Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

Planning applications

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City of Port Phillip have fielded a fresh planning application that seeks to further expand the footprint of high-density towers away from St Kilda Junction.

Bound by St Kilda Road and Blanche Street, 331-335 St Kilda Road would sit south of Inkerman Street, and appear as the only building of its size in the area. Immediate apartment projects that have come to fruition along Inkerman Street sit within the 5-7 level range.

Developer Beacon Builders are behind the proposal which was submitted during August, and see architects Bird de la Coeur take the design lead. Thus far Moonee Ponds' LEX Apartments with 56 dwellings ranks among Beacon Builders more notable projects.

<h2>331-335 St Kilda 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/image9_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the proposed building. Plannin image: BDLC"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="353" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_9.jpg?itok=rFR7HoG6" title="Artist's impression of the proposed building. Plannin image: BDLC" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the proposed building. Plannin image: BDLC</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>2,543sqm site currently utilised as a Habitat HQ hostel</li>
	<li>Proposed dual buildings of 6 and 13 levels/39.6 metres</li>
	<li>156 dwellings: 3 x studio, 51 x 1BR, 99 x 2BR, 3 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Single retail/cafe space of 61sqm</li>
	<li>Three basement levels include 157 car parks, 175 bicycle bays, nine motorcycle bays and 156 stores</li>
	<li>Outdoor recreational area to the western boundary</li>
</ul>
In preparing the application's town planning report, Meinhardt Group assert the following:

<blockquote>
The proposal is consistent with the strategic planning policy for the area established by the relevant State and Local Policies of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme. The development addresses the strategic directions and policy objectives through supporting a diversity of housing on a strategic redevelopment site within good proximity to transport, services and facilities, and respecting the residential interface along Blanche Street through a lower built form and responsive articulation and design to reference the streetscape rhythm.

The overall height is considered reasonable having regard to the strategic significance of St Kilda Road, the limited amenity impacts caused by the proposed height, the context of the surrounding area which includes land identified for significant redevelopment within the Mixed Use Zone and Commercial 1 Zone, the existing apartment buildings approved within the precinct, the quality design aesthetic.
<cite>Town planning report for 331-335 St Kilda Road, Meinhardt Group</cite>
</blockquote>

Visually 331-335 St Kilda Road is broken to represent a solid base, which transitions to a perforated top. Brick is prevalent over lower levels and is reflective of the surrounding urban context. The proposal's upper levels feature vertical fins assembled across the facade with a series of colour changes designed to break the building's bulk and appearance.

<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/image16_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="331-335 St Kilda Road compared to the area's tallest approved tower"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_8.jpg?itok=M24kPiTT" title="331-335 St Kilda Road compared to the area's tallest approved tower" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>331-335 St Kilda Road compared to the area's tallest approved tower</figcaption></figure>In recent years a crop of mid and high-rise apartment buildings have sprung up closer to St Kilda Junction. At present the largest approved building in the area is Plus Architecture's <a href="/new-apartments/8-12-punt-road-st-kilda">8-12 Punt Road</a> which covers 96m and encompasses 203 dwellings.

331-335 St Kilda Road's height and location well south of the Junction makes it a trailblazer of sorts.

Should it gain approval it would likely set a precedent for future developable plots in the vicinity, in terms of height expectations and overall density. Beacon Builders at the very least hope that their application may well become a new design beacon within St Kilda.
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silvermb

A new beacon for St Kilda?

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18 months after securing a prime development site atop Doncaster Hill, <a href="/developers/samma-property-group">SPEC Property</a> is on the verge of receiving approval for their latest residential project within Manningham.

While they have diversified to become a citywide development presence, SPEC Property has been particularly strong within Doncaster in years gone by; Acacia Apartments, Viridian, Canvas Apartments and Madison are among the developer's work in the area to date. 9-11 Williamsons Road also represents a change in tact with <a href="/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a> coming aboard for the project which is poised to add 137 additional apartments to <a href="/buildings/the-point-doncaster-hill-600-doncaster-road-doncaster">Doncaster Hill</a>.

Touted by agent Savills as the area's best development site at the time of sale, SPEC Property took a development concept to Council soon after, with the design process playing out to the point where a notice of decision to grant a permit was recently issued.

While also marking the developer's return to its early stomping ground, 9-11 Williamsons Road further adds to the expanding array of developers across <a href="/new-apartments/doncaster-vic-3108">Doncaster</a> and the secondary yet growing apartment market within <a href="/new-apartments/doncaster-east-vic-3109">Doncaster East</a>.

<h2>9-11 Williamsons 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/image4_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the proposed development. Planning image: Bruce Henderson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4_9.jpg?itok=wzcWeHyQ" title="Artist's impression of the proposed development. Planning image: Bruce Henderson Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the proposed development. Planning image: Bruce Henderson Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site offered for sale during early 2015</li>
	<li>Current lowrise commercial complex over a 2,662sqm site</li>
	<li>Proposed 12 level building with an overall maximum height of 34.7m</li>
	<li>137 apartments: 15 x 1 bedroom, 106 x 2 bedroom, 16 x 3 bedroom</li>
	<li>7 townhouses to secondary street frontage</li>
	<li>1 retail space: 130sqm to Williamsons Road</li>
	<li>4 basement levels holding 171 vehicles</li>
	<li>Estimated project cost: $38 million</li>
</ul>
With unimpeded CBD views to the west, 9-11 Williamsons Road is configured in a U-shape to allow a maximum number of apartments a <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">CBD</a> view. A Carnarvon Street ground level communal garden links with internal amenities and will account for the void between either wing of the building.

