<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

Planning applications

<html><body>
<a href="/buildings/134-142-ferrars-street-south-melbourne">132-134 Ferrars Street South Melbourne</a> was the first development application lodged for the Montague precinct at the Fishermans Bend urban renewal area. Although Apartments.com.au has already <a href="/news/planning-application-123-125-montague-st-south-melbourne">covered</a> another application at <a href="/new-apartments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">123-125 Montague, St South Melbourne</a>, 132-134 Ferrars Street is to date the tallest application in the area under consideration by DPCD, and the application that has garnered the most media attention.

Put forward by <a href="/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> architects on behalf of <a href="/developers/sungard-availability-services-vic-pty-ltd">Sungard Availability Services Vic</a>, the application is seeking approval for a 49 level, 165m tower containing two ground-floor retail spaces, a childcare facility, 381 apartments and associated car parking through the podium structure.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image2_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial overview of Montague area"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2_11.jpg?itok=G4xDSx_c" title="Aerial overview of Montague area" typeof="Image"></a>

Rothelowman have cited South Melbourne's historical name Emerald Hill in the planning application as the major driver behind the design concept. In starting with a block form, the architect has worked through a process very much similar to the image below. Sawing, cutting and polishing an initial concept has resulted in Rothelowman delivering a prismatic tower form very much similar to a cut and polished purple emerald.

Reinforcing this notion is the use of purple/blue glass as part of the towers angular facade. Clear and dark grey glass, purple and mid grey metal cladding, exposed concrete, pressed metal and grey metal louvres round out the materials schedule for 132-134 Ferrars St.

 

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image7_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="South Melbourne history cited in the design process"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image7_11.jpg?itok=UovzEA1-" title="South Melbourne history cited in the design process" typeof="Image"></a><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image10_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The angular crown of 132-134 Ferrars St, mimicking that form of a jem"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_2.jpg?itok=WMu8kYLs" title="The angular crown of 132-134 Ferrars St, mimicking that form of a jem" typeof="Image"></a>

Whilst the tower maintains a sleek form, the lower levels and street interface provide a complete contrast. Highly articulated and providing activity to both street frontages, the podium is cleverly designed to hide its primary use as a car park. Internally are two retail tenancies and a bike repair workshop totalling 209sqm, 214 car spaces with the limited two and three bedroom duplexes facing both Ferrars Street and Thistlethwaite Street. Level 6 includes a childcare centre with 648sqm of internal spaces plus 483sqm of covered play areas.

For those readers who would ask why the car park is located above ground rather than below, the planning application gives a fair indication as to future expectations. The towers podium design has included flood barriers and ramp apex's to negate envisaged future flood events on the back of a predicted rise in sea levels up to the year 2100. Essential services face Buckhurst Lane and are at the highest point of the site.

Given the site is AHD 2.4m above sea level i'll let the readers draw their own conclusions on that aspect. Regardless it's a good indicator to the likelihood of most if not all future Montague towers having their car parking areas above ground. If this is to be the norm I hope that state planning body DPCD enforce an highly innovative and uniform stance in response to above ground car parks that have the tendency in other areas of Melbourne to quash vibrancy and street level activity.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image25_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="132-134 Ferrars Street street interface"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image25_0.jpg?itok=nS_5VM_4" title="132-134 Ferrars Street street interface" typeof="Image"></a>

Of all images provided through the planning document, this may well be the most prophetic. 132-134 Ferrars Street appears here all on its lonesome, with the bulk of Southbank in the distance. If this planning application is to receive approval it will set the standard for Montague in terms of both height and density. Interesting times ahead!

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image11_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A sign of things to come"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image11_3.jpg?itok=TpLFScZi" title="A sign of things to come" typeof="Image"></a>

All images above © Rothelowman

 
</body></html>

silvermb

Leading the way > 132-134 Ferrars St, South Melbourne

<html><body>
The Collingwood heartland, black and white stripes......enough to make those of us who are not associated with the great unwashed (read: Collingwood supporters) sick.

