&nbsp;

A local Australian has spent a Lower North Shore record $15.1 million at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elevate-hume-place-crows-nest-25-hume-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Elevate Hume Place</a>, the new TOD above the recently opened Crows Nest Metro Station.

The buyer amalgamated a penthouse and sub-penthouse to create the triplex apartment that will have five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a private rooftop pool, expansive terrace, and panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and skyline. The building is being created by burgeoning developer Third.i, alongside joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors.

The buyer was drawn to Elevate’s unrivalled connectivity, situated directly above the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a> Metro Station, and the vibrant lifestyle precinct that surrounds it. The Metro connects to the CBD in just seven minutes, and Chatswood in four.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=309367]

Designed by internationally acclaimed architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, Elevate draws inspiration from the ancient blue gum forests native to the area. The building is a Net Zero development, created in consultation with Indigenous communities and exceeding sustainability benchmarks. Interiors feature chevron-engineered timber flooring, natural stone benchtops, and premium Sub-Zero Wolf appliances, delivering timeless elegance and next-level comfort.

The exchange of the $15.1 million apartment, follows a recent $5 million sale, and over $30 million currently in expressions of interests. Interest in Elevate’s penthouse stock has surged, reflecting a strong appetite for ultra-luxury residences that combine design excellence with unmatched connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=309369]

“We’re seeing a significant uptick in interest from local and international buyers who are prioritising connectivity, sustainability, and lifestyle,” said Callum Billinghurst, Head of Sales at Third.i Group.&nbsp;

“These recent sales are a testament to the vision behind Elevate. It’s not just about luxury finishes or panoramic views, it’s about creating homes that are deeply connected to the city and the community. Buyers are responding to that. They want to live somewhere that offers more than just a postcode, they want culture, convenience, and long-term value. Elevate delivers all of that, and more.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=297878]

As part of the Hume Place precinct, Elevate is transforming Crows Nest into Sydney’s most dynamic urban village. Elevate’s unique position directly above the metro, combined with its curated amenity offering, has made it a magnet for buyers seeking a future-proof investment and a vibrant urban lifestyle.

The next release at Elevate is expected later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142550]

“We’re seeing a significant uptick in interest from local and international buyers who are prioritising connectivity, sustainability, and lifestyle,” said Callum Billinghurst, Head of Sales at Third.i Group


Joel Robinson

Third.i & PPI set Lower North Shore apartment record with $15.1m sale at Elevate Hume Place penthouse amalgamation

Sydney developer Deicorp is set to officially open its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Showground Village</a> precinct in Castle Hill.

NSW Premier Chris Minns will attend the opening on Sunday August 31, alongside&nbsp;Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, The Hills Shire Council Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, Landcom CEO Alex Wendler, and Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri.

Located just moments from Hills Showground Metro Station, the centre spans 9,500 sqm across four levels and features 26 specialty retailers as well as a 1,400 sqm public plaza, creating a new community meeting point for shopping, dining, fitness, and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Showground Village forms part of the Hills Showground Station Precinct, an urban renewal initiative led by Landcom and Sydney Metro that will provide for around 2,300 new jobs over the next 20 years and around 9,000 new homes.&nbsp;

Deicorp was recently approved for another new development next door to Showground Village.

The new five residential buildings in the East Showgrounds Precinct, will see another 873 dwellings delivered, as well as&nbsp;3,500 sqm of open public space in the form of landscaped courtyards, a public park and communal outdoor recreational space including a playground, barbeque area, and outdoor seating.

“This approval will allow us to start construction on a range of beautifully designed, conveniently located apartments and create another vibrant, walkable and well-connected community,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp" target="">Deicorp</a>&nbsp;Founder Fouad Deiri.

“These new homes will provide their residents with a seamless connection to jobs and services along Metro North West, and the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill" target="">Hills Showground Village</a>&nbsp;retail precinct currently under construction."

Deicorp has several thousand apartments in planning and under construction across Sydney, from Zetland and Five Dock to Crows Nest and Macquarie Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=133881]

Deicorp, NSW Premier officially open Showground Village, new retail and hospitality hub in Castle Hill

ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods is progressing its plans for its Southbank arts precinct site.&nbsp;

The developer has filed plans, which are now with the&nbsp;Department of Transport and Planning, for a new 20-level tower at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/141-151-sturt-street-southbank-vic-3006">141–151 Sturt Street</a>, a 2,718 sqm block opposite the Habitat Filter sculpture.