Internally the project sees apartments vary in size from 48sqm to 105sqm, although four larger 3 bedroom penthouses will sit within the 120-132sqm zone. These penthouses are within a visually different design element atop the building and also hold expansive courtyards of up to 94sqm.

<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/image9_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="686 Doncaster Road and 5-7 Williamsons Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="242" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9_8.jpg?itok=W5G4mSsi" title="686 Doncaster Road and 5-7 Williamsons Road" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>686 Doncaster Road and 5-7 Williamsons Road may grace Doncaster Hill soon enough</figcaption></figure>A wider view of apartment projects across Doncaster and Doncaster East sees a healthy sector that for lack of a better term, continues to do what it's been doing for some years now.

13 apartment projects of note are under construction according to the Apartments.com.au Project Database, with <a href="/new-apartments/the-courtyard-832-doncaster-road-doncaster">832 Doncaster Road</a> the next in line; <a href="/builders/may-constructions">May Constructions</a> are the anointed builder. All in all, 900 plus apartments and 224 aged care apartments/beds are at construction across the two suburbs.

If SPEC Property choose to launch 9-11 Williamsons Road in the near term, they will join the like of <a href="/developers/pace-development-group">Pace Development Group</a> and <a href="/developers/jinshan-investment-group-pty-ltd">Jinshan</a> who have released their latest projects for public purchase.

Some hefty projects are also waiting in the wings, with approval for four separate schemes atop Doncaster Hill capable of yielding an additional 893 apartments.
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SPEC Property return to their roots atop Doncaster Hill

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St Kilda Road will be the setting for the debut of another international developer, with Singaporean outfit Lian Beng Group's intended residential tower now with City of Port Phillip.

Having secured <a href="/new-apartments/596-st-kilda-road-melbourne">596 St Kilda Road</a> during 2015 for $25 million, first-time market entrant Lian Beng Group have submitted for approval a residential scheme that further morphs the boulevard into a sought after residential strip. Stepping away somewhat from the premium apartment buyer which has defined St Kilda Road in recent times, the proposal consists predominantly of oversized single bedroom dwellings.

Noted within the <a href="https://eservices.portphillip.vic.gov.au/webdocs/909902/ADV%20Architect%20Report%20-%20Incl.%203D%20images.PDF">town planing submission</a>, project architect <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> references the eclectic nature of Windsor and the youthful aspects of the development, perhaps a reference to the target buyer.

Externally 596 St Kilda Road's 19 levels are defined by 1,150sqm of vertical garden space arranged seemingly draped over the design's exterior; a far cry from the 1940's apartment complex onsite which is set to make way for the tower.

<h2>596 St Kilda 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/image26_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial render of the tower's green exterior. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="650" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image26_3.jpg?itok=NeE-_Bkq" title="Aerial render of the tower's green exterior. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial render of the tower's green exterior. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site offered for sale by CBRE City Sales during 2015</li>
	<li>Purchased by Lian Beng Group for $25 million</li>
	<li>Site area: 1,800sqm with two street frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed 19 level tower at 60 metres</li>
	<li>170 dwellings: 95 x 1BR and 75 x 2BR with study options for either</li>
	<li>4 level basement containing 162 vehicles and 57 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>Ground level amenities including 20 metre pool, sauna and gymnasium</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 21,847sqm</li>
	<li>Single cafe tenancy at ground level</li>
	<li>Commissioned public artwork to be determined after discussions with Council</li>
</ul>
Supplementing the vertical gardens is 892sqm of ground floor green area, with Bates Smart describing the building as living design.

With the tower's projecting planters intended to mirror the gardens of St Kilda Road in a vertical fashion, they are also designed to become an external extension of internal spaces. Bates Smart heavily reference the pavilion throughout their urban context report, essentially created a tower where external spaces are designed to be used as often as possible.

This is achieved by floor to ceiling glazing, extended slabs and operable screens.

Conceived as a series of stacked pavilions, 596 St Kilda Road does carry similar external traits to existing Bates Smart residential projects such as <a href="http://www.pelotongroup.com.au/property/queens_road.htm">Proximity on Queens</a> and Canberra's <a href="https://www.batessmart.com/bates-smart/projects/sectors/residential/atelier/">Atelier</a>, albeit with the addition of green vertical highlights.

596 St Kilda Road's apartment mix sees 95 single bedroom apartments range in size between 50-62sqm while dual bedrooms range between 77-82sqm.

<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/image43_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A garden living exemplar, similar to what can be expected within the project. Planning image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="333" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_4.jpg?itok=5y5uzN2E" title="A garden living exemplar, similar to what can be expected within the project. Planning image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A garden living exemplar as identified by the architect. Planning image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>St Kilda Road has proven to be fertile grounds for both local and international developers in recent years, as its transformation from commercial enclave to residential boulevard continues.