Jokes aside this is the latest offering from prolific developer Blue Earth Group via Plus Architecture. The two have managed to concoct this unique design for 195 Wellington Street, Collingwood which was submitted for approval to City of Yarra in recent weeks.

With nine levels of living space above three basement carpark levels the complex seeks to house 84 one and two bedroom apartments between 49sqm and 79sqm, 55 carpark spaces, 84 bicycle bays and a landscaped rooftop common area.

<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/Image22_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="195 Wellington St, Collingwood. Image © Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image22_0.jpg?itok=Mr-UOJK5" title="195 Wellington St, Collingwood. Image © Plus Architecture" typeof="Image"></a>

Sustainability initiatives seem to be directed toward the internal environment with an average <a href="http://www.nathers.gov.au/" target="_blank">Nathers</a> Rating of 7 stars, exceeding current Australian standards. Included are natural ventilation, no borrowed light to any two bedroom apartments, solar hot water system and rainwater harvesting. Whilst it doesn't read as overly interesting, the vast majority of apartments will have access to at least three hours of direct sunlight during winter in living areas.

Further, the facade is designed in such a way that is provides shading and privacy without impeding natural light or ventilation. Over summer months solar heat gain is restricted through facade design whilst during winter solar heat gain is unrestricted, allowing for natural warming - quite the feat with what is visually a simple striped facade design.

<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_5517.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Armada Apartments Port Melbourne, another Plus Architecture design."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_5517.jpg?itok=OBeZkm7b" title="Armada Apartments Port Melbourne, another Plus Architecture design." typeof="Image"></a>

Referring to buildings in Chengdu and Tokyo through the planning document as references and inspiration, Plus Architecture have also thrown another of their projects (Armada, seen above) into the design mix to create a building that intends "To unify tower, podium and base elements into a singular, flowing 'veiled' volume when viewed along both Wellington and Napoleon Street."

Referencing Armada once more, similar metal strips will form the highlight of 195 Wellington Street's facade, contrasted with black glazing resulting in a unique, robust design.

The application also states, "The use of arches at ground level to provide large span openings for the building entry and ground level apartments provide for an activated and engaging ground level ineterface and are an allusion to the arched openings of nearby Victorian era buildings along Wellington Street such as St Martins Church and St Josephs Parish."

Of interest is the lack of any ground floor retail offerings, possibly owing to the hulking commission tower directly opposite. Then again that may be all the more reason to add retail spaces?

<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_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plus Architecture's take on the future Wellington Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image13_0.jpg?itok=f5jiYoXt" title="Plus Architecture's take on the future Wellington Street" typeof="Image"></a>

Regardless, 195 Wellington street sits within the Smith Street Major Activity Centre and is currently a surface carpark. Plus Architecture envisages continued strong development in the area, with 195 Wellington abutting the now at sales <a href="/news/oxley-collingwood" target="_blank">Oxley Collingwood</a> apartment project while the nearby <a href="/news/former-yorkshire-brewery-site-destined-for-renewal" target="_blank">Yorkshire Brewery</a> recently gaining approval for a rejuvenated residential development.

Add a brace of recent apartment completions on Stanley Street, 95 Wellington Street plus the now under construction 132-172 Smith Street and it's evident the only way for Collingwood is up (who knows about the football team however).

 
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How appropriate > 195 Wellington St, Collingwood