The proposal seeks to demolish the two-level&nbsp;commercial building, including a small supermarket and medical tenancies, and create a new building with 180 apartments and a focus on an&nbsp;active public realm and arts integration.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Southbank site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76a72db6-91ef-43ae-827d-a9cfa72893d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Site.png?VersionId=DZgtB4K6BswVh0QtCs3iLjXaLp0CbcEb" />

&nbsp;

There will be a full mix of apartment configurations, including 28 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom, 104 two-bedroom, and 32 three-bedroom units.

Retail, creative arts, and residential amenity functions are integrated across the lower levels. A food and drink tenancy is planned to front Dodds Street, while a retail tenancy fronting Sturt Street will be accessed via an elevated walkway. The first floor includes a substantial 734 sqm creative arts space, envisioned to support Melbourne’s growing cultural and digital industries.

Architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has put together the plans. In their&nbsp;Urban Design Report they highlighted the project’s ambition to embed itself within Southbank’s evolving cultural fabric.

A central feature of the design is a through-block link connecting Sturt and Dodds Streets, landscaped with native plantings and embedded with universal access ramps.

“The ramp has been thoughtfully integrated as the primary access point, ensuring universal accessibility for all users,” the report noted, with the link offering “a direct response to the urban planning scheme of creating more green spaces within our communities”.

<img alt="Southbank podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d24b1b2-d69c-4a11-a11d-ec6df432221c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium.png?VersionId=geWoJyZDmPSLODZ_.PNJ0LvpOmyyCdpo" />

The building’s podium form responds to the mandatory height limits along Dodds Street and maintains a fine-grain interface to adjoining developments. Above the podium, the tower is articulated with recessed balconies and a focus on views toward the CBD and surrounding arts institutions. A communal rooftop recreation deck and indoor lounge are positioned on level four, adjoining seven apartments and providing over 900 sqm of resident amenity space.

Vehicle access and loading will be provided via Dodds Street, with 155 resident car spaces located across two basement levels and the first three above-ground floors. Bicycle storage is more generous, with 226 spaces distributed across resident, staff and visitor needs.

Rothelowman describes the architecture as “humanist,” with ground-level interfaces designed to encourage social interaction and provide a dignified entry for both residents and passers-by. “All street interfaces are crafted to invite and nurture human connections,” the design report states. “The façade transitions to a human scale, providing an approachable and engaging streetscape”.

Cedar Woods, while well-known for its large communities it develops outside of Australia's capital cities, they have recently developed in Melbourne's inner-ring before. They are approaching completion at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/88-leveson-north-melbourne-88-leveson-street-north-melbourne-vic-3051">88 Leveson</a>, just 15 townhouses in the heart of North Melbourne.

Cedar Woods progresses with new apartment plans in Southbank arts precinct

Brisbane developers Core Property Partners and Vector Property Australia has teamed up for Brisbane's newest apartment development.

The duo identified <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as their preferred suburb, on the fringe of the Gabba Precinct, where they've just revealed BANKSII, 72 apartments opposite Raymond Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5481]

The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will sit in a glass-wrapped building that will also feature a rooftop with an&nbsp;infinity-edge pool, a BBQ area and alfresco dining spaces, sun lounges, and a sauna, as well as a resident-only gym and a ground-floor cafe.

Rhett Williams, Director of Vector Property Australia, said the project will lift the quality of the East Brisbane community and set a new benchmark.

"In Brisbane’s current property landscape, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/banksii-east-brisbane-169-wellington-road-east-brisbane-qld-4169">BANKSII</a> stands out through its emphasis on lifestyle-oriented living, connectivity and sophisticated design," Williams says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5479]

The 10-level building has been designed by MAS Architecture. Their designs were inspired by the native Banksia flower, with the architecture and interiors reflecting the organic symmetry of its namesake flora. MAS has interpreted this throughout the building’s curved form, façade detailing and interior palette.&nbsp;

The building’s flowing geometry and natural tones are complemented by large balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing, maximising cross-breezes, daylight and views over the city, parklands and river.

“Having a strong narrative for a building helps us architecturally,” MAS noted. "We can choose colours that come off that species of flowers. The trunk and the trees and the flower elements all are now visible in our joinery on the inside and in our architectural finishes on the outside."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5485]

Apartments will feature timber floors, soft porcelain tiles, brushed bronze fittings, and stone benchtops with warm veining.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature premium SMEG appliances and generous storage, while bathrooms have been designed as calming retreats with curved cabinetry and twin sinks in the master ensuites.

The building will feature a suite of rooftop and wellness amenities. Residents will have access to an infinity-edge pool, BBQ and alfresco dining areas, sun lounges and a rooftop sauna.&nbsp;

A residents-only gym will be located on the podium level, while a ground-floor café and landscaped laneway will further activate the site and improve neighbourhood connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5488]

BANKSII will rise from a prime Wellington Road site, with the building oriented to overlook the adjacent Raymond Park and take in extensive city views. It is also on the doorstep of key&nbsp;lifestyle infrastructure, including the future Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, The Gabba stadium, and the planned Brisbane Live arena.&nbsp;

Public transport options, including ferry, bus and rail - including the future Cross River Rail Woolloongabba station - are all nearby, supporting a car-optional lifestyle just minutes from the CBD.

