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

North Melbourne

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A getaway shack on a rock escarpment in the Tallarook ranges, just over an hour's north from Melbourne up the Hume Freeway, sold at its weekend onsite auction.
The rustic single room timber cabin, set on a 27 hectare holding, fetched $375,000, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-vic-tallarook-7983678" target="_blank">when offered through agents Pat Rice &amp; Hawkins</a>.
It was bought by a buyer from Toorak.
The cabin sits on a granite tors with a large timber deck.
It has its own portable toilet.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/8/timber2.jpg" alt="">
The vendors have harvested rainwater and installed a portable solar system to provide the basic home comforts at the getaway.
The cabin structure was originally built by people with interests in the caravan industry so it is quite sturdy and easy to maintain, the agents advised.
It last sold at $105,000 in 2014.
The vacant block sold at $18,000 in 1992.
The vendors say 470 Ennis Road, Tallarook had been their ‘glamping’ destination offering seclusion, interesting local vegetation, with no shortage of firewood, plus some amazing wildlife.
Buyers were assured the location also provided good internet and television reception.
Set about 400 metres above the surroundings, there are views to the south and west firstly over the township of Broadford in the mid foreground and to the Macedon Ranges in the distance.
The vendors are off to a farm near Hamilton in the western district.
The marketing did not show the interior, with Bart O’Sullivan Pat Rice &amp; Hawkins expecting the auction offers would begin from $200,000.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Single room timber shack north of Melbourne sells at auction

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A scooter hire company have signed a two year lease in North Melbourne.
The 100 square metre, ground floor 60 Lothian Street property will house the company at $30,000 per annum net, with two further two year options.
It has an office suite with a secure lock-up garage and rear access.
The deal was brokered by Teska Carson’s Fergus Evans and Luke Bisset. 
“With its location less than three kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD this part of North Melbourne has become very much sought after with increasing interest from boutique office and retail tenants,” Evans said.
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Scooter hire company sign North Melbourne tenancy

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Property developer Riverlee has received development approval for its $450 million redevelopment of the Northbank Goods Shed and surrounding land.
The disused industrial waterfront site is to be rebuilt as a mixed use precinct, Seafarers Place.
The development plans are set to deliver a 3,500 sqm public park as well as work on the historic wharf and heritage-listed crane. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/14/Riverlee%202.jpg" alt="">
Seafarers Place will comprise 150 residences, a 5-star hotel with 280 rooms and a 1000-seat function centre, along with a host of retail amenities.
Fender Katsalidis have designed with project with landscape design by OCULUS.
The Northbank Goods Shed transformation will signify the last opportunity to live along the waterfront in Melbourne’s CBD, Riverlee’s development director David Lee said.
Wharf restoration works began in February and are expected to be completed in the coming months, while crane restoration works have commenced with construction slated for mid 2019.
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$450 million Seafarers Place redevelopment has been approved for Melbourne's Northbank wharf precinct

In stark contrast to our growing database of <a href="/news/top-20-sydney-suburbs-with-the-largest-development-pipeline">Sydney projects</a>, Melbourne's been in <a href="/">Apartments.com.au's</a> DNA for over five years.&nbsp; And what a difference it is with postcode 3000 (actually, the suburb name Melbourne, but you know what I mean) leading the pack among the top 20 suburbs across metropolitan Melbourne with the largest development pipeline.

Not to be outdone, <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, home to some of the largest skyscrapers (and proposals) in the city comes in second with a 5 figure number in its development pipeline and spilling over from Southbank, <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a> takes the third top spot.

<a href="/new-apartments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/doncaster-vic-3108">Doncaster</a> are two suburbs in the top 10 which stand apart from the trend of much of inner Melbourne ruling the roost and <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Moonee Ponds</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/coburg-vic-3058">Coburg</a> in that inner-city to middle-ring transition area are present within the top 20.