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Two residential towers have recently been completed on Southbank, with occupants of the combined 590 apartments due to move in to both Sunday Apartments at 63-75 Coventry St and Guilfoyle at 39 Coventry St. Potentially adding to the areas increasing popularity is another proposed residential tower at 33 Coventry St which is currently before Melbourne City Council seeking approval. 
<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/Image9_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="33 Coventry St, north and east facades. Image © JCB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image9_1.jpg?itok=N_DAM_w1" title="33 Coventry St, north and east facades. Image © JCB Architects" typeof="Image"></a>
Designed by Jackson Clement Burrows for Seed Developments Pty Ltd, the 17 level complex would sit upon a 320sqm site opposite Victoria Barracks, allowing for uninterrupted views of City Rd and CBD skylines along with the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Consisting of only 35 apartments, the development would be pitched toward the higher end of the market averaging two dwellings per floor. 18 one-bedroom, 10 two-bed and 7 three-bed options would make up the apartment mix.
Apartments start from 47sqm for a 1bed/1bath dwelling and increase in size thereafter with the 15th level 3bed/3bath penthouse holding 217sqm of internal area. Further the penthouse would enjoy three separate external spaces on level 15 plus a 92sqm roof deck and outdoor kitchen/entertaining area of roughly 40sqm on level 16, accessible by stairs from the penthouse below.
I struggle to think of many apartments in Melbourne that include such generous living and external entertaining areas combined.
<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/Image5_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Open facade maximising on city views. Image © JCB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5_5.jpg?itok=rxzUw30O" title="Open facade maximising on city views. Image © JCB Architects" typeof="Image"></a>
With available street frontage of 10.2 metres and little if any natural light penetration from the east/west facades project architect Jackson Clement Burrows have been clever in the way they've addressed the facade. Each level is seemingly stacked off centre through the use of horizontal aluminium bands, continuing the theme initiated by the neighbouring Guilfoyle building.
Extensive use of glass has been incorporated over the northern facade to maximise natural light, and while the shading screens over every level may appear as a solid form from a distance, they too will allow light to penetrate.
<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/Image8_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cross-section of 33 Coventry highlighting the car stacking system. Image © JCB Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image8_5.jpg?itok=8QVJ7ghK" title="Cross-section of 33 Coventry highlighting the car stacking system. Image © JCB Architects" typeof="Image"></a>
The cross section above shows the eastern boundary lift well wrapped by apartments, while the architects have addressed the limited site area in a novel way when incorporating car parking. Subground parking and sections of the first nine levels above ground will be dedicated to 46 parking spaces, serviced by a car shuttle and turn table located on ground floor.
Reading through the associated ESD report, 33 Coventry will carry a 6.4 star average energy rating, rainwater harvesting (via two large rooftop tanks) for toilet flushing and a possible dual renewable energy system. Either photovoltaic panels or a solar pre-heat water system will be installed on the roof, providing an estimated 5.7 tonne saving in greenhouse emissions each year.
Submitted late 2012, the application is awaiting a MCC decision.
 
See below photos of Guilfoyle and Sunday apartments plus more images of the proposed 33 Coventry Street.
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Going nuts for Coventry

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One of Melbourne’s best located development sites has gone back to the drawing board after a landmark office proposal failed to eventuate. A revised permit application is currently under consideration by DPCD for 405 Bourke Street, located between Elizabeth and Queen Streets.

One of a handful of prior proposals for the site involved a curved 46-storey office tower designed by Fender Katsilidis which was to reach a height of 204 metres and potentially become one of Melbourne’s most architecturally significant buildings. However amended plans submitted late last year show a more modest development put forward by developer Brookfield Office Properties catering toward the leasing market's rectangular floorplate preferences.

<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/2013-02-14%2023.37.08.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Collins St perspective. Image © Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/2013-02-14%2023.37.08.jpg?itok=cOdkmSm3" title="Collins St perspective. Image © Woods Bagot"></a>

Designed by renowned architects Woods Bagot, the new project is set to feature a 39 storey, 160.9 metre building involves 61,502sqm of office space and an upgraded retail area in the existing Foundry Building leading to an additional 3,672sqm of retail space. It will include 494 bicycle spaces, 250 car spaces as well as a new entrance to the building via an elongated Gills Alley, to be used by cyclists and pedestrians.

