Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

Montague

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Though the final <a href="/news/fishermans-bend-framework-and-planning-controls-finalised">Framework and Planning controls for Fishermans Bend</a> were only adopted in the last few weeks, the reality is that work has been progressing on Australia's largest urban renewal project for quite some time. Apartment developments such as Gravity Tower and Nightfall aside, the Hayball-designed South Melbourne Primary School opened in February this year within what will become known as the Montague precinct.

And now the first stage of a new park for the growing community has opened, marking another significant milestone for the area. Named Kirrip Park, the name was chosen through an extensive community consultation process by City of Port Phillip. ‘Kirrip’ means friendship or mate in the Boon Wurrung language.

Hayball have acted as Principal Consultants on the Ferrars St Education and Community Precinct, encompassing the South Melbourne Primary School and Community Facility and Kirrip Park - a catalyst project for Fishermans Bend that provides more public space, community services and facilities for the growing community. The landscape design of the new park was undertaken by Tract Consultants, continuing from and building on their work on the school and wider 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/screenshot_20181021-202356_instagram.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kirrip Park forms part of the Ferrars Street Education and Community Precinct. Image: City of Port Phillip"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="316" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screenshot_20181021-202356_instagram.jpg?itok=0GbUuh6L" title="Kirrip Park forms part of the Ferrars Street Education and Community Precinct. Image: City of Port Phillip" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kirrip Park forms part of the Ferrars Street Education and Community Precinct. Image: City of Port Phillip</figcaption></figure>The site of the 9,000 sqm park was jointly purchased and delivered by the City of Port Phillip and the Victorian State Government, and provides much needed open space within Fishermans Bend - the equivalent of around 20 netball courts. Further development of the park will be carried out in consultation with the community to determine what other elements are needed to support a wide range of active and passive uses.

As previously mentioned, the Ferrars Street precinct features Victoria’s first vertical primary school, in addition to tram stop and street upgrades as well as streetscaping to improve safety, accessibility and connections to the surrounding area. The balance of streetscaping works is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The project marks the transformation of the old industrial site into a new and vibrant area for Fishermans Bend.

<blockquote>
This park is a great example of how we are undoing Matthew Guy’s mess at Fishermans Bend. Our partnership with the City of Port Phillip and the City of Melbourne has been at the heart of delivering a better future for Fishermans Bend and the neighbouring communities.

- Martin Foley, Member for Albert Park
</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/smps_diannasnape_print_14_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kirrip Park joins the South Melbourne Primary School. Image: Dianne Snape"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/smps_diannasnape_print_14_0.jpg?itok=TO-T3eyB" title="Kirrip Park joins the South Melbourne Primary School. Image: Dianne Snape" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kirrip Park joins the South Melbourne Primary School. Image: Dianne Snape</figcaption></figure>Fishermans Bend encompasses around 485 hectares of former industrial land on the doorstep of Melbourne's CBD. It is expected that by 2050, it will be home to approximately 80,000 residents and provide employment for up to 80,000 people across five precincts; Lorimer, Montague, Sandridge, Wirraway and the Employment Precinct.

<h2>What the designers say...</h2>

<blockquote>
A key approach to Hayball’s design in this precinct has been to incorporate flexible and adaptable spaces, that provide greater facilities for the growing Fishermans Bend community. This is reflected at South Melbourne Primary school, Victoria’s first vertical primary school, and will be even more evident now that Kirrip Park is complete and open to the public.

The landscape of the precinct, including the park, is integral to creating a vibrant and functional space for the community to utilise and interact in. Kirrip Park will be a blueprint for useful and inclusive city parks not only across Melbourne, but for other urban areas across the country.

The wider Ferrars St Education and Community Precinct is a great example of successful urban regeneration in Melbourne, with spaces that will support a growing and diverse community.

- Anthony Apolloni, Project Leader and Senior Associate, Hayball
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
The Kirrip Park project is sensitive to the social and cultural context and will play a key role in the making of a new active community, providing a wide range of flexible use spaces for a diversity of users. The scale of the open space is fitting for the growing community and school users which inhabit the surrounding areas.

The landscape concept was based around the principle of environmental sustainability and active stormwater management systems. Through a collaborative design approach, rain gardens and planted drainage swales were designed to create a naturalistic landscape, providing passive irrigation, and improving water quality discharging to the downstream Yarra River outfall.

Through a creative landscape and engineering design solution the ‘open’ approach provides additional flood storage capacity in local flood events, whilst creating usable green areas and improving the public amenity, landscape and ‘green’ nature of the precinct. High quality open space will play a central role in the creation of a vibrant and successful new community.

- Mariano Lopez, Principal Landscape Architect, Tract Consultants
</blockquote>

Lead Image: City of Port Phillip via twitter.