In fact, beyond the top 20, there are many middle-ring Melbourne suburbs with over 1000 dwellings in the development pipeline including <a href="/new-apartments/carnegie-vic-3163">Carnegie</a> (1602), <a href="/new-apartments/essendon-vic-3040">Essendon</a> (1527), <a href="/new-apartments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">North Melbourne</a> (1407) and <a href="/new-apartments/maribyrnong-vic-3032">Maribyrnong</a> (1279).

For a while I've been saying both privately and publicly, <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a> is on the same level as <a href="/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a> - similar distances from the centre of Melbourne and with the rail transport to match - and lo and behold Footscray is well ahead of South Yarra's pipeline numbers at this time.

<a href="/new-apartments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood</a> (2668) outstrips <a href="/new-apartments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy</a> (1169, ranked #35) by a long margin and <a href="/new-apartments/preston-vic-3072">Preston</a> (3369) is way out ahead of all the other suburbs on the High Street / South Morang corridor.

The monster numbers at the top can be explained that the suburb 'Melbourne' applies to St Kilda Road as well as the CBD, however when we look exclusively at postcode 3000, there are still over 18,000 dwellings in the pipeline.

The number of dwellings below are&nbsp;for all projects on the Apartments.com.au project database across all four main statuses - Planning Assessment, Approved, Registration &amp; Sales and Under Construction.

Click on a suburb name to view a summary of the development pipeline for each region.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%;">
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col">Rank</th>
			<th scope="col">Suburb</th>
			<th scope="col">Number of Dwellings</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>20,035</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a></td>
			<td>16,015</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>6573</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/footscray-vic-3011">Footscray</a></td>
			<td>6526</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a></td>
			<td>6276</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/box-hill-vic-3128">Box Hill</a></td>
			<td>5645</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">West Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>4980</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/richmond-vic-3121">Richmond</a></td>
			<td>4402</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>9</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a></td>
			<td>4124</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/doncaster-vic-3108">Doncaster</a></td>
			<td>3808</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>11</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/preston-vic-3072">Preston</a></td>
			<td>3369</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>12</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a></td>
			<td>3044</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>13</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/brunswick-east-vic-3057">Brunswick East</a></td>
			<td>2828</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>14</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">North Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>2793</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Moonee Ponds</a></td>
			<td>2749</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>16</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/collingwood-vic-3066">Collingwood</a></td>
			<td>2668</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>17</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/st-kilda-vic-3182">St Kilda</a></td>
			<td>2618</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">Port Melbourne</a></td>
			<td>2493</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>19</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/coburg-vic-3058">Coburg</a></td>
			<td>1792</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>20</td>
			<td><a href="/developments/hawthorn-east-vic-3123">Hawthorn East</a></td>
			<td>1757</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Alastair Taylor

Top 20 Melbourne suburbs with the largest development pipeline

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Having worked on both the Initial Reference Design (IRD) and Reference Design (RD) for the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel during my years at Grimshaw, I have maintained an ongoing interest in the project from afar, as development plans for each station along the twin 9km tunnels are finessed and new renders are released.

The key theme for us when working on the Reference Designs of each station was "celebrating the engineering" and designing a series of components (or kit of parts) which could be upgraded over time as required or advancements in technology, rather than making wholesale changes to the architecture or aesthetics to respond to the design trend of the time.

This translated into a line-wide identity where concrete and steel structural elements were exposed for all to see and reflected the construction methodology and technologies employed. This reflected the design of metro stations around the world such as those in Copenhagen, Budapest, London etc.

The concept of a line-wide identity was further explored with platform and concourse levels generally consistent across the mined cavern stations  (CBD North and South) and again for the cut and cover station box stations (Arden, Parkville and Domain). Each station would then reflect its surrounding context as you ascended up towards street level, particularly at the upper concourse and station entries.

