" title="477 Collins Street hero shot. © Grimshaw" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>477 Collins Street hero shot. © Scharp</figcaption></figure><h2>Quick facts</h2>

<ul>
<li>Height: 158.56m (measured from Flinders Lane)</li>
	<li>Floors: 38-storeys</li>
	<li>NLA: 55,000sqm in the commercial tower + heritage office accommodation</li>
	<li>Parking: Reduction from 598 down to 405</li>
	<li>Bicycle Spaces: 541 + end-of-trip facilities</li>
	<li>Retail: 2,461sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Mirvac</li>
	<li>Architect: Grimshaw</li>
	<li>Planning Consultant: Urbis</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultant: Lovell Chen</li>
	<li>Structural Consultant: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Services, Traffic &amp; ESD Consultant: ARUP</li>
</ul>
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Planning Application > 477 Collins Street, Melbourne

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New data from the National Land Survey Program has revealed that Gainsborough Greens, a Pimpama development from Mirvac, is the fastest selling land development on the Gold Coast.
The house and land masterplan is set to be <a href="/news/qld/gold-coasts-largest-masterplanned-community-underway">the Gold Coast's largest masterplanned community</a>, in an area that 'virtually doubled' from 2006 to 2011, and in February Property Observer reported that interest was at an "all time high" in the area.
{qtube vid:=PVKhkCCXLcA}
The development was reported as having an 11% market share of the land sales in the area over the past three quarters, at 88 of a total 822 sales. This was for between April and December 2013, of which the December quarter was the busiest period for the house and land development – with 43 sales.
In September last year <a href="/news/mirvacs-gainsborough-greens-records-record-quarter-of-sales-totaling-8-1-million">Mirvac announced a record number of sales in the development for Gainsborough Greens</a>, which will include 2,200 homes upon completion. The <a href="/news">Pimpama</a> community concept launched in late-2010.
Russell Berlee, the masterplanned communities Queensland development director for Mirvac, said that location, affordability and quality were at the heart of <a href="https://www.gainsborough-greens.mirvac.com/masterplan" target="_blank">Gainsborough Green</a>'s result, with the northern part of the Gold Coast performing well due to the ready availability of land.
"Gainsborough Greens is well positioned to benefit from this growth, and our home and land prices - starting from just $370,000 - are among the most affordable on the market, so we are getting a lot of interest from young couples and families looking to live in a brand new community at great value,” said Berlee.
The site includes a gold course, recreation centre and parks, with over 65% of the site for green spaces.
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