 
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Laurence Dragomir

The first new park in Fishermans Bend officially opens

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<a href="/news/fifteen85-is-fishermans-bends-first-major-launch-of-2018">First mentioned on Urban.com.au last month</a>, the first stage of <a href="/developers/cel-australia">CEL Australia's</a> <a href="/new-apartments/15-85-gladstone-street-south-melbourne">FIFTEEN85</a> <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a> development, within the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area, is being launched this weekend. 

Located at 15 - 85 Gladstone Street, FIFTEEN85 is located just a few doors down from <a href="/buildings/gravity-tower-89-montague-street-south-melbourne">Gravity Tower</a>, the first residential tower to be built within the Montague precinct of Fishermans Bend, and will comprise three towers of up to 30-storeys.

<figure><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="631" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gabrielsaunders_cel_gladstonest_external-podium.jpg?itok=2LIffat1" title="FIFTEEN 85's three multi-coloured towers in-situ. Image: Gabriel Saunders" width="580">

<figcaption>FIFTEEN 85's three multi-coloured towers in-situ. Image: Gabriel Saunders</figcaption></figure>To kick off the official launch of FIFTEEN85, CEL Australia is throwing a dog and owner festival, called the "FIFTEEN85 South Melbourne Graze &amp; Growl" on Saturday June 23rd. 

The festival includes a “Park Your Pooch Zone”, which includes Grooming by Pettiquette and the “Hair of the Dog Bar” curated by the Caine Wellness Kitchen. On the menu are complimentary treat bags, Dog friendly beer, pinot, cider and specialised dog street food. Additionally, BOco dog collars will be offering discounted leather collars and giveaways. For the humans, free food will be given out by:

<ul>
<li>Loaded Hotdogs</li>
	<li>Wheelys Coffee Cart</li>
	<li>Crepes for Change</li>
	<li>Benny Burgers</li>
</ul>
CEL Australia will also be offering the first 70 purchasers the share in over $2 million worth of developer incentive packages. The incentives will be aimed at First Home Buyers, Local Owner Occupiers, Local Investors, FIRB Investors and FIRB Owner Occupiers. Local purchases will be offered furniture and AV packages worth upwards of $25,000, as well as 12 months contributions to the Owners Corporation.

According to CEL Australia, FIFTEEN85 has been designed with comfort and style as key considerations for residents seeking a modern lifestyle, and the best of apartment and city living.

<blockquote>
The design of FIFTEEN85 is set to make it one of the most attractive residential buildings in the area. Every Aspect has been carefully considered, whether your appreciating the glassed exterior or living a great lifestyle from within,”

It’s important that there are opportunities for the residents to meet and interact to create meaningful relationships. FIFTEEN85 has been designed with this in mind. It is a vertical community which offers shared spaces as an extension of the home

- Tim Pearce, General Manager, CEL Australia
</blockquote>

The development is located opposite the under construction <a href="/news/montague-community-park-on-track-for-spring-completion">Montague Community Park, due to open in September</a>, and less than a minute's walk from the recently completed South Melbourne Primary School.  Additionally, FIFTEEN85 aims to take advantage of its proximity to South Melbourne with the market and Clarendon Street only a short walk away.

Designed by <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a> and inspired by the works of renowned glass artist Josiah McElheny, the development is characterised by curved, tapering forms clad in multi coloured towers of emerald, cobalt and violet glazing. 

FIFTEEN85 South Melbourne comprises 702 apartments across the three towers - two towers of 30-storeys and one of 27-storeys. All three towers will include a variety of 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom plus study, 2 bedrooms plus 1 bathroom, 2 bedrooms plus 2 bathrooms and 3 bedrooms plus 2 bathroom apartments.

Shared facilities will be located on level 6 of Tower 1 and level 5 of towers 2 &amp; 3, and will include, a pool, gymnasium, sauna, spa, outdoor entertainment areas, resident’s lounges and resident’s dining rooms.

Look out for Apartments.com.au's Q&amp;A with CEL Australia's General Manager TIm Pearce in the coming weeks.

<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/gabrielsaunders_cel_reissue-gladstonestreet_pool_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The view towards Yarra's Edge from the podium rooftop pool. Image: Gabriel Saunders"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="400" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gabrielsaunders_cel_reissue-gladstonestreet_pool_0.jpg?itok=O26yQun1" title="The view towards Yarra's Edge from the podium rooftop pool. Image: Gabriel Saunders" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The view towards Yarra's Edge from the resident's pool. Image: Gabriel Saunders</figcaption></figure><h2>FIFTEEN85 Launch Details</h2>

What: FIFTEEN85 South Melbourne Graze &amp; Growl

Who: CEL Australia 

When: Saturday June 23rd 11:00am to 3:00pm 

Where: 15 - 85 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne Victoria
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CEL Australia to launch latest Fishermans Bend development this weekend

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In light of last week's <a href="/news/fishermans-bend-strategic-framework-plan-released" target="_blank">Fishermans Bend revised structure plan announcement</a>, it seemed an opportune time to meander through Montague Precinct, more specifically the area east of Montague Street and north of City Road.