<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/parkville_platform.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Reference Design for Parkville's Platform level. Image: Grimshaw Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/parkville_platform.jpg?itok=Uvh06tdR" title="Reference Design for Parkville's Platform level. Image: Grimshaw Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Reference Design for Parkville's Platform level. Image: Grimshaw Architects</figcaption></figure>The latest round of renders, <a href="/news/melbourne-metros-finalised-station-designs-unveiled">which were released on Wednesda</a>y, carried with them a "Concept Image" watermark and based on my own experiences the likelihood is that the designs will continue to evolve and be refined to respond to the construction methodology and stakeholder feedback.

The team of architects, which comprises and is led by local (but global) firm HASSELL includes international offices Weston Williamson and Rogers Stirk Harbour who were brought in following Cross Yarra Partnership's successful bid for the stations. In a joint statement the design team describes the key drivers which influenced the station designs;

<blockquote>
Passenger experience has been at the heart of our design. The stations open up to fresh air and natural light and the underground spaces have a generous civic quality that will feel safe and intuitive to use.

But this project isn’t just about adding new stations, it actually creates five extraordinary new public buildings and transformative public places for Melbourne. Together these new places will add a brand new layer to Melbourne, amplifying and connecting to what makes our city one of the world’s most liveable.

We’re proud to be part of this project that will help shape the way the city works today, into the next century and beyond and we hope that Melbourne will grow to be proud of the new metro.

- HASSELL, Weston Williamson and Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners 
</blockquote>

What has become clear that with the reduced construction programme and station completions being brought forward by a year that the designs of each station have had to respond accordingly. 

<h2>Anzac Station (formerly Domain Station)</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/anzac_station_ba.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before &amp; After - L: Domain Station &amp; R: Anzac Station. Image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="333" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/anzac_station_ba.jpg?itok=dPG6bCxM" title="Before &amp; After - L: Domain Station &amp; R: Anzac Station. Image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Before &amp; After - L: Domain Station &amp; R: Anzac Station. Images: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure>"Anzac Station has been designed as a ‘pavilion in the park’ – an integrated public building and landmark that connects seamlessly with surrounding parklands."

Above ground the design has generally remained true to the first concept released, with the element of reality and practicality added to the pavilion's canopy, which previously almost appeared to float over the station entry at the tram interchange.

Dual entries either side of St Kilda Road within the Shrine gardens and Albert Road Reserve allow passengers to cross the stretch of road below ground, removing the conflict with vehicles.

Below ground based on the renders provided, it would appear the line-wide identity has become more consistent across the stations, with the site-specific coloured bands across the OTE plenums now the bronze finish prevalent throughout all the stations. Likewise, the structural elements are treated with minimum fuss or need for unnecessary ornament.

<h2>Town Hall Station (formerly CBD South Station)</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/town_hall_ba.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before &amp; After - L: CBD South Station &amp; R: Town Hall Station. Image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="362" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/town_hall_ba.jpg?itok=qahHMJp5" title="Before &amp; After - L: CBD South Station &amp; R: Town Hall Station. Image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Before &amp; After - L: CBD South Station &amp; R: Town Hall Station. Images: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure>The first concept images for what was then CBD South Station featured a series of arches and vaulted spaces which were also reflected in some form at CBD North Station. The arches within the concourse area have since evolved into a forest of concrete structural branches supporting a web of beams set against a backdrop of solid and perforated metal panels.

At platform level, the vaults have been rationalised from a contoured fan vault into a more regular barrel vault, with bronze overlapping arches tacked on supporting the lighting and supported by large concrete columns, again reflecting the line-wide strategy, with some tweaking to reflect the cavern station construction. 

Above ground within Federation and City Square canopies over the entries reflect the respective locations with a lightweight  steel and glass structure at City Square and a more blade-like canopy at Fed Square drawing on the geometry of the architecture of the buildings there. Whether that is the final design is to be determined in light of the controversy surrounding Apple's potential move to the square and the architecture employed for its store.