Williams said the team spent over a year searching for the ideal site before securing this location.

"We were attracted to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as it is a vibrant and growing community that offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and natural beauty with the parklands and river on our doorstep.”

The project is part of the broader Woolloongabba Games precinct, which is undergoing significant investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This urban renewal, coupled with infrastructure upgrades, is expected to enhance long-term liveability and capital growth in the area.

Given the wide max of configurations, BANKSII is expected to suit everyone from first home buyers and investors to families and downsizers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136432]

BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

The Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, right next to the CBD, to tackle the housing crisis and rebalance growth across the city.

Recent reports by the NSW Productivity Commission have warned that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, while also finding that Woollahra is the most feasible Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales to build new housing.

Despite this, housing approvals in Woollahra consistently lag well behind other LGAs, and the population has declined by 11 per cent over the past 50 years while Greater Sydney as a whole has grown by 74 per cent.

The new station that will be an eight-minute trip from Sydney CBD, will be located on the Eastern Suburbs train line in Woollahra, where a station build was started in the 1970s but never completed.

To enable the delivery of new homes the NSW Government will lead a rezoning of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations similar to other state led rezonings to allow additional homes to be built around the stations.

Affordable housing will also make up a proportion of development on the site with the final amount of affordable housing required, to be determined as part of the rezoning process.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

The Eastern Suburbs train line between Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD also has the lowest passenger usage rates during the AM peak of any line on the Sydney network, with only 43 per cent of operating capacity during the AM peak currently being utilised by passengers.

Sydney Water and Infrastructure NSW have confirmed there is capacity in the water and wastewater systems to accommodate the proposed 10,000 dwellings without major upgrades.

The rezoning is expected to take around two years and will further support the Government’s housing targets that rebalance the delivery of new homes around existing infrastructure.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney

Oculus

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Developer Riverlee has achieved a major milestone at its $450 million Seafarers Place development on the Yarra's Northbank, with the restoration of the last-remaining original electric crane in Melbourne now complete. The restored crane forms a key pillar in Riverlee's plans for the mixed-use project which has been designed by architects Fender Katsalidis in tandem with landscape architects Oculus. 

With a construction start date of Q1 2020, Seafarers Place will upon completion, comprise 145 luxury residences, a 5-star hotel, a 1000-seat function centre set within the shell of the former Goods Shed No.5 and a 3,500 sqm public 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/seafarers_place.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of Seafarers Place. Image: Riverlee"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="361" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/seafarers_place.jpg?itok=aDeFa6dv" title="Artist's impression of Seafarers Place. Image: Riverlee" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of Seafarers Place. Image: Riverlee</figcaption></figure>According to Riverlee, it's passion for successful urban renewal meant it was important that the mixed-use development was sympathetic to the wharf’s industrial past. As such, Riverlee undertook a collaborative process to restore the 1948 crane, which which was recognised in 2002 for its historical significance to Victoria, forming part of the most intact cargo berth in the Port of Melbourne from the pre-containerisation era.

The crane has been carefully restored by Maritime contractor Freyssinet working with Lovell Chen to ensure structural integrity. Detailed preservation methodology and processes were implemented to ensure that any repair works undertaken were well considered and provided optimum preservation outcome for the heritage crane. This was achieved with input from Riverlee, the City of Melbourne, Department of Planning, Department of Treasury and Finance and Heritage Victoria

Originally located on the west end of Goods Shed No. 5, Riverlee opted to relocate the restored crane to the eastern end to provide improved public access, and to integrate it with the proposed Seafarers Rest Park. 

The wharf, which dates back to the immediate post-war era, has also undergone significant refurbishment as part of the project, paving the way for construction to begin in earnest.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
We are excited to bring the rich history of the site back to life as much as possible and in particular, the restoration of the crane was so important to both Riverlee and the various partners involved.

The crane demonstrates what a lively area the wharf once was in the mid-1900s, and alludes to a similar atmosphere that is about to come to the new Northbank precinct.

We look forward to continuing to tell the story of the site’s historical relevance and reference its history throughout our project.

- David Lee, Riverlee Development Director
</blockquote>
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Laurence Dragomir

Riverlee restores Melbourne's last remaining original electric crane

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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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A key Northbank site with a long history looks to be reaching a resolution, following the City of Melbourne announcing its support for developer Riverlee's scheme for a $450 million revitalisation of Goods Shed No.5.