Asian developers are well represented in the area, with Lian Beng Group merely the latest to cash in upon Melbourne's high density living surge. <a href="/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> will have <a href="/buildings/parque-melbourne-555-st-kilda-road-melbourne">Parque St Kilda Road</a> complete soon enough with settlement due by the end of next month, while a handful of other projects are in the pipeline.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-mayfair-412-st-kilda-road-melbourne">412 St Kilda Road</a> is at planning on behalf of Malaysian-based <a href="/developers/uem-sunrise">UEM Sunrise</a> while the likes of Wuzhong and Chinese-affiliated <a href="/developers/golden-age-group">Golden Age Group</a> are also active on the strip.

<h2>596 St Kilda Road development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Lian Beng (St Kilda) Pte. Ltd.</li>
	<li>Architecture and Urban Context Report: Bates Smart</li>
	<li>Planning: <a href="/developers/urbis">Urbis</a>
</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineering Assessment: GTA</li>
	<li>Sustainability Management Plan: Norman Disney &amp; Young</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Landscape Plan: Tract</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Lian Beng Group enter Melbourne with 596 St Kilda Road

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Integrated residential property funds management and real estate services organisation Oliver Hume is seeking to develop another slice of industrial West Melbourne, becoming the group's third Melbourne apartment project behind <a href="/new-apartments/cheltenham-vic-3192">Ilixir</a> in Cheltenham and The Principal which fronts Flemington Road.

Jackson Clements Burrows are behind the design for 164-184 Roden Street which if approved, will retain the exterior of the substantial heritage building onsite, along with a portion of the interior floor plate set back to the inner columns. This is done so in order to provide legitimacy to a healthy number of warehouse shells intended within the development.

Works for the existing onsite building began during 1889, with subsequent additions through to 1937 for then expanding hardware merchants Briscoe &amp; Co. According to heritage consultants Bryce Raworth,164-184 Roden Street and the associated street addresses the existing building holds fall under a D grade heritage listing.

City of Melbourne have received 12 objections to the development.

A <a href="http://www.cbremelbourne.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/164-172_Roden_bro_v9_redslash-IN-dd.pdf">sales campaign</a> for the site was conducted by CBRE during late 2014, with Oliver Hume's plans for the project lodged with City of Melbourne during June of this year.

<h2>164-172 Roden Street 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/image19_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The project's interior courtyard. Planning image: JCB"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_11.jpg?itok=XC4M9DRz" title="The project's interior courtyard. Planning image: JCB" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The project's interior courtyard. Planning image: JCB</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site offered for sale during late 2014</li>
	<li>3,637sqm site containing dual industrial warehouse buildings and three street frontages</li>
	<li>Proposed partial demolition and construction of an 8 level, 28.8m buildings</li>
	<li>206 dwellings: 21 x warehouse shells, 2 x duplex, 30 x loft, 101 x 1BR, 52 x 2BR</li>
	<li>Provision for 120 vehicle and 150 bicycle bays over two basement levels</li>
	<li>Jack Merlo designed landscaped internal courtyard</li>
</ul>
206 dwellings are included within the project's eight levels, despite a planning overlay expecting a preferred building height of four storeys. From a prospective apartment buyer's point of view, 164-184 Roden Street may be an attractive prospect as the development team has gone to lengths to create diversity of living options within the development.

Dual level warehouse shells, duplexes and loft options add to the ubiquitous one and two bedroom apartments within the development. Single bedroom apartments span the 48sqm-62sqm range, with living options expanding in size thereafter.

The warehouse and loft formats presumably seek to set the project apart from its West Melbourne contemporaries, with advertised plans indicating that both loft and warehouse options are proportionately large. Two storey, two bedroom lofts sit between 97-98sqm with ample exterior areas in tow.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_8350.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="420 Spencer Street is moving on up"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8350.jpg?itok=ZdwYblCJ" title="420 Spencer Street is moving on up" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>420 Spencer Street is moving on up</figcaption></figure>News of Oliver Hume's Roden Street endeavour comes as another prominent site in West Melbourne went to planning last week. 405-417 Spencer Street is now subject to a 22 level application which seeks retail and commercial uses in addition to 181 apartments.

405-417 Spencer Street aside, the entry of 164-184 Roden Street to the Apartments.com.au Project Database sees 25 separate residential projects listed within West Melbourne, with total apartment numbers for these projects in excess of 3,300.

Largest of all these projects is 355-371 Spencer Street which carries approval for 700 plus apartments, while West Melbourne's tallest building is currently heading skyward. Set to reach 131 metres, The Spencer as seen above has picked up its construction pace considerably now that the build is beyond the podium levels.

<h2>164-184 Roden Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Oliver Hume</li>
	<li>Architect and Urban Context Report: Jackson Clements Burrows</li>
	<li>Planning: Contour Consultants Australia</li>
	<li>Heritage Consultants: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Traffic: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect: Jack Merlo Design</li>
	<li>ESD: ECM Group</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Oliver Hume and JCB add to the West Melbourne dynamic

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One of 2016's largest projects is set to continue the high density infill between Yarra's Edge and the emerging Fishermans Bend Precinct.

Created by MGS Architects, the dual residential tower scheme's most striking feature is its multi-colured facade which is designed as a contemporary interpretation of the nearby shipping yards. Located at 13-33 Hartley Street on the perimeter of Docklands, the site is hard up against the West Gate Freeway and adjacent to the recently sold development site at <a href="/developments/docklands-vic-3008">85-93 Lorimer Street</a>.

