Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<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/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.

Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;

“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;

“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.

“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;

“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;

“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.

Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;

“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;

“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;

Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

The first partnership between national developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> and Adelaide-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> has made a strong start, with the pair securing $21 million in unconditional sales at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-four-four-hutt-adelaide-144-hutt-street-adelaide-sa-5000">One Four Four Hutt</a>&nbsp;on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.

Over a third of apartments have been snapped up in the boutique 44-apartment project on the corner of Hutt Stret and Wakefield Road. Local downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in Adelaide's tightly-held southeast quarter have been the most prominent purchasers.

The DKO-designed, mixed-use development is one of the few new apartment projects in the precinct, an area where new housing supply has remained limited despite continued demand from buyers wanting to stay close to the CBD, Victoria Park and Adelaide's established east-end amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.

"Many purchasers are long-term east-end residents who love the area and want to stay connected to the neighbourhood. They recognise the value of a well-designed, well-located development.

"Our partnership with Otello has been central to this success, and the number of unconditional sales at this stage only strengthens our confidence in the South Australian market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]

Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.

"One Four Four Hutt has clearly resonated with buyers, with strong early sales reflecting both the appeal of the Hutt Street corridor and the lifestyle on offer," Harris said.

"The activated ground-floor retail has also been a key drawcard, with purchasers responding to the vision of a more vibrant and connected streetscape, not just the residences themselves."

One Four Four Hutt will deliver 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of penthouses, above a ground-floor retail offering designed to further activate the Hutt Street precinct.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Fortis makes Adelaide debut with Otello as One Four Four Hutt records strong early sales

Northbank

The mixed-use Riverlee development Seafarers is one of the most anticipated apartment and hotel combination&#39;s to hit Melbourne in recent years.

The development will home Australia&#39;s first 1 Hotels, along with 123 apartments which have already <a href="/news/vic/entrepreneurs-and-executives-favour-hotel-lifestyle-as-seafarers-docklands-sales-surge">been a hit with entrepreneurs and business executives</a>.

Designed by the international architecture studio Fender Katsalidis, Seafarers is expected to be completed in late 2023.

Urban recently spoke to&nbsp;Gabriella Castelmore, a published author who recently moved back to Melbourne having lived overseas for the last 26 years and has found a home in Seafarers.

How did you discover Seafarers?

I first discovered Seafarers when I was in Paris. At the time, I wasn&rsquo;t ready to buy a property in Australia as I was still living overseas. When I did finally make the move, I had a good sense of the market and made the decision to look into Seafarers further. After visiting a few different developments, Seafarers was the obvious choice. The location and value for money exceeded my expectations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=73049]

What attracted you to Seafarers?

Riverlee went straight to the top shelf in appointing the architect and interior designer, and that really stood out for me. I also liked the 1 Hotel component and its high standard of sustainability.

Location was important - I wanted to be central as in the past I had long commutes to work. Now, I will be in close proximity to the office and able to walk or ride to work easily. Coming from Paris where most people live in apartments, it&#39;s comforting knowing there is a beautiful rooftop garden terrace, river views and access to the public park.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=73042]

What qualities were you looking for in a home?

First and foremost I was looking for quality fixtures and fittings, as well as floorboards and carpets. Moving to Melbourne, I had to factor in the need for storage. I was able to secure two units of storage in addition to a car park space.

Other qualities that were important were the amenities - having access to the gym, pool and sauna.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=97032]

What are you looking forward to most about living at Seafarers?

To be honest, I am really looking forward to the sheer comfort and luxury Seafarers offers. My apartment is really spacious with a big bathtub and lots of storage for me to keep everything organised and out of sight. I am also looking forward to using the hotel, inviting friends for coffee or a drink and experiencing 1 Hotel in Melbourne.

<a href="/news/vic/what-buyers-need-to-know-about-the-newest-northbank-project-seafarers-five-minutes-with-riverlees-david-lee">Read more:&nbsp;What buyer&#39;s need to know about the newest Northbank project Seafarers: Five minutes with Riverlee&#39;s David Lee</a>

Are there elements you customised when designing your new home?

I spent a bit of time changing the floorplan and Riverlee was really accommodating throughout the whole journey. I took out the laundry sink which I moved to the large en-suite with access via the hallway. By removing this, I was able to build a substantial study nook large enough for two people with built in cabinetry and shelving.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=73043]

We also finished the study area 20cm short from the kitchen allowing full floor to ceiling cupboards in the kitchen instead of a wall, and providing an enormous amount of additional pantry space.

<a href="/news/vic/the-design-details-fender-katsalidis-architects-discuss-riverlees-mixed-use-docklands-development-seafarers">Read more:&nbsp;The Design Details: Fender Katsalidis Architects discuss Riverlee&#39;s mixed-use Docklands development Seafarers</a>

What attracted you to the Northbank area?