The mixed-use development at 731-739 Flinders Street, replaces a 2013 permit for a 14-storey office building with commercial and retail spaces. Designed by COX Architecture the development allowed for:

<ul>
<li>14 level office tower with 21,000m² net leasable area of office space</li>
	<li>129 car parking spaces provided within the podium levels 1-4</li>
	<li>Shed 5 transformed to provide for food and retail tenancies</li>
	<li>The existing helipad located on the riverfront retained</li>
	<li>A public plaza to the east of Shed 5, south of Seafarers Mission, addressing the Yarra</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/nw06_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="2013 permitted office scheme designed by COX. Image : COX Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nw06_0.jpg?itok=DtFfDCFF" title="2013 permitted office scheme designed by COX. Image : COX Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>2013 permitted office scheme designed by COX. Image : COX Architecture</figcaption></figure>The revised scheme - designed by Fender Katsalidis - comprises a 17-storey residential and hotel tower, rising behind the retained and refurbished Goods Shed No.. Built in 1855, the existing shed structure which spans 220m, will be refurbished to provide for a function hall facility with frontage along the wharf's edge and access to a new 3,500 sqm public park designed by OCULUS. 

The hotel component has been designed to target the 5 star hotel market and comprises 231 rooms, with a further 182 apartments to be located on levels 8-17 

<ul></ul>
The proposal has since undergone a number of design iterations which involved meetings with DELWP and the City of Melbourne to refine the ultimate design that was submitted for planning consideration. As part of the revised scheme, the existing gantry crane will be relocated to the eastern end of the site.

<blockquote>
This is a very significant project for us, as it marks the completion of our extensive redevelopment of the Northbank precinct, which started back in 2005 when we first purchased the World Trade Centre.

We have truly enjoyed the collaborative design process with all of our partners and important government stakeholders, including the City of Melbourne, DELWP, Department of Treasury and Finance, Heritage Victoria and many others.

The amended design is bold and striking, and is the result of a truly collaborative design process.

- David Lee, Riverlee Development Director
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/goods_shed_timeline.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The evolution of the design from the 2013 approved scheme. Image : FKA Planning Report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/goods_shed_timeline.png?itok=gi9x0rhO" title="The evolution of the design from the 2013 approved scheme. Image : FKA Planning Report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The evolution of the design from the 2013 approved scheme. Image : FK Planning Report</figcaption></figure>In addition to a reduced building mass, the facade has also undergone a significant change with the stacked curvilinear forms' and expressed vertical fenestration being replaced by a series of staggered serrated forms of various scales.

The lower levels have a much finer grain articulation with recessed glazing creating a sense of movement along the facade while the upper levels are a far more extreme expression - with a stacked, interlocking modular appearance.

Overall the revised scheme extends 9.8m higher than the permitted scheme. The lower levels of the amended tower element project to a greater extent over both the south eastern section and the western section of the Goods Shed than the approved scheme.

The relationship of the new built form with the Goods Shed and Seafarers Mission has been improved via a revised tower footprint that employs a greater setback to the Dome of the Seafarers Mission and Seafarers Rest Park, reducing the visual impact the building will have on the adjacent heritage buildings and public realm. Additionally, the ground level activation and pedestrian north-south link have been enhanced.

<blockquote>
City of Melbourne’s Urban Design is generally supportive of the height, scaling and massing of the proposed amended development. Urban Design has supported the increased separation from the Seafarers Mission Dome which provides a better visual link for pedestrians through the site and to the Seafarers Rest Park.

Changes to the tower to move the upper portion further away from river and to refine the way the upper apartment fenestration intersected with the lower hotel parts. Overall the tower is a building of its time and now sits comfortably within a glass box context along the river with the backdrop of Collins Square and Melbourne Quarter.

- City of Melbourne, Future Committee Delegation Report
</blockquote>

With support from the City of Melbourne in hand, a final decision from the Minister for Planning, who is the responsible authority, appears to be a mere formality. 

<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/goods_shed_render_03.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The revised scheme has an improved relationship with the public realm and heritage buildings on site. Image : FKA via Planning Report"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/goods_shed_render_03.jpg?itok=mBUcDS9i" title="The revised scheme has an improved relationship with the public realm and heritage buildings on site. Image : FKA via Planning Report" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The revised scheme has an improved relationship with the public realm and heritage buildings on site. Image : FK via Planning Report</figcaption></figure><h2>IN BRIEF</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Riverlee</li>
	<li>Architect: Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect: OCULUS</li>
	<li>Planner: Urbis</li>
	<li>182 residential apartments (levels 8-17) ranging in size from 60sqm to 200sqm</li>
	<li>One bedroom units: 25</li>
	<li>Two bedroom units: 137</li>
	<li>Three bedroom units: 18</li>
	<li>Four bedroom units: 2</li>
	<li>231 Hotel rooms (levels 3-7) ranging in size from 55sqm to 200sqm</li>
	<li>Ground level function venue for 700 patrons within refurbished 1855 Goods Shed No.5</li>
	<li>Building height: 69.4 metres (including plant)</li>
	<li>Gross Floor Area : 53,615 sqm</li>
	<li>New 3,500sqm park designed by OCULUS</li>
</ul>
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Third time lucky for Riverlee's 731-739 Flinders Street development

