<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>
Brisbane-based asset manager Blue Sky is behind a proposed tower that would see near on 800 additional student beds added to the Melbourne sector. Lodged with DELWP only last week, the proposal calls for a 47 level bronze tower, replacing dual historic buildings onsite in the process.

Both existing structures are not subject to heritage controls and are slated for demolition.

Blue Sky's expected entry into the Melbourne student housing market comes at a time when a host of other developers are looking to supply <a href="/news/an-overview-of-melbournes-student-accommodation-projects">thousands of additional beds</a> to cater for strong demand. Scape Student Living alone is looking to deliver in excess of 2,000 student beds nearby on the intersection of La Trobe and Swanston.

<h2>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/image187_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered perspective of 42-50 La Trobe Street. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="864" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image187_1.jpg?itok=p3pI5XX5" title="Rendered perspective of 42-50 La Trobe Street. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered perspective of 42-50 La Trobe Street. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged: October 2015</li>
	<li>Site area: 1,321sqm</li>
	<li>Proposed 47 level tower @ approximately 150 metres</li>
	<li>Plot ratio of 1:20</li>
	<li>Total student beds: 793</li>
	<li>65% Studio, 13% 2 bed shared, 22% 5 bed cluster rooms</li>
	<li>0 car parks and 159 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>1,004sqm internal communal space</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 26,700sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>A snake skin exterior</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/image189_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Facade study as prepared by Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="124" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image189_0.jpg?itok=iv1oTdrr" title="Facade study as prepared by Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Facade study as prepared by Hayball</figcaption></figure>42-50 La Trobe Street is set to be clad in bronze metallic modules which overlap, creating an exterior that architects Hayball believe mimics that of a snake skin. The offset panels when viewed in totality will appear to change, with Hayball describing the result as a "subtle shimmer in contrast to the flush, silver-green glazed facade of Trillium" which is currently under construction and abuts the subject site.

At 47 levels the tower ranks as the tallest proposal in this pocket of the CBD, with only the existing 56 levels of Abode 318 taller. Directly opposite 42-50 La Trobe Street, Melbourne developer VIMG recently gained approval via VCAT for a 44 level residential tower at 141 La Trobe Street,.

<h2>A new public lane</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/image193_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The through link from La Trobe Street to Bell Place. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="366" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image193_1.jpg?itok=Nh1y1EHE" title="The through link from La Trobe Street to Bell Place. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The through link from La Trobe Street to Bell Place. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
The proposal outlined within this report is intended to create an invitation to occupy. The ground plane will be a verdant, attractive and high quality landscape for the amenity of the users of the city.

The project creates a transition between La Trobe Street and Mackenzie Street by providing a fine grain lane space. The invitation to enter the lane and to linger is provided by a richly textured timber wall. The wall allows intriguing crevices for the purpose of seating, planting, lighting and exhibition.

The contrast between existing blue stone paving and the proposed natural timber and planting creates an ambient glow and feeling of intimacy within the bustling city environment.
<cite>Haybal: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Communal spaces to the fore</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/image191.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images of the communal spaces within the proposed development. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="178" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image191.jpg?itok=KWgnFIdY" title="Images of the communal spaces within the proposed development. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images of the communal spaces within the proposed development. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure>42-50 La Trobe Street is flush with communal areas, all of which hold prominent positions within the proposal. In addition to the quintessential ‘Melbourne Laneway’ public space incorporated into the project, further communal areas are located at levels 1, 12-13, 36-37 and at the roof line.

Level 1 provides a reading room perched above the laneway in additional to a communal kitchen and function area. The double height void of levels 12 and 13 sees an informal area with lounges, cinema and videogame spaces in addition to an external terrace.

Level 36 and 37 are considered as a collaborative space, encapsulating hot-desks, break-out spaces and study coves while the roof level provides students with indoor/outdoor facilities for exercise and socialising.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: La Trobe Street Property Trust (Blue Sky Funds)</li>
	<li>Architect: Hayball</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic and Transport: TTM Consulting PTY LTD</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind and Acoustic: Vipac</li>
	<li>ESD and Building Services: Simpson Kotzman</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: McVeigh</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Mckenzie Group</li>
	<li>Landscape: Oculus</li>
	<li>Facade Engineer: Inhabit</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

silvermb

Blue Sky's ambitious student accommodation project: 42-50 La Trobe Street

<html><body>
Vastly experienced Singaporean developer Tong Eng Group is seeking approval for a multi-coloured high-rise residential tower in the CBD's burgeoning north end. Operating for in excess of 50 years, the firm has selected 111-125 A’Beckett Street as their first project on Australian shores.

Purchased during early 2015, the 1,725sqm site in question is subject to a 65 level residential planning application which would retain the facade of the current heritage building onsite. Designed by Elenberg Fraser, 111-125 A’Beckett Street is set to be defined by its bow-tie shape and multi-coloured exterior.

The Melbourne site also marks Tong Eng Group's first venture abroad, with the developer also citing Sydney as a likely point of expansion.

<h2>111-125 A’Beckett 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/image132_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="716" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image132_0.jpg?itok=-NRYfrrN" title="Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Franklin and Elizabeth perspective. Image courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application lodged: June 2015</li>
	<li>Current site use: City Triumph Motorcycles within the Commonwealth Motors building</li>
	<li>Proposed 65 level tower at 210 metres (226.38m AHD)</li>
	<li>632 apartments: 252 x 1BR, 378 x 2BR, 2 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Five retail tenancies: 1,351sqm of space available over three levels</li>
	<li>130 car parking spaces and 310 bike parking spaces above ground</li>
	<li>1,940sqm of residential amenities over levels 8 and 32</li>
	<li>Total GFA: 61,429sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Heritage interface</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/image136.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design indicators and the intended tower podium. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="440" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image136.jpg?itok=HWA7qo_q" title="Design indicators and the intended tower podium. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Design indicators and the intended tower podium. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>The existing B-grade listed Commonwealth Motors building facade will be retained for the most, with all bar 12 metres of the eastern aspect to remain. The demolished area will be rebuilt to match its current appearance during construction, which includes reinstating existing windows.