Accessibility to the city and knowing everything is within walking distance, from the variety of great restaurants and bars Melbourne has to offer to the Arts Precinct and Botanical Gardens. Being a big tennis fan, I am also looking forward to being able to walk to the Australian Open when it&rsquo;s on.

I was also attracted to the bike tracks located directly around Seafarers and liked the fact that I&rsquo;ll be able to easily access the South Melbourne and Queen Vic markets.

Are there features at Seafarers that surprised you? 

Yes, the heritage aspect really surprised me, with the building retaining as much of the original site as possible. In today&#39;s world we need to be more conscious about our waste, and knowing this is something Riverlee is prioritising is very much aligned with my values.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=27728]

Urban recently spoke to Gabriella Castelmore, a published author who recently moved back to Melbourne having lived overseas for the last 26 years.



Why I bought a Seafarers, Melbourne apartment: Buyer Q&A

<html><body>
WOWOWA and <a href="http://yarrapools.com/">Yarra Pools</a> have unveiled a proposal for a public pool at Melbourne's Enterprize Park as part of Hong Kong Business of Design Week. First announced as a concept in 2016, Yarra Pools is a not-for-profit community led proposal to re-establish recreation and water activities along the Yarra River's edge and transform an underutilised section of Melbourne's Northbank into a thriving community space.

The concept has been inspired by urban river swimming projects both locally and globally, with the proponents behind the proposal citing global examples such as Copenhagen Harbour Baths, New York's Plus Pool, Paris' Canal Swimming Pool and Helsinki's Allas Sea Pool as sources of inspiration. The Yarra Pools proposal however, has a distinctly Australian context, reflected in the inclusion of wetlands, a natural leisure pool and native vegetation.

<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/wowowa_v02-overview.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial overview of the Yarra Pools proposal. Image: WOWOWA"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wowowa_v02-overview.jpg?itok=5ieJGJLl" title="Aerial overview of the Yarra Pools proposal. Image: WOWOWA" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial overview of the Yarra Pools proposal. Image: WOWOWA</figcaption></figure>The latest concept is based around five design principles and within those a series of themes, established via the first stage of user needs analysis. These are listed below:

<ul>
<li>Health and Well-being</li>
	<li>Place and Community</li>
	<li>Sustainability, Environment and Heritage</li>
	<li>Economy, Jobs and Innovation</li>
	<li>Strategic Alignment</li>
</ul>
The purpose of the user needs analysis was to uncover, explore and validate the design principles while also collating ideas from key stakeholders to ensure any proposal meets the requirements of the community and can be used year long. Peak bodies that were consulted included existing traditional owners, Yarra River users, existing Enterprize Park users and the wider community in addition to peak sports, health and education bodies amongst others.

Established in 2002, Hong Kong Business Design Week is touted as "Asia’s premier annual event on design, innovation and brands...(providing) a valuable platform for business and creative leaders to exchange ideas, network, and explore new business opportunities." For 2018, Melbourne is the partner city for the event and 'the largest presence within the conference's exhibition space,' according to <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/a-pool-on-the-yarra-90-melbourne-designs-showcased-in-hong-kong-20181127-p50inf">The Age</a>.

<blockquote>
"Our vision is to have Melburnians talk about our river differently. To be proud of the Yarra, and to see it as an active place of nature, recreation and play.’"

- Matt Stewart,  Yarra Swim Co.
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
"This project builds on decades of work to return the Yarra back to the people. We dine, ride, run and row along the Yarra. Now it’s time to get back in.'"

- Michael O’Neill, Environmental Scientist and Co-founder of Yarra Pools
</blockquote>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="610" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/leGedpI7icU" width="100%"></iframe>

To the west of Enterprize Park a <a href="/news/rebecca-walks-long-awaited-transformation-set-to-finally-get-underway">revamped Rebecca Walk</a> is 'Opening Soon' according to its <a href="http://www.rebeccawalk.com.au/index">website</a>. Combined both projects would go a long way in activating the rail viaduct under croft and currently underutilised spaces.
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

WOWOWA and Yarra Pools unveil public pool proposal for Melbourne's Northbank

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Following <a href="/news/third-time-lucky-for-riverlees-731-739-flinders-street-development">support from the City of Melbourne earlier in the year</a>, developer Riverlee is free to commence work on its $450 million redevelopment on the Northbank of the Yarra, following Ministerial approval.

Set to be called Seafarers Place, the project includes an extensive revitalisation of the former industrial waterfront site into a new mixed-use precinct, based around a high quality public realm in the form of a new 3,500sqm public park, including restoration of the historic wharf and heritage-listed crane.