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With 2018 now in full swing, what better time to check in on the progress of one of the largest developments currently underway not only in Docklands, but in Melbourne - Melbourne Quarter.

Located within the Batmans Hill precinct of Docklands, Lendlease's $1.9b Melbourne Quarter project will deliver seven commercial and residential buildings that will assist in strengthening the connection between the Docklands and the CBD, while also completing Collins Street' the southern Docklands frontage.

In addition to 130,000 square metres of commercial office space, more than 50 percent of the Melbourne Quarter precinct will be dedicated to open space with a Skypark, central plaza and neighbourhood park designed by ASPECT | OCULUS.

<blockquote>
Lendlease has seen strong leasing activity push the national CBD vacancy rate to its lowest level in four years, and with a predicted shortage of prime grade contiguous office space in the near future, this has helped spur on pre-commitment activity.

(Melbourne Quarter) will cater for the continued growth and strong tenant demand for new office space in Melbourne as both national and global businesses target the new supply of buildings coming to market in the city’s CBD.

To complement Melbourne Quarter’s leading workplace design, we’re focusing on sustainability and access to amenities as key considerations for our office buildings, allowing tenants to work in nearby green parks, open spaces and co-working environments for greater employee health and wellbeing.

-  Mark Menhinnitt, Lendlease Managing Director Urban Regeneration and Infrastructure Development
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mq_wh_lobbyentrance.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square, the central space of MQ will sit just off Collins Street. Image : Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mq_wh_lobbyentrance.jpg?itok=aXmIlNu6" title="Melbourne Square, the central space of MQ will sit just off Collins Street. Image : Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square, the central space of MQ will sit just off Collins Street. Image : Lendlease</figcaption></figure>Melbourne Quarter will include:

• 130,000 square metres of office space

• 1,690 apartments for 3,000 new inner city residents

• 4,000 square metres of retail space, including 40 shops, food and beverage retailers

• 1,000 square metres of community space

<h2>One Melbourne Quarter</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/p1170646.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="One Melbourne Quarter construction progress. Image : redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="286" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p1170646.jpg?itok=zWH_qr4t" title="One Melbourne Quarter construction progress. Image : redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>One Melbourne Quarter construction progress. Image : redden</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
(This) year will see the completion of the precinct’s first office tower, One Melbourne Quarter, which will be home to our new Lendlease Victorian headquarters in September. We look forward to welcoming other leading businesses to the precinct in due course.

-  Mark Menhinnitt
</blockquote>

Currently progressing onsite at an impressive pace, One Melbourne Quarter, upon completion will contain 25,000 sqm across its 14 storeys.  Public realm frontages on all sides will be activated via retail and café tenancies in addition to a 200 bicycle end of trip facility.  Retail space in small tiered retail pavilions address and mediate the Collins Street hill.

The Skypark - conceived as a timber plank by landscape architects ASPECT | OCULUS - overhangs the Collins Street frontage for 90 metres and will provide significant public space.

Arup and Lendlease will relocate into the building later this year.

<h2>East Tower</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/p1170645.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter East Tower construction site works are well underway. Image : redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="290" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p1170645.jpg?itok=FLPbaboL" title="Melbourne Quarter East Tower construction site works are well underway. Image : redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter East Tower site works are well underway. Image : redden</figcaption></figure>The first of three Fender Katsalidis designed residential buildings is officially underway at 628 Flinders Street. 

The 40-storey East Tower will feature hanging gardens climbing the full height of the building and take advantage of views of the city and bay. The building, along with the other residential buildings is aiming for a 5-Star Green Star rating and will also implement smart technologies such as a Melbourne Quarter app for residents. 

<blockquote>
The ability to connect our residents to the wider community is something we've been looking to introduce and they'll able to do that via an app. It'll be a project specific app that can be accessed via an iPad or iPhone and allow residents to book the extensive communal facilities which that are in the buildings which comprise 'Club MQ'.

With 'Club MQ' we're looking at setting a new benchmark with the level of amenity that we're providing, and this will be available in the first tower and then the two other towers will share from that.