<blockquote>
The podium is a key design element in the link between the street level and the vertical tower above. Taking design elements from the heritage building below, the podium attempts to articulate the strong horizontal movements and reappropriate them as balustrades, mullions and spandrels, whilst introducing a secondary vertical element through hanging greenery.

The inspiration for the design of these elements was taken from pre-war automobiles and motorbikes, linking the heritage of the heritage showroom and reimagining it as a 21st century decoration. They are imagined as metal prefabricated units which for a part of the curtain wall façade.
<cite>Elenberg Fraser: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

Between one and three metres of the existing interiors are slated to be retained, although DELWP have encouraged the development team to increase the amount retained given the large setback the tower employs from A'Beckett Street.

<h2>All that shimmers</h2>

With the tower's form constant, Elenberg Fraser have incorporated colour to bring a dynamism to the project's overall appearance.

<blockquote>
The materiality of the tower is articulated as a glass façade, utilising a slightly tinted performance glazing system. The slightly tinted glass reflects the tones of the surrounding context at the various heights of the building, facilitating a subtle and elegant shift in building appearance at various levels.
<cite>Elenberg Fraser: Urban Context Report</cite>
</blockquote>

The base exterior would see a neutral/silver reflective glazing with a gradual vertical transition to a multi-coloured tinted performance glazing. An inverse outcome is applied to the tower's spandrels which would see slices of colour through the main silver facade over lower levels, eventually reverting to silver as the performance glazing takes effect over the higher levels of the tower.

<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/image133.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Tower form and relevant setbacks. Images 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/image133.jpg?itok=S_Duu09h" title="Tower form and relevant setbacks. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Tower form and relevant setbacks. Images courtesy Elenberg Fraser</figcaption></figure>The concave 'bow-tie' floorplate was deemed by the development team to be the most appropriate. Internal amenity is bolstered with sight lines capable of being diverted away from the neighbouring EQ Tower while also providing an optimal outcome when wind tested.

With no saddleback configurations, internal apartment sizes are slated to begin from 50sqm for 1 bedroom apartments, 60sqm for 2 bedroom (1 bathroom), 74sqm for 2 bedroom (2 bedroom) and 106sqm for 3 bedroom options; these figures include wintergardens or balconies.

<h2>DELWP showing support</h2>

Notes subsequent to the project's submission as seen by Apartments.com.au show that the Urban Design Unit within DELWP are generally supportive of the proposed tower. Subject to a number of design refinements and issues regarding possible tower crane penetration of the OLS ceiling, 111-125 A’Beckett Street looks to be well along the path to becoming reality.

<h2>111-125 A’Beckett Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Feature Alpha Investments Pty Ltd (Tong Eng Group)</li>
	<li>Architect: Elenberg Fraser</li>
	<li>Project Manager: Sinclair Brook</li>
	<li>Town Planner: Urbis</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: Traffix</li>
	<li>Waste Management Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Landscape Consultant: Tract</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: McKenzie Group</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant and Services Engineer: Murchie</li>
	<li>Structural and Civil Engineer: WSP</li>
	<li>Services Engineer Murchie</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Bosco Jonson</li>
	<li>Quantity Surveyor: WT Partnership</li>
	<li>Wind Engineer: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Heritage: Bryce Raworth</li>
	<li>Acoustic Engineer: Renzo Tonin</li>
	<li>Fire Engineer: Omnii Fire Engineers</li>
</ul>
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Tong Eng Group's dazzling 210 metre entry into the Australian market

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Having secured the last of four consecutive Southbank blocks during early 2015, Central Equity have enlisted Doig Architecture to design a residential tower that strays away from the developer's typical formula for success, at least externally.

For so long, content with churning out towers of approximately 40 levels and of a generic nature, Central Equity will for the first time surpass the 200 metre barrier with a 67 level residential tower proposed for 71-87 City Road, Southbank. Further the tower will employ an irregular and highly angular floorplate with a high degree of external facade definition.

The proposal will also retain in its entirety the heritage listed building at 71-75 City Road, rather than simply facade the structure.

In a sign that Central Equity are ramping up their residential pipeline, two further planning applications on the developers behalf are active. 268-274 City Road, Southbank and 556-558 Lonsdale Street were also lodged just prior to the implementation of the new Metropolitan Planning Levy, with both projects also in excess of 200 metres.

Combined the three projects will have a development vale in excess of $500 million and deliver well over 2,000 new dwellings.

<h2>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/image91_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective of 71-87 City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="872" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image91_1.jpg?itok=t0M5kMdK" title="Hero perspective of 71-87 City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of 71-87 City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Application prepared June 2015</li>
	<li>Four combined sites, with frontages to City Road and Fawkner Street</li>
	<li>Combined site area: 2,340sqm</li>
	<li>71-75 City Road: three storey heritage building to be retained</li>
	<li>Proposed 67 level residential tower at 224.6 metres</li>
	<li>782 apartments: 297 x 1BR, 368 x 2BR, 117 x 3BR</li>
	<li>406 car parks and 414 bicycle bays included</li>
	<li>Three retail tenancies: 543sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Street level interface</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/image92_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The podium as viewed from City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="405" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image92_1.jpg?itok=-19KZp5b" title="The podium as viewed from City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The podium as viewed from City Road. Image courtesy Doig Architecture</figcaption></figure>71-75 City Road which sits to one corner of the development site and is a B-grade heritage listed structure will be retained, with a setback in place from the proposed podium and tower. The three level structure will also maintain its use as a tenancy of 211sqm post development.