<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/2013-02-14%2023.40.58.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street activation plan. Image © Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/2013-02-14%2023.40.58.jpg?itok=6lTlpDmi" title="Street activation plan. Image © Woods Bagot"></a>

While the development does look quite simple at first glance, the tower itself is designed in a way that the architects say is meant to represent a “single technique of continuous laminations.” Sounds fancy but the intent is to provide a facade which breaks up the prevalent east and west elevations as well as alleviating site constraint issues, while breaking the wall effect created through the podium at street level. Following this idea of continuous laminations, the total mass of the building has been designed to appear as 70 panes of glass laminated together, opposed by clean facades on the north and south elevations.

On the extensive east and west façades, the addition of modulated laminations which have a shift of 150mm every 1.2m have been developed, allowing for further articulation and form along the large facades, creating an interesting visual effect and a textured surface along the tower which will in turn refract and reflect light depending on the changing angles of the sun throughout the day.

<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/2013-02-14%2023.46.23.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="East and west facades designed to light, shade and refract. Image © Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/2013-02-14%2023.46.23.jpg?itok=Qul9bE7w" title="East and west facades designed to light, shade and refract. Image © Woods Bagot"></a>

At podium level, the building has been designed to fit within the surrounding context. As it's considered a modern insertion within the existing streetscape, deep laminations have been designed into the podium, allowing for a unique view of the structure depending on where you stand on the street, and allowing for the entrance of the building to only be seen if the person is looking from directly in front.

<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/2013-02-14%2023.41.26.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New street level inetrface. Image © Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/2013-02-14%2023.41.26.jpg?itok=pjOG_zPt" title="New street level inetrface. Image © Woods Bagot"></a>

This new proposal is not the first tower to seek approval for the site since partners Brookfiled and DaVinci Funds Management purchased the development site back in 2008. The site was subject to another planning application early in 2012, which subsequently lead to the amended plans currently submitted.

In addition to this, two more proposals were put forward back in 2004 and again in 2006, with the then owner of the site obtaining a permit for a 200 metre tall residential building and another permit for an office building which they later on sold with the development site.

While approval is seemingly forthcoming, time will tell whether Multiplex finally advance this scheme into the construction phase, or whether it will share a similar fate as previous proposals.

All images © Woods Bagot
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melbournee12

Planning Application > 405 Bourke Street, Melbourne

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Here's the first planning application Apartments.com.au will look at emanating from Fishermans Bend, in what will seemingly become a steady flow of applications from the area. 123-125 Montague St South Melbourne is located within the Montague sub-precinct, accordingly project architect Peddle Thorp have taken into account the Montague Precinct Structure Plan prepared by the City of Port Phillip even though the State government will be the deciding body.

 

<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/246to4y.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Suburb overview as per Peddle Thorp submission"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/246to4y.jpg?itok=YF-SxNma" title="Suburb overview as per Peddle Thorp submission" typeof="Image"></a>

Prepared for developer Austpac Group, the planning application consists of three towers above a five level common podium and one basement level. Catering for 746 vehicles, the carpark podium is hidden from view by an activated wrap to three street frontages consisting of apartments and office spaces convertible to residential use if required. 705 apartments in total are proposed with the taller tower standing at 36 levels and 111.5m to roof or 116m to maximum height, a crown involving angular solar panels. Both lesser towers are 28 levels and 87.5m to roof, or 92m to feature. Facilities available in the podium included a gymnasium, pool, business centre, barbeque area and extensive landscaping.

 

Heavy with blue glazing the complex does carry some typical Peddle Thorp traits particularly through the podium, defined by its shallow box features. Varied elements such as Ironbark timber cladding, Rheinzink cladding, folded aluminium panels and industrial framed glazing feature heavily over the podium in order to break the buildings form at street level and provide points of interest.