13-33 Hartley Street will also enjoy frontage to the park which forms part of the permit approved 85-93 Lorimer Street, which was designed by Elenberg Fraser.

Kew-based entity Claric Ninety Nine Pty Ltd is the proponent behind the Hartley Street development.

<h2>13-33 Hartley Street Docklands 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/image21_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="As rendered from Yarra's Edge. Image: MGS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="319" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image21_8.jpg?itok=bLZCMO4G" title="As rendered from Yarra's Edge. Image: MGS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>As rendered from Yarra's Edge. Image: MGS Architects</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 6,713sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 37 and 40 level residential towers with the taller at 131.3 metres</li>
	<li>612 apartments: 202 x 1BR, 370 x 2BR, 26 x 3BR, 14 x 4BR</li>
	<li>3 retail tenancies totaling 255sqm and 700sqm of 'community' space</li>
	<li>Provision for 424 vehicles, 370 resident bicycles, 71 visitor bicycle spaces and 58 motorcycle spaces</li>
	<li>1,507sqm of communal facilities, including a lap pool, gym, yoga/kids play area, meeting room, cinema room, lounge areas and library</li>
	<li>Plot ratio: 12.29:1</li>
	<li>Gross Floor Area: 82,568sqm</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $200 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Acknowledging one's surrounds</h2>

<blockquote>
The Port of Melbourne is Australia’s largest container terminal and has a very significant impact on the local landscape. Viewed from above neatly arranged rows of colourful containers from all parts of the world animate an otherwise dull industrial port.

It is this colour and texture that the building design references in the balcony balustrade treatment of the apartments at the upper and lower floors. Larger apartments are located at these floors where balconies are cantilevered in patterns and varied in colour to evoke the Port’s container landscape

The great Australian painter Jeffrey Smart was known for his stylised depictions of urban landscapes. He had a particular fascination with roads and road signs which he rendered with a stark reality and precision.

We have treated the car parking podium of the building as a canvas for an over scaled road sign. In this case the sign however is not read as a flat painted surface but as a series of projecting screens that morph into view on approach. The signage is directional and changes in accordance with the location of the observer.
<cite>Urban context report, MGS Architects</cite>
</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/image47_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A nod to Jeffrey Smart. Planning image: MGS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="294" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47_3.jpg?itok=qs0DcvXo" title="A nod to Jeffrey Smart. Planning image: MGS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A nod to Jeffrey Smart. Planning image: MGS Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>Ins and Outs</h2>

Single bedroom dwellings range in size between 48-59sqm, with dual bedroom apartments spread over 67-125sqm. While three bedrooms range between 120-167sqm, MGS Architects have included 14 four bedroom apartments; somewhat of an oddity when considering the wider Melbourne apartment landscape.

These four bedroom apartments have an area of some 200sqm.

Every apartment is provided with a balcony that is located directly off the living area, with south facing dwellings afforded winter gardens that span the full width of the dwelling. It is worth noting that according to the submitted documents, 'Saddle Back’ bedrooms occurs in 2 of 12 apartments per typical floor on the west tower and in 2 of 9 apartments per typical floor on the east tower.

'Saddle Back’ apartments are a point of contention in the current Melbourne planning climate owing to the lack of direct access to natural light.

As part of the intended development, 912sqm of the site area will be seeded to infrastructure needs, with open space accounting for another 1,826sqm.

<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/image48_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Setbacks and ground level interface. Planning image: MGS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="209" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_5.jpg?itok=mf8QXFgm" title="Setbacks and ground level interface. Planning image: MGS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Setbacks and ground level interface. Planning image: MGS Architects</figcaption></figure>When combining 13-33 Hartley Street's 612 apartments with those of 85-93 Lorimer Street and Mirvac's upcoming <a href="/buildings/voyager-docklands-103-south-wharf-drive-docklands-vic-3008">Voyager Tower</a>, there exists the potential for a further 1,868 apartments to be pumped into the sliver of Docklands land south of the Yarra River.

Potential future development sites that fall within this section of Docklands will be largely confined to a tract of land west of Hartley Street; beyond that adjoining areas fall under Fishermans Bend and its differing planning controls.

<h2>13-33 Hartley Street Docklands development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Claric Ninety-Nine Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect and Urban Context Analysis: MGA Architects</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Roberts Day</li>
	<li>Buffer Constraint Assessment: GHD</li>
	<li>Traffic and Transport Assessment: Cardno</li>
	<li>Acoustic Report,: Renzo Tonin &amp; Associates</li>
	<li>Wind Report: Cermak, Peterka, Petersen</li>
	<li>Social and Community Infrastructure Assessment: ASR Research</li>
	<li>Waste Management Plan: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Environmentally Sustainable Design: IrwinConsult.</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

MGS create the shipping container skyscrapers

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A fresh presence has brought a new design perspective to Fishermans Bend in the form of a planning application for 118 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne. With the majority of the development team behind the intended 18 level tower based in New South Wales, the result is a design that distinguishes itself from the majority of the pack within the fledgling Urban Renewal Area.

118 Bertie Street represents Sydney-based MAKO Architecture's first listing in the Apartments.com.au Project Database; the same can be said for Lateral Estate with the Fishermans Bend application their first project in Melbourne as developer/builder.