The tower podium will consist of a ten level edifice to the City Road site boundary, clad predominantly in bronze glazing and highlighted by metal screens which carry graphic prints. Stone and glazing will be present along City Road with only the booster housing considered inactive, while composite screening will set behind 71-75 City Road, allowing creepers to take effect.

Atop the podium extensive landscaping and communal facilities are incorporated, with greenery also a feature of the podium fronting Fawkner Street by way of planter boxes.

The irregularly shaped tower will be dominated by light grey, dark grey and bronze glazing, with setbacks to all boundaries.

<h2>The next move</h2>

As is generally the case with large planning applications, DELWP have asked for further information from the development team on issues such wind impact, general tower presentation, development breakdown and 3D modelling.

An extension of time request was recently granted allowing for the preparation of further information, suggesting that in all likelihood 71-87 City Road Southbank will gain a planning resolution well into 2016.

<h2>Development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: WKB Land Corporation Pty Ltd (Central Equity)</li>
	<li>Architect: Doig Architecture</li>
	<li>Planning and Lansdcape: ERM Australia</li>
	<li>Traffic: Cardno</li>
	<li>Acoustic: SLR</li>
	<li>Wind Environment: Windtech</li>
	<li>Waste Management: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Heritage response: Heritage Alliance</li>
	<li>Aviation Assessment: Rehbein Airport Consulting</li>
	<li>Sustainability: F2 Design</li>
</ul>
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Central Equity breaks the mould: 71-87 City Road, Southbank

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Subsequent to an earlier article which <a href="/news/moonee-ponds-on-the-up-and-up">highlighted the first phase</a> of the massive and long overdue redevelopment of the former Readings site in Moonee Ponds, further plans are now available which detail the second and more substantial portion, of what will constitute stage one of the overall development.

While <a href="/buildings/margaret-st-7-aspen-street-moonee-ponds">34-36 Margaret Street</a> is well advanced with preliminary marketing material circulating throughout the industry, the wraps can be taken off 40 Hall Street which envisages two apartment towers with the tallest reaching 22 levels.

Stage one of the development has the capacity to deliver 626 apartments on the site which sits between multiple transport nodes.

<h2>34-36 Margaret Street and 40 Hall Street</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/img_6580.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective from Hall Street. Image courtesy Caydon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="644" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6580.jpg?itok=t0b_EXOt" title="Hero perspective from Hall Street. Image courtesy Caydon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Hero perspective of the Hall Street aspect. Image courtesy Caydon</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Site area: 7,979.6sqm (60% of the Readings site)</li>
	<li>6, 13, 16 and 22 level residential buildings</li>
	<li>Heights ranging between 18.6 and 67.9 metres</li>
	<li>626 apartments: 385 x 1BR, 240 x 2BR, 1 x 3BR</li>
	<li>1,044sqm of retail space over six double height tenancies</li>
	<li>3 basement levels holding 551 vehicles and 226 bicycles</li>
	<li>Extensive landscaping includes a new civic plaza, green podium treatment and rooftop gardens</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/img_6578.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Moonee Ponds Market's expected yield. Image courtesy Caydon"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6578.jpg?itok=V5HVKMCZ" title="Moonee Ponds Market's expected yield. Image courtesy Caydon" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Moonee Ponds Market's expected yield. Image courtesy Caydon</figcaption></figure>The graphic above demonstrates the sections of the site that will be split over the staged development. Margaret Street and Hall Street will be activated via Stage1, with the balance of the site which fronts both Homer Street and Everage Street set for future attention.

A civic plaza is slated for the mid regions of the site, acting as a linking space to surrounding streets.

<blockquote>
The plaza will be characterised by strong spatial containment punctuated by advanced tree planting. The paving design provides a way to transition between the language of Hal Street paving (by Council) and the language of the plaza, which will be made from sampling the diverse and textured materials that can be seen within the Moonee Ponds site.
<cite>Oculus statement, landscape report</cite>
</blockquote>

Glass, timber, metal, concrete and brick finishes will define the building exteriors.

The overall layout depicted above is generally in line with a <a href="http://www.plusarchitecture.com.au/portfolio/monee-ponds-masterplan/">Plus Architecture-conceived masterplan</a> for the entire site. While indicative heights have been given for three of the four future buildings, it remains to be seen what will materialise at the north east corner of the site, with previous concept plans indicating 30 levels of apartments living is not out of the question.

<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/image29_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy Caydon and Plus Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="296" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image29_2.jpg?itok=BPhVbmOQ" title="A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy Caydon and Plus Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A comparison of old and new. Images courtesy Caydon and Plus Architecture</figcaption></figure>Caydon have rapidly advanced plans for the prime site after revealing they were the buyer of the 1.34­ha parcel during April of this year. Leighton Properties and project partner Qualitas had held the site until the sale, submitting plans for a Plus Architecture-designed 16 level residential tower (above right) that subsequently gained planning approval.

Caydon have of late used Fender Katsalidis to design their upcoming batch of projects, with the Margaret Street and Hall Street designs no exception.