 

<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/2qtlm5v.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Peddle Thorp architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/2qtlm5v.jpg?itok=UqwOOthV" title="Image © Peddle Thorp architects" typeof="Image"></a>

 

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rbig7c.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Thistlethwaite St aspect © Peddle Thorp architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/rbig7c.jpg?itok=Qm_wTSdq" title="Thistlethwaite St aspect © Peddle Thorp architects" typeof="Image"></a>

Images above and below show a heavily activated streetscape. An anchor supermarket of 1752sqm will be surrounded by 14 retail spaces and two cafes. Future adjoining development sites have been considered with Ann St that currently runs north-south through the development site removed, in its place a public thoroughfare. This thoroughfare will provide a pedestrian link between Rosherville Place / Buckhurst St to the north and Thistlethwaite St / Akling Alley to the south. No doubt both architect and developer envisage this thoroughfare as being key to funnelling foot traffic in from surrounding areas to service the large number of retail spaces at ground level throughout the complex.

 

Thistlethwaite St will be rebirthed as "A shared space zone prioritising pedestrian and bicycle movements over vehicle traffic." Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles are included, with strategic lighting and increased street activity designed make the area safer for users. Further the <a href="/news/port-phillips-montague-structure-plan" target="_blank">Montague Precinct Structure Plan</a> shows Thistlethwaite St to be a Green Street Corridor. 123-125 Montague Street will attempt to adhere to the Green Street Corridor principles by harnessing:

<ul>
<li>capture and treatment of rainwater from podium and street level to reuse on site with excess possibly used for toilet flushing</li>
	<li>40km speed limit &amp; lessened on-street parking</li>
	<li>heavy tree planting and seamless level streetscape - no kerbs</li>
	<li>paving to replace asphalt</li>
	<li>integrating bike lanes to within shared space zones</li>
	<li>an urban art program</li>
</ul>
<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/2s9t1et.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground landscape plan with ground floor uses © Peddle Thorp architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/2s9t1et.jpg?itok=cOzCIMZx" title="Ground landscape plan with ground floor uses © Peddle Thorp architects" typeof="Image"></a>

Submitted for assessment during February, it's a fair assumption 123-125 Montague St is still some time off a planning decision. Given such extensive detail has been directed to street level interaction and activation, one hopes this to be a sign that all future submitted planning applications for Fishermans Bend adhere to the streetscape policies as laid out by the Montague Precinct Structure Plan. If this occurs, Fishermans Bend will go a long way to avoiding some of the disjointed urban outcomes that have occurred in Docklands.

 

All images above © Peddle Thorp Architects

 
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Planning Application > 123-125 Montague St, South Melbourne

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It seems Australia 108 may not be the only new hotel to grace Southbank in the near future. Melbourne City Council <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/BuildingandPlanning/Planning/Pages/Planningregisteronlinesearchresults.aspx?permit=TP-2012-439">recently approved</a> a 16 level hotel tower at 167-169 City Road, wedged between two existing apartment towers.
Southern Capital Corporation engaged Peddle Thorp Architects to design the $20 million dollar building highlighted by a diagrid facade that changes shape, adhering to the slanted form toward the crown. Currently home to Melbourne Towing Service, the small site offered some challenges according to the architect.
<blockquote>
167 City Road is a project that has been in the system for quite some time. The current design is continually being challenged by the DDO’s, alleviating a greater developmental opportunity. 
Setbacks and street activation are the main design considerations from an urban planning perspective whilst reducing the impact on amenity of our neighbours and proving quality apartments in our proposal is looking to be the constant wrestle of the design process.
<cite>Peddle Thorp Architects</cite>
</blockquote>
Aesthetically pleasing, sympathetic to its neighbours by way of setbacks (as much as can be) and well sized relative to its immediate environment; a good result all round.
<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/167city-aerial_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As seen on the architects website. Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/167city-aerial_0.jpg?itok=1m7UJRW7" title="As seen on the architects website. Image © Peddle Thorp" typeof="Image"></a>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image1ff.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Initial concept (left), superseded by the current diagrid design. Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1ff.jpg?itok=Kvy-QPv8" title="Initial concept (left), superseded by the current diagrid design. Image © Peddle Thorp" typeof="Image"></a>
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167-169 City Road, Southbank gains planning approval

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Following a recent article highlighting the proposed tower at <a href="/news/planning-application-256-260-city-rd" target="_blank">256-260 City Road</a>, these two images have recently appeared on Carabott Holt Turnicov's website simply labelled <a href="http://chtarchitects.com.au/projects-3/multiresidential/city-road-southbank/" target="_blank">'City Road'</a>. Although not willing to say much to Apartments.com.au, a picture as they say, is worth a thousand words.