<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/riverlee_northbank_pontoon.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Riverlee's Seafarer's Place is due to commence construction in 2019. Image: Riverlee"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/riverlee_northbank_pontoon.jpg?itok=wfBZLzOL" title="Riverlee's Seafarer's Place is due to commence construction in 2019. Image: Riverlee" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Riverlee's Seafarer's Place is due to commence construction in 2019. Image: Riverlee</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
At Riverlee, we pride ourselves on urban renewal. We are committed to rebuilding connections between people and places by delivering a masterplanned precinct that is rich in history, adding to Melbourne’s vibrant culture

 This regeneration project is significant in many ways and has been collaboratively designed with all of our partners and important government stakeholders, including the City of Melbourne, Department of Planning, Department of Treasury and Finance, Heritage Victoria, and many others.

We are excited to deliver the revitalisation of this historic wharf precinct. With never-to-be-built-out views of the Yarra River and Docklands Park, this underutilised site will transform into a world-class waterfront precinct bridging Melbourne CBD and Docklands.

The open spaces and public park are designed to give the waterfront back to the community and celebrate the unique character and history of the site.”

The overall design is bold and striking - the result of what has been a truly collaborative process. This project will be a new iconic waterfront destination for Melburnians and visitors to enjoy.\

-  David Lee Riverlee Development Director
</blockquote>

Seafarers Place comprises 150 luxurious residences, a 5-star hotel with 280 rooms and a 1000-seat function centre, along with a host of retail amenity transforming the site while remaining sympathetic to the Shed’s industrial past.

The site’s historic Goods Shed known as ‘Shed 5’ will be restored and repurposed into a premium waterfront event space, designed to celebrate and highlight its original roof trusses. Riverlee will also retain and restore the site’s iconic, heritage-listed crane to its former glory.

Designed by Fender Katsalidis and  OCULUS, the Northbank Goods Shed project represents one of the final undeveloped waterfront sites in Melbourne’s CBD.

According to Riverlee, it is committed to unlocking the potential of what is a currently underutilised precinct to contribute significantly to Melbourne’s expanding urban composition.

One of the other key ambitions of the project is to provide the “missing link” between the CBD, Docklands and the Yarra Promenade.

Wharf restoration works began in February and are expected to be completed in the coming months. Crane restoration works have commenced with construction slated for mid-2019. 
 
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Riverlee's Seafarers Place gains Ministerial Approval - construction to commence in 2019

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First mooted early last year, the long awaited facelift to Rebecca Walk looks set to proceed following a call out for "40 energetic street food traders" back in January of this year and planning approvals.

New plans were conceived for the largely empty row of pods which occupy the under croft of the Flinders St Viaduct adjacent to Batman Park on the CBD's Northbank. Rebecca Walk takes its name from the schooner ‘Rebecca’ which John Batman sailed into the Yarra and celebrates the historical connection between 'Batman' and 'Rebecca'.

<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/rebecca-walk2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The existing condition of Rebecca Walk. Image: https://cityplanningbrisbane.files.wordpress.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rebecca-walk2.jpg?itok=VqpR24_2" title="The existing condition of Rebecca Walk. Image: https://cityplanningbrisbane.files.wordpress.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The existing condition of Rebecca Walk. Image: https://cityplanningbrisbane.files.wordpress.com</figcaption></figure>Developed in parallel with Far East Consortium's Northbank Place development on the site of the former Fish Markets, Rebecca Walk was envisioned as a catalyst and drawcard for Northbank which activated an otherwise underutilised space.

Businessman Arthur Zurcas announced plans last year to rejuvenate the area into the city’s “newest explosive food and entertainment hot spot”.

The proposed plan would replace the existing pods with purpose built micro-kitchens, and semi-permanent shipping containers, transforming the area into a street food hub.  Other features would include outdoor entertainment, and activities, street art, an outdoor cinema and an elevated deck overlooking Batman Park.

<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-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="233" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img-1.jpg?itok=7KWYp3B5" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground Plan of Rebecca Walk showing occupation of car parking. Image: rebeccawalk.com.au</figcaption></figure>The plans indicate the food hub will extend beyond the current boundary occupying a greater footprint and replacing a number of car parking spaces while also creating a shared pedestrian/vehicle space in place of a service driveway.

An application was lodged last year for 2-92 Rebecca Walk for the "Erection and display of artwork on a hoarding" (City of Melbourne reference TP-2016-1045) followed by a further application (TP-2016-1118) on the 29th December which was for:

<blockquote>
Partial demolition and development of the land for the purpose of a food and drink premises (excluding hotel and tavern) and for the construction and display of internally illuminated business identification
</blockquote>

A permit was issued on the 4th August which paves the way for Rebecca Walk's transformation to proceed. It appears to be a case of when not if the rebranded Rebecca Walk will proceed but one hazard's a guess it should be up and running in time for summer.