<h2>Hall and Margaret Street planning application team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Caydon</li>
	<li>Architecture: Caydon (with Fender Katsalidis)</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Landscaping: Oculus</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Wind: Vipac</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
</ul>
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Moonee Ponds in the market for some high-rise activity

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Stonnington City Council are assessing a planning application that marks the return of John Wardle Architects into the Melbourne development sphere. Small in stature but high in design articulation, 424 Malvern Road Prahran represents the practice's first notable local project since the <a href="http://www.johnwardlearchitects.com/projects/project/40-melbourne-school-of-design">Melbourne School of Design</a> was completed during mid 2014.

Incidentally the Prahran residential development holds a certain amount of design commonality with the Melbourne School of Design, with its upper levels also employing a transparent metal facade. With a nominal development value of $6.75 million, proponent 424 Malvern Road Developments Pty Ltd looks set to aim the project squarely at the high-end market; apartment sizes within the development range between 73sqm for a single bedroom abode to 157sqm for a three bedroom dwelling.

<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/image40_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Design and design impetus. Image courtesy John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="213" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_2.jpg?itok=D0PMUGRp" title="Design and design impetus. Image courtesy John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Design and design impetus. Image courtesy John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>John Wardle design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
A two storey podium, comprising of brick and steel framed openings, provides an articulated and balanced transition from the two-storey town-houses on Francis Street to the Victorian era commercial buildings situated along Malvern Road.

The ground plane, activated by a series of apertures and portals, reveals the use and activities of the spaces within. The main address for the apartments is on Francis Street and maintains the residential nature of this street. A large picture window showcases the inner mechanics of a triple height car stacker storage system, a reference to the history of the local automobile industry on the site.

A double height void within the café illuminates as a lantern, signifying the prominence of the corner intersection of Malvern Road and Francis Street. The apartments above are generously sized, each with considered orientation to maximize views, daylight and ventilation to living and bedroom spaces.

Transient in nature, each operative screen responds to the individual, creating an inhabited edge that is in a constant state of flux. Their materiality and colour are mute, acting as a counterpoint to the earthy character of the brick podium. The upper portion of the building appears more ephemeral than its base and merges with the background of a typical Melbourne cloudy sky.
<cite>John Wardle Architects, Design Response 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/image37_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the retail interior. Image courtesy John Wardle Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37_3.jpg?itok=Fz9Hob7J" title="Artist's impression of the retail interior. Image courtesy John Wardle Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the retail interior. Image courtesy John Wardle Architects</figcaption></figure>John Wardle's design for 424 Malvern Road replaces a previously approved <a href="http://www.conradarchitects.com/project/prahran-apartments">golden multi-level building</a> by Conrad Architects for the site.

<h2>Stonnington planning wrap</h2>

Further along Malvern Road and a planning application for a large mixed-use residential and medical development has been rejected by Council. Highlighted by Apartments.com.au via this <a href="/news/planning-application-310-324-malvern-road-prahran">article</a>, 310-324 Malvern Road &amp; 99 Bendigo Street Prahran has since gone to appeal with proponent Victoria House Nominees Pty Ltd slated to have their case heard during November.

The ROTHELOWMAN-designed complex features 158 apartments in addition to a seven level hospital and medical centre fronting Malvern Road.

<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/image34_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Proposals covering Malvern Road, Porter Street and High Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="209" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_4.jpg?itok=d9e47WqD" title="Proposals covering Malvern Road, Porter Street and High Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Proposals covering Malvern Road, Porter Street and High Street</figcaption></figure>Elsewhere in Prahran and entity 18 Porter Street Pty Ltd has resubmitted plans for 14-28 Porter Street which has been redesigned to accommodate 99 dwellings within an eight storey building. BG Architecture have designed the complex which also includes 124 car parking spaces. To Windsor and Hayball have designed a seven level building at 168-176 High Street Windsor.

Currently before Stonnington City Council, the scheme looks at add 68 apartments and three ground level retail tenancies behind a retained heritage facade.
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The return of John Wardle

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A development site with a long and varied history is back in focus as an application for a substantial residential tower continues to go through the necessary planning channels. 9-27 Downie Street with the south west corner of Melbourne's CBD is the site in question, intermittently finding itself in and out of the news over the past decade.

Once a site held by Key Securities Investments Group Pty Ltd, 9-27 Downie Street was to be rebirthed during 2002 as The Archer with 200 apartments within an Edgard Pirrotta-designed 35 level tower. Key Securities Investments Group Pty Ltd's subsequent demise laid low any plans for redevelopment of the site in the medium term.

With the site changing hands once more during 2014, developer Einwood Pty Ltd wasted little time in advancing plans for a 52 storey building onsite, lodging documents with the then DTPLI during November 2014. After receiving feedback identifying various design issues with the initial proposal, a revised scheme of some 38 levels was put forward during April 2015.

With the revised application in hand, Melbourne City Council has recently had its say on the proposal, deeming certain aspects of it, and particularly the lack of setbacks to Downie Street, unacceptable.

<h2>9-27 Downie Street, Melbourne 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/image146.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Differing views of the proposal's lower levels. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="412" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image146.jpg?itok=0J-rwQI2" title="Differing views of the proposal's lower levels. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Differing views of the proposal's lower levels. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Demolition of the existing structure over the 1,188sqm site</li>
	<li>Construction of a 38 level apartment tower at 118.8 metres in height</li>
	<li>335 apartments split between 150 x 1BR and 185 x 2BR dwellings</li>
	<li>Four retail tenancies to Downie Street, each with an area of 40-42sqm</li>
	<li>Level 34 communal area of 137.9sqm</li>
	<li>Proposal GFA: 27,893sqm</li>
	<li>Podium capacity for 101 vehicles and 139 bicycle spaces</li>
	<li>Nominal project value: $50 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>Form and materials</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/image149.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="East elevation. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image149.jpg?itok=AAfFb-sH" title="East elevation. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>East elevation. Image courtesy Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>Given the tight nature of the site the proposal seeks to maximise its utilisation of available space. Over levels 2-7 the building extends as much as 950mm over Downie Street, constituting a podium of sorts with an overall height of 27 metres.