Taking into account the surrounding block form and lowrise buildings, CHT's concept is located at 268-270 City Rd, or abutting the aforementioned 256-260 City Rd. With nine glazed lower levels maintaining a higher floor to floor span than the levels above, I'll make the assumption that they consist of office space. Above these sit 40 levels of apartments with both the southern and northern facades sporting an interesting, engaging tetris-like pattern achieved by the use of irregular protruding floorplates. Add two plant levels and this tower sits at roughly 160-170 metres above City Rd.

Irrespective of height, street level activation fronting City Rd seems minimal based upon the image below - individuals interact with built form most commonly at street level and the inactive street frontage suggests a poor urban outcome.

<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/cht22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="City Road tower. © CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/cht22.jpg?itok=srdGkwlE" title="City Road tower. © CHT Architects" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>City Road tower. © CHT Architects</figcaption></figure>Pretty patterns aside, the render below shows recessed balconies and light windows running the height of the western flank. The initial thought that came to mind was a potential stoush that would eventuate if the adjoining site to the west were to be developed to the boundary, much like that which has <a href="http://theage.domain.com.au/residents-balconies-would-be-enclosed-in-100m-hole-20120227-1tyxr" target="_blank">plagued the proposed 17-23 Wills St</a> in Melbourne's CBD. Windows and balconies along shared property boundaries can be dicey prospect.

This would be an issue for planning, but ultimately the above is merely speculation until an official planning application is lodged. Nonetheless this scheme has some unique, redeeming features should it ever come to fruition.

<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/cht0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Varied elements in this close-up. © CHT Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/cht0.jpg?itok=hpKmuul9" title="Varied elements in this close-up. © CHT Architects" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>Varied elements in this close-up. © CHT Architects</figcaption></figure>Even if this is nothing more than a concept design, we've asked our in-house graphic guru Laurence Dragomir to render both buildings together for the sole purpose of illustrating the potential for a poor outcome - the copyright to the design of both 256-260 and 268-270 City Road remains with the respective architects. Two development sites with a common property boundary are generally expected to design precast concrete walls abutting one another, negating a number of planning concerns. In its current form before planning authorities, the centre tower below at 256-260 City Rd has a setback of 5 metres from its western boundary which faces 268-270 City Rd.

Furthermore the western flank is completely glazed meaning notionally floor to ceiling windows would face a blank concrete wall no more than 5 metres away for the entire height of the building, clearly an unacceptible outcome. The logical outcome would see planning authorities ask that 256-260 City Rd architects Hayball go back to the drawing board to avoid such an outcome by bringing the tower out to the western site boundary and implementing a precast 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/CHT%20city%20rd%2002-watermarked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/CHT%20city%20rd%2002-watermarked.jpg?itok=0cpqaLNl" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT</figcaption></figure><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/CHT%20city%20rd%2003-watermarked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/CHT%20city%20rd%2003-watermarked.jpg?itok=7ZdvtumM" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT</figcaption></figure><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/CHT%20city%20rd-watermarked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/CHT%20city%20rd-watermarked.jpg?itok=g2aVpVWM" title="Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT" typeof="Image"></a>

<figcaption>Illustrative render - copyright of individual tower design remains with Hayball and CHT</figcaption></figure>
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The next big thing on Southbank?