Of particular note also, is the changing role of Flinders Lane in the precinct, which is slated to  "...become a shared street adjacent to City Square, with a raised surface to increase the scale of the square and link it to St Paul’s Cathedral and Chapter House Lane."

<h2>State Library Station (formerly CBD North)</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/state_library.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before &amp; After - L: CBD North Station &amp; R: State Library Station. Image: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="364" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/state_library.jpg?itok=F-ma6EaL" title="Before &amp; After - L: CBD North Station &amp; R: State Library Station. Image: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Before &amp; After - L: CBD North Station &amp; R: State Library Station. Images: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure>The reflective iridescent arches within the main entry located on the corner of LaTrobe and Swanston Streets have been replaced with supersized concrete portal frames which span the full width of the entry save for the lobby and core areas set aside for the Over Site Development (OSD) which they will eventually support.

Once again the metallic panelling provides the surface treatment to the walls and soffits at street level. Glazing along LaTrobe Street provides the entry with light and visibility.

The platform level at State Library is essentially the same as at Town Hall Station.

According to the Metro Tunnel website "Existing laneways at Literature Lane and Stewart Street will be revitalised and extended to provide connections into the new station, opening up new walking routes and evenly distributing pedestrians around the precinct".  Swanston Street will be reconfigured to "enable widened footpaths, increasing space for pedestrians outside the new station and creating space for new trees to be planted."

It has not been confirmed whether the tiered amphitheatre entry at Franklin Street adjacent to RMIT has been retained in the latest round of designs - its origins tracing back to Reference Design. The southern footpath however, "will be widened to become a linear park with areas for socialising, outdoor dining, shade, gardens and public art." This forms part of a greater strategy to transform the street into a pedestrian promenade between Stewart and Victoria Streets. 

<h2>Parkville Station</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/parkville_ba.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before &amp; After - L: Parkville Station &amp; R: Parkville Station. Images: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="358" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/parkville_ba.jpg?itok=STjtloNz" title="Before &amp; After - L: Parkville Station &amp; R: Parkville Station. Images: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Before &amp; After - L: Parkville Station &amp; R: Parkville Station. Images: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure>The construction of the station will see Grattan Street transformed into a ‘grand promenade,’ connecting some of Victoria’s most prominent institutions.

"The main station entry, on the northern side of Grattan Street outside the University of Melbourne, features a 50 metre long glass and steel canopy to draw natural light into the station concourse. The entrance has been designed to sit within the tree canopy to blend in with the surrounding environment. Natural light is also maximised in the concourse via light wells that allow light to penetrate from the surface to the station below."

The concourse level previously featured a ceiling comprising large staggered apertures of varying sizes allowing light into the station. These have since been rationalised and appear more as traditional skylight strips in response to the structural elements and construction of the station.

Down at platform level, Parkville features design features and finishes in keeping with North Melbourne and Anzac Stations.

<h2>North Melbourne Station (formerly Arden Station)</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/nth_melbourne.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before &amp; After - L: Arden Station &amp; R: North Melbourne Station. Images: Rail Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nth_melbourne.jpg?itok=n4CqspkI" title="Before &amp; After - L: Arden Station &amp; R: North Melbourne Station. Images: Rail Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Before &amp; After - L: Arden Station &amp; R: North Melbourne Station. Images: Rail Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure>As the catalyst for the wider renewal of the Arden Precinct, the station design draws on the area's former industrial character and history with concrete and masonry forming the grand vaulted entry.

Earlier concepts also featured the use of brick throughout, with the cascading stairs down to platform level previously shown as being lined with brick paving.