The conceived tower form coupled with an almost eccentric exterior allows 118 Bertie Street to sharply depart from the norm within Fishermans Bend, where many intended towers to date employ clean curtain glazed exteriors.

More pertinent to Fishermans Bend's strategic planning goals, 118 Bertie Street acknowledges the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan (April 2015) and has been designed with the Better Apartments Discussion Paper (May 2015) objectives in mind.

<h2>118 Bertie Street 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/image42_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design and greenery combined over 118 Bertie Street's exterior. Image: MAKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image42_1.jpg?itok=OcX3N0pL" title="Design and greenery combined over 118 Bertie Street's exterior. Image: MAKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Design and greenery combind over 118 Bertie Street's exterior. Image: MAKO Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged: June 2016</li>
	<li>3,031sqm site currently utilised as a warehouse</li>
	<li>Proposed 18 level tower at 67.9 metres</li>
	<li>264 apartments: 8 x studio, 115 x 1BR, 111 x 2BR, 30 x 3BR</li>
	<li>554sqm of commercial space over four tenancies</li>
	<li>191sqm of communal recreational space</li>
	<li>191 car spaces &amp; 303 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>GFA: 32,954sqm</li>
	<li>Estimated development cost: $66 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design Statement</h2>

<blockquote>
This design proposal has been conceived of as an activator for the local community and a signal of the future residential neighbourhood. The design intentionally seeks to maximise the available envelope to provide additional density and vibrancy to the public domain surrounding the proposal. The design is able to straddle the varying context of the building over time, and throughout the at present unknown context of the future open space network.

The podium is conceived of as a visually distinctive landmark in the short term context of the light industrial area. It should be a herald of the future and begin to suggest the change in use to a vibrant residential neighbourhood and address the future green linear park. The podium combines three strong elements; textural patterned mesh, varyingly proportioned active windows to the podium apartments, and large scale “green” openings screening the resident parking beyond.

The tower is a carefully modulated distinctive object appearing as a sharp black onyx piece contrasted against the sky. A subtle variation of black and bronze glazing starts to break down the monolithic quality of the broad facade and begins to give direction and movement to the composition. The tower adopts a fluidity, with the reflective qualities of dark glazing surrounding north, east, south and west frontages.
<cite>MAKO Architecture: Urban Context Report</cite>
</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/image23_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="118 Bertie Street's envisaged street level integration. Image: MAKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23_5.jpg?itok=n6ioY9kN" title="118 Bertie Street's envisaged street level integration. Image: MAKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>118 Bertie Street's envisaged street level integration. Image: MAKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>The above image is perhaps best mirrors early concept sketches that were bandied about for Fishermans Bend during its planning infancy.

The development team have gone to great lengths to ensure the tower's podium is front and square in terms of adhering to design ideals, likening the podium to a beacon in that it was conceived as a visually distinctive landmark in the existing context of the light industrial area. Project landscape architects NBRS+Partner have established a green zone as part of the project that aligns directly with the open space network as described in the Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan.

Further the Bertie Street frontage is activated at ground level by way of Soho apartments that have the ability to be used as either home offices, or retail spaces depending upon demand.

<blockquote>
The tower itself consists of the irregular placement of geometric forms to create an interesting and innovative design response. At the ground floor, the building will appear almost entirely glazed with the podium above treated with grey brickwork or a copper coloured perforated screening, used to hide the internal car park from street view.

The tower form above appears to be separated into different structural elements, breaking up the built form and softening its appearance. The tower façade is treated with dark grey and bronze tinted glazing with black, bronze and champagne coloured metal framing.
<cite>Urbis: Town Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

The Port Melbourne proposal also includes 30 three bedroom dwellings, a disproportionately high number relative to many of the adjoining developments slated for Fishermans Bend.

<h2>118 Bertie Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Lateral Estate</li>
	<li>Architecture: MAKO Architecture</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect: NBRS+Partner</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineer: TTPA </li>
	<li>Waste Management: Elephants Foot</li>
	<li>Sustainable Design: ARK Resources</li>
	<li>Acoustic Engineer: Acoustic Logic</li>
	<li>BCA Consultant: McKenzie Group</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

MAKO make their mark in Fishermans Bend: 118 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne

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Relative newcomer <a href="/developers/dcf-property">DCF Property</a> has made a play for a mixed-use tower in the rapidly expanding fringe CBD pocket opposite Flagstaff Gardens.

With two low-rise apartment projects to their name, DCF Property are seeking to greatly expand their presence with <a href="/buildings/407-415-king-street-west-melbourne">407-415 King Street</a>. Now Flagstaff House, the West Melbourne corner site plays host to the two to three storey building which carries an individual Heritage Overlay, affording the property a B grade listing.

While the existing exterior would be incorporated under the proposal, design lead <a href="/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architecture</a> have added a 23 level tower above which would host both a hotel and apartments.

407-415 King Street abuts two development sites. <a href="/developers/samma-property-group">SPEC Property</a> are actively marketing Flagstaff Green apartments fronting Batman Street while Haileybury College have recently completed an overhaul of 383 King Street, itself subject to a failed application for a 75 metre apartment building in recent years.