According to the Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee, setbacks to other boundaries include a minimum five metres over levels 9-33 from the south boundary, minimum five metres from the west boundary and zero to the northern site boundary.

Externally Peddle Thorp have employed a materials schedule that could be considered their signature of sorts. Tones of blue and black with white and precast horizontal elements are prevalent, with timber applied to the lower levels.

<h2>Melbourne City council have their say</h2>

As taken from the Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee, recommending that the proposal be rejected:

<blockquote>
The combination of podium level balconies overhanging Downie Street and minimal/zero setbacks from Downie Street at the tower levels will result in a building which will overwhelm the pedestrian, be visually intrusive and dominant from the public realm and create a canyon-like effect in Downie Street.

Tower setbacks from the south boundary represent an inadequate response to the potential for further development of the land to the south. The proposal also raises issues relating to the amenity of a number of bedrooms including west-facing saddle-back bedrooms which will experience relatively poor daylight and ventilation compared to that which would be provided by conventional windows.

The proposed building will overshadow Batman Park at 1 pm and 2 pm on 22 June, contrary to Clause 22.02 of the Melbourne Planning Scheme. 7. The changes to the development required to render it consistent with requirements of the Melbourne Planning Scheme are considered so significant that they cannot be addressed by conditions.
<cite>Report to the Future Melbourne (Planning) Committee, 7 July 2015</cite>
</blockquote>

The final decision will rest with DELWP and Planning Minister Richard Wynne. Interestingly enough Downie Street maintains two examples of towers sans podiums; the under construction <a href="/buildings/560-flinders-street-melbourne">560 Flinders Street</a> and the completed Eifel mixed-use tower at 8 Downie Street. Whether the precedence is maintained or broken with 9-27 Downie Street remains to be seen.

<h2>9-27 Downie Street, Melbourne development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Einwood Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: Peddle Thorp</li>
	<li>Planning: proUrban</li>
</ul>
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What's in a podium? 9-27 Downie Street, Melbourne

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Hot on the heels of the news that a further <a href="/news/gurners-1-warde-street-adds-to-joseph-road-precincts-momentum">380 apartments have been approved</a> within Footscray's Joseph Road Precinct, 8 Hopkins Street has re-emerged under the guidance of a new developer/architect combination.

After the site's sale via a public EOI campaign, St Kilda Road-based Golden Asset Group now maintains control over the 13,000sqm land holding, with Kavellaris Urban Design responsible for the redrawn plans which seeks approval for 939 apartments. Superseding the initial Hayball scheme with 795 apartments over one, two, three, loft, studio and townhouse options, the rejigged design calls for one and two bedroom dwellings to be progressively built over differing development stages.

In a report due to be tabled toward the end of July, Maribyrnong City Council's City Development Special Committee has been directed to rebuff the development in its current form, owing to a number of planning concerns.

<h2>The revised 8 Hopkins Street in brief</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/merchant-square_image003.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy KUD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/merchant-square_image003.jpg?itok=Tlv1jDhQ" title="Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy KUD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the development. Image courtesy KUD</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Vacant island site of 13,100sqm</li>
	<li>Six building development over three stages</li>
	<li>10-24 levels with maximum height of 64.9 metres</li>
	<li>939 dwellings: 568 x 1BR and 371 x 2BR</li>
	<li>17 commercial tenancies with a total area of 3,592.5sqm</li>
	<li>690 car spaces, 320 bicycle spaces and 53 motorcycle spaces included</li>
	<li>Amenities including a gym, pool, running track and podium top terrace</li>
</ul>
<h2>An eventful planning history</h2>

The former Le Mans Toyota dealership is in the heart of Joseph Road Precinct, falling under the control of Places Victoria after the agency paid $21 million for the land asset. The Victorian Government's property development agency then went to planning with the aforementioned Hayball scheme in mind.

The application was first referred to Maribyrnong City Council during 2013 by the Minister for Planning, which envisaged eight buildings of up to 24 storeys. Coinciding with the assessment of the Hayball masterplan was a sales campaign which saw 8 Hopkins Road offloaded to an undisclosed buyer near the turn of 2014.

Golden Asset Group initiated demolition works onsite during early stages of 2015, with the bulk of all structures now non-existent. The Adjoining <a href="/buildings/riverina-22-hopkins-street-footscray">Riverina</a> project as the first development within Joseph Road Precinct to advance to sales, is set to proceed with construction tenders now current.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image13_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The early masterplan design for 8 Hopkins Street. Image courtesy Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image13_2.jpg?itok=tMlTK0vw" title="The early masterplan design for 8 Hopkins Street. Image courtesy Hayball" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The early masterplan design for 8 Hopkins Street. Image courtesy Hayball</figcaption></figure><h2>Recommendation to the City Development Special Committee</h2>

Areas of concern as outlined within the Council report concerning 8 Hopkins Street:

<ul>
<li>The proposal lacks dwelling diversity (typology and size).</li>
	<li>The revised proposal shows little regard to Better Apartments Discussion Paper May 2015 as released by the Minister for Planning. It displays many flaws and issues affecting residential amenity.</li>
	<li>Proposal is yield driven and window dressed with superficial activation to disguise the shortcomings of a mass overdevelopment.</li>
	<li>All dwellings are too small and 25 per cent of dwellings are south facing.</li>
	<li>Building massing is poor, bulky podiums, blank frontages, landscaped podiums will suffer from induced winds.</li>
	<li>Visitor spaces are proposed to be shared by the retail spaces and will place further pressure on on-street parking demands.</li>
</ul>
Consequently the report recommends that the City Development Special Committee (read Maribyrnong City Council) advises the Minister for Planning that it objects to the revised 8 Hopkins Street proposal.