The entrance will be raised 1.5m above ground level to respond to flooding.
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Laurence Dragomir

A closer look at the latest round of Melbourne Metro Station Designs

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Property developer Fridcorp, together with long-standing joint venture partner Daniel Besen and Wingate, has secured approval for its $65 million residential project in North Melbourne’s Arden Urban Renewal precinct.
Located at 3 and 5–15 Shiel Street, a nine level apartment tower will be built on a 1,310 sqm site.
It will comprise 90 one, two and three bedroom apartments, with 70 basement car parks and a residents-only rooftop terrace with views of the CBD skyline and Royal Park.
Melbourne architecture firm Elenberg Fraser have been commissioned to design the building and its interiors.
The site was purchased from Spec Property in early March 2016 for $7 million.
The project is scheduled to launch in September 2018, with construction expected to commence in the first quarter of 2019.
Paul Fridman, Fridcorp founder and director, says the company is pleased to receive planning approval for the Shiel Street project which will contribute to the urban renewal of the inner-city growth area.
“North Melbourne is a new market for Fridcorp but, together with Daniel Besen and Wingate, we saw an opportunity with the Victorian Planning Authority’s proposed Arden precinct to deliver quality medium-density housing in Melbourne’s inner-ring that will provide long-term investment potential and growth for owner-occupiers and investors.
 “Over the coming decades, the already thriving area will undergo significant urban regeneration and it is anticipated to be a base for 34,000 jobs and 15,000 residents by 2051 and medium-density housing is required to address the needs of this growing population.
"The VPA’s framework for Arden, including Diverse housing, a lively public realm, green spaces and improved connectivity with the new Arden Station, will help ensure the success of this new residential and commercial precinct which will become a thriving suburb on the footstep of the city.”
Led by the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) on behalf of the Victorian Government, Arden is located on 55 hectares of land between Macaulay Road, Dryburgh Street and the Upfield Rail Corridor in North Melbourne, and will be a major new commercial and residential precinct.
Arden Station is being built as part of the Metro Tunnel and is due to open by 2026, making North Melbourne one stop from the CBD.
For more information click here.
 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Daniel Besen partners with Fridcorp for North Melbourne apartment project

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Inner northern suburbs of Melbourne continue to perform well with strong results continuing at all price points, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) report.
The property valuation firm says that detached dwellings continue to outperform units due to strong land values and proximity to amenities.
“Growth within the detached dwelling sector continues to outperform their unit counterparts driven by strong underlying land values, infrastructure and proximity to employment and amenities," HTW said.
“Outer northern suburbs of Craigieburn, Mickleham and Kalkallo are also considered to be performing well at all price points primarily driven by factors associated with affordability, infrastructure and population growth.
“These markets are considered to be tracking well with strong demand and relatively limited availability of new titled allotments being made available.
“We have noted however, that a substantial increase in supply could lead the market in a new direction.”
Herron Todd White warned that outer northern suburbs are at higher risk of being less popular if interest rates were to rise.
“Generally speaking, the outer northern suburbs would benefit most from an increase in infrastructure investment given the lack of pre-existing infrastructure to support the already growing population.
“Both the inner northern and outer northern suburbs would likely see a slow down if there was a significant change in lending criteria or interest rates.
“Outer northern suburbs however, are at higher risk of being impacted by a decrease in overall demand as they are more sensitive to rising rates.”
A five bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-craigieburn-125374198" target="_blank">69 Parkside Rise</a>, Craigieburn (above) has been listed for $850,000 to $935,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kalkallo-125493798" target="_blank">4 Blayney Street</a>, Kalkallo (below) has been listed for $509,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/19/4%20Blayney%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-craigieburn-125217394" target="_blank">55 Bowral Loop</a>, Craigieburn (below) was recently sold for $397,500.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/19/55%20Bowral%20Loop.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-craigieburn-125159974" target="_blank">11 Black Range Avenue</a>, Craigieburn (below) was recently sold for $570,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/19/11%20Black%20Range%20Avenue.jpg" alt="">
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Northern Melbourne residential market growing strong: HTW