<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/flagstaff_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="407-415 King Street. Image - Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="410" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flagstaff_2.jpg?itok=XH5afeHn" title="407-415 King Street. Image - Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>407-415 King Street. Image - Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>​

<h2>407-415 King Street application summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>Submitted May 2016</li>
	<li>Existing 930sqm site home to heritage listed Flagstaff House</li>
	<li>Proposed 23 level mixed-use building at 81.3 metres atop Flagstaff House</li>
	<li>158 hotel suites</li>
	<li>70 apartments: 19 x 1BR, 47 x 2BR, 4 x Penthouse</li>
	<li>Hotel office, gym, meeting and function rooms, restaurant/bar</li>
	<li>Level 12 communal area and rooftop garden</li>
	<li>64 car parking spaces and 44 bicycle bays over four basement levels</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of development: $50 million</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/flagstaff_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="407-415 King Street. Image - Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="821" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flagstaff_3.jpg?itok=-tPCcJnh" title="407-415 King Street. Image - Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>407-415 King Street. Image - Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>​

Flagstaff House is a Yuncken Freeman design which was completed during 1968, with the heritage overlay covering the exterior only. Thus the development calls for only the facade to be retained, with the tower to rise behind.

The project's hotel and apartment components are separated by a design feature midway up the tower which also houses communal facilities. Plus Architecture refer to the separation as a truss feature, drawing a design parallel to Yuncken Freeman's timeless 140 William Street found within <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's CBD</a>.

One and two bedroom dwellings aside, the planning application calls for a sprawling whole floor penthouse. At 439sqm, the four bedroom penthouse shapes as one of, if not the largest apartment created within <a href="/new-apartments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">West Melbourne</a>.

Set above the penthouse is a 236sqm rooftop garden.

<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/image23_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="407-415 King Street was once Yuncken Freeman's offices. Image: Wikipedia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="358" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23_4.jpg?itok=eLNGkb7k" title="407-415 King Street was once Yuncken Freeman's offices. Image: Wikipedia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>407-415 King Street was once Yuncken Freeman's offices. Image: Wikipedia</figcaption></figure>To date DCF Property's presence on the Apartments.com.au Project Database has been limited to two projects in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.

<a href="/buildings/inqu-140-cotham-road-kew">INQU at 140-142 Cotham Road, Kew</a> is completed with <a href="/builders/orange-building-solutions">Orange Building Solutions</a> delivering the project encompassing 40 apartments, six retail tenancies and one restaurant. DCF Property's other current pursuit is for a vacant block in Balwyn North.

76-78 Doncaster Road is a DKO Architecture-designed residential project which if approved adds another 60 apartments on the developer's books.

<h2>407-415 King Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: DCF Property</li>
	<li>Architect: Plus Architecture</li>
	<li>Planning: Planning and Property Partners</li>
	<li>ESD, Structural &amp; Services engineer: WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff</li>
	<li>Heritage: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Traffic: Traffix</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind: SLR Consulting</li>
</ul>
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DCF Property looks to capitalise atop Flagstaff Hill

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It's not often you return from an overseas trip to be greeted with a letter from City of Yarra pertaining to a Planning Application for a significant development down the street.

Planners <a href="https://urbis.com.au/">Urbis</a> on behalf of <a href="http://www.bamfa.com.au/">Bamfa Properties</a> has submitted a combined planning permit application and planning scheme amendment to pave the way forward for a significant mixed-use scheme. A 12-storey and 10-storey building with associated 3-storey podia at 462-482 Swan Street is proposed adjacent to Burnley Station on an approximately 4,658sqm site.

The <a href="http://elenbergfraser.com/">Elenberg Fraser</a> designed scheme replaces five Edwardian cottages and a series of light industrial buildings.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/site_plan_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site Plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/site_plan_0.jpg?itok=bCD0BOSx" title="Site Plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site Plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Overall the site has a 80 metre frontage to Swan Street/Burnley Station and a 57 metre frontage along the Burnley Street service road. The site is currently zoned as Commercial 2 with the amendment seeking a change of use to Commercial 1, befitting the site's role as a gateway to Burnley Station and the Burnley Station Village.

A change in use to Commercial 1 would also help to facilitate a complementary mix of commercial, entertainment, community and residential uses which encourage activity and supports improvements of the public realm.

The applicants argue that the nature of the site, being on a prominent corner adjacent to two key transport corridors lends itself to the building which is argued is in keeping with recommendations of the Swan Street Structure Plan (March 2012).

<blockquote>
The Swan Street Structure Plan envisages this site to be the gateway of the Burnley Precinct and an appropriate located for a mixed use high density development.
<cite>Urbis Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

The design employs strong curvilinear forms to both podium and L-shaped tower elements, with bronze glazing and planter boxes a feature of the development's primary facades. These combined with vertical timber shading screens provide the building with warmth.

At street level clear gazing allows for visual connection from street to retail tenancies within, while silver glazing provides a counterpoint and contrasting feature to rear facades.

A supermarket with frontage to Swan Street is most prominent, with three smaller tenancies rounding out the retail mix.

Apartment typologies within 462-482 Swan Street range from 96 x 1 bedroom apartments of 45-49sqm; 20 x 1 bedroom+ apartments of 50-59sqm and 127 x 2 bedroom+ apartments of 60-79sqm.