This particular slice of Montague Precinct is home to the majority of current planning applications for the Urban Renewal Area, all of which are high-rise in nature. Expected to be a showcase of contemporary urban design, the area currently has little by way of urban character save for the odd structure worthy of retention.

<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_7580.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Remarkably wide roads present an opportunity "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7580.jpg?itok=qxaGsJes" title="Remarkably wide roads present an opportunity " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Remarkably wide roads present an opportunity</figcaption></figure>More than any other factor, the existing road infrastructure became immediately noticeable. Immensely wide roads that seemingly carry comparatively little road traffic.

Could it be that in the existing road network lies the key to avoiding some of the blunders of Docklands? This road network to my way of thinking provides much scope and opportunity to create a cohesive precinct-wide landscape and pedestrian plan, prior to the first tower even gaining approval.

By doing so, Montague Precinct could avoid the haphazard nature of Docklands in terms of road network, urban experience and dotted development which has led to the general malaise surrounding the precinct.

Regardless, enjoy the images below, for the most taken on a quiet Sunday morning.
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silvermb

What Montague Precinct currently has to offer

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<a href="/buildings/134-142-ferrars-street-south-melbourne">132-134 Ferrars Street South Melbourne</a> was the first development application lodged for the Montague precinct at the Fishermans Bend urban renewal area. Although Apartments.com.au has already <a href="/news/planning-application-123-125-montague-st-south-melbourne">covered</a> another application at <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">123-125 Montague, St South Melbourne</a>, 132-134 Ferrars Street is to date the tallest application in the area under consideration by DPCD, and the application that has garnered the most media attention.

Put forward by <a href="/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> architects on behalf of <a href="/developers/sungard-availability-services-vic-pty-ltd">Sungard Availability Services Vic</a>, the application is seeking approval for a 49 level, 165m tower containing two ground-floor retail spaces, a childcare facility, 381 apartments and associated car parking through the podium structure.

<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/Image2_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial overview of Montague area"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2_11.jpg?itok=G4xDSx_c" title="Aerial overview of Montague area" typeof="Image"></a>

Rothelowman have cited South Melbourne's historical name Emerald Hill in the planning application as the major driver behind the design concept. In starting with a block form, the architect has worked through a process very much similar to the image below. Sawing, cutting and polishing an initial concept has resulted in Rothelowman delivering a prismatic tower form very much similar to a cut and polished purple emerald.

Reinforcing this notion is the use of purple/blue glass as part of the towers angular facade. Clear and dark grey glass, purple and mid grey metal cladding, exposed concrete, pressed metal and grey metal louvres round out the materials schedule for 132-134 Ferrars St.

 

<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/Image7_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="South Melbourne history cited in the design process"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image7_11.jpg?itok=UovzEA1-" title="South Melbourne history cited in the design process" typeof="Image"></a><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/Image10_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The angular crown of 132-134 Ferrars St, mimicking that form of a jem"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_2.jpg?itok=WMu8kYLs" title="The angular crown of 132-134 Ferrars St, mimicking that form of a jem" typeof="Image"></a>

Whilst the tower maintains a sleek form, the lower levels and street interface provide a complete contrast. Highly articulated and providing activity to both street frontages, the podium is cleverly designed to hide its primary use as a car park. Internally are two retail tenancies and a bike repair workshop totalling 209sqm, 214 car spaces with the limited two and three bedroom duplexes facing both Ferrars Street and Thistlethwaite Street. Level 6 includes a childcare centre with 648sqm of internal spaces plus 483sqm of covered play areas.

For those readers who would ask why the car park is located above ground rather than below, the planning application gives a fair indication as to future expectations. The towers podium design has included flood barriers and ramp apex's to negate envisaged future flood events on the back of a predicted rise in sea levels up to the year 2100. Essential services face Buckhurst Lane and are at the highest point of the site.

Given the site is AHD 2.4m above sea level i'll let the readers draw their own conclusions on that aspect. Regardless it's a good indicator to the likelihood of most if not all future Montague towers having their car parking areas above ground. If this is to be the norm I hope that state planning body DPCD enforce an highly innovative and uniform stance in response to above ground car parks that have the tendency in other areas of Melbourne to quash vibrancy and street level activity.