- Ben Christie, Lendlease Head of Apartments
</blockquote>

<h2>Melbourne Quarter Tower</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/5bdccf00-e747-11e5-a571-7f3805729a0f_1_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Quarter Tower Image : Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/5bdccf00-e747-11e5-a571-7f3805729a0f_1_1.jpg?itok=H6aT3QyL" title="Melbourne Quarter Tower Image : Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Quarter Tower Image : Lendlease</figcaption></figure>Located at 693 Collins Street to the east of the under construction One Melbourne Quarter, Melbourne Quarter Tower will rise 28-storeys and provide 55,000 square metres of office accommodation when complete. The DCM-designed tower will also feature the second stage of the Skypark, completing the development's Collins Street frontage.

As part of the design the upper levels of the building will cantilever above Collins Street and will feature a rooftop area for tenants. 

Melbourne Quarter Tower was approved in March 2017 and is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating and a 5 star NABERS energy rating. 

<h2>Two Melbourne Quarter</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/a367_mq_view_49_wurundjeri_way.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Two Melbourne Quarter received approval late in 2017. Image : Lendlease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="681" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/a367_mq_view_49_wurundjeri_way.jpg?itok=ALyvpY37" title="Two Melbourne Quarter received approval late in 2017. Image : Lendlease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Two Melbourne Quarter received approval late in 2017. Image : Lendlease</figcaption></figure>The  25-storey office tower at 697 Collins Street was granted planning approval just prior to the 2017 Christmas break. The Woods Bagot designed tower will feature 49,000 square metres of office space, accommodating about 4,500 new workers, plus 800 square metres of retail space on the ground floor.

As with the other commercial buildings at Melbourne Quarter, the tower will spill out on to a new public plaza off Collins Street, and will also feature a four-storey public staircase connecting to Aurora Lane.

2MQ seeks to build upon the sustainability credentials of Melbourne Quarter with a strong focus on water consumption, waste management and indoor environment quality. The building is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating and a 5 star NABERS energy rating.

Site enabling and early works commenced on 2MQ on 15 January 2018.

Lendlease anticipates a 2022 completion date for the entire Melbourne Quarter development.
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The current state of play at Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter 

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John Demos Architects have conceived a new apartment building with the expectation that the project be an appropriate design gesture for a key Ivanhoe infill site.

Vacant for many years, 40 Upper Heidelberg Road was in the past subject to a smaller apartment development that failed to materialise. The current project team led by developer SB&amp;G Group have sought a reinvigorated and much larger apartment project for the triangular gateway site which leads into Ivanhoe's premier retail strip.

Under new plans, the majority of the project's ground level will become a publicly accessible piazza activated by a cafe and commercial space, with the latter holding a health, wellbeing and arts focus.

Ostensibly an undercroft, the design feature is unusual in its sizeable generosity toward the public realm. 40 Upper Heidelberg Road's ground plane intends to provide the Ivanhoe retail strip with a design showpiece, while also injecting green space into the area.

<h2>40 Upper Heidelberg Road application summary</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/image12_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Upper Heidelberg Road perspective. Planning image: John Demos Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_8.jpg?itok=ZSn743vx" title="Upper Heidelberg Road perspective. Planning image: John Demos Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Upper Heidelberg Road perspective. Planning image: John Demos Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Vacant triangular site: 2,443.7sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 8-10 level building</li>
	<li>111 apartments: 5 x 1BR, 96 x 2BR, 10 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Average 3BR internal size above 130sqm</li>
	<li>270sqm cafe and 450sqm commercial space</li>
	<li>Ground floor public domain of 1,180sqm</li>
	<li>Five level basement: 232 vehicles and 150 bicycles</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $42 million</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
The landscape Concept Design for 40 Upper Heidelberg Road is considered the key to unlocking the potential of this significant gateway site, allowing it to make a significant contribution to the vibrancy, functioning and success of Ivanhoe.

The Landscape Concept Design envisages outdoor seating/dining opportunities along the edges of the public spaces with the main event/gathering/communal seating spaces located towards the centre of the site. This creates an opportunity for a weekend market concept, ‘pop-up’ and cultural events, using the plaza space, the catenary ‘ceiling’ and building program to facilitate programmed events and community engagement.

Circulation has been carefully considered through the selection of paving materials and positioning of physical elements. The design creates permeability from the street and other major spaces within the site, but ensures spaces are defined and have a distinct character to allow wayfinding and pedestrian comfort.

Capturing the life and vibrancy of a new urban village and plaza in an intimate human scale, the landscape is bound by retail and building entries. Creating a network of fine grain that establishes the base for a contemporary urban development through planting, urban elements, paving and furniture.
<cite>Landscape concept design, Oculus</cite>
</blockquote>

While Oculus is responsible for the design of the landscaped piazza, the building also distinguishes itself through the use of irregular materials.