<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/ground_floor.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level retail plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="346" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ground_floor.jpg?itok=O6e2bAmF" title="Ground level retail plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level retail plan. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Car and bicycle parking is limited to lower basement up to level 02 with a wrap of active use (residential or commercial) to the two primary facades of the podium. A shared rooftop garden sits atop level 3 of the podium providing all apartments with some degree of outlook, either to the street or internal rooftop garden area.

<h2>462-482 Swan Street application summary</h2>

<ul>
<li>8-10 storey east tower and 10-12 storey west tower</li>
	<li>Maximum height of 40.95 metres</li>
	<li>243 apartments</li>
	<li>3-storey podia</li>
	<li>3,175sqm supermarket at ground level</li>
	<li>Smaller retail tenancies of between 71-84sqm, totalling 227sqm</li>
	<li>Three office tenancies to first floor, 60-250sqm in size</li>
	<li>366sqm gymnasium and 348sqm swimming pool</li>
	<li>445 carparking spaces and 339 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Eight bike spaces to Swan Street (four bike share) and eight bike spaces to Burnley Street</li>
	<li>New pedestrian plaza created along Bumley Street and streetscape improvements (including widening) to Swan Street.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Comment</h2>

As a resident who lives within 200 metres of the proposed development, I support the aspirations of the development. The project presents an opportunity to create a cohesive and coherent streetscape which at present is compromised by the light industrial properties along both Swan and Burnley Streets.

Additionally the development has the potential to act as a catalyst for further streetscape improvements and development to Swan Street west of Burnley Street.

<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/street_level.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level activation to Swan Street and Burnley Street respectively. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="173" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/street_level.jpg?itok=D44y4369" title="Street level activation to Swan Street and Burnley Street respectively. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level activation to Swan Street and Burnley Street respectively. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>In terms of heritage sensitivities, no overlay applies to any of the existing structures which comprise the development site, and the overall benefits to both the passengers accessing Burnley Station and surrounding residents via provision of a supermarket and retail activation to Burnley far outweigh the loss of the Edwardian dwellings.

The site is well serviced both via Burnley Station and the number 75 tram which operates along Swan Street. Further, the eight bicycle spaces proposed to both Burnley and Swan Street - four of which are bike share - reinforce Swan Street as a critical cycling route as well as the site's connectivity to the Yarra City Trail.

<h2>462-482 Swan Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Bamfa Properties</li>
	<li>Architect: Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>Planner: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>ESD: Sustainability</li>
	<li>Landscape Concept: ERM</li>
	<li>Wind: Vicpac Engineers &amp; Scientists</li>
	<li>Acoustics: Acoustic Logic</li>
</ul>
 
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Laurence Dragomir

Swan Street sizes up: 462-482 Swan Street, Richmond

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The latest prospective Fishermans Bend entrant to be unveiled comes in the form of a peckvonhartel-designed 41 storey apartment tower, with a unique corten steel sculpture worked into the design.

Successfully delivering projects for over 35 years, peckvonhartel are an established Melbourne presence although their forays into high-rise design are few and far between. Subject to their design is the former Laycock Son and Co. woollen mills, otherwise known as Laconia Woollen Mills at 179-185 Normanby Road.

Located within Montague Precinct, the 3,439sqm Laconia Woollen Mills buildings is under the control of Normanby Group Holdings Pty Ltd, who are seeking a tower positioned to the rear of the large site.

<h2>179-185 Normanby Road, Southbank 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/image19_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective of the intended tower.Planning image: peckvonhartel"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="848" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_9.jpg?itok=uw8UudK1" title="Street level perspective of the intended tower.Planning image: peckvonhartel" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective of the intended tower. Planning image: peckvonhartel</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application submitted: 27/05/2016</li>
	<li>Laconia Woollen Mills site area: 2,008sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 41 storey tower at 149.8 metres</li>
	<li>291 apartments: 56 x 1BR, 176 x 2BR, 59 x 3BR</li>
	<li>4003.75sqm of commercial office space &amp; one retail space at 404.12sqm</li>
	<li>191 car parking spaces including 45 commercial spaces (existing)</li>
	<li>191 bicycle parking spaces including 32 commercial spaces and 11 commercial visitor spaces</li>
	<li>842.43sqm of communal space</li>
</ul>
<h2>Internal inclinations</h2>

Internal areas for the project see the following: one-bedroom apartments range between 50sqm-52sqm, two-bedroom apartments range between 70sqm-94sqm and three-bedroom apartments weigh in at between 84sqm-128sqm.

City of Port Phillip have noted in their preliminary report on the application that the 20% of dwellings are dedicated toward three-bedroom dwellings, which far exceeds Council's preference of at least 10% of apartments contain three bedrooms.

Conversely Council also note that no affordable or social housing is proposed as part of the application. The Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan states that for developments containing 200 or more dwellings, an affordable housing component should be considered.

<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/image20_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Landscaped external terrace atop the Laconia building. Planning image: peckvonhartel"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="230" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_5.jpg?itok=oiSktnX8" title="Landscaped external terrace atop the Laconia building. Planning image: peckvonhartel" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Landscaped external terrace atop the Laconia building. Planning image: peckvonhartel</figcaption></figure>Internally, peckvonhartel's design features multiple communal facilities which include lounge rooms over level 11, a cinema room, gym, children's playroom and an expansive rooftop area above the Laconia Woollen Mills building.