<h2>Consistency doesn't pay…</h2>

Within Maribyrnong City Council's analysis of 8 Hopkins Street is mention of the four approvals granted to date within Joseph Road Precinct, namely Riviera at 18-24 Hopkins Street, <a href="/new-apartments/12-moreland-street-footscray">10 Moreland Street</a>, <a href="/buildings/boat-house-2-joseph-road-footscray">2 Hopkins Street</a> and The Tannery at <a href="/new-apartments/footscray-vic-3011">4 Neilson Place</a>.

Including 8 Hopkins Street, Council is critical of the quintet in that none provide public, social or affordable housing options, little or no office space/meaningful employment generating uses and limited space allocated toward entertainment, recreational or community facilities. From the local council's perspective the same points of concern have arisen on every occasion.

Maribyrnong City Council have evidently been nothing if not consistent in their opposition to certain aspects of the proposals within Joseph Road Precinct to date. Ultimately though the final decision in determining whether 8 Hopkins Street is fit to join those projects already approved within the precinct lies with the Minister for Planning.

<h2>8 Hopkins Street planning team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Golden Asset Group</li>
	<li>Architect: Kavellaris Urban Design</li>
	<li>Landscape: Hansen Partnership</li>
	<li>Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: PLP Building Surveyors</li>
	<li>Traffic: Cardno</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: Robert Bird Group</li>
	<li>Services Engineer: ADP Consulting : Engineering</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Wind Consultant: MEL Consultants</li>
</ul>
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Council apprehensive over the revamped 939-apartment 8 Hopkins Street

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A planning application has been lodged with Yarra City Council for one of Melbourne's most recognisable development sites. Following a Colliers campaign to sell the Richmond Malt site during 2014, Caydon was revealed as the purchaser and has recently lodged plans for the first phase of the expansive site which includes the famed Nylex Clock.

With a land area in excess of 11,000sqm, the Richmond Malt site joins Caydon's existing adjoining development plot at 17-21 Harcourt Parade. The combined and expansive tract of land fronting Cremorne Street, Gough Street and Harcourt Parade has seen the development team indicate that a new residential-based precinct will be rolled out over stages.

The current planning application designated 2 Gough Street is relevant to a portion of the Richmond Malt site, with the balance of that site which includes the concrete silos and Nylex Clock, and the Harcourt Parade development site subject to future planning applications.

<h2>2 Gough Street (Stage 1A) 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/image3malt.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Renders of the proposed residential tower. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3malt.jpg?itok=MKvPqPQs" title="Renders of the proposed residential tower. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Renders of the proposed residential tower. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Total site area: 11,337sqm with 1A site area of 2,128sqm</li>
	<li>19 storeys at 57.25 metres in height</li>
	<li>271 apartments: 187 x 1BR / 83 x 2BR / 1 x 3BR</li>
	<li>6 SOHO dwellings: 4 x 2BR / 2 x 1873BR</li>
	<li>2 retail tenancies, including a 474sqm IGA supermarket</li>
	<li>366 car parks and 184 bicycle bays over basement and podium levels</li>
	<li>GFA: 37,722sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Tower design</h2>

<blockquote>
The Parcel 1A building has been designed by Fender Katsilidis, a well-regarded Melbourne architecture firm, and utilises a design response which reflects the existing disorder, layering and eclectic mix of building styles, ages, shapes, materials and colours present across the Richmond Malt site.

This existing character is referenced through the inclusion of the B4 heritage building, angular podium, retained wall fragments, and twin tower components, which each have their own distinct visual appearance. This conglomeration of building styles reflects the existing characteristics as set out above. Landscaping pockets including creepers, green walls and planter boxes work to further emphasise the building’s form, whilst also referencing the existing, ad hoc landscaping across the wider Richmond Malt site.
<cite>Urbis: Town Planning Report</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Site permeability a focus</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/image132.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Conceptual laneway format and landscaping. Image courtesy Oculus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="297" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image132.jpg?itok=sB5lqbuq" title="Conceptual laneway format and landscaping. Image courtesy Oculus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Conceptual laneway format and landscaping. Image courtesy Oculus</figcaption></figure>Oculus have been charged with creating enhanced public spaces, with three design principles in place:

<ul>
<li>Public Theatre: Creating opportunities for people to occupy and use the landscape</li>
	<li>Indoor / Outdoor: Creating a permeable landscape that bridges both internal and external spaces to devise a responsive and fluid landscape</li>
	<li>Domesticating: Utilising an adaptive approach to greening</li>
</ul>
Arranged in a semi-grid format, the public realm surrounding Parcel 1A will be framed by green walls, elevated lawn terraces and a viewing platform above the Yarra.

Nominated landscaping materials include recycled brick, concrete, bluestone, corrugated iron and steel; elements which are currently present onsite and which are expected to be incorporated into eventual works. The tower's podium also features a mixture of finishes designed to compliment both the landscaping and existing chararcter of the site.

Ochre and brick elements through the podium will reflect the existing brickwork seen over the wider Richmond Malt site, with the ochre referencing a section of the existing street which is expected to be retained.