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Apartment living has found its way to the south-western suburb of Altona Meadows, where a new apartment building has been proposed for 390-394 Queen Street and 83-91 Merton Street. Designed by Mills Gorman Architects and developed by Noordenne Constructions, the development if approved will include 80 dwellings comprising of one, two and three bedrooms within a 4 storey complex, reaching a maximum height of 13.3 metres. 
<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/merton_0000_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Noordenne Constructions proposed development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/merton_0000_0.jpg?itok=LrdETDKf" title="Noordenne Constructions proposed development" typeof="Image"></a>
Accompanying the planned apartments, will be 82 resident car spaces and 2 gymnasium car spaces which will be located in a basement level; there are no guest car parks associated with the building. Incorporated into the proposed development will be a new gymnasium which is slated for the busy corner of Merton and Queen Streets, directly opposite the controversial flower sculpture “Grow”, as well the local shopping centre, Central Square, also owned by Noordenne Constructions. If the green light is given to the proposal, construction will not proceed until after Noordenne completes the new ALDI supermarket, currently being built within the Central Square Shopping Centre car park.
While proposals of this magnitude are relatively new to Altona Meadows, it is not the first medium-high density apartment project that has come before the Hobson’s Bay Council with 2 new apartment complexes currently nearing settlement in Pier Street, Altona. The 5 level apartment building at 105-113 Pier Street will hold 95 dwellings and associated retail upon completion, meanwhile a 4 story development across the road at 112-114 Pier Street will add a further 45 dwellings and 5 new retail tenancies.
Apartment living in areas such as Altona raises an interesting question:
Would you rather live in an apartment within a short walk to public transport, beach, retail and services or the other side of Geelong Rd in a new estate such as Truganina where you have, well....a house, car and not much else?
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Apartments in the Meadows

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Once the domain of  Smorgy's and more recently a buffet restaurant, developer Park Rise Australia has for some time sought to knife and fork the existing building in the hope of delivering a multi-building apartment complex some 14 kilometres from Melbourne's CBD. Mid last year Crikey blog The Urbanist ran an article reagrding the <a href="http://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2012/05/31/do-existing-residents-see-the-benefits-of-urban-renewal/" target="_blank">proposed development at 1091 Plenty Rd, Bundoora</a>. The aforementioned in depth and incisive piece touched on a number of pertinent topics relevant to both this proposed development and development in general. 600 plus local residents opposed the development at the time, while local council <a href="http://preston-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/not-in-this-bundoora-car-park/" target="_blank">unanimously rejected the proposal</a> designed by Cornetta Partners Architects. Images of the now defunct original scheme are provided below
 
<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/Image3_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plenty Rd perspective © Cornetta Partners Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3_1.jpg" title="Plenty Rd perspective © Cornetta Partners Architects" typeof="Image"></a>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image2_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Snake Gully Drive perspective © Cornetta Partners Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image2_2.jpg" title="Snake Gully Drive perspective © Cornetta Partners Architects" typeof="Image"></a>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image7_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bundoora Park perspective © Cornetta Partners Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image7_2.jpg" title="Bundoora Park perspective © Cornetta Partners Architects" typeof="Image"></a>
 
December 2012 saw a revised planning application put to Darebin City Council along with a February VCAT hearing for 1091 Plenty Rd. Designed by Peddle Thorp Architects, the new scheme maintains 474 units, although all 3 bedroom options have been deleted in favour of one and two bedroom dwellings. Planned bycicle spaces would fall from 329 to 251, available retail space diminsihes from 1389sqm to 958sqm while single bedroom residences fall from 135 to 123, therefore resulting in an increase of dual bedroom dwellings to 351. A new architect brings a new design ethos, with Peddle Thorp paying particular attention to a terraced building design; Peddle Thorp documentation reads as follows
 
"The revised scheme has an improved response to the context by stepping and terracing the buildings 2,3,4 and 5 from the internal street to the Bundoora Park interface. The stepped garden roof terraces with landscaped planter boxes better integrate these buildings with the Park enviorns. Elevation views of the buildings from the park are softer and less imposing. The building floor plates for buildings 2,3,4 and 5 have been redesigned featuring triangular bay windows which provide all living areas with direct views of Bundoora Park and reduce over looking into adjacent buildings. This dsignfeature also created more articulated and sculptured facade for all these buildings."
 