The design's Upper Heidelberg Road frontage is split into two distinct 'modules'. The northern facade is finished with an angular brass mesh veil which allows for both daylight access and privacy. The southern aspect is wrapped by a glass laminated brass mesh facade, articulated with white banding.

<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/image26_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level aspect. Planning image: John Demos Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_6.jpg?itok=oe8C3wBv" title="Street level aspect. Planning image: John Demos Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level aspect. Planning image: John Demos Architects</figcaption></figure>Accustomed to hotel ownership and funds management, 40 Upper Heidelberg Road represents SB&amp;G Group's first listing within the Apartments.com.au Project Database. Conversely, John Demos Architects continues to grow its presence within the database, reeling off a number of interesting and highly articulate residential designs of late.

Essendon's heavily faceted 193 Buckley Street is a design recently realised, while two further John Demos Architects projects of high design merit are unfolding in Footscray.

Side by side, the golden-clad Hugo has just commenced construction while the adjoining 209 Ballarat Road also brings with it a heightened degree of design credibility.

<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/image28_7.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Recent John Demos Architects projects. Image: Edge Architectural"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="507" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_7.jpg?itok=hH8wkcOX" title="Recent John Demos Architects projects. Image: Edge Architectural" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Recent John Demos Architects projects. Image: Edge Architectural</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Ivanhoe's latest apartment proposal provides a grand public gesture

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A traditional industrial pocket of West Melbourne looks set to join the likes of Footscray and Fishermans Bend in receiving a high density repurposing. Developer Perri Projects is behind a scheme that would also look to overhaul the majority of West Melbourne's frontage to the Maribyrnong River.

Spread over 2.8 hectares and directly opposite Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct urban renewal area, the site which is loosely addressed 150-250 Kensington Road West Melbourne is also bound by the Kensington Road rail bridge, Dynon Road and the aforementioned Maribyrnong River.

The Dynon region was identified during 2015 as a <a href="http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/melbourne/ordinance/21_mss15_melb.pdf">new potential urban renewal area</a> under the Melbourne Planning Scheme, with Perri Projects' Kensington Road Precinct site earmarked as one of four zones within Dynon that would be suitable for renewal. This has been made possible due to the rationalisation of rail and industrial activities within the area.

<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/40_project_tile_1000x1000px_wmw.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of a new Maribyrnong River frontage. Image courtesy Perri Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="523" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/40_project_tile_1000x1000px_wmw.jpg?itok=OyCHf5g8" title="Artist's impression of a new Maribyrnong River frontage. Image courtesy Perri Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of a new Maribyrnong River frontage. Image courtesy Perri Projects</figcaption></figure>Perri Projects have enlisted NH Architecture and Woods Bagot as architects for the project which is located 3.5 kilometres from the CBD. KPMG also forms part of the development team acting in an advisory role while Oculus have been installed as landscape architects.

In its initial guise the project sees multiple mid-rise buildings with the tallest looking to exceed 15 levels and be situated at the northern tip of the site against existing rail lines.

Multiple access paths and laneways also look to traverse the development with vehicular movements for the most located away from the riverfront.

<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/40_desktop_gallery_1800x1000_wmw_03.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The new development as seen from the Maribyrnong River. Image courtesy Perri Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/40_desktop_gallery_1800x1000_wmw_03.jpg?itok=CpKKqKSk" title="The new development as seen from the Maribyrnong River. Image courtesy Perri Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The new development as seen from the Maribyrnong River. Image courtesy Perri Projects</figcaption></figure>As part of the paper outlining Dynon as a potential renewal area, built environment guidelines were outlined and included:

<ul>
<li>Ensuring new development along the Maribyrnong River and Moonee Ponds Creek enhances the recreational and environmental amenity of these waterway corridors and has appropriate setbacks.</li>
	<li>Enhancing open space and recreational opportunities along the Maribyrnong River and Moonee Ponds creek.</li>
	<li>Encouraging buildings fronting Dynon and Footscray Roads to have active and attractive frontages.</li>
</ul>
Project renders show a vastly different Maribyrnong River bank with extensive landscaping and recreational areas introduced by Oculus, superseding the current narrow bike path that runs along the river bank. The project may also see two docks introduced as part of the overhaul.

<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/image17_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site in question and current art installation. Image courtesy Perri Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17_1.jpg?itok=An9hXVK8" title="The site in question and current art installation. Image courtesy Perri Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site in question and current art installation. Image courtesy Perri Projects</figcaption></figure>For the time being a number of buildings on-site have been transformed with Perri Projects initiating the Shed 180 project.