<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/image131_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative ground level landscaping within the development. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis / Oculus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image131_1.jpg?itok=lO729jTJ" title="Indicative ground level landscaping within the development. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis / Oculus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative ground level landscaping within the development. Image courtesy Fender Katsalidis / Oculus</figcaption></figure><h2>2 Gough Street (Stage 1A) development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Caydon Property Group</li>
	<li>Architect: Fender Katsalidis</li>
	<li>Planning: URBIS</li>
	<li>Landscape report: Oculus</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Acoustic report: Renzo Tonin</li>
	<li>Waste management plan: RB Waste Consulting</li>
	<li>Wind report: Vipac</li>
	<li>Sustainability report: Simpson Kotzman</li>
</ul>
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The Richmond Malt site heads to planning

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There's been some interesting citations in recent times regarding design generators/inspirations for skyscrapers here in Melbourne. Perfume bottles, Beyonce's curves and now can we assert… the classic wrist watch!

ROTHELOWMAN's latest design on behalf of Sydney-based Besgate Group for 140 King Street is very much reminiscent of a luxury watch, or more specifically a solid link wrist band. Arranged in an interwoven pattern, 140 King Street's continuous 188 metre facade is designed to provides a unified and formal response to the site's surrounds.

Forming one of three sites which constitute Besgate Group's Melbourne portfolio with a combined yield of 1,300 dwellings, 140 King Street was the first to hit planning and now rests with the State Government.

<h2>140 King 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/image47.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial perspective of 140 King Street. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image47.jpg?itok=xZA65-OO" title="Aerial perspective of 140 King Street. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial perspective of 140 King Street. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Planning application lodged May 2015</li>
	<li>Existing 3 level office complex over the 793sqm site to be demolished</li>
	<li>Approval sought for a 57 level skyscraper at 188 metres above King Street</li>
	<li>271 apartments included: 103*1BR / 6*1BR + Study / 162*2BR</li>
	<li>Level 13 podium rooftop residential amenities area</li>
	<li>117 car spaces and 81 bicycle bays</li>
	<li>107sqm retail space over two tenancies</li>
	<li>GFA: 25,090sqm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Design statement</h2>

<blockquote>
The podium form blends with the tower to achieve a unified formal response.

A building of this scale has to work on two very distinct levels, firstly at streetscape pedestrian scale with a finely detailed facade at a human scale and secondly on a citywide level, with clean large gestures clearly legible from distant vantage points. The nature of the scalable facade pattern allows these two very different scales to seamlessly coexist and work with each other from ground floor to roof.

The streetscape has been addressed with the patterned facade coming to ground, creating large elegant framed windows allowing glimpses and access to the activity behind.
<cite>ROTHELOWMAN, town planning submission</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Facade nous</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/image49_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Form and function. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="335" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image49_1.jpg?itok=OVaVJyRV" title="Form and function. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Form and function. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure>According to the application the east and west facades are comprised of lightweight modular metal panels which are fixed between slabs at regular intervals. The employed link pattern allows for adequate light penetration and ventilation to apartments, while also acting as shading due to the depth of each module.

East and west facades aside, the southern aspect is finished with curtain wall glazing, only broken by intermittent bands of charcoal metal cladding. Glazing and dark grey concrete panels complete the northern exterior.

Ground floor to King street will feature exterior marble cladding which masks a through link between King Street and Gallagher Place.

<h2>Besgate Group settles in</h2>

As was <a href="/news/besgate-group-readies-their-surge-into-the-melbourne-apartment-market">foreshadowed by Urban.com.au during May</a>, 140 King Street represents the vanguard project for Besgate Group in the Melbourne residential market, with two additional developments in the pipeline. 640 Bourke Street has also been submitted for approval while 558-566 Swanston Street in Carlton is set to pass through the approvals process shortly.

<a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/besgate-times-entry-perfectly-into-hot-melbourne-market-20150721-gih176">Fairfax Media have today ran a piece on Besgate Group</a>, outlining ROTHELOWMAN's design for 640 Bourke Street, or more appropriately dual designs. An 85-storey tower with 980 apartments has been put forward pending feedback from aviation authorities, while a smaller 66-storey tower which would slip in under the OLS ceiling has also been included within the 640 Bourke Street application.

<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/1437475304437.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Indicative render of 640 Bourke Street at a lower height. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1437475304437.jpg?itok=u5GPDcUZ" title="Indicative render of 640 Bourke Street at a lower height. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Indicative render of 640 Bourke Street at a lower height. Image courtesy ROTHELOWMAN</figcaption></figure><h2>140 King Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Besgate Group</li>
	<li>Architecture: ROTHELOWMAN</li>
	<li>Town Planning: Urbis</li>
	<li>Project Manager: KM Develop</li>
	<li>Traffic Consultant: Traffix Group</li>
	<li>ESD Consultant: Wood and Grieve Engineering</li>
	<li>Waste Consultant: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Services Engineer: Wood and Grieve Engineering</li>
	<li>Structural Engineer: AECOM</li>
	<li>Wind Engineer: Vipac Engineers &amp; Scientists</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: Gardner Group Pty Ltd</li>
</ul>
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ROTHELOWMAN's solid link skyscraper: 140 King Street, Melbourne

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Urban.com.au can reveal Singaporean firm Figtree Holdings Limited's proposal for what was formerly the Duke of Kent hotel on La Trobe Street. Better known as a builder of commercial and industrial facilities throughout east Asia, the group will press into Melbourne's high-rise residential sector via its subsidiary Figtree La Trobe Pty Ltd.

Securing the Duke of Kent for $14.08 million during 2014, Figtree subsequently added the adjoining <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">301-303 La Trobe Street</a> in order to amalgamate both sites in the hope of gaining approval for a 213 metre residential tower.