<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-2.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="233" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img-2.jpg?itok=agQ8Q723" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rebecca Walk is set to become a street food and outdoor entertainment hub. Image: rebeccawalk.com.au</figcaption></figure>For further information check out: http://www.rebeccawalk.com.au/

 
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Rebecca Walk's long awaited transformation set to finally get underway?

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With a sizeable amount of development activity expected to occur in the immediate area over the next few years, it's an appropriate time to have a look at one of Melbourne's eyesores. Collins Square, Melbourne Quarter, North Wharf (not shown in model) and the former Convention Centre site are at varying stages of development, Crowne Plaza to my thinking should be next in line.

Keep in mind these concepts are very high level and have been developed in a matter of a few hours; unfortunately I'm a bit too time poor at the moment to dedicate more time and brain cells.

In addition to the Crowne Plaza building I've also looked at the parking structure along Flinders Street within the former WTC complex. With the news that Victoria Police will likely vacate the complex in favour of new digs on Spencer Street, this would provide a perfect opportunity to reassess the complex of buildings completely. I'll leave the concept for a complete overhaul for another time.

<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/wtc_crowne_plaza.png" rel="gallery-all" title="WTC Northbank and Cronwe Plaza."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="227" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wtc_crowne_plaza.png?itok=LRzQMJ0c" title="WTC Northbank and Cronwe Plaza." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>WTC Northbank and Crowne Plaza.</figcaption></figure>These two sites were considered for the various opportunities they present. The car park's footprint could be maximised further with the addition of additional office space above, while also allowing for stronger links to the Mission to Seafarers building via the introduction of open space.

Similarly one of the great criticisms of the Crowne Plaza building is it's relationship (or lack thereof) to the Yarra River and how it forms a visual and physical barrier between the city and the river. To address this I looked at separating the existing structure into what would effectively be two separate buildings.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image13_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ideas diagram for Crowne Plaza's rebirth"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="321" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_10.jpg?itok=QfI_fYy2" title="Ideas diagram for Crowne Plaza's rebirth" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ideas diagram for Crowne Plaza's rebirth</figcaption></figure>Separating the building would allow sunlight through to the promenade and reduce the visual bulk when viewed from Southbank, while opening up new views to the developments beyond. Further to this the provision of a north facing park is suggested, with retail interfaces and access to sunlight during midday.

This would most likely have to be raised public space which would terrace down to the Northbank promenade to allow for vehicular circulation and entry, and to accommodate a porte cochere and parking below.

The 'new' towers would be reskinned with a modular facade system which creates serrated edges to the tower forms maximising views to the bay and city. Tower 1 would accommodate hotel rooms and facilities with a consistent vertically static expression across up the facade, an extrusion of the floor plate the full height of the tower.

This would be capped with a green roof and rooftop hotel facilities and amenities such as infinity pool, bar, function space, etc.

<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/diagrams_wtc_page_3.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Crowne Plaza diagrams"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/diagrams_wtc_page_3.png?itok=r0MdU19K" title="Crowne Plaza diagrams" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Crowne Plaza diagrams</figcaption></figure>Tower 2 is more mixed use with a combination of residential apartments and hotel which employs a similar facade strategy, but with a sense of movement applied to it drawing on the movement and currents of the Yarra River. Hotel rooms would be located in the lower levels with apartments above. New circulation and services and VT cores would be built to the north.

For the expansive WTC car park, the addition of 10 new office floors would result in a structure with an overall height of 98 metres which would not provide any additional overshadowing to the Northbank promenade. Locating the core to the west where the existing car park core also resides deals with the intense western sun particularly in summer.

A greenwall treatment, envisaged as a vertical extension of the new neighbouring park between the car park and the Mission to Seafarers, would give the elevation depth and soften an otherwise sheer concrete wall.

<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/diagrams_wtc_page_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Office tower diagrams"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/diagrams_wtc_page_2.png?itok=wzQ0BcQy" title="Office tower diagrams" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Office tower diagrams</figcaption></figure>A "shadow gap" between the car park and new office levels helps reinforce the idea of a podium or base with tower on top. Providing a wrap of office and ground floor retail to Siddeley Street would go some way to helping activate the street beyond being just a thoroughfare for vehicular traffic passing through the WTC Complex.

These ideas for redevelopment are merely that, but my hope is they provoke some thought. With surrounding areas undergoing a development renaissance, Crowne Plaza will soon enough become an even worse blight on Northbank's evolving landscape. It a prospect worth avoiding.

To finish off I shall leave you with an aerial render of the two sites in context.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/wtc_cp_finish.png" rel="gallery-all" title="In-situ with Melbourne Quarter, 7-23 Spencer St and Collins Square"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wtc_cp_finish.png?itok=q51jGzCw" title="In-situ with Melbourne Quarter, 7-23 Spencer St and Collins Square" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>In-situ with Melbourne Quarter, 7-23 Spencer Street and Collins Square</figcaption></figure>
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