<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/Image25_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="132-134 Ferrars Street street interface"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image25_0.jpg?itok=nS_5VM_4" title="132-134 Ferrars Street street interface" typeof="Image"></a>

Of all images provided through the planning document, this may well be the most prophetic. 132-134 Ferrars Street appears here all on its lonesome, with the bulk of Southbank in the distance. If this planning application is to receive approval it will set the standard for Montague in terms of both height and density. Interesting times ahead!

<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/Image11_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A sign of things to come"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image11_3.jpg?itok=TpLFScZi" title="A sign of things to come" typeof="Image"></a>

All images above © Rothelowman

 
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Leading the way > 132-134 Ferrars St, South Melbourne

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As a precursor to numerous planning applications appearing for Fishermans Bend, today we'll focus on Montague - one of four defined Fisherman's Bend sub-precincts planned by the state government. Montague has a structure plan, with the City of Port Phillip adopting it during September 2012.
To view the entire structure plan document suite, click <a href="http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/montague-precinct-structure-plan.htm" target="_blank">here</a>, but for the time being we'll focus on Montague as seen through Port Phillip's eyes.
In the southern area of Montague, City Road is to have the least amount of change as seen below. City Road, according to the structure plan will have a simple and easy to understand built-form profile.
<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/city_road_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative scope of change for City Road - Image credit City of Port Phillip"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/city_road_1.png?itok=9RcwgXSl" title="Indicative scope of change for City Road - Image credit City of Port Phillip" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
<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/city_road_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="City Road's basic height/setback principles - Image credit City of Port Phillip"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/city_road_2.png?itok=KhzEKzf8" title="City Road's basic height/setback principles - Image credit City of Port Phillip" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
<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/city_road_stats_map.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="City Road Neighbourhood map and stats - Image credit City of Port Phillip"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/city_road_stats_map.jpg?itok=zeYe6bRS" title="City Road Neighbourhood map and stats - Image credit City of Port Phillip" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
Moving toward the central area, the density and height of buildings will increase markedly compared to City Road as seen below. The difference between City Road and Southern Neighbourhood is clearly outlined in the basic height/setback and street profile - note the change of uses.
<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/southern_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative scope of the Southern Neighbourhood - Image credit City of Port Phillip"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/southern_1.png?itok=N1Nt4FAN" title="Indicative scope of the Southern Neighbourhood - Image credit City of Port Phillip" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
<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/southern_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="South Neighbourhood's basic height/setback principles - Image credit City of Port Phillip"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/southern_2.png?itok=ZLdu0QMh" title="South Neighbourhood's basic height/setback principles - Image credit City of Port Phillip" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
<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/southern_stats_map.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southern Neighbourhood map and stats - Image credit City of Port Phillip"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/southern_stats_map.jpg?itok=J35Bu-_e" title="Southern Neighbourhood map and stats - Image credit City of Port Phillip" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
The Northern Neighbourhood of Montague is where City of Port Phillip has planned to have mixed use towers of up to the 100m in height.
<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/northern_1.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative scope of the Northern Neighbourhood - Image credit City of Port Phillip"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/northern_1.png?itok=jRRGGKlm" title="Indicative scope of the Northern Neighbourhood - Image credit City of Port Phillip" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
<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/northern_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Northern Neighbourhood's basic height/setback principles - Image credit City of Port Phillip"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/northern_2.png?itok=Xxo1ev3g" title="Northern Neighbourhood's basic height/setback principles - Image credit City of Port Phillip" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
<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/northern_stats_map.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Northern Neighbourhood map and stats - Image credit City of Port Phillip"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/northern_stats_map.jpg?itok=trhb-vuZ" title="Northern Neighbourhood map and stats - Image credit City of Port Phillip" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
Given the brief outline above, what is not clear is if the Port Phillip vision will be fully implemented or even partially implemented as the Planning Minister has extended his <a href="http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/portphillip/ordinance/61_01s_port.pdf" target="_blank">authority</a> to the City of Port Phillip lands located within Fisherman's Bend (all land South of the West Gate Freeway).
Planning minister Matthew Guy's getting a bit of bad rap in the mainstream media at the moment with titles such as "Mr Skyscraper" and the like. We don't wish to join this mainstream media gravy train, however the Planning Minister has the authority to override the City of Port Phillip planning framework if he desires.
The Montague Structure plan on face value ticks a lot of boxes: significant increases in density, diversity of land use (heavy integration of residential, commercial and retail), unashamedly urban and very much public transport friendly (however in saying public transport friendly, we still have reservations that Light Rail will not cope with the influx of people to the area).
Many questions remain unanswered about Montague and Fishermans Bend in general. One thing is known, Apartments.com.au will bring readers information first.
To that end tomorrow we'll look at 123-125 Montague St South Melbourne, one of the area's first submitted applications.
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