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A historic cable tram shed and workshop in North Melbourne that has been converted into a family home has been sold for $6.5 million.
It was bought three years ago for $3.35 million by car collector Chris Page because he wanted to grow his car collection.
He and his family moved from their Carlton home and renovated the historic 1918 building which had previously sold in 1978 at $155,000.
It is now a vast five bedroom home with a big garage downstairs as well as a street-facing mechanic business.
Page hoped that another like-minded car lovers will secure the property which was also advertised as a development site.
His hopes came true, as the buyer is a fellow car enthusiast who has a car collection.
The property first began as a cable tram shed in the 1920s before being converted into a tramways administration office and then finally into a Mediterranean grocer before being converted into the current home.
The reported pre-auction price indications were $5.5 million for the property that includes the mechanic business space.
The business owner would be happy to stay if the new owner wishes.
The property was offered through Jellis Craig agents John Morello and Simon Mason.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Historic North Melbourne cable tram shed conversion sold

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Inner city suburbs such as Port Melbourne, St Kilda, South Yarra, Richmond, Carlton and Fitzroy are worth watching to see if they maintain the capital growth shown over the past few years, according to HTW's February 2017 update.
The valuation firm says that, in particular, established apartments offering functional floor plans and superior living areas are expected to grow due to their attractiveness compared to new off the plan stock.
With the continuing development of large apartment complexes outside the Melbourne CBD, these apartments are usually marketed for lower than off the plan apartments and often provide a superior product, the report says.
“The Melbourne apartment market however is one that should be treated with caution as the threat of oversupply looms large, with the RBA warning that the rush of apartments scheduled for completion in the next couple of years will constrain price growth and also impact rents,” HTW says.
“There is also the increased risk of off the plan apartments not settling upon completion.”
The firm says the inner north western apartment market should be treated with caution due to the large amount of supply particularly in the suburbs of North Melbourne, West Melbourne, Travancore and Parkville. This concern may be contributing to softening values.
At the average price of $950,000 an investor can purchase a house such as the one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-north+melbourne-123638770" target="_blank">44 Bryon Street</a>, North Melbourne (above) that was sold for $990,000.
Similarly at the average price of $521,000 an investor can purchase a unit such as the one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-north+melbourne-124513242" target="_blank">307/139 Chetwynd Street</a>, North Melbourne (below) that is available for $520,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/16/307_139%20Chetwynd%20Street.jpg" alt="">
“While North Melbourne had unit capital growth of 5.2%, there was negative capital growth in unit prices in West Melbourne of -19% (Core Logic, 2017).
It will be interesting to watch the performance of this submarket over the year ahead as more supply is released on to the market.”
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Inner Melbourne buyers ditching off the plan for established units: HTW

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A historic cable tram shed and workshop in North Melbourne that has been converted into a family home remains for sale.
There had been a scheduled pre-Christmas auction marketing campaign that did not yield a buyer.
It was bought three years ago for $3.35 million by car collector Chris Page because he wanted to grow his car collection.
He and his family moved from their Carlton home and renovated <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-north+melbourne-124078490" target="_blank">the historic 1918 building</a> which had previously sold in 1978 at $155,000.
It is a vast five bedroom home with a big garage downstairs as well as a street-facing mechanic business.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/12/22/North%20Melbourne-2.jpg" alt="">
Page still hopes that another like-minded car enthusiast will secure the property which was also advertised as <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-vic-north+melbourne-502177718" target="_blank">a development site</a>.
The property first began as a cable tram shed in the 1920s before being converted into a tramways administration office and then finally into a Mediterranean grocer before being converted into the current home.
The reported pre-auction price indications were $5.5 million for the property that includes the mechanic business space.
The business owner would be happy to stay if the new owner wishes.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/12/22/North%20Melbourne-3.jpg" alt="">
The property is offered through Jellis Craig agents John Morello and Simon Mason.
A neighbouring office building on a 500 square metre block at 16 Howard Street sold earlier this year at $4.4 million.
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