Responsible for the preliminary development scheme devised for the Duke of Kent's sales campaign, <a href="/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> were also engaged in order to conceive the scheme for approval, with the application currently before the State Government. If successfully approved, 293-303 La Trobe Street would see 370 apartments delivered, consisting of one, two and three bedroom dwellings.

<h2>293-303 La Trobe 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/image43_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Facing demolition. Image courtesy DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="340" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_1.jpg?itok=Fub3elRH" title="Facing demolition. Image courtesy DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Facing demolition. Image courtesy DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Planning application lodged April 2015</li>
	<li>Site area: 667sqm with the Duke of Kent to be demolished</li>
	<li>66 level tower at 213m above ground (OLS ceiling)</li>
	<li>Total GFA sought: 34,353sqm</li>
	<li>​370 apartments: 1/2/3 bedroom options</li>
	<li>Podium parking for 61 vehicles and basement allowances for 168 bicycles</li>
	<li>50.2sqm of ground floor retail tenancy space</li>
	<li>Level 1 amenities area and level 13/44 communal spaces</li>
</ul>
<h2>Ground level greatness?</h2>

DKO Architecture have employed a visually unique and highly interesting ground level interface to the site's three frontages, namely La Trobe Street, Sutherland Street and Flanigan Lane. To avoid creating a 'choke point' of sorts by building to the site's boundaries, the lower levels has been arched inwards so as to improve the pedestrian experience to both Sutherland Street and Flanigan Lane.

Framed by perforated golden metallic screens, a new plaza to the eastern perimeter will open up Sutherland Street in particular while also allowing for enhanced solar penetration.

According to the town planning report, the proposed urban realm will not only allow for increased pedestrian movement north and south along Sutherland Street, but also create a space where pedestrians can relax and congregate. Landscape consultancy T.C.L have envisaged bluestone public seating and Bower Vines climbing the metallic screens as a means of softening the space.

<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/image40_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level interface. Image courtesy DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="532" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_1.jpg?itok=zMpdx4GO" title="Street level interface. Image courtesy DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level interface. Image courtesy DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure><h2>Tight site, tight fit</h2>

<blockquote>
The tower is architectural resolved in a cylindrical shape with convex ends east and west which make a tower form unique to Melbourne. The use of dark blue glazing to the façade, interspersed with gold-colour glass, complements the perforated gold metal of the ground level plaza to create a building that will be an iconic building within the CBD.

The proposed built form has been sensitively designed to offer improved public amenity at ground level and excellent internal amenity, while also responding to the surrounding built (existing and approved / under construction).
<cite>Urbis, town planning report</cite>
</blockquote>

The tight nature of the site has led to minimal setbacks to La Trobe Street and Flanigan Lane, although there is precedence in the area with current towers under construction also maintaining minor setbacks to all frontages. The design's intended setback to La Trobe Street ranges between 0 and 2.3 metres over levels 14 to 43, while the west boundary is setback between 4 and 5.57 metres in anticipation of a possible redevelopment of the adjoining property into the future.

Beyond level 44 the tower's form bulges, resulting in decreased east and west setbacks. It is noted within the planning documents that although 293-303 La Trobe Street's setbacks are minimal, recent projects in the area such as <a href="/buildings/victoria-one-452-472-elizabeth-street-melbourne">Victoria One</a> and <a href="/developers/brady-group">Brady Group's</a> completed Melbourne Star &amp; Sky employ little if any setbacks.

<h2>The tall and the short of it</h2>

As per many other pockets of inner Melbourne, the southern footpath of La Trobe Street between Elizabeth Street and Queen Street is in the grips of mass development with five residential towers at various stages of the development process. <a href="/buildings/eporo-tower-279-la-trobe-street-melbourne">Eporo Tower</a>, <a href="/buildings/la-trobe-tower-323-la-trobe-street-melbourne">La Trobe Tower</a> and <a href="/buildings/the-carlson-321-la-trobe-street-melbourne">The Carlson</a> are all under construction, with another 48 level residential development approved atop the <a href="/buildings/paragon-318-queen-street-melbourne">Celtic Club</a>.

The above projects border the Guildford Lane Heritage Precinct which is a prime example of early twentieth century low-rise industrial and warehousing buildings, and quite a unique aspect of <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's CBD</a>. With limited blocks fronting La Trobe Street available for development, 293-303 La Trobe Street shapes as one of the last sizeable residential towers that will front both La Trobe Street and the heritage precinct.

Only in the last year has the scale of La Trobe Street as depicted below begun to change immensely; it remains to be seen how Figtree's proposal along with the aforementioned towers slot into the streetscape and what effect, if any, they have upon the adjoining Guildford Lane Heritage Precinct.

<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/731003w-latrobest-dofkhotel-rsmith.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Duke of Kent in times gone by. Image courtesy tdu.to"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="273" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/731003w-latrobest-dofkhotel-rsmith.jpg?itok=WD4x7J_Z" title="The Duke of Kent in times gone by. Image courtesy tdu.to" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Duke of Kent in times gone by. Image courtesy tdu.to</figcaption></figure><h2>293-303 La Trobe Street development team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: Figtree La Trobe Pty Ltd</li>
	<li>Architect: DKO Architecture</li>
	<li>Town Planner: Urbis</li>
	<li>Structural: Webber Design</li>
	<li>Services &amp; ESD: ADP Consulting</li>
	<li>Building Surveyor: SW Partners</li>
	<li>Traffic: GTA Consultants</li>
	<li>Waste: Leigh Design</li>
	<li>Land Surveyor: Bosco Johnson</li>
	<li>Wind: MEL Consultants</li>
	<li>Landscape Consultant: T.C.L</li>
</ul>
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