According to the submitted planning document, the essential figures are as follows
Building 1A        7 inhabited levels       76 apartments            height 28m
Building 1B        6 inhabited levels       44 apartments            height 24m
Building 2           5 inhabited levels       31 apartments            height 18m
Building 3          10 inhabited levels     107 apartments          height 33m
Building 4          11 inhabited levels      122 apartments          height 36m
Building 5          9 inhabited levels        94 apartments            height 30m
 
All buildings share a common underground carpark. Logic would suggest that if approved the entire carpark and at least one apartment complex would begin simultaneously, whilst other buildings may be built at a later time in line with market conditions.
 
The VCAT decision on 1091 Plenty Rd is imminent
 
Images of the current planning application below are courtesy and © Peddle Thorp Architects
 
 
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1091 Plenty Rd, Bundoora

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"This is an opportunity for Victoria University to consolidate and express its dedicated and symbolic presence within the historic surrounding of the former Royal Mint precinct and the greater context of the Melbourne central city." With those words, Daryl Jackson and his firm Jackson Architecture have teamed with Victoria University in order to bring a consolidated VU campus to the Hoddle Grid. <a href="http://www.jacksonarchitecture.com.au/#/projects/vu-queen-street-campus/" target="_blank">Jackson Architecture</a> is currently carrying masterplan images of an expanded Victoria University campus on Queen St, straddling either side of Little Lonsdale. The images below show a refurbished lowrise campus facility sitting in behind the historic former Records Office and Land Titles Office. Whilst no planning application has yet been submitted for the potential lowrise development, an initial application for the highrise or 'vertical campus' was submitted during March 2012.
 
<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/7_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial campus map"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/7_0.jpg" title="Aerial campus map" typeof="Image"></a><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/8_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Queen Street perspective of the low-rise expansion"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/8_1.jpg" title="Queen Street perspective of the low-rise expansion" typeof="Image"></a>
 
Further, at the behest of planning officials from the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) and coupled with heritage issues relating to the existing 1908 Women's VD Clinic building, a revised planning document was submitted for VU Tower, addressed 364-370 &amp; 372-378 Little Lonsdale St. The early 2012 design has been superseeded by an edgier, more aesthetically pleasing tower that retains the historic Women's VD Clinic facade, whilst still calling for demolition of the adjoining TB Clinic.
 
Visual differentiations to the early 2012 submission include rooftop solar panels, a new and repositioned Sampson Lane (the current Lane making way for underground carpark works), a folded concrete feature running the length of the south-east facade, angled vents at both plant levels 17 and crown (somewhat similar in looks to the new NAB building at 700 Bourke St), a doubled-skinned facade plus a remodelled north east aspect that interacts with the nearby Repiblic Tower. Directly to the tower's west lies La Banque apartments, in addressing its westerly neighbour the architect has introduced a podium at equal height to La Banque's and a podium setback for the tower itself. Further, precast panels and opaque west facing windows are incorporated while a minimum 9m separation distance is maintained where required.
 
With the new application submitted 21st December 2012, the redesigned tower if approved would stand at 135m above four levels of sub ground parking. At ground would consist of a revamped Sampson Lane, security &amp; reception areas, loading docks, carpark entry and foyer. Level 1 hosts a mezzanine cafe, levels 2 &amp; 3 a library, level 4 a lecture theatre while levels 5 &amp; 6 host plant room and podium facilities. Thereafter levels 7-16 are dedicated academic space, 17 a further plant level while levels 18-30 consist of approximately 11,350sqm of office space. Gross floor area for the tower would be 42679sqm whilst net floor area or usable space would touch on 27075sqm.
 
Jackson Architect's website indicates that once a planning permit has been granted, VUT will actively seek a partner to bring this tower to fruition rather than fund the tower individually. Tower development costs at this time are expected to be roughly $85 million and take 3-4 years to complete once a permit has been issued, potentially making it and the mooted lowrise expansion ready for use jointly. Enjoy the exceptional images below provived by Jackson Architecture by way of their planning application.
 
All images © Jackson Architecture
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