<h2>Corten of contention</h2>

Externally 179-185 Normanby Road would also see works to the public realm on Doran Street, with road narrowing and the delivery of planters, timber decking areas and timber pergolas.

Most notable is the corten steel sculpture that sits between the existing and proposed buildings, and shapes as a relief from typical Fishermans Bend proposals which see scant few sculptural features design into prospective buildings.

City of Port Phillip have raised concerns that both the sculpture and tower would overwhelm the existing Laconia Woollen Mills building which is subject to a heritage overlay. Also falling foul of City of Port Phillip officers is the proposal's lack of connection between Woodgate Street and Doran Street, inactive podium facing Doran Street and the impractical nature of the public works proposed.

In 179-185 Normanby Road's current form Council officers have recommended that Council advise the Minister that it does not support the application as proposed.
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Corten of contention: peckvonhartel's new Fishermans Bend tower in focus

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Fridcorp and Elenberg Fraser's third joint project within South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct looks set to produce arguably the area's most interesting building.

Interesting in that plans currently on display for 627 Chapel Street show a residential tower set above a street interface that shapes as being something unique to the area.

In a recent chat with Apartments.com.au, Fridcorp founder and Director Paul Fridman outlined 627 Chapel Street's intentions of becoming a worthy conduit by way of meaningfully linking Chapel Street with the ever expanding residential population of Claremont Street and South Yarra Station beyond.

The tower itself has been inspired by the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, resulting in a sculptural building form layered with greenery that is expected to accommodate in excess of 450 dwellings.

<h2>627 Chapel Street 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/image5ef.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The undulating form of 627 Chapel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="446" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5ef.jpg?itok=syv69bh7" title="The undulating form of 627 Chapel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The undulating form of 627 Chapel Street. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged June 2015 with a revision dated June 2016</li>
	<li>1,529sqm site, currently inhabited by a commercial building</li>
	<li>Proposed 42 level tower at 133m</li>
	<li>454 apartments: 147 x 1BR, 301 x 2BR, 6 x 3BR</li>
	<li>3 retail tenancies at a combined 297sqm</li>
	<li>Public room: 292sqm</li>
	<li>8 level basements for 286 vehicles and 130 bicycles</li>
	<li>Amenities: private dining and lounge, a sky bar and observatory, a meditative sky garden and a gymnasium incorporating a swimming pool</li>
</ul>
The glazed and balustraded finishes applied to 627 Chapel Street are contrasted by slithers of greenery. The scattered nature of each level's courtyards are tied together via vertical green gardens which accentuate the rippling nature of the design.

Residences are reinforced by three separate common areas over differing levels. Levels 1 and 16 host various amenities while level 40 hosts a north-facing private dining room.

<h2>The 'Public Room'</h2>

Coinciding with the application's semi-covered Public Plaza is the intended beautification of Daly Street. Elenberg Fraser and landscape architects 360 Degrees have taken a holistic approach to the tower's settings, resulting in a space dubbed the 'Public Room'.

<blockquote>
The public room will become an active meeting place for pedestrians travelling up/down Chapel Street and through Forrest Hill to South Yarra Station. It will become a centre for public interaction.

A public art piece will mark Chapel Street's connection through to the Forrest Hill Precinct. This marker will enhance pedestrian corridors and position the Forrest Hill gateway as a primary thoroughfare through South Yarra, directing traffic to the future prospects at South Yarra Station.
<cite>Elenberg Fraser: Urban Context Report</cite>
</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/image4ef.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Chapel Street perspective. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image4ef.jpg?itok=4Df1BtwA" title="The Chapel Street perspective. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Chapel Street perspective. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>Should 627 Chapel Street get the green light, both it and 16-22 Claremont Street will frame the Daly Street passage that leads to the heart of the Forrest Hill Precinct.

With Malaysian outfit Salcon Berhad revealed as the new purchaser of 16-22 Claremont Street last week, the prospect of South Yarra's two most ground level-inclusive developments rising in close proximity to one another is a very real possibility. While 627 Chapel Street sports the 'Public Room', 16-22 Claremont Street's best public asset will be a large through passage dubbed 'Claremont Plaza' as seen below.

On a wider note, 627 Chapel Street is the sixth residential development currently in play facing Chapel Street within the Forrest Hill Precinct. Of the six, both it and 671 Chapel Street are the two projects yet to receive planning approval.

<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/image8_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bookending Daly Street. Images: Elenberg Fraser &amp; Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="212" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_8.jpg?itok=ftocQwWM" title="Bookending Daly Street. Images: Elenberg Fraser &amp; Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bookending Daly Street. Images: Elenberg Fraser &amp; Colliers</figcaption></figure><h2>627 Chapel Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Fridcorp</li>
	<li>Architects: Elenberg Fraser Architects</li>
	<li>Town planning: Meinhardt</li>
	<li>Traffic Engineers: One Mile Grid</li>
	<li>ESD report &amp; services: Murchie Consulting</li>
	<li>Waste management plan: Leigh Desig</li>
	<li>Wind analysis: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape plan: 360 Degrees</li>
	<li>Land survey: Bosco Jonson</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Webber Design</li>
</ul>
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