Australian and international street artists were utilised to transform various blank surfaces on-site into an outdoor art gallery. The artworks will remain until the site's mixed-use redevelopment is initiated.
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Industrial West Melbourne the latest urban renewal contender

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St. Kilda Road has gone about transforming itself from a commercial hub into a haven for upmarket apartments for some time now, morphing from a dead after hours office precinct into an affluent residential boulevard.
A new proposal for the Fawkner Centre at 499 St. Kilda Road continues this trend, with intentions to convert the dated commercial tower into a rejuvenated 19 level residential complex.  Currently the Fawkner Centre stands at 18 levels and ulilises approximately half the 6,050 square metre site with 20,000sqm of office space and five retail tenancies the headline figures.
<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/1178.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Fawkner Centre. Image courtesy Lemon Baxter"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1178.jpg?itok=sQRkaZIr" title="The Fawkner Centre. Image courtesy Lemon Baxter" width="580"></a>
After purchasing the site during 2012, local developer <a href="http://www.lasgroup.com.au/" target="_blank">LAS Group</a> now aims to transform the complex into 19 levels of apartments whilst also expanding the smaller podium building toward St. Kilda Road. Within this new scheme, residential facilities are principally located atop the podium building, whilst double storey dwellings will be included amongst the anticipated 245 apartments available.
Level 19 will house outdoor facilities for the associated penthouses below while the aforementioned residents facilities include a lounge, communal garden, sauna and steam room, yoga facilities, gym as well as an indoor pool and external sundeck. A total of 245 apartments with a variety of layouts will be developed in the project in conjunction with 293 car parks, 19 tandem car parks and 270 bike spaces.
3020.5 square metres of new area will be built, complementing the refurbishment however there are no plans to include retail space into the reincarnated structure. Along the St. Kilda Road frontage the proposal aims to develop a new identity for the building with the lanning application stating that the construction of an additional 7 levels to that side of the building will help change the “face” of the structure from its current bland office exterior to that of a dymanic residential building.
In addition to augmenting the original structure, the St. Kilda Road interface will be revamped via a new drop off zone in conjunction with a new mirrored canopy which will greet residents as they enter the building, creating a distinctive entrance for the revamped tower.  Reconnecting the building with its surrounds is one of the key areas project architect <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/" target="_blank">Elenberg Fraser</a> and landscape design firm <a href="http://www.oculus.info/">Oculus</a> have focused on, with high attention to detail given to revitalising the connections between building adjoining enviorns.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image10_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expected Fawkner Park interface. Image © Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="234" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_8.jpg?itok=ihExiN3M" title="Expected Fawkner Park interface. Image © Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>
At present, the Fawkner Park interface includes a large at grade car park against the boundary.  Through the introduction of initiatives such as soft articulated fencing and landscaping, a stepped landscaped façade to the ground and first floor of the building and planter boxes at ground level with vertical batten fencing, the design team have aimed to “soften” the building.  By creating a visual link more in keeping with the qualities of the park, the designers intent to “reactivate and reinstate the visual relationship between the building and Fawkner Park.”
In keeping with the “greening” of the site, the vehicular access way between St. Kilda Road and Fawkner Park will be eliminated, transforming it into a pedestrian link with a green edge being planted along the passageway.
Through the courtyards at ground level, pergola like structures are incorporated which are designed to provide privacy from level 1 as well as promote the landscaping to flourish and spread in a natural fashion.  Enhanced connections with Fawkner Park and private access for residents aims to promote use to the park.
<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="499 St Kilda Road's enhanced facade. Images © Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="322" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image13_10.jpg?itok=APrxG8qZ" title="499 St Kilda Road's enhanced facade. Images © Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>
As a refurbishment rather than new build, certain constraints were considered by Elenberg Fraser to ensure the new design would not affect the structural integrity of the existing building, in particular the existing structural spandrels which constitute the façade.
By remodelling and recladding the spandrels in a way that gradually transitions vertically and horizontally along the building’s elevation, they have been able to develop an appealing solution to the dated concrete façade which exists at present.  By having the spandrels transition horizontally, the appearance of the building is altered dramatically without stripping the existing original form.
Furthermore, a secondary level of articulation has been introduced to the façade, with a shifting pattern developed that is able to further enhance the elevation by the creation of a three-dimensional like illusion. The carved spandrels are planned to be reclad in a silver metal, with surrounding aspects painted a dark colour to allow the spandrels to highlight the architectural statement across the façade.
Either side of the main facades will be given a dark curtain wall combined with metallic trims as a way to “provide an anchor to the building’s form and complement the rest of the building”.
Having been with state planning body DTPLI for a number of months, 499 St Kilda Road's future will become clear soon enough with a decision on approval likely in the short